Embark on a captivating journey through the timeless wonders of Japan, where each step unveils a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels. Imagine wandering through the historic streets of Kyoto, where centuries-old shrines and serene gardens transport you to a bygone era.
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Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. On arrival you will be met by an English-speaking representative and transfer to your hotel. Please note: Early check in is not included. If your flight arrives in the morning and you wish to arrange this, please speak to your reservations consultant. You will be transferred by shared coach with other passengers who are not part of a Wendy Wu Tour. If you are on a shared bus transfer, you may have to walk for a few minutes to get to your hotel. Transfers will differ depending on group size.
Osaka – Osaka is Japan’s third largest city. What Osaka lacks in sightseeing locations, it makes up for with its flamboyance, fun loving people and amazing food.
Transfer by coach to Japan’s former imperial capital Nara, a journey of approximately 1 hour. Visit Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure and home to Japan’s largest Buddha. Also visit Isui-en Gardens, known for its natural ponds – sightseeing here will be about 3 hours on foot. Due to the congestion of Nara Park coach parking, you may need to walk from coach parking to Nara park for 15 minutes on flat road. Continue to Osaka by coach, approximately an hour’s drive. On arrival, enjoy lunch in the vibrant Dotonbori District, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample delicious local delicacies. This afternoon, visit Osaka Castle. At Osaka castle park, you will reach to the castle for 15 minutes` walk from coach parking on flat road. Later, take a short cruise down the Yodogawa River.
Nara – Due to Nara’s past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Todaiji Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Todaiji Temple is one the Seven Great Temples of Japan and is home to the world’s largest bronze statue, Daibutsu.
Isui-en Garden – Isui-en is an attractive Japanese garden divided into two parts, a front garden and a rear garden, with several tea houses scattered throughout. The front garden dates back to the mid-17th century, while the rear garden, the larger of the two, was built in 1899 by a wealthy merchant.
Osaka Castle – Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most famous castles known for sweeping views of the city from its hilltop perch. Construction began in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who intended the castle to become the centre of a new, unified Japan under his rule.
Journey around 2 hours by coach to Himeji and explore the magnificent 17th Century Himeji Castle and the neighbouring Koko-en, a traditional-style garden. The castle is largely in its original condition, so please use common sense and be mindful of your step when strolling around. You will have to remove your shoes before walking along some of the wooden floors and there are some steep wooden steps to reach certain areas. You will be on your feet for 3-3.5 hours during the visit. After the reopening in March 2015, Himeji Castle has welcomed a large number of visitors. As such, they now issue numbered tickets to visitors in order to
limit the number of people who can enter the Main Keep, reducing congestion, waiting time, and to protect the cultural properties. Please note that this means that there may be cases where some visitors are not allowed to enter the Main Keep. After lunch, continue around 3.5 hours to Hiroshima.
Himeji Castle – Widely considered Japan’s most magnificent castle for its imposing size and beauty, the well-preserved Himeji castle is both a national and world heritage-listed treasure. Himeji Castle has never been destroyed by war, earthquake or fire and survives
to this day as one of the country’s twelve original castles.
Koko-en Garden – Koko-en is a Japanese style garden consisting of nine separate, walled gardens designed in various styles of the Edo Period.
Hiroshima – An atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on 6th August 1945, and the city’s name became famous worldwide for this unenviable distinction. The destructive power obliterated nearly everything within a 2km radius. The city has been rebuilt and has risen phoenix-like from the ashes with destroyed sites of historical heritage reconstructed.
Transfer to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Please be aware that the museum may be confronting and upsetting for some group members and it is at your discretion if you wish to visit or enjoy time at leisure exploring the Peace Memorial Park. After lunch, take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, where sightseeing will be at a leisurely pace on foot. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy free time on Miyajima Island to explore the local streets or make the walk up to Daisho-in Temple. Later this afternoon, return by ferry and coach to your Hiroshima hotel for dinner.
Peace Memorial Park and Museum – The Peace Memorial Park and Museum is one of the most prominent features of the city. The trees, lawns and walking paths are in stark contrast to the surrounding downtown area. Before the bomb, this area was the political
and commercial heart of the city and is why it was chosen as the target. The museum focuses on the events of August 6th and the ensuing outcome for the residents.
