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Journey through Japan with Wendy Wu on this 14 day fully guided tour from Tokyo to Osaka. Tour includes international flights, accommodation, meals, touring and transportation. All you need to do is get to the airport!
More departures available between September - November 2025 & March - November 2026
Traditional versus modern, nature versus urban – Japan is a land of contrasts. This exhilarating tour encompasses it all, delving deeper into Japan's rich past, present and future, covering the bustling streets of Shinjuku to tranquil temples to potent saké and all that's in between.
Why Wendy Wu?
As Australia's leading touring specialist, Wendy Wu pride themselves on over 25 years experience in organising group and private tours across Japan, Southeast Asia and India. Offering diverse experiences, from vibrant markets in Vietnam, to serene Indian backwaters and the futuristic streets of Japan's cities. Explore picturesque towns, spectacular landscapes and discover new cultures, knowing that all of the details have been taken care of so you can truly enjoy these captivating destinations.
*Advertised price based on per person twin share on 3 November 2025 departure, inclusive of savings amount. Surcharges apply on different departure dates. Offer is valid until 30 May 2025, unless sold out prior.
Inclusions
Highlights
Experience the buzzing ward of Tokyo, Shinjuku
Watch an exhilirating Sumo Wrestling Tournament (on select dates only)
Hike around the base of Japans stunning highest mountain
Meet the adorable snow monkeys
Inclusions
Advertised price includes international flights from Adelaide return and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
Most Meals (refer to itinerary)
Domestic transportation
3 – 4 star accommodation, plus ryokan and Buddhist temple lodging
Touring with guides and entrance fees
Itinerary
DAYS 1-2 - Fly overnight to Tokyo
Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, for a three-night stay. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
DAY 3 - Japanese Drumming
Begin your tour of Tokyo and immerse yourself into the local culture by spending the morning trying your hand at traditional Japanese drumming with a Taiko class, where you will learn how to beat the 'wadaiko' with 'bachi'. Later, stop by Meiji Jingu Shrine and continue to the vibrant district of Harajuku before stopping by the famous Shibuya Crossing. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4 - Discover Tokyo
Tokyo is a city that is always moving forward from the ever-changing skyline to the fashions and trends of the people who call it home. As modern as it may appear, behind the neon façade is a traditional soul that is easy to find amongst the old alleyways, temples and shrines of the Edo era. Sightseeing today begins with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and a visit to the observation deck of the 634m Skytree for views over the sprawling city below. You'll also stop by Sensoji Temple - Tokyo's oldest, and stroll along Nakamise shopping street. In the afternoon, explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Housed in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo, the museum powerfully illustrates Tokyo's past (known as Edo until 1869) right up to recent decades.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5 - Mount Fuji
Journey out of Tokyo to the foot of mighty Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes area. Pick up a walking trail and make your way through lush alpine forest at Fuji’s base, pausing often to admire the landscapes around you.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6 - Snow Monkeys
Travel to Matsumoto and explore its magnificent 16th-century castle. Continue to Nagano, stopping in Yudanaka to watch the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at Jigokudani Monkey Park bathe and play in and around their hot spring pool.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7 - Japanese Alps
Travel to Hotaka and ride up into the Japanese Alps on the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, reaching an observation platform at 2,156 metres, which gives breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains (weather permitting). Drive to Takayama where you will be staying at an onsen hotel. Here you can relax and bathe in the natural hot spring pools and experience this most traditional pastime. This afternoon you will have time to explore Kamisannomachi Street and sample the street food on offer (at your own expense).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8 - Bullet Train to Kyoto
Take a Limited Express train to Nagoya, where you will change onto a Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. This afternoon, start discovering Kyoto's rich heritage with a visit to the enchanting Fushimi Inaritaisha Shrine with its pathway of torii gates before admiring the views over the city from Kiyomizudera Temple. Stroll around the old neighbourhoods of Higashiyama and Gion, the geisha district, with a stop at Gion Corner.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9 - Japanese Tea Ceremony
Start today by visiting Kinkakuji Temple, known as the 'Golden Pavilion', and Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden. Continue to the Arashiyama district where you will have some free time to explore the Bamboo Forest as well as enjoying a rickshaw ride. Later, witness the rituals involved in the preparation and pouring of matcha tea in a traditional tea ceremony.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 - Kyoto Culture & Koyasan
Spend the morning discovering the craft of kimono creation at Nishijin Textile Centre, before learning the paper-folding art of origami and the complicated process of dressing in a traditional kimono. This afternoon, travel by road to Koyasan, where you will spend the night in a 13thcentury temple in a traditional tatami room.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11 - Morning Prayers
Rise early to join the monks for their morning service – hearing the recitation and chanting is a magical experience. After breakfast, take a walking tour of Koyasan. Visit Kongobu-ji and Okunoin before travelling to Osaka.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12 - Himeji Castle & sake Brewery
Take a day tour to Himeji to visit the 17th-century Himeji Castle which is considered a prime example of Japanese feudal period architecture. Continue to a sake brewery, where you can learn about the brewing process of this potent rice wine and enjoy some tasters. Return to Osaka and experience the bright and brash Dotonbori district. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAYS 13-14 - Fly Osaka to Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Meals: Breakfast
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.
