I Experienced Wendy Wu’s A Week In Japan Tour – Here’s My Review
Travel Club Elite staff are fortunate to be amongst the most experienced & widely travelled in the business, regularly experiencing the destinations, resorts & hotels that we feature. Here we share Deana’s recent trip to Japan. It’s a tough job & all that… – Read on to discover Deana’s impressions & do please feel free to contact her for first-hand recommendations, help & advice:
Recently, I had the chance to explore Japan on Wendy Wu’s A Week In Japan tour. The trip was filled with iconic landmarks, serene temples, dazzling cityscapes, and the warm hospitality Japan is renowned for. From Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to the tranquillity of Mount Fuji, from Kyoto’s ancient charm to Nara’s deer-dotted parks, this journey perfectly blended tradition, nature, and modern wonder.
Here’s my travel diary, giving you an insider’s view of what it’s really like to explore Japan with Wendy Wu Tours.
Day 1: Overview & First Impressions
Our journey began with a long-haul flight via Hong Kong, before continuing on to Tokyo, where the adventure truly began. Wendy Wu Tours were exceptional from the moment we arrived—seamless transfers, expert guides, and a warm welcome set the tone for the days ahead. Tokyo was our base for the first part of the trip—a dynamic city where centuries-old temples sit peacefully beside futuristic skylines. It’s a city that immediately captivates and continues to surprise at every turn.
- Hotel: Sunshine City Prince Hotel – Tokyo
Located in vibrant Ikebukuro, offering spacious rooms, helpful staff, and easy access to transport, dining, and shopping.
Day 2: Exploring the Best of Tokyo
Our first full day took us into the heart of the city. We wandered through Hama-Rikyu Gardens, a peaceful oasis contrasting with Tokyo’s urban energy, before visiting Tokyo’s oldest temple, founded in 628 AD. From there, we soared up the Tokyo Skytree, admiring sweeping city views, and later enjoyed Tokyo Nights by boat, watching the skyline shimmer from the water.
A bucket-list highlight for me was Shibuya Crossing and the giant Shinjuku cat screen. Thanks to our wonderful guides, Steve and Byron, we navigated the metro like locals.
Insider Tip: For the best view of Shibuya Crossing, head to Starbucks overlooking the junction—coffee in hand, watch the world-famous scramble below. And don’t miss the Shinjuku Vision Board, just a five-minute walk away.
Next stop: Mount Fuji!
Day 3: The Beauty of Mount Fuji & Hakone
Seeing Mount Fuji for the first time is magical—its snow-capped peak rising effortlessly above the landscape. We enjoyed a scenic Hakone sightseeing cruise, followed by the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, gliding over stunning autumn foliage. The fiery reds and golds of Japan’s fall season added a richness of colour that photos simply can’t capture.
- Hotel: Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel – Mishima (Mount Fuji region)
With spectacular views of Mount Fuji, this hotel offered serenity, style, and perfect access to Hakone’s cruises and ropeway.
Day 4: All Aboard the Bullet Train to Kyoto
Today was a dream for rail enthusiasts: the iconic Bullet Train. Smooth, fast, and incredibly efficient, the journey itself was a highlight. Arriving in Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, we were immersed in traditional architecture, tranquil streets, and culinary delights. We sampled sake, explored vibrant street food markets, and visited Kyoto’s oldest shrine, a timeless reminder of Japan’s spiritual heritage.
Day 5: Calligraphy, Matcha & Zen Traditions
We began the day learning the art of calligraphy and matcha, discovering the philosophy behind these ancient practices. Then we visited the tranquil Shokoku-ji Zen Temple, part of the Rinzai Buddhist tradition. Autumn in Japan rivals cherry blossom season, with fiery oranges and reds sweeping across temple gardens. After a traditional Japanese lunch, we explored a Middle Ages rock garden, the elegant Kuri Main Building, Kyoyochi Pond, and the serene Ryoan-ji Temple. It was a day of reflection, beauty, and discovery.
Day 6: Nara, Osaka & Ancient Japan
Next, we travelled to Nara, home to around 1,200 wild sika deer, considered sacred messengers of the Shinto gods. They roam freely, adding whimsical charm to the city. We visited a monumental wooden temple dating back to the Nara period (710–794 AD)—one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and still a centre of Buddhist study. Standing there was a true “wow” moment.
Lunch was an interactive teppanyaki experience, followed by a trip to Osaka’s Dotonbori food street, buzzing with neon signs, charming restaurants, and delicious street food. Don’t miss snapping photos of the street food stalls—takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu are all must-tries! We ended the day at a 16th-century Japanese castle, climbing to its observation deck for breathtaking sunset views.
Day 7: Heading Home
After a whirlwind week, it was time to begin the journey home. We flew back via Hong Kong, crossing one last time zone before returning to the UK—with a camera full of photos and a heart full of memories.
Where We Stayed – A Look at Just a Few of Our Japan Hotels
Wendy Wu Tours carefully selects accommodation for comfort, location, and quality. Highlights included:
- Sunshine City Prince Hotel – Tokyo
Located in vibrant Ikebukuro, offering spacious rooms, helpful staff, and easy access to transport, dining, and shopping. - Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel – Mishima (Mount Fuji region)
With spectacular views of Mount Fuji, this hotel offered serenity, style, and perfect access to Hakone’s cruises and ropeway. - Rihga Gran Kyoto – Kyoto
Moments from Kyoto Station, combining modern comfort with warm hospitality—a perfect base to explore temples, gardens, and historic districts. - Hotel Monterey Osaka – Osaka
Set in lively Umeda, blending European-inspired elegance with practical convenience, ideal for exploring Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and the city’s culinary delights.
Insider Tips for Travelling in Japan
- Connectivity: Download Holafly for a SIM or eSIM—stay connected on the go without relying on Wi-Fi. It’s often cheaper than phone bolt-ons.
- Cash is King: Many places in Japan still prefer cash to cards, so bring enough yen.
- Food Experiences: Taste the local cuisine wherever you go—street food markets in Dotonbori are not to be missed!
- Essential Itinerary: First-time visitors should include Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
- Must-Dos: Ride the Bullet Train, visit Mount Fuji, and explore temples—these are true highlights.
- Top Areas to Explore: Modern Tokyo, historic Kyoto, and Dotonbori in Osaka with its neon lights, charming restaurants, and street food.
Why Travel to Japan with Wendy Wu Tours?
Japan is a land of contrasts—serene yet vibrant, ancient yet modern, breathtaking at every turn. Wendy Wu Tours make it special with seamless organisation, inspiring guides, and thoughtfully paced itineraries. From temples to skyscrapers, street food to scenic landscapes, this trip offered unforgettable experiences every single day.
If you’re dreaming of exploring Japan or want to learn more about Wendy Wu Tours, our Travel Club Elite specialists are here to help you plan your perfect adventure—with expert guidance and extra savings.
To book a Wendy Wu Tour with extra exclusive Savings call Travel Club Elite free on 0800 707 6229 and speak to our Wendy Wu specialists. Alternatively, send an enquiry to info@travelclubelite.com.
View Wendy Wu’s incredible selection of Japanese tours | Check out the itinerary Deana experienced here: Wendy Wu A Week In Japan tour.
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