Meal codes Breakfast =B / Lunch = L / Dinner = D
Day 1-2: Osaka
Meals: D
Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. Upon arrival, you will be met by an English-speaking representative and transferred to your hotel.
Please note: Early check-in is not included. If your flight arrives in the morning and you wish to arrange early check-in, 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 need to walk a few minutes to reach your hotel. Transfers will vary depending on group size.
Destination Information
Osaka – Formerly known as Naniwa, Osaka is Japan's third-largest city and remains the economic powerhouse of the Kansai region. The city is renowned for its delicious food, often being referred to as the culinary capital. Osaka also boasts vibrant colours throughout its streets, along with a rich history and culture.
Day 3: Discover Nara
Meals: B, L, D
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.
You will also visit Isui-en Gardens, known for its natural ponds. The sightseeing here will take about 3 hours on foot.
Due to congestion at Nara Park's coach parking, you may need to walk for 15 minutes on flat ground to reach the park.
Afterward, continue your journey to Osaka by coach, which takes about an hour. On arrival, enjoy lunch in the vibrant Dotonbori District, a mecca for restaurants, where you can sample local delicacies. This afternoon, visit Osaka Castle.
At Osaka Castle Park, you will need to walk 15 minutes from coach parking to the castle on flat ground. Later, enjoy a short cruise along the Yodogawa River.
Destination Information
Nara – Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is full of historic treasures, including 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Todaiji Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Todaiji Temple is one of the Seven Great Temples of Japan and houses the world’s largest bronze statue, Daibutsu.
Isui-en Garden – Isui-en is an attractive Japanese garden divided into two sections: a front and rear garden. The front garden dates back to the mid-17th century, while the rear garden was created in 1899 by a wealthy merchant.
Osaka Castle – One of Japan's most famous castles, Osaka Castle is known for its sweeping views of the city from its hilltop perch. Construction began in 1583 under Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who intended for the castle to be the centre of a unified Japan.
Day 4: Himeji Castle
Meals: B, L, D
Travel 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 remains largely in its original condition, so please be cautious when walking around. You will need to remove your shoes before walking along some wooden floors, and there are steep wooden steps to reach certain areas.
You will be on your feet for approximately 3.5 hours during the visit.
Following its reopening in March 2015, Himeji Castle has seen a significant increase in visitors. To reduce congestion and waiting times, numbered tickets are now issued for entry to the Main Keep. Please be aware that some visitors may not be permitted to enter the Main Keep.
After lunch, continue your journey for approximately 3.5 hours to Hiroshima.
Destination Information
Himeji Castle – Widely considered Japan’s most magnificent castle, Himeji Castle is both a national and world heritage treasure. It has never been destroyed by war, earthquake, or fire, and is one of Japan’s twelve original castles.
Koko-en Garden – Koko-en is a Japanese-style garden comprising nine separate, walled gardens designed in various Edo Period styles.
Hiroshima – Famous worldwide due to the atomic bomb dropped on the city on 6th August 1945, Hiroshima’s name became synonymous with this tragic event. Despite the devastation, the city has been rebuilt and has risen from the ashes, with many of its historical sites reconstructed.
Day 5: Explore Hiroshima
Meals: B, L, D
Transfer to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Please be aware that the museum may be confronting and upsetting for some, and it is at your discretion if you wish to visit or instead enjoy free time exploring the park.
After lunch, take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, where you will explore at a leisurely pace on foot. Visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy free time to explore the island’s local streets or make the walk up to Daisho-in Temple.
You will be on your feet for approximately 4-5 hours today.
Later this afternoon, return by ferry and coach to your Hiroshima hotel for dinner.
Destination Information
Peace Memorial Park and Museum – One of Hiroshima’s most prominent features, the Peace Memorial Park and Museum contrast the surrounding downtown area. Before the bomb, this area was the city’s political and commercial centre, which is why it was chosen as the target. The museum focuses on the events of 6th August and their aftermath.
Miyajima – A small island outside Hiroshima, Miyajima (officially named Itsukushima) is known as ‘Shrine Island’ due to Itsukushima Shrine, where a giant torii gate seems to float on the water during high tide.
Day 6: Bullet Train to Kyoto
Meals: B, L, D
This morning, transfer to Hiroshima Station and board the bullet train to Kyoto, a journey of 1 hour 40 minutes.
Capital of Japan for a thousand years, Kyoto is the epitome of traditional Japan. After lunch, visit 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. The sightseeing today will involve approximately 2-3 hours on foot.
Please note: You will need to pack a small overnight bag for tonight, as your main luggage will be transferred separately to the Kyoto hotel and will arrive the next day.
Destination Information
Kyoto – The former capital of Japan for approximately 1,000 years until 1867, Kyoto is home to many national treasures, including ancient shrines, temples, screen paintings, beautiful gardens, and statues of Buddha.
Ryoanji Temple – Ryoanji Temple is a Zen temple renowned for its dry landscape garden featuring large rocks and smooth pebbles.
Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) – A Buddhist temple, Kinkakuji is an excellent example of Japanese garden design, with its golden exterior and minimalist structure.
Day 7: Japanese Tea Ceremony
Meals: B, L, D
Start your day by visiting the stunning Kiyomizu Temple, where you'll spend around 1.5 hours exploring on foot. Later, immerse yourself in the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony. Please note, you will need to remove your shoes before entering the venue. After lunch, head to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Take a 15-minute walk (with some flat road and steps) up part of the mountain to reach the gates. Due to limited coach parking, you may need to walk about 15 minutes from the coach to the shrine.
Destination Information:
Kiyomizu Temple – The 16th-century temple, meaning "Pure Water Temple," is one of Japan’s most celebrated, offering stunning views from its hillside veranda. It also houses the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of love.
