Wendy Wu Christmas in Japan 2025/26

Christmas in Kyoto
Spend Christmas Even exploring Kyoto’s landmarks before witnessing a traditional tea ceremony on Christmas Day

Cruise Lake Ashi
Take a cruise across Lake Ashi to enjoy views of Mount Fuji and the torii gate of Hakone-jinja shrine

Mt Fuji
Take in the breathtaking site of Japan’s iconic Mt Fuji.

Matsumoto
Visit the dramatic Matsumoto Castle

Days 1-2: Fly to Tokyo
Take an overnight flight to Tokyo. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Wonders of Tokyo
Spend today exploring Tokyo’s famous highlights. You’ll visit the Shibuya Crossing and exploring well-known neighbourhoods. You’ll also visit Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine where you’ll learn about the emperor who presided over the Meiji Restoration.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Tokyo
Begin your day with a visit to the historic Asakusa district to see Sensoji, the city’s oldest Buddhist Temple. You’ll then visit the National Museum at Ueno Park. In the afternoon, ascend the Skytree to take in a bird’s eye view of the city.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Hakone
Head west out of the city to Hakone. Take a cruise across Lake Ashi before riding the cable car along the Hakone ropeway to reach Owakudani, an area known for its volcanic hot springs.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Fuji Five Lakes
Take a trip to Oshino Hakkai, a charming village, before continuing to Kawaguchiko, known for its views of Mount Fuji. While here, visit the Fujisan World Heritage Centre where you can learn about the mountain.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Matsumoto & Takayama
Head into the foothills of the Japanese Alps. Along the way, stop at Matsumoto to admire it’s famous castle. Continue to Takayama.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Takayama
Explore Takayama today, taking in its traditional streets and visiting the Festival Floats Museum before lunch. The afternoon is at leisure.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Shirakawago & Kanazawa
Head north to the village of Shirakawago, famous for its traditional wooden houses. Visit Wada House and learn about local life. Continue to Kanazawa, known for its samurai history.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Kanazawa to Kyoto
This morning, visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Admire the yukitsuri, a technique to support pine trees in the winter. Later, stroll through the Nagamachi District and visit an old samurai house. In the afternoon, board the Thunderbird train to Kyoto.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Christmas Eve in Kyoto
Discover the highlights of Kyoto today. Begin at Kiyomizu Temple before admiring the vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. You’ll also visit the Golden Pavillion of Kinkau-ji
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12: Christmas Day in Kyoto
Spend Christmas morning at a traditional tea house, where you’ll get the chance to don a kimono and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. Afterwards, you can try your hand at making wagashi, a sweet treat. Later, enjoy a special Christmas lunch before having the rest of the day at leisure.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 13: Boxing Day in Nara
Drive to Nara. On arrival, visit the Todaiji Temple. While here, you can meet the deer who roam the area. Stop by a traditional garden before continuing to Osaka. Here you’ll have a culinary adventure n the Dotonburi area.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14: Koyasan
Experience the beauty of Mount Koya, the heart of Shingon Buddhism. Wander through the otherworldly Okunoin Cemetery before returning to Osaka.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 15: Himeji Castle
Travel to Himeji, one of Japan’s most spectacular castles. Explore the keep before lunch. Drive to Kobe. Visit a sake brewery museum and a Christmas market before enjoying a farewell dinner. Return to Osaka
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 16: Fly Osaka to UK
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving the same or following day.
(Breakfast)

Traditional Tea Ceremony
Witness the performance of a traditional tea ceremony.

Wagashi-making class
On Christmas Day, learn how to make the traditional sweet, Wagashi, made of fruit, anko and rice flour

Visit Shirakawago
Visit the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawago, enchanting in the wintery landscape. While here, visit one of the famous gassho houses.

• Return flights
• 14 nights in 3+/4* accommodation
• All meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners
• Domestic transportation
• Touring with guides and entrance fees

Classic
See the classic sites in the company of an expert guide so that you can really understand the history and culture of the destination. On classic tours, everything is taken care of, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the experience to the full. These tours are fully inclusive of all meals and a comprehensive touring programme including authentic cultural experiences.

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.