Wendy Wu Journey Through Japan

Hokkaido
Discover the less-visited island of Hokkaido

Samurai
Learn about the fascinating samurai culture

Nikko
Explore the natural beauty of Nikko

Kyoto
Walk along the torii gate-lined paths of Fushimi Inari Shrine

Day 1-2: Fly overnight to Sapporo
Fly overnight to the vibrant city of Sapporo, capital of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. On arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Ascend Okurayama
This morning, head up to the summit of the Sapporo Winter Olympics ski jump by chair lift. Afterwards, continue to Otaru, with some time to wander along the canal. In the evening, try some beer before enjoying a barbeque lamb dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Travel to Hakodate
Leave Sapporo and visit a museum of Ainu culture before travelling to Noboribetsu Jigokudani where you’ll walk through a volcanic caldera. After lunch, hop on a train to Hakodate. Later on, take a night tour of the city and ascend up Mount Hakodate for brilliant views over the city.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Explore Hakodate Asaichi
Start your day with a stroll around the city’s bustling morning market. Head up Goryokaku Tower to take in the views before taking a bullet train to Aomori. On arrival, visit the Nebuta Warasse, a museum dedicated to the famous summer festival.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Tsunagi Onsen
Travel to Kakunodate, an old samurai stronghold. Here you’ll visit the Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum to learn about the culture and stroll around Ishiguro House. Continue to the hot springs of Tsunagi where you’ll stay in a traditional ryokan.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Cruise Matsushima Bay
Travel to Hiraizumi, where you’ll explore the peaceful Chusonji with its beautiful old gold leaf-covered hall. Continue to Matsushima to enjoy a relaxed cruise on Matsushima Bay, passing amongst the small pine tree-covered islands of this picturesque seascape.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Sendai to Nikko
Walk to Sendai station and take the bullet train to the culture-filled town of Nikko. Start your explorations in the beautiful surroundings of Nikko National Park, where you’ll visit Toshogu shrine, built as the final resting place of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Continue to the Kegon Waterfall, taking a 100-metre tall elevator to the best viewing spot. Transfer to Tokyo.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Explore Tokyo
Start your exploration of Tokyo in the Asakusa district, where you’ll visit Sensoji, the city’s oldest temple. Then visit the Tokyo National Museum. After lunch, stroll through the Meiji Jing Shine Complex.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Admire Mount Fuji
Travel by road from Tokyo to Mount Fuji, where you’ll ascend 2,400 metres up Japan’s most iconic sight to the 5th Station (weather permitting). Transfer to the Hakone area. Embark on a cruise on the spectacular Lake Ashi before flying high above the lake on the Komagatake Ropeway before returning to Tokyo.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Travel to Kyoto
Take a bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, the city today is full of the legacy of ancient Japan and home to tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. This afternoon, visit Togetsukyo Bridge in the heart of the vibrant Arashiyama district and walk through the bamboo forest, with its towering bamboo thickets.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12: Explore Kyoto
This morning, visit one of Japan’s most famous temples, Kinkakuji, the ‘Golden Pavilion’. Set amongst classical Japanese Zen gardens and on the edge of a reflecting pool, the temple’s main hall is covered in gold leaf. Then, stroll through Nishiki Market, dubbed ‘Kyoto’s kitchen’, where there are many interesting food and sake stores to explore before a free afternoon to spend as you wish.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 13: Sake Tasting
Try your hand at handkerchief dyeing and then experience the rituals of a tea ceremony. After lunch, walk the vermillion, torii gate-lined pathways of the Fushimi Inari Shrine and tour a traditional sake brewery, where you can have a few cheeky tasters. Drive to the booming city of Osaka.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14: Fly Osako to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
(Breakfast)

Handkerchief Dyeing
Try your hand at the traditional art of handkerchief dyeing in a workshop of a handicraft village

Spend the night in a Ryokan
Sleep on futons and tatami mats, dine on traditional food and bathe in the relaxing waters of an onsen in a centuries-old style of guesthouse.

Sake Testing
Take a tour of a sake brewery, where you’ll see the process used to create the rice wine that is the country’s national beverage.

• International flights and transfers
• 12nts in 3+/4* accommodation
• All meals: 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• Domestic transport

Classic
These tours are designed for those who wish to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures of South East Asia 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.

The maximum people per group for this tour is 28.

This tour has a physical rating of 1. It requires some walking and there will be steps at some locations.

Important Information: Prices are available on request and will include all mandatory charges, taxes, and fees applicable to your booking. Some destinations may have local taxes or resort fees payable on arrival; these will be clearly confirmed in your personalised quote.