Discover Japan

Days 1-2 : Fly to Tokyo

Fly overnight to the neon-lit metropolis of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city.

Day 3 : Sensoji Temple

Take a city tour of Tokyo, starting with a stroll through Hama-Rikyu Teien, a former private garden of an Edo Period Lord. Cruise along Sumida River to Asakusa where we visit Sensoji Temple before wandering through the famous Nakamise shopping street. After lunch, drive past the Imperial Palace and visit Meiji Shrine before heading to the top of Tokyo Tower to marvel at the sweeping views of this vast city.

Day 4 : Mt Fuji

Travel to Hakone, the gateway to Mt Fuji and head up to the 5th Station to enjoy the amazing views. Cruise on Lake Ashi and take the world’s second longest cable car up to Mt Owakudani where we can sample a hardboiled egg from the sulphuric hot springs for which Hakone is famous.

Day 5 : Matsumoto Castle

Visit the magnificent Matsumoto Castle and then travel to Takayama, which is nestled high in the mountainous Hida region of Japan.

Day 6 : Explore Takayama

Head to the Miyagawa morning market where we can purchase local crafts and sample the region’s delicious fruit and vegetables. We then visit some of Takayama’s traditional houses and local museums including the Takayama Festival Floats Museum, Kusakabe Folk Museum and Takayama Jinya..

Day 7 : Travel to Kanazawa

Journey to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Shirakawago, famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are over 250 years old. Continue to Kanazawa and visit the Nomura Samurai House, followed by a stroll through the Old District.

Day 8 : Kenroku-en Garden

Stroll through Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens followed by a visit to the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Later board the Thunderbird Express train to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan.

Day 9 : Explore Koyto

Visit Nijo Castle and one of Kyoto’s Zen temples, where we have the opportunity to take part in a meditation class with a Buddhist priest. Next, visit the famous Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion. Head to a restored Japanese wooden townhouse where we learn about origami and calligraphy, witness the Japanese art of Ikebana and enjoy a tea ceremony. End the day with a visit to Kiyomizu Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stroll through Higashiyama District.

Day 10 : Discover Nara

Travel to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. Visit Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure which is home to Japan’s largest Buddha. Later, visit Kasuga Taisha and stroll through Nara Park. Return to Kyoto stopping en-route at Fushimi Inari Shine, also known as 10,000 Torii Gates, which features in the film Memoirs of a Geisha.

Day 11 : Koya-San

Journey to Koya-San, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visit Kongobunji Temple and the Garan Temple complex. Okunoin is Japan’s largest cemetery and holds the mausoleum of the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kobo Daishi. Walk to the mausoleum, passing 200,000 tombstones belonging to feudal lords and prominent monks on the way. Tonight we stay in a Buddhist Shukubo Temple Lodge and enjoy a traditional Shojin Ryori vegetarian dinner.

Day 12 : Travel to Osaka

Rise early to witness the monks chant their morning prayers, followed by a traditional breakfast. Travel to Osaka, Japan’s third largest city, where we visit Osaka Castle and cruise along the Yodogawa River. This evening stroll down the restaurant mecca, Dotonbori, before our farewell dinner.

Day 13 : Fly Osaka to UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

Tour includes:

all international airfares
all domestic transportation, departure taxes and current fuel surcharges
all accommodation
all meals
entrance fees, guides and daily tours
visa fees for UK passport holders

Wendy Wu Tours is the leading independent specialist tour operator to China in the UK. They offer an extensive range of tour itineraries to enable you to visit famous tourist attractions such as the Great Wall, the Yangtze River or the Terracotta Warriors in China, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the Taj Mahal in India.

Many of their tours also take you off the beaten track, to emerald lakes and traditional villages, allowing you to enjoy the authentic China experience. Other unforgettable excursions include a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s traditional Hutongs, attending a Buddhist ceremony or cruising on a traditional junk boat. They also offer the opportunity to explore a bustling city like Hong Kong or Dubai en-route for a few nights.

Our Opinion
Wendy Wu Tours allow you to not only visit famous attractions but really discover the country’s culture, natural beauty and hidden treasures. Coupled with their affordable, all-inclusive style pricing, it’s no surprise that the company is growing from strength to strength and winning multiple industry awards along the way!