Miyajima – Miyajima is a small island outside of Hiroshima. While officially named Itsukushima, the island is more commonly referred to as Miyajima, meaning ‘Shrine Island’. This is because the island is well-known for its main attraction, Itsukushima Shrine, a giant
torii gate, which at high tide seems to float on the water.
This morning, transfer to Hiroshima Station and catch a bullet train to Kyoto, a journey of 1 hour 40 minutes. Capital for a thousand years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. After lunch, visit to Ryoanji, the ‘temple of the peaceful dragon’ and the famous Kinkakuji, also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’ due to its gold-like exterior. You will need to remove your shoes at both temples. Sightseeing on foot will be approximately 2-3 hours on foot today. Please note: You will need to pack a smaller overnight bag for tonight as your main luggage will be transferred separately this morning to your Kyoto hotel and arrive
the next day.
Kyoto – Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan for approximately 1,000 years until 1867 when it was moved to Tokyo. Many national treasures can be found in Kyoto and in nearby Nara, including old shrines and temples, screen paintings, beautiful gardens, and statues of Buddha.
Ryoanji Temple – Ryoanji Temple is a Zen temple renowned for its garden, which features a dry, sand landscape with large rocks and smooth pebbles.
Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) – Kinkakuji Temple is a Buddhist temple and is an excellent example of Japanese garden design. The structure is a brilliant golden hue colour and is very minimalistic.
Start the day by visiting the spectacular Kiyomizu Temple. You will spend 1.5 hours on foot exploring the temple. Later, experience the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony accompanied by a Tea Master. Due to the nature of the cultural experience, you will be required to remove your shoes before entering the venue. After lunch, visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermillion torii gates. You will walk up part of the mountain and the incline allows a steadypaced walk around 15 minutes with flat road and steps to reach tori gates. Due to the limited space of Fushimi Inari Shrine coach parking, you may need to walk from coach parking for 15 minutes.
Kiyomizu – Meaning ‘Pure Water Temple’, the 16th century Kiyomizu Temple is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan and houses the Jishu Shrine dedicated to the deity of love. A highlight is the Hondo’s veranda which is perched over the hillside, offering spectacular woodland vistas.
Fushimi Inari Shrine (Taisha) – An important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto, Fushimi Inari is most famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates which form a network of tunnels around the main shrine buildings. The shrine itself is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. There are many fox statues in the grounds of the shrine as foxes are thought to be Inari’s messengers.
Depart Kyoto and travel around 4 hours by coach to Kanazawa. After lunch in a local restaurant, wander through the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden before viewing the excellent art collection of the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Continue to your hotel and check-in.
Kanazawa – Kanazawa is the capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture and is known for its beautiful samurai and geisha districts, as well as its stunning Kenroku-en Garden.
Kenroku-en Garden – One of Japan’s ‘Three Great Gardens’, Kenroku-en dates back to the early 17th century and is noticeable for its stunning beauty in all seasons.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art – Opened in 2004, the Museum of Contemporary Art is home to some of Japan’s most fascinating modern art, with most pieces dating from the 1980s onwards.
Visit the Nomura Samurai House and garden before transferring around 1.5 hours to Gokayama. You will need to remove your shoes before entering. Enjoy lunch and then try your hand on making washi paper. Continue approximately 1 hour to Shirakawago and explore the 300-year-old Gassho style Wada House. You will need to remove your shoes before entering. Finally, drive around 1.5 hours to reach Takayama and check into your hotel with onsen facilities. Due to the hotellocation, larges coaches cannot enter the area and therefore the coach will be parked a short 5- minute walk from the hotel and passengers will be required to move their own luggage to/from the hotel.
Nomura Samurai Family House – Nomura Samurai Family House is a restored Samurai residence with a beautiful garden. Nomura was a high-ranked samurai of the Meiji Period.
Washi Paper – Washi is a type of Japanese paper made from fibres of bark, often used in the art of origami.
Shirakawago – Alongside Gokayama, Shirakawago is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unusual architectural style known as Gassho-Zukuri. The roofs of these houses are tilted at an almost vertical angle.
Takayama – Boasting one of Japan’s most atmospheric townscapes, the layout of Takayama dates back to the 17th century and is home to much Meiji architecture.
