Wendy Wu Off-Beat Japan

Mt Fuji
Hike around the base of this iconic mountain

Snow Monkey Spotting
Meet these adorable animals in their natural habitat.

Tokyo Past and Present
Experience both the hustle and bustle and peacefulness of Tokyo.

Sumo Wrestling
On selected departures, watch an exciting Sumo Wrestling Tournament.

Days 1-2: Fly overnight 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.

Day 3: Japanese Drumming
Begin your tour of Tokyo by immersing yourself into the local culture by spending the morning trying your hand at traditional Japanese drumming with a Taiko class, where you will learn how to beat the ‘wadaiko’ with ‘bachi’. Later, stop by Meiji Shrine and continue to the vibrant district of Harajuku before stopping by the famous Shibuya Crossing.
(Breakfast)

Day 4: Discover Tokyo
Sightseeing today begins with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and a visit to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree for views over the sprawling city below. You’ll also stop by Sensoji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest, and stroll along Nakamise shopping street. In the afternoon, explore the Tokyo National Museum in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo.
(Breakfast)

Day 5: Mount Fuji
Journey out of Tokyo to the foot of mighty Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes area. Pick up a walking trail and make your way through lush alpine forest at Fuji’s base, pausing often to admire the landscapes around you.
(Breakfast)

Day 6: Snow Monkeys
Travel to Matsumoto and explore its magnificent 16th-century castle. Continue to Nagano, stopping in Yudanaka to watch the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at Jigokudani Monkey Park bathe and play in and around their hot spring pool.
(Breakfast)

Day 7: Japanese Alps
Travel to Hotaka and ride up into the Japanese Alps on the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway for breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains (weather permitting). Drive to Takayama where you will spend the night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with onsen facilities. This afternoon you will have time to explore Kamisannomachi Street and sample the street food on offer.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 8: Bullet train to Kyoto
Take the limited express train to Nagoya, then board a super-fast bullet train to whizz your way through the countryside to Kyoto. Start discovering the city’s rich heritage with visits to the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. Stroll around Higashiyama and Gion, the geisha district, with a stop at Gion Corner, which showcases the seven professional performing arts.
(Breakfast)

Day 9: Japanese Tea Ceremony
Start today by visiting Kinkakuji, known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’ and Ryoanji. Continue to Arashiyama district to explore the striking bamboo forest and enjoy a rickshaw ride. Later, witness the rituals involved in the preparation and pouring of matcha tea in a traditional tea ceremony
(Breakfast)

Day 10: Kyoto Culture & Koyasan
Discover the complicated process of dressing in a traditional kimono at Nishijin Textile Centre, then try your hand at the art of origami. This afternoon, travel by road to Koyasan, where you will spend the night in a 13th-century temple guesthouse sleeping on a traditional futon on a tatami mat floor.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 11: Morning Prayers
Rise early to join the monks for their daily morning service – hearing the recitation and chanting is a magical experience. After breakfast, take a walking tour of Koyasan. One of Japan’s holiest sites, this mountain top sanctuary is full of temples and pagodas. Also visit Kongobuji Temple and Okunoin Cemetery before travelling to Osaka.
(Breakfast)

Day 12: Himeji Castle & Sake Brewery
Take a day tour to Himeji to visit the 17th-century castle which is considered a prime example of Japanese feudal period architecture. Continue to a sake brewery, where you can learn about the brewing process and enjoy some tasters. Return to Osaka and enjoy a farewell dinner.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 13: Fly Osaka to UK
Transfer to the airport and fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
(Breakfast)

Morning Prayers with Monks
Join some monks for their morning prayers in a beautiful temples.

Taiko Drumming Class
Try traditional drumming during a Taiko drumming class.

Stay in a Ryokan
Stay three separate nights in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with onsen.

• International flights and transfers
• 11nts in 3+/4* accommodation
• Selected meals: 11 breakfasts & 4 dinners
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• Domestic transportation

Go Beyond 

Featuring lesser-known destinations and unique experiences that are tantalisingly off the tourist trail, our flexible and often more active Go Beyond tours are all about helping you to see and experience places that may not have made it onto other travellers’ radars. On these tours, you may find yourself away from the comforts of home, but you’ll be rewarded with unique culture, interactions with local people and unforgettable sights.

This maximum number of people per group for this tour is 18

This tour has a physical rating of 3. A good level of fitness is required as you need to be comfortable walking for 2-3 hours and covering longer distances. Other activities such as cycling will be at a gentle pace and will involve straightforward terrain.

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.