Off-Beat Japan

Off-Beat Japan

1,437 Views
13 Days From

$6521

Off-Beat Japan

13 Days Starting and ending in UK

Tour operator:

Wendy Wu

Tour code:

1096

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 28

Physical rating:

Level3

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $6521

NB: Prices correct on 25-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Prepare to immerse yourself in the wacky and wonderful in this fascinating land. Get off the beaten track on our most culturally immersive Japan holiday and trek at the foot of Fuji, meet the Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka, take a rickshaw ride through a bamboo forest. You'll see all the classic highlights too in Tokyo and Kyoto. This tour includes a one night stay in a traditional ryokan as well as a one night stay in a Buddhist lodge with simple shared facilities.

Highlights

  • Experience the wacky Robot Restaurant in buzzing Shinjuku

  • Take a traditional Taiko drumming class in Tokyo

  • Hike around stunning Mount Fuji's base

  • Meet the adorable Snow Monkeys in Yudanaka

  • Explore the sacred town of Koya-san and stay overnight in a temple

  • Taste authentic Japanese saké at a local brewery

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly To Tokyo

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: Japanese Drumming

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your tour of Tokyo by immersing yourself into the local culture by spending the morning trying your hand at traditional Japanese drumming with a Taiko class, where you will learn how to beat the 'wadaiko' with 'bachi'. Later, stop by Meiji Shrine and continue to the vibrant district of Harajuku before stopping by the famous Shibuya Crossing.

Day 4: Discover Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sightseeing today begins with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and a visit to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree for views over the sprawling city below. You'll also stop by Sensoji Temple – Tokyo's oldest, and stroll along Nakamise shopping street. In the afternoon, explore the Tokyo National Museum. Housed in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo, the museum powerfully illustrates Tokyo's past (known as Edo until 1869) right up to recent decades.

Day 5: Mount Fuji

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey out of Tokyo to the foot of mighty Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes area. Pick up a walking trail and make your way through lush alpine forest at Fuji's base, pausing often to admire the landscapes around you.

Day 6: Search For Snow Monkeys

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to Matsumoto and explore its magnificent 16th-century castle. Continue to Nagano, stopping in Yudanaka to search for the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at

Jigokudani Monkey Park - sighting not guaranteed.

Day 7: Japanese Alps

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to Hotaka and ride up into the Japanese Alps on the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway for breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains (weather permitting). Drive to Takayama where you will spend the night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with onsen facilities. Here you can relax and bathe in the natural hot spring pools and experience this most traditional pastime. This afternoon you will have time to explore Kamisannomachi Street and sample the street food on offer. This evening, enjoy dinner in your ryokan.

Day 8: Bullet Train To Kyoto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Take the limited express train to Nagoya, then board a super-fast bullet train to whizz your way through the countryside to Kyoto. Start discovering the city's rich heritage with visits to the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. Stroll around Higashiyama and Gion, the geisha district, with a stop at Gion Corner, which showcases the seven professional performing arts.

Day 9: Japanese Tea Ceremony

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start today by visiting Kinkakuji, known as the 'Golden Pavilion' and Ryoanji. Continue to Arashiyama district to explore the striking bamboo forest and enjoy a rickshaw ride. Later, witness the rituals involved in the preparation and pouring of matcha tea in a traditional tea ceremony.

Day 10: Kyoto Culture & Koyasan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Discover the complicated process of dressing in a traditional kimono at Nishijin Textile

Centre, then try your hand at the art of origami. This afternoon, travel by road to

Koyasan, where you will spend the night in a 13th-century temple guesthouse sleeping on a traditional futon on a tatami mat floor.

Day 11: Morning Prayers In Koyasan

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise early to join the monks for their daily morning service – hearing the recitation and chanting is a magical experience. After breakfast, take a walking tour of Koyasan. One of Japan's holiest sites, this mountain top sanctuary is full of temples and pagodas. Also visit Kongobuji Temple and Okunoin Cemetery before travelling to Osaka.

Day 12: Himeji Castle & Sake Brewery

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a day tour to Himeji to visit the 17th-century castle which is considered a prime example of Japanese feudal period architecture. 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.

Day 13: Fly Osaka To Uk

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

What's Included

  • 3* plus – 4* accommodation plus one night in a ryokan and temple

  • Domestic transportation

  • Touring with guides and entrance fees

  • Most meals

What's Not Included

  • Drinks with Meals

  • Tipping and Gratuities

    Although tipping in Japan is not customary, if you feel you have received an excellent service, please feel free to tip your guide at your discretion

Accommodation

Sunshine City Prince Hotel

The Sunshine Prince is located in Sunshine City, a shopping and entertainment hub of Tokyo and close to Ikebukuro Station, providing convenient transport links to the rest of the city. The hotel's en-suite rooms are simple, comfortable and traditionally furnished with a television, electric kettle, a mini fridge and a safety deposit box. Facilities in the hotel include onsite restaurants serving Japanese, Cantonese and Western cuisines, a café and bar and a 24 hour convenience store.


Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa

This contemporary spa hotel in the mountainous Hakone area features sleek rooms with balconies or terraces, and include minibars, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. There are 2 stylish restaurants in addition to a plush lounge. Other perks include a day spa and a geothermal traditional onsen.


Hotel Ryu Resort & Spa

The Ryu Resort allows guests to appreciate the natural scenery of the area. Facilities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, a bar and a relaxing onsen. Each of its Japanese-western style rooms have an ensuite bathroom, tea making facilities and a satellite TV. There are three on site restaurants serving excellent local cuisine.


Rihga Gran Kyoto

Located near the hub of transportation Kyoto station and many of Kyoto's top attractions, the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is in a great location for exploring this beautiful city. It's contemporary guest rooms are complete with Japanese touches and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel features many facilities, including six restaurants, a luxurious bar, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness gym.


Hotel Monterey Osaka

Situated in central Osaka, the Hotel Monterey Osaka is directly connected to Namba train station and just a 10-minute walk from Dotonbori Shopping Street. The hotel features 4 dining options with panoramic city views. Guest rooms feature British-Style interiors and modern practical amenities.


Experiences

Morning Prayers with Monks

Enjoy the peace and serenity inspired by the sacred chanting of Buddhist monks as you join them for their morning prayers in a beautiful 13th-century temple.


Taiko Drumming Class

Have a go at traditional drumming with a Taiko drumming class, taking part in an energetic and age-old ensemble performance on big, floor torn drums.


Stay in a Ryokan

For a classic Japanese experience, stay three separate nights in a ryokan, a traditional inn with onsen facilities, where you will sleep on a futon in a comfortable tatami mat room.


Check out our Q&As

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes

  • What is the language barrier like?

    Japan is a very welcoming