Discover Japan
![Japan](/file/resize/c920x485-cc/22603_adobestock_270126955.jpeg)
![Bunnik Japan](/file/resize/c920x485-cc/14732_fushimi_inari_shrine.jpg)
![japanmt-fuji](/file/resize/c920x485-cc/8638_japanmt_fuji.jpg)
Snapshot
- 14 days
- Guided Tour
- Flights Included
- Tokyo to Osaka, Japan
- Multiple departures
From
$13,680*
per solo traveller
BOOK NOW
Overview
Japan is a country of contrasts, where ancient gods rub shoulders with modern technology, skyscrapers give way to paddy fields and crowds disperse into the tranquillity of a classical garden. This tour is the perfect introduction to this fascinating archipelago.
Dedicated Solo Departures:
31 March 2025
19 October 2025
Why Wendy Wu?
As Australia's leading touring specialist, Wendy Wu pride themselves on over 25 years experience in organising group and private tours across Japan, Southeast Asia and India. Offering diverse experiences, from vibrant markets in Vietnam, to serene Indian backwaters and the futuristic streets of Japan's cities. Explore picturesque towns, spectacular landscapes and discover new cultures, knowing that all of the details have been taken care of so you can truly enjoy these captivating destinations.
Solo Travellers
Wendy Wu have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and exclusive benefits including a single room throughout your tour, complimentary return airport transfers (within 50km radius of major Australian airports) and a cocktail on arrival at your destination.
Inclusions
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- All Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Domestic transportation
- 3 – 4 star accommodation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- Dedicated Solo Departures only: Complimentary airport lounge pass in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, complimentary chauffeur transfers within a 50km radius, single room included in price
Itinerary
Day 1-2: Tokyo
Fly overnight to Tokyo, the capital of Japan. On arrival, you will be met by an English-speaking representative and transfer approximately 1 and a half hours 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Destination Information
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.
Day 3: Tokyo City Tour
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you’ll find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Head to the observation deck of the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over the city before taking a wander through the district of Asakusa, stopping at the Sensoji Temple and Nakamise shopping street. Drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza and then continue to the peaceful Hamarikyu Gardens. You will be on your feet for 4- 5 hours during your touring in Tokyo. Enjoy your evening meal whilst leisurely cruising for one hour along Tokyo Bay. You will need to get on and off your boat this evening for your cruise on Tokyo Bay without assistance.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Destination Information
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. Sensoji 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.
Imperial Palace Plaza – Imperial Palace Plaza is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. Built on the original site of Edo Castle, the Plaza is made up of a palace, museum and large park. Hamarikyu Gardens – Hamarikyu Gardens is a beautiful example of Japanese garden style which sits at the mouth of the Sumida River.
Day 4: Mount Fuji
This morning, transfer to the station and take a 30-minute bullet train to Odawara. On arrival, transfer to tranquil Lake Ashi. Take a cruise across the lake before taking the Komagatake cable car for spectacular views of Mount Fuji and the lake below. Continue by coach to Japan's most iconic landmark - Mount Fuji. Start at the 5th Station for breathtaking views of Fuji.
Please note, travelling to the 5th station at Mount Fuji is only possible if weather conditions permit it. Drive to Suwa to check in to your hotel for an overnight stay, your hotel this evening will have onsen facilities for you to enjoy. Please note that you will need to pack a small overnight bag for tonight as your main luggage will be transferred separately this morning and arrive at your hotel in Takayama the next day. Due to your early start this morning, you may need to take a packed breakfast with you (provided).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Destination Information
Mount 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.
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.
Day 5: Matsumoto Castle
This morning, drive 2 hours to Nagano to explore the formidable 16th century Matsumoto Castle. There are steep ladder-style steps in the Matsumoto Castle that you must climb up and back down again. If you choose not to look inside the castle, you can enjoy the surrounding gardens, moat and architecture of Matsumoto Castle. After lunch, stop at a Miso House to learn about the process of making this Japanese seasoning. Try Miso soup before travelling a further 2 and a half hours to Takayama, nestled high in the mountainous Hida region. Check in to your hotel in Takayama and enjoy the relaxing onsen facilities.
Destination Information
Matsumoto Castle – Known as the crow castle due to its dark black exterior, the 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.
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Explore Takayama
Head to the Miyagawa Morning Market, where you can sample some of the delicious local fruits and vegetables (at your own expense). Later, take a leisurely stroll round the traditional houses of the area and visit the museums, stopping at Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, Kusakabe Folk Museum, Takayama Jinya and Kamisannomachi Street. You will spend approximately 5 hours on foot today sightseeing around the town of Takayama.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight accommodation: In 2022 stay in a ryokan and bedding will consist of a mattress (low bed) on a tatami mat. In 2023, this will be in a hotel and bedding will consist of a western bed.
Destination Information
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 the floats from the Takayama Festival, which dates back to the 16th century, the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall is a great introduction to the cultural celebrations of Takayama.