Head to the Miyagawa Morning Market, where you can sample some of the delicious local fruits and vegetables (at your own expense). Next, take a leisurely stroll around the traditional houses of the area and visit some of the local museums including Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum and Takayama Jinya before spending some free time in Kamisannomachi Street. You will spend around 5 hours on foot today sightseeing around the town of Takayama.
Miyagawa Morning Market – Occurring each morning, there are a number of stalls selling fresh vegetables, local craft works and local food products at the Miyagawa Morning Market.
Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall – Housing floats from the Takayama Festival, which dates back to the 16th century, the Exhibition Hall is a great introduction to the cultural celebrations of Takayama.
Kusabe Folk Crafts Museum – Kusabe Folk Crafts Museum is a former house for a wealthy merchant named Kusakabe. The house is typical of the style during the Edo Period, with dark wooden beams and pillars.
Takayama Jinya – A former government office dating back to the Edo Period, Takayama Jinya is the only one of its type still remaining. The main work of the office was to handle legal cases and tax collection.
Kamisannomachi Street – Kamisannomachi Street will make you feel like you’ve stepped back into the Edo Period (1600-1868). This well-preserved part of the historic city features traditional houses, sake breweries, shops and cafes — some of them have been operating for centuries.
This morning, depart Takayama and travel around 2.5 hours to Matsumoto to visit the formidable 16th Century Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’, due to its intense black exterior. You will have to remove your shoes before walking along some of the wooden floors and there are some steep wooden steps to reach certain areas. From the coach parking to castle, it is around 15 minutes walk on a flat road. After lunch, stop at a Miso House to learn about the process of making this Japanese seasoning and try Miso soup. Also visit a wasabi farm to learn about its cultivation before travelling a further 1.5 hours to Nagano to check in at your hotel and enjoy the onsen facilities.
Matsumoto Castle – Known as the crow castle due to its dark black exterior, Matsumoto Castle dates back to the 16th century and is the oldest wooden castle in Japan.
Ishii Miso – Ishii Miso was founded in 1868 and is still producing miso, an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine, by a unique traditional method.
Wasabi Farm – The Daio wasabi farm, one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms, has multiple large fields with a network of small streams that constantly provides clear water to each wasabi plant.
Nagano – The host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is the main access point for the Japanese Alps
This morning travel deeper into the Japanese Alps to Yudanaka in search for the snow monkeys (Japanese Macques) at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Monkey Park. There is around a 30-minute walk through the forested valley along paths, occasionally on an incline, from the bus park to the main pool where the monkeys bathe. Accustomed to humans, the monkeys can be observed up-close, and they almost completely ignore their human guests. Please keep in mind that the snow monkeys are wild, not domestic animals and sighting them is never guaranteed, particularly during the breeding season which runs from late September through to November. Also visit the 7th-century Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most prolific Buddhist temples. Return to Nagano.
Jigokudani Yaen-Koen – Home to Japanese Macaques, also known as Snow Monkeys, Jigokudani literally means ‘hell’s valley’. It is named this because of the steam and boiling water that bubbles out of small crevices in the ground. It is in the baths of this hot water that the resident Japanese Macaques like to soak. The monkeys live in large social groups and it can be quite entertaining to watch their interactions.
Zenkoji Temple – Built in the 7th Century, Zenkoji stores what many believe to be the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan. Zenkoji’s main hall has a tunnel in its basement where visitors try to find and touch the ‘key to paradise’ in complete darkness. The key is
attached to the wall and grants enlightenment to anybody who touches it.
Today, travel around 3.5 hours by roadthrough the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to the mountain’s base. The region is spectacular with the calm waters of the five lakes, formed by past volcanic eruptions, reflecting Fuji’s picture-perfect cone. Head up Fuji’s 5th Station for spectacular mountain vistas, please note it is only possible to reach the 5th station if weather permits. If the 5th Station is closed, the Fuji San World Heritage Centre (formerly Fuji Visitor Centre) will be visited instead. Visit Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku. Continue to your hotel in Mishima and check in.
Overnight Location: The majority of departures will stay overnight in Mishima. Due
to hotel availability, some departures may stay overnight in the wider Fuji area.
