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This popular Japan tour includes all the classic sights and key cultural activities. Featuring modern cities, historical sights and beautiful landscapes, Japan Uncovered ensures you get the most out of your trip to this fascinating land. Take in the magnitude of Mount Fuji, walk through the iconic torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, search for snow monkeys, enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony, ride the world-famous bullet train and so much more – all included. The is also an extensive range of departures to experience cherry blossom season, autumn leaves and sumo wrestling.
Why Wendy Wu?
Wendy Wu Tours live and breathe Asia. With 26 years of experience, Wendy Wu offer a wide variety of group tours, private tours and tailor-made holidays. They've developed strong relationships with airlines, hotels and local ground partners to provide the best level of service and we continue to push boundaries and think of new ways to create unique travel experiences that travellers will remember for life...
Multiple departures in September - November 2026 & March - November 2027
*Advertised price is based on per person twin share on 7 & 10 November 2026 departures, pricing correct as of 5 June 2026, inclusive of savings and is subject to change and availability at time of booking. Offer is valid until 30 June 2026, unless sold out prior.
Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture.
Meals: Dinner
Day 3 | Discover Nara
Spend the morning in Nara, the small, history-filled city that was Japan's first capital. Stroll through Nara Park to Todai-ji Temple and admire the traditional Isui-en Garden. Return to Osaka and visit the impressive Osaka Castle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 | Himeji Castle
Depart Osaka for Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the magnificent 17th Century Himeji Castle and the neighbouring Koko-en, a traditional-style garden.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 | Explore Hiroshima
Reflect on the city’s tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Next, take the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima to see it's 'floating' torii gate, Itsukushima Shrine, and enjoy some free time.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 | Bullet Train to Kyoto
Start the day with a journey by bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as 'Golden Pavilion'.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 | Japanese Tea Ceremony
Enjoy one of Kyoto’s most delightful spots, Kiyomizu, a 17th Century Buddhist temple, before experiencing the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony with a tea master. After lunch, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 | Travel to Kanazawa
Depart Kyoto and travel around 4 hours by coach to Kanazawa. After lunch in a local restaurant, wander through the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden before visiting a historic samurai house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 | Washi Paper Making & Shirakawa-go Village
Drive to Gokayama, where you can enjoy a hands-on washi paper making workshop before lunch. Continue to Shirakawa-go, famous for its steep thatched roof houses. Continue to your hotel in Takayama, a beautiful, laidback town nestled in the western foothills of the Japanese Alps.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 | Explore Takayama
Take a morning walking tour of Takayama's old town, historically a hub for craftsmen, farmers and merchants from the surrounding mountains. Head to the Miyagawa Morning Market, where you can sample some of the delicious local fruits and vegetables (at your own expense). Later, take a leisurely stroll around the traditional streets and visit Takayama Jinya. If local opening hours permit, you will also visit the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 | Travel to Nagano
Travel to Matsumoto and explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, famous for its dramatic, dark wood exterior. Please note that the castle has very steep wooden steps inside; if you prefer, you can wait in the grounds and enjoy the view instead. Later, visit a miso house and learn about this staple Japanese seasoning. Continue to Nagano.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 | Search for Snow Monkeys
Enjoy some time at leisure to explore the charming town of Obuse, known for its chestnut and apple themed snacks. Later, head to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you'll take a gentle hike through the forested valley in search of the semi-wild Japanese snow monkeys, who love to bathe and play in the forest pools. Return to Nagano.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 | Mount Fuji
The sacred peak of Mount Fuji has inspired artists, poets and pilgrims for centuries. Drive from Nagano to reach the Fuji region, where, weather permitting, you can enjoy dramatic views of Fuji and drive up to its 5th Station, the highest point on the mountain accessible by road. If the Station is closed due to inclement weather, you will instead visit the Fujisan World Heritage Centre. Spend the night in the wider Fuji area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 | Explore Hakone
Begin the day with a cruise on the peaceful waters of Lake Ashi. Next, soar high on the Hakone Ropeway over the hilltops to the volcanic Owakudani Valley and discover the dramatic natural hot springs of Mount Hakone. Later, proceed to Tokyo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 | Discover Tokyo
A dazzling, high-tech metropolis, Japan's capital has wonderfully traditional roots. Start your explorations at the Imperial Palace East Garden (opening hours permitting), then stop by the famous Shibuya Crossing before some free time to enjoy Tokyo at leisure. Please note, on select May and September departures, there is an extra special addition to day 15: a sumo tournament. Many of Japan’s most ancient traditions are preserved in the sport, and the rituals involved in its performance are as fascinating to watch as the wrestling itself.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 | More Tokyo
Stroll the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambience of Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, and the adjacent Nakamise Shopping Street. Ascend to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is free until this evening's farewell dinner cruise aboard a traditional yakata boat.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 17-18 | Fly Tokyo to Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Meals: Breakfast
*Itinerary is subject to change.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