Kusabe Folk Museum – Kusabe Folk 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.
Day 7: Shirakawago & Kanazawa
Travel 1 and a half hours to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Shirakawago, famous for its traditional GasshoZukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. You will spend 1 to 2 hours on foot exploring the area. There are some stairs in the house if you want to explore the higher levels. Drive around 1 hour to try your hand at making washi paper this afternoon, before continuing another 1 and a half hours to Kanazawa. On arrival, wander through the beautiful Kenrokuen, before checking in to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Destination Information
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.
Washi Paper – Washi Paper is a type of Japanese paper made from the fibres of bark. This type of paper is commonly used in the art of origami.
Kanazawa – Kanazawa is the capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture and is known for its beautiful samurai and geisha districts, as well as its stunning Kenrokuen Garden.
Kenrokuen – One of Japan’s ‘Three Great Gardens’, Kenrokuen dates back to the early 17th century and is noticeable for its stunning beauty in all seasons.
Day 8: Gold Leaf Making
This morning, learn the process of how gold leaf is made and applied to everyday objects. Try it for yourself by decorating a pair of chopsticks and take your newly created artwork home! Later, stroll down the traditional Higashi Chaya (Eastern Teahouse District), visiting Ochaya Shima – a historical geisha house. After lunch, drive 4 hours to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Destination Information
Gold Leaf Experience – When a lump of gold is beaten until it is only 1/10,000 mm thick, it becomes gold leaf, as used in temples, shrines and many traditional crafts. Kanazawa and its surrounding areas produce more than 99% of all gold leaf used in Japan.
Higashi Chaya Street – Higashi Chaya Street is a traditional Japanese street featuring historical rows of houses. It is also the geisha district of Kanazawa, offering visitors delicious treats and tea, as well as the chance to visit some of the guest houses used in the past by geishas as living quarters.
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.
Day 9: Explore Kyoto
Start the day with a 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 spend approximately 2 hours at the temples. In the afternoon, head to a restored Japanese wooden townhouse and try your hand at origami and enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Destination Information
Ryoanji Temple – Ryoanji Tempole 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.
Day 10: Discover Nara
Travel 1 hour to Nara, stopping en route at the mesmerising Fushimi Inari Shrine. The Fushimi Inari Shrine stretches from the bottom to the top of Mount Inari (233 metres high). You will walk up part of the mountain; there are some steep steps and the incline allows a steady-paced walk. On arrival in Nara, 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Destination Information
Nara – Home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nara is a rewarding destination and a great spot for Japanese culture.
Todaiji Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Todaiji Temple is one of the Seven Great Temples of Japan and is home to the world’s largest bronze statue, Daibutsu.
Fushimi Inari Shrine – The Fushimi Inari is a corridor of red tori gates which stretch through the thick woods of Mount Inari, a truly remarkable sight.
Day 11: Koyasan
This morning, drive 2 and a half hours to Koya-san, the centre of Shingon Buddhism. See Okunoin, Japan’s largest cemetery and home to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Next, visit the Kongobuji Temple and Garan temple complex. The walk through Okunoin Cemetery to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi is roughly 2km and sometimes you will be walking over uneven surfaces. Continue to Osaka, a journey of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, to check in to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Destination Information
Koyasan – Known primarily as the centre of the Shingon sub-section of Buddhism, Koya-san sits in the mountains and is the ideal spot to get a glimpse of Japan’s traditional religious life.
Kongobuji Temple – Dating back to 16th century, the Kongobuji Temple is the head temple of the Shingon Buddhist sect. The interior of the building is adorned with paintings of cranes and there are sliding doors throughout.
Garan Temple – Garan Temple is a compound of seven halls, the ideal number of halls in Buddhism. The main sight of worship is in front of the Cosmic Buddha.
Okunoin Cemetery – Home to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum (founder of Shingon Buddhism), Okunoin Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Japan, with over 200,000 tombstones, as many wished to be buried near Kobo Daishi.
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.
Day 12: Explore Osaka
This morning, visit the famous Osaka Castle before taking a stroll around the Dotonbori district, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample delicious local delicacies. Next, enjoy a 20-minute cruise along the Yodogawa River. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure before a farewell dinner this evening.
Destination Information
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.
Dotonbori District – Historically a theatre district and still a popular entertainment area today, the Dotonbori district offer an eccentric and electric atmosphere.
Day 13-14: Depart Osaka
This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to Osaka airport for your return flight arriving home today or the following day.
Meals: Breakfast
Please note: Only breakfast is included today. Late check-out is not included in the Discover Japan tour.
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.
Dates/Pricing
Depart | Return | Solo |
---|---|---|
31 March 2025 | 12 April 2025 | $13,680pp |
19 October 2025 | 31 October 2025 | $13,680pp |
*Advertised price is based on dedicated solo departures on 31 March & 19 October 2025, correct as of 12 June 2024.
* Term and conditions apply:
All pricing subject to change and availability.
Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change.
Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies.
Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.