Fuji Five Lakes – Formed by previous Mount Fuji eruptions, the Fuji Five Lakes is a region at the base of Mount Fuji made up of five beautiful lakes.
Mt Fuji – At 3,776m, Mount Fuji is the highest of Japan’s mountains and an iconic symbol of the country. Mount Fuji is notoriously shy and is often enveloped by clouds.
Itchiku Kubota Art Museum – Kubota Itchiku revived the lost art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing, used to decorate elaborate kimono during the Muromachi Period (1333-1573). The museum exhibits several of his kimono creations, while the extensive gardens,
designed by Kubota Itchiku himself, are also worth a stroll.
This morning, transfer to Hakone, a drive of around 2 hours. Enjoy a boat cruise
on the peaceful waters of Lake Ashi before boarding the Hakone ropeway to soar over the hilltops to the volcanic Owakudani Valley. After lunch, continue around 2 hours to Japan’s capital city, Tokyo. Please note, if Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani Valley is closed due to volcanic activity, you will visit Hakone Shrine and take the Komagatake Ropeway instead.
Lake Ashi – Formed after Mount Hakone’s last eruption 3000 years ago, Lake Ashi is the symbol of Hakone and on a clear day offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji in the distance.
Hakone Ropeway – The Hakone Ropeway allows visitors to take in spectacular views of the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake Ashi, the rising volcanic fumes of Owakudani and the grandeur of Mount Fuji on a fine, sunny day.
Tokyo – One of the world’s most cutting-edge capital cities, Tokyo is a city of contrasts, famous for its neon-lit landscape, towering skyscrapers, peaceful shrines and lovingly tended gardens. Although long the political and cultural centre of Japan, Tokyo became the official capital when the Meiji Emperor moved it to Tokyo in 1867.
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its busy, high-tech façade and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. This morning, head to the Imperial Palace East Gardens, the Meiji Jingu Shrine, and walk the famous Shibuya Crossing. You will be on your feet for 4 hours today. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to spend how you wish.
Some May and September departures only: Tickets to a Sumo tournament are included in the afternoon to some of our departures travelling in May and September. Many of Japan’s most ancient traditions are preserved in the sport; the ritual involved in the performance is just as fascinating to watch as the sport itself. Please note that the tickets are subject to availability.
Imperial Palace East Gardens – The Imperial Palace East Gardens are part of the Imperial Palace, the main residence of the Emperor of Japan and the former site of Edo Castle.
Meiji Shrine – Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken. The shrine is located in an evergreen forest within in the busy city and consists of 120,000 trees which were donated by people from all over Japan when the shrine was established.
Start your last full day in Tokyo with a stroll in the vibrant Asakusa district and soak
up the ambiance of Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Due to the limited coach parking, you may need to walk around 15 minutes on flat road. Continue to the 634-metre Skytree and ascend to the observation deck for magnificent views. You will be on your feet for 3-4 hours during your touring in Tokyo. The afternoon is free at leisure until the evening, when you will board a traditional yakata boat for a dinner cruise. You will need to get on and off your boat this evening without assistance.
Asakusa – Asakusa is the centre of Tokyo’s Shitamachi (Old Town) District, where you can get a glimpse of historical Tokyo.
Senso-ji Temple – Sensoji Temple is an ancient Buddhist Temple and the oldest in Tokyo. The temple was originally founded in the 7th century. The temple adorns an image of the Buddhist Goddess Kannon, who was said to have been rescued by two fishermen
from the Sumida River in Tokyo.
Tokyo Skytree – The tallest structure in Japan and the tallest tower in the world, Tokyo Skytree is predominantly a television and radio broadcast tower and is earthquake-resistant.
This morning is free at leisure before transferring to the airport for your return flight
home.
Please note: Only breakfast is included today. Late check-out is not included in our
Japan Uncovered tour. If you wish to book a late check-out for your final day in
Tokyo, please contact our reservations department who can confirm the additional
price and make this arrangement for you, subject to availability at the hotel.
Transfers: In the event that your flight departs outside of the majority group departure time, you will be transferred to the airport by a shared coach (not with other Wendy Wu Tours passengers). If you are on a shared coach transfer, you may have to walk for a few minutes to get to the coach.
A visa is not required for UK/Irish citizens visiting Japan.
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