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 Tokyo. On arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure before a welcome dinner.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Japanese Drumming
This morning, try your hand at traditional drumming in a Taiko class. Later in the day, visit the Meiji Shrine before heading to Harajuku and the Shibuya Crossing.
(Breakfast)

Day 4: Discover Tokyo
Begin your day of sightseeing with a walk through the Imperial Palace Easter Garden, before heading up the Skytree to take in the panoramic views. The next stop is the city’s oldest temple, Senso-ji. In the afternoon, explore the National Museum.
(Breakfast)

Day 5: Mount Fuji
Leaving Tokyo behind, travel to Fuji Five Lakes area where you’ll take a walk through the forest at the mountain’s base, pausing to take in the views.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 6: Snow Monkeys
Travel to Matsumoto and explore its magnificent 16th-century castle. Then, visit Yudanaka for the chance to spot the famous Japanese macaques at Jigokudani Monkey Park (sighting not guaranteed). Continue to Nagano.
(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). Continue to Takayama where you’ll check into your ryokan, a traditional inn with an onsen. The afternoon is then free to explore Kamisannomachi Street before dinner in your ryokan.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 8: Bullet train to Kyoto
Take the limited express train to Nagoya where you’ll swap to a bullet train for the journey to Kyoto. On arrival, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. After, take time to stroll around Higashiyama and Gion, the geisha district.
(Breakfast)

Day 9: Kyoto
Explore more of the city today, beginning in the Arashiyama districit, home to an immense bamboo forest. Take a rickshaw ride before visiting the Ryoan-ji and Kinkaku-ji temples.
(Breakfast)

Day 10: Kyoto Culture & Koyasan
Enjoy a number of cultural demostrations this morning, beginning with a traditional tea ceremony. Then, try your hand at origami followed by the opportunity to wear a kimono. In the afternoon, travel to Koyasan for an overnight stay in a temple.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 11: Morning Prayers
Wake up early to join the monks for the daily morning service. After breakfast, take a walking tour of Koyasan, one of Japan’s holiest sites. While here, you’ll 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. 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 & 5 dinners
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• Domestic transportation

Go Beyond
These tours take you a little further from the comforts of home, uncovering lesser-visited sights. Limited to just 18 passengers, these tours allow you to delve even deeper into local culture while offering more time for independent exploration.

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.

What’s included in the price?
International flights, all transportation in Japan, accommodation, guided sightseeing, entrance fees, and meals as specified in the itinerary.

What is the group size?
This tour typically operates with a maximum group size of 18 travellers.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Moderate. Expect plenty of walking, some uneven terrain during the Mt Fuji hike and visits to temples, shrines and historic sites.

What type of accommodation is used?
A mix of comfortable hotels, a traditional ryokan with onsen facilities, and a stay at a Buddhist temple lodging.

Exclusive prices available on request. Our Pricing Policy.