Wendy Wu Christmas In Japan

Christmas Eve in Kyoto
Spend the day exploring the main sights of Kyoto and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony

Cruise Lake Ashi
Take a cruise across Lake Ashi, and enjoy stunning views of Mt Fuji and the torri gate of the Hakone-jinja shrine.

Mt Fuji
Enjoy unparalleled views of this iconic mountain

Matsumoto
Admire the dramatic flare of Matsumoto Castle

Days 1-2: Fly to Tokyo
Fly overnight to Japan’s dazzling capital. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is free for you to start exploring.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Discover Tokyo
Discover some of Tokyo’s famous highlights, including the Shibuya Crossing and neighbourhoods like Shinjuku. Visit Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine, and learn about the emperor who ruled during the Meiji Restoration.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 4: Tokyo
Start the day by visiting the Asakusa district to see the Sensoji Temple. Then, visit the National Museum in Ueno Park before heading to the viewing deck of the Skytree to admire the city from above. Then, spend some time admiring the Christmas Illuminations.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 5: Hakone
Leave Tokyo today to reach Hakone. On arrival, take a cruise across Lake Ashi, before catching a cable car on the Hakone Ropeway to reach Owakudani.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 6: Fuji Five Lakes
Spend the day exploring the area. Visit the charming village of Oshino Hakkai before continuing to Kawaguchiko, famed for its views of Mt Fuji. Visit the Fujisan World Heritage Centre.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 7: Matsumoto & Takayama
Head into the foothills of the Japanese Alps. Your first stop is Matsumoto, where you’ll admire its castle, whose main tower is the oldest surviving one in Japan. Continue to Takayama.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 8: Takayama
Explore the streets of the well-preserved old town this morning, and visit the Festival Floats Museum. After lunch, enjoy free time to explore or enjoy the onsen at the hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 9: Shirakawago & Kanazawa
Head north to the village of Shirakawago, famous for its traditional wooden gassho houses. Visit the Wada house to learn about life in this rural area. Travel on to Kanazawa and check into your hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 10: Kanazawa to Kyoto
This morning, visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Admire the yukitsuri, used to support the pine trees laden with snow. Later, stroll through the Edo-period Nagamachi District, where you’ll visit an old samurai houses. Then, board the train to Kyoto.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 11: Christmas Eve in Kyoto
Spend the day discovering the highlights of Kyoto. Begin at Kiyomizu Temple before admiring the torri gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Golden Pavilion.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12: Christmas Day in Kyoto
Spend the morning at a traditional tea house, where you can enjoy a tea ceremony and a wagashi sweet-making experience. Later, sit down for a special Christmas Lunch followed by free time at leisure before dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 13: Boxing Day in Nara
Drive to Nara this morning. On arrival, visit the Todaiji Temple and meet its sacred deer who roam at leisure. Visit a traditional garden before continuing to Osaka. Here you’ll enjoy a culinary adventure in the Dotonburi area.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

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

Day 15: Himeji Castle
Travel to Himeji, one of Japan’s most magnificent castles. Explore the keep before lunch. Drive to Kobe, where you’ll visit a sake brewery museum and a Christmas Market. Have a farewell dinner where you can try the famous Wagyu beef (vegetarian dishes are available). Return to Osaka.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 16: Fly Osaka to UK
Transfer to the airport and fly to the UK, arriving the same or following day.
(Breakfast)

Wagashi-Making Class
On Christmas Day, learn how to make this traditional street treat of fruit, anko and rice flour

Traditional Tea Ceremony
Witness the preparation and performance involved in the ‘Way of Tea’, a traditional ceremony

Visit Shirakawago
Soak up the enchanting winter scenery in this UNESCO-listed village and visit one of its famous gassho houses.

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

Classic
See the classic sights in the company of expert guides so you can really understand the history and culture of the destination. On Wendy Wu classic tours everything is taken care of, 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 group size of 28 people.

This tour has a physical rating of 1. A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.