Wendy Wu Jewels of Japan

• Discover the delights of vibrant Tokyo
• Admire breathtaking Mount Fuji
• Make your own Japanese soba noodles
• Experience the speedy bullet train
• Explore Japan’s history in Kyoto

Days 1-2: Fly to Tokyo
Fly overnight to the dazzling 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 the day with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden before exploring the Tokyo National Museum. After lunch, visit the tranquil Sensoji Temple and the observation deck of the Skytree.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Meiji Shrine
The city tour continues with a relaxed morning wandering around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Garden. Explore the huge evergreen forest that encompasses the Shinto Meiji Shrine. The afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish before taking a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Mount Fuji and Fuji Five Lakes
Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mt Fuji to its base where we find the Fuji Five Lakes. Head up to the 5th Station (weather permitting) before having lunch. In the afternoon, head to the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum before exploring Iyashi no Sato Historical Village.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Bullet train to Kyoto
After breakfast, visit Oshino Hakkai before learning how to make soba noodles, which you’ll enjoy for lunch. Later, transfer to Mishima to catch the bullet train to Kyoto.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Explore Kyoto
Spend the day soaking up some of Kyoto’s delightful sights. Begin with the Kiyomizu temple, where you’ll experience a traditional tea ceremony and try your hand at origami. In the afternoon, head to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its 10,000 red torii gates.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Journey to Hiroshima
Begin the day with a visit to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous zen garden and the famous Kinkakuji Temple, known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’. Continue to Osaka, arriving in time for lunch in the vibrant Dotonbori district. Later, travel by bullet train to Hiroshima.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Hiroshima and Miyajima
Hop on the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit the Itsukushima Shrine. Enjoy some free time and take an optional ride on the cable car up Mount Misen to enjoy the panoramic views. Return to Hiroshima and take a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb and also visit the Orizuru Tower.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Himeji Castle
Jump on the train again today for a day visit to Himeji. The feudal era fort, one of the most impressive in Japan, towers over the city recognisable as the backdrop to several major films. Appreciate its turbulent past before strolling around Kokoen, the Edo-style gardens just across the castle moat. Later, transfer to Osaka.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Fly Osaka to UK
Transfer to Osaka and fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
(Breakfast)

Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities. In the Fuji Five Lakes area, hotels tend to be more traditional in style and culture. In this area, you may be asked to take your shoes off at the door and store them in a secure locker – this is very traditional Japanese culture.

Learn the Art of Origami
Take part in a handicraft exoerience – the traditions and techniques of the intricate art of origami. You’ll learn to fold some of the simpler, but still impressive, shapes and designs

Try your hand at Soba Noodle Making
The buckwheat soba noodle is one of Japan’s most famous culinary exports – try your hand at making them from scratch, before feasting on the results for lunch

Learn about Geisha culture
One of the most iconic symbols of Japanese culture, no trip to Japan in complete without at least a glimpse of a geisha. On this tour, you’ll meet a geisha in Kyoto and learn about the fascinating culture

• Return international flights
• All Accommodation
• All meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners
• All transportation & transfers
• All sightseeing & entrance fees
• English speaking National Escort & local guides
• Visa fees for UK & EU passport holders

Classic 

These tours are designed for those who wish to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures of Japan on an excellent value group tour whilst travelling with like-minded people. The tours are on a fully-inclusive basis so you’ll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of. You will be accompanied by our dedicated  and  professional  National  Escorts  and  local  guides,  whose  unparalleled  knowledge  will  turn  your holiday into an unforgettable experience.

Most Wendy Wu groups consist of 10 travellers or more and will be accompanied by a national escort. There will usually be no more than 29 travellers in each group although you may encounter other Wendy Wu tour groups while you are travelling.

This tour has a Level 1 fitness rating. This means that 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.

If you want to explore more of Japan or simply want more time in your destination, then you can add an extension or stop over.*

Choose from the following Extensions and stopovers
Tokyo Extension (Tokyo)
Kyoto Extension (Kyoto)
Nara Extension (Osaka)
Hiroshima & Miyajima Short stay (Osaka)
Naoshima Extension (Osaka)
Nikko & Kamakura Extension (Tokyo)
Sapporo & Otaru Extension (Sapporo)
Tokyo, Mount Fuji & Bullet Train (Tokyo)
Snow Monkeys Extension (Tokyo)
Koya-san Extension (Osaka)

*Available extensions and stopovers depend on your chosen airline