Wendy Wu Japan by Rail

Nagasaki
Stroll through Glover Garden, home to the city’s foreign residents during the end of the era of seclusion in the late 19th Century.

Momiji Manju
Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, try your hand at making Momiji manju (maple leaf bean buns).

Matsushima Bay
Cruise one of Japan’s Three Great Sights, Matsushima Bay.

Shirakawago
Explore Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unusual architectural style.

Days 1-2: Fly Overnight to Fukuoka
Fly overnight to Fukuoka. The rest of the day is then at leisure.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Explore Nagasaki
Travel by express train to Nagasaki. On arrival, visit the Atomic Bomb Museum to learn about the victims of the 1945 bombing. Later in the day, head to Glover Garden, former home of a Scottish merchant. Return to Fukuoka by train.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Miyajima Island
Take the bullet train to Hiroshima. From here, take a ferry to the holy island of Miyajima where you’ll visit the Itsukushima Shrine and take part in a momiji manju cooking experience. Return to Hiroshima.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Hiroshima Highlights
Spend the day in Hiroshima starting with a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Then, ascend the Orizuru Tower to see the city from above before taking a relaxing stroll through Shukkei-en Garden.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Admire Himeji Castle
Depart Hiroshima by bullet train, stopping at Himeji to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, followed by a walk through Koko-en Gardens. Continue on to Osaka.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Osaka & Nara Day Trip
Begin the day with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building before travelling to Nara. Here you can admire the huge Todaiji Temple, home to the Daibutsu, a 15-metre tall Buddha. Then, enjoy an ink making and calligraphy class before returning to Osaka.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Kyoto’s Temples
Journey by road to Kyoto. Upon arrival, stroll through the immense Arashiyama bamboo forest before visiting Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s best-known zen garden. You’ll also visit the famed Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji Temple.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Tea Ceremony & Fan Painting
The day begins with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto. Next, immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy the age-old rituals of a sacred tea ceremony, zen mediation and try your hand at fan painting. Later in the day, take some time to explore Gion, the city’s famous geisha district.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Explore Kanazawa
Take the limited express train to Kanazawa and upon arrival, meander your way through Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Also visit the Nomura Samurai House and Kunani Pottery Factory.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Shirakawago Village
Travel by road to Takayama stopping en route for a sake wooden cup making experience and a tasting. Next, continue to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go Village to get a glimpse of rural Japan. Continue to Takayama.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12: Discover Takayama
Spend the morning browsing the local handicrafts and fresh produce at Miyagawa market, the Takayama Floats Museum and Takayama Jinya. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 13: Snow Monkeys
Drive through the Japanese Alps today to reach Matsumoto and Nagano. After lunch, head to Yudanaka, where a short walk brings you to the hot springs where you can search for the Japanese macaques (or snow monkeys) Later, return to Matsumoto.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14: Matsumoto Castle
Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’, due to its black exterior. Next, head to a miso house and learn about the process of making this famous Japanese seasoning. Also visit the former post town of Narai-juku before continuing to Suwa.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 15: Mount Fuji
Travel to the Fuji region and visit the 5th station (weather permitting). Then, enjoy some free time at Oishi Park on the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko where you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji (in clear weather). Later, make your way to Tokyo.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 16: Tour Tokyo
Begin the day with a stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens before heading to a sushi making class. After enjoying your creations for lunch, visit the Senso-ji temple and explore Nakamise shopping street.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 17: Tokyo
Begin the day at the Tokyo Metropolitan Building and ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking views over the city. Next, pass the world-famous Shibuya crossing. End the day with a relaxing dinner
cruise on Tokyo Bay.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 18: Sip Whisky in Sendai
Travel to the north of Honshu, taking the bullet train to Sendai. On arrival, transfer to Matsushima, boarding a cruise to explore the bay. Back on land later on, visit the famous Nikka Whisky factory in Sendai. If your visit falls on a weekend, an alternative visit may be arranged locally
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 19: Explore Hakodate
Take a bullet train over to the island of Hokkaido, arriving into Hakodate. Visit the Goryokaku Tower which gives you a brilliant view of the city’s star-shaped fortress. Enjoy some time at leisure before heading up Mt Hakodate to admire the city by night.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 20: Sapporo Sightseeing
Board the express train to Shiraoi. Here you’ll visit the Ainu Museum, where you can learn about the culture of the indigenous people of Hokkaido. From here, continue to Sapporo where you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 21: Fly Sapporo to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Momiji Manju
Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, try your hand at making Momiji manju (maple leaf bean buns), Miyajima’s most famous confectionary for over a hundred years.

Sake Cup Making
Learn about the role of the masu sake cup in Japan’s culture before stepping into the studio to make your very own cup with an original design, which you can then take home as a souvenir!

Learn to make Sushi
Discover the history of sushi making with a hands-on lesson before dining on the results

• International flights and transfers
• 19nts in 3/4* accommodation
• All meals: 19 breakfasts, 18 lunches and 19 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 classic tour, 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.

The maximum number of people per group for this tour is 28.

This tour has a physical rating of 1. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Expect to be on your feet for most of the day walking around sights, often including steps and getting on and off coaches, trains, or boats. Occasional longer walks may be included.

What’s included in the price?
International flights, accommodation, rail travel, guided sightseeing, entrance fees, and all meals are included as part of Wendy Wu’s fully inclusive tour

What is the group size?
This tour has a maximum group size of 28 travellers.

How physically demanding is the tour?
This is a low-rated physical tour, but travellers should be comfortable with walking, some steps, and spending time on their feet while sightseeing and using trains, coaches, and boats.

What type of accommodation is used?
Guests stay in a selection of comfortable 3–4★ hotels throughout Japan.

Exclusive prices available on request. Our Pricing Policy.