Fushimi Inari Shrine – This Shinto shrine, famous for its endless vermilion torii gates, is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Fox statues, believed to be Inari’s messengers, are scattered around the grounds.
Day 8: Travel to Kanazawa
Meals: B, L, D
Leave Kyoto and travel by coach for about 4 hours to Kanazawa. After lunch, stroll through the scenic Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s “Three Great Gardens,” before visiting the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Afterward, check into your hotel.
Destination Information:
Kanazawa – Known for its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts, Kanazawa also boasts the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden.
Kenroku-en Garden – Dating back to the early 17th century, this garden is known for its stunning beauty in all seasons.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art – Opened in 2004, the museum showcases modern art, with many pieces dating from the 1980s onward.
Day 9: Washi Paper Making
Meals: B, L, D
Start your day by visiting the Nomura Samurai House and its beautiful garden, then travel about 1.5 hours to Gokayama for a hands-on washi paper-making workshop. Enjoy lunch before continuing to Shirakawago to explore the 300-year-old Gassho-style Wada House. Afterward, travel for another 1.5 hours to Takayama and check in at your hotel with onsen facilities. Please note, due to the hotel's location, large coaches cannot enter the area, so you may need to walk 5 minutes to your hotel and carry your own luggage.
Destination Information:
Nomura Samurai House – This restored samurai residence offers a glimpse into the life of a high-ranking samurai during the Meiji Period.
Washi Paper – Washi is traditional Japanese paper made from bark fibers, often used in arts like origami.
Shirakawago – A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Gassho-Zukuri architecture, where houses have steeply pitched roofs.
Takayama – A town with a charming, historical layout that dates back to the 17th century.
Day 10: Explore Takayama
Meals: B, L, D
Visit the Miyagawa Morning Market, where you can sample local produce (at your own expense). Then, take a leisurely stroll through Takayama’s traditional houses and visit local museums, including the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall and Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum. You'll also have time for some free exploration on Kamisannomachi Street.
Destination Information:
Miyagawa Morning Market – A bustling market where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional food.
Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall – See the beautiful floats used in the Takayama Festival, dating back to the 16th century.
Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum – A museum housed in a former merchant's residence from the Edo period.
Takayama Jinya – A former government office from the Edo period, now a museum where you can learn about the region’s history.
Kamisannomachi Street – A well-preserved street with traditional houses, sake breweries, and shops.
Day 11: Travel to Nagano
Meals: B, L, D
Today, travel for about 2.5 hours to Matsumoto to visit Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle.’ Afterward, visit a Miso House to learn about the production of this famous seasoning, followed by a stop at a wasabi farm before continuing to Nagano.
Destination Information:
Matsumoto Castle – A 16th-century wooden castle known for its striking black exterior.
Ishii Miso – A traditional miso house where you can learn about the process of making miso.
Wasabi Farm – Visit one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms, known for its clear, cold streams and fresh wasabi plants.
Nagano – Host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics and a gateway to the Japanese Alps.
Day 12: Snow Monkeys
Meals: B, L, D
Travel deeper into the Japanese Alps to Yudanaka, where you'll have the chance to observe the famous snow monkeys (Japanese macaques) at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Monkey Park. The monkeys are usually found soaking in the hot springs and can be observed from close range. Afterward, visit Zenkoji Temple in Nagano.
Destination Information:
Jigokudani Yaen-Koen – A park home to the Japanese macaques, known for their love of soaking in hot springs. The park is located in a forested valley and requires a 30-minute walk to reach the main pool.
Zenkoji Temple – A 7th-century Buddhist temple that houses one of Japan’s oldest statues of Buddha.
Day 13: Mount Fuji
Meals: B, L, D
Travel for about 3.5 hours through the foothills of Mount Fuji to the Fuji Five Lakes region. If weather permits, ascend to Fuji’s 5th Station for spectacular views. If not, visit the Fuji San World Heritage Centre. Visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to admire silk kimonos dyed using traditional methods. Continue to your hotel in Mishima or Gotemba for an overnight stay.
Destination Information:
Fuji Five Lakes – A picturesque region at the base of Mount Fuji, formed by volcanic eruptions.
Mount Fuji – Japan’s highest peak, standing at 3,776 meters, and a symbol of the country.
Itchiku Kubota Art Museum – A museum dedicated to the works of Kubota Itchiku, who revived a traditional silk-dyeing technique.
Day 14: Explore Hakone
Meals: B, L, D
Head to Hakone for a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ashi, followed by a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to the volcanic Owakudani Valley. After lunch, continue to Tokyo.
Destination Information:
Lake Ashi – A beautiful lake formed by Mount Hakone’s last eruption, offering great views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Hakone Ropeway – A cable car offering stunning views of the valley, lake, and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.
Tokyo – Japan’s vibrant capital, blending modern technology with serene temples and gardens.
Day 15: Discover Tokyo
Meals: B, L, D
Explore Tokyo’s blend of modern and traditional sights, including the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya Crossing. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. If you're traveling in May or September, you may have the chance to attend a sumo tournament.
Destination Information:
Imperial Palace East Gardens – Part of the Imperial Palace, this garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Tokyo.
Meiji Shrine – A Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji, located in a beautiful forested area.
Day 16: Tokyo Panorama
Meals: B, L, D
Start with a stroll through Asakusa district and visit Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Then head to the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views of the city. In the evening, enjoy a traditional yakata boat dinner cruise.
Destination Information:
Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, located in the Asakusa district.
Tokyo Skytree – The tallest structure in Japan, offering breathtaking views from its observation deck.
Day 17: Depart Tokyo
Meals: B
Enjoy a free morning in Tokyo before transferring to the airport for your return flight home.
Please note: Only breakfast is included today. If you wish for a late check-out, please contact reservations for availability and additional charges.
