Wendy Wu Best of Japan

Hiroshima & Miyajima
Take time to reflect on Hiroshima’s history and visit Miyajima Island

Kyoto’s Temples
Visit three of Kyoto’s iconic temples – Kinkakuji, Ryonaji and Kiyomizu

Japanese Alps
Visit the towns and villages of the Japanese Alps

Snow Monkeys
You may be lucky enough to see snow monkeys on this tour

Days 1-2: Fly to Tokyo
Fly overnight to the metropolis of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Discover Tokyo
Begin today with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, before heading to the trendy district of Shibuya where you can walk on the world’s most famous pedestrian crossing. Enjoy an afternoon of free time before having a dinner cruise on a traditional yakata on Tokyo Bay and see the city lit up at night.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Further Explore Tokyo
Stroll through the Asakusa district and soak up the ambience of the city’s oldest Buddhist temple. After, walk along the famous Nakamise Street, lined with souvenir shops. In the afternoon, ascend to the observation deck of the 634-metre Tokyo Skytree,
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Fuji Five Lakes
Drive through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fujii to the Five Lakes. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi to enjoy brilliant panoramic views before taking the Hakone Ropeway to the Owakudani Valley,
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Mount Fuji
Ascend by road to the 5^th station (weather permitting) and take in the views of the lakes below. You’ll also visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the artisit’s elaborate silk creations. Later on, continue on to Nagono.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Jigokudani Monkey Park
Travel deeper into the Japanese Alps to the town of Yudanaka. Here you’ll take a light hijke through the forest to the Monkey Park where you may get the chance to see the Japanese Macques. After lunch, visit Zenkoji, one of the country’s most prolific Buddhist temples.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Explore Matsumoto
Begin the day with a visit to the Dalo Wasabi Farm to learn about its cultivation before travelling to the town of Matsumoto. Here, visit the Ishii Miso House to learn more about Miso before exploring the formidable Matsumoto Castle. Continue by road to Takayama and relax in the hotsprings at the hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Discover Takayama
Spend the day explore Takayama, beginning with the c hance to explore the handicrafts and produce at Miyagawa Open Air Market and see some traditional houses. You’ll also have the chance to visit some excellent local museums including the Yatai Kaikan and Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum, The last stop today is Takayama Jinya, a former Government office.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Scenic Shirakawago
Travel by road to the rural village of Shirakawago, a UNESCO world heritage listed site known for its thatched roof houses. Here, you’ll visit a Gassho-style Wada House before continuing onto Gokayama for a washi-paper making experience before heading to Kanazawa, stopping at the Nomura Samurai House on the way.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Explore Kanazawa
Begin the day strolling through Kenrokeun, one of the ‘Three Great Gardens of Japan’. Next continue to Kyoto, Japan’s former capital.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12: Japanese Tea Ceremony
Spend the day exploring some of the city’s highlights. Begin at Kiyomizu, an 8^th century Buddhist temple. Also experience the rituals of a traditional tea ceremony with a tea master. End the day with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its 10,000 vermillion torii gates.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 13: Kyoto’s Temples
Start the day with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Continue to Ryoanji, the ‘Peaceful Dragon Temple’, home to the most famous rock garden in Japan. End the day with a journey on the bullet train to Hiroshima.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14: Hiroshima Highlights
Reflect on the city’s tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum before taking a ferry to the holy island of Miyajima to visit the Itsukushima. You’ll also be able to enjoy some time at leisure here.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 15: Himeji Castle
Depart Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the majestic Himeji Castle. Also take a stroll through Kokoen, a traditional style garden. Continue by road to Osaka.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 16: Explore Nara & Osaka
Spend the morning in Nara, a history filled city which was Japan’s first capital. Stroll through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and admire the traditional Isuien Garden. Return to Osaka for lunch at the famous Dontonburi Street before visiting Osaka Castle.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 17: Depart Osaka
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
(Breakfast)

Kubota Itchiku’s Art Museum
Admire the dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku at his eponymous art museum.

Wasabi Farm
Learn about its cultivation on a traditional farm and admire the landscapes

Traditional Tea Ceremony
Experience the perfect display of Japanese culture as you witness the preparation and performance involved in the ‘Way of Tea’, a traditional ceremony.

• International flights
• Domestic Transportation
• All meals
• 3* plus/ 4* accommodation
• Touring with guides and entrance fees

Classic

See the classic sights in the company of expert guides so you can really understand the history and culture of the destination. On classic tours, they take care of everything, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the experience to the full. The tours are fully inclusive with all meals and a comprehensive touring programme.

This tour has a maximum size of 28 people per group

This tour has a physical rating of 1. A reasonable level of fitness is required and you should expect to be on your feet for much of the day. You’ll be getting on and off coaches, trains or boats and walking around the sights, often including steps, plus occasional longer walks.