Best of Japan
Best of Japan
Best of Japan
17 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Osaka, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Fuji Five Lakes, Mount Fuji, Yudanaka, Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Himeji, Nara, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2386
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan with the "Best of Japan" tour, a cultural exploration that takes you from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Mount Fuji. Begin your adventure in Tokyo, where you'll visit iconic sites like the Imperial Palace East Garden and the Meiji Shrine, and experience the vibrant energy of Shibuya. Discover the natural beauty of the Fuji Five Lakes and ascend Mount Fuji for breathtaking views. Immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of Japan as you explore ancient temples in Kyoto, witness the poignant history of Hiroshima, and marvel at the architectural wonder of Himeji Castle. Enjoy unique experiences such as a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto and a washi paper-making workshop in Shirakawago. Conclude your journey in Osaka, with visits to Nara's historic sites and the lively Dotonbori Street. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly To Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
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: Discover Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin today with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, before heading to the trendy district of Shibuya where you will have the opportunity to walk on the world’s most famous pedestrian crossing. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore as you wish. End the day with a dinner cruise onboard a traditional yakata on Tokyo Bay and witness the city lit up at night.
Day 4: Further Explore Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stroll through the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambiance of Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Next, walk along the famous Nakamise Street which is lined with souvenir shops on both sides. In the afternoon, ascend to the observation deck of the 634-metre Tokyo Skytree.
Day 5: Fuji Five Lakes
Location: Fuji Five Lakes
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey by road through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to its base where we find the Fuji Five Lakes. The region is spectacularly dotted by the calm waters of five lakes, formed by past volcanic eruptions, reflecting Mount Fuji’s picture-perfect cone. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi for spectacular panoramas of this beautiful area before venturing up the Hakone Ropeway to the volcanic Owakudani Valley.
Day 6: Mount Fuji
Location: Mount Fuji
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascend by road over 2,000 metres up Mount Fuji to the 5th Station (weather permitting) and take in the breathtaking views over the Fuji Five Lakes area below. Also visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku. Continue by road to Nagano.
Day 7: Jigokudani Monkey Park
Location: Yudanaka
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel deeper into the Japanese Alps, to the small town of Yudanaka. Here, enjoy a light hike through the forest to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where if you’re lucky, you may see the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe and play in their hot spring pool at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. After lunch, visit Zenkoji, one of Japan’s most prolific Buddhist temples.
Day 8: Explore Matsumoto
Location: Matsumoto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day with a visit to the Daio Wasabi Farm to learn about its cultivation, before continuing to the town of Matsumoto. Here, visit the Ishii Miso House to learn all about this essential Japanese seasoning, before exploring the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle. Continue by road to Takayama and relax in the hotsprings at your hotel.
Day 9: Discova Takayama
Location: Takayama
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day exploring the town of Takayama. Browse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa Open Air Market and wander past some of the lovely traditional houses. Also visit several of the excellent local museums, including the Yatai Kaikan – a museum which displays traditional Japanese floats used in many festivals and Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum. Your last stop today is and Takayama Jinya, a former Government office for 300 years.
Day 10: Scenic Shirakawago
Location: Shirakawago
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day travelling by road to the rural village of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site, renowned for its thatched roof houses. Here, explore a 300-year-old Gassho-style Wada House. Next, it’s off to Gokayama for a hands-on washi paper making experience before continuing by road to Kanazawa, stopping enroute at the Nomura Samurai House.
Day 11: Explore Kanazawa
Location: Kanazawa
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day strolling through Kenrokuen, one of the ‘Three Great Gardens of Japan’, which is dotted with waterfalls, ponds and charming tea houses. Next, continue by road to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, Kyoto is an enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan with over 2000 temples and shrines and exceptionally preserved wooden buildings.
Day 12: Japanese Tea Ceremony
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day exploring some of the city’s highlights Enjoy one of Kyoto’s most delightful spots, beginning at Kiyomizu, a 8th-century Buddhist temple. Also experience the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony with a tea master. End the day with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates.
Day 13: Kyoto's Temples
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple, also known as ‘Golden Pavilion’. Continue to Ryoanji, the ‘Peaceful Dragon Temple’, which boasts the most famous rock garden in Japan. End the day with a journey on the impressive bullet train to Hiroshima.
Day 14: Hiroshima Highlights
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiroshima is a vibrant, forward-thinking city that is a pleasure to explore. Reflect on the city’s tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Next, take the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima to visit the Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy some time at leisure.
Day 15: Himeji Castle
Location: Himeji
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the magnificent 17th-century Himeji Castle, also known as the ‘White Heron Castle’ due to white exterior and elegant appearance. Also take a stroll through Kokoen, a traditional-style garden. Continue by road to Osaka.
Day 16: Explore Nara & Osaka
Location: Nara
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning in Nara, the small, history-filled city that was Japan’s first capital. Stroll through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and admire the traditional Isuien Garden. Return to Osaka for lunch at the famous Dontonburi Street, followed by a visit to the impressive Osaka Castle.
Day 17: Depart Osaka
Location: Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes meals as part of the itinerary, ensuring you experience local cuisine throughout your journey.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included to explore various cultural and historical sites in Japan.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided throughout the tour, offering comfort and convenience during your stay in Japan.
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Transportation
Transportation between destinations is included, ensuring seamless travel across Japan.
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Cultural Experiences
The tour includes cultural experiences such as a traditional tea ceremony and visits to historical temples and shrines.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Japan are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and optional activities are not covered by the tour.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included in the tour package.
Experiences
Visit Kubota Itchiku's Art Museum
Admire the elaborately dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku at his eponymous art museum. Itchiku singlehandedly revived the traditional and beautiful technique of 'tsujigahana'.
Visit a Wasabi Farm
One of Japan's most famous condiments, wasabi, is an essential element in Japanese cuisine. Learn about its cultivation on a traditional farm and admire the landscapes.
Traditional Tea Ceremony
Experience the perfect display of Japanese culture as you witness the preparation and
performance involved in the 'Way of Tea', a traditional tea ceremony.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect to see in Tokyo during the tour?
In Tokyo, you will visit the Imperial Palace East Garden, Meiji Shrine, and the trendy district of Shibuya. You will also have the opportunity to explore the vibrant Asakusa district, Sensoji Temple, and Nakamise Street. Additionally, you will ascend the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views and enjoy a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.
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Will we visit Mount Fuji during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a journey to the base of Mount Fuji where you will explore the Fuji Five Lakes region. You will also ascend Mount Fuji to the 5th Station, weather permitting, for breathtaking views.
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What activities are included in Kyoto?
In Kyoto, you will visit Kiyomizu Temple, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, and explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine. You will also visit Kinkakuji Temple, Ryoanji Temple, and travel to Hiroshima via bullet train.
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Are there any unique cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto and a hands-on washi paper making experience in Gokayama.
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What historical sites will we visit in Hiroshima?
In Hiroshima, you will visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the Itsukushima Shrine.
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Will we have the opportunity to see traditional Japanese architecture?
Yes, you will explore traditional Japanese architecture at Matsumoto Castle, the Gassho-style Wada House in Shirakawago, and the Nomura Samurai House.
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What can I expect to see in Osaka?
In Osaka, you will visit the famous Dontonburi Street for lunch and explore the impressive Osaka Castle.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Wendy Wu requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wendy wu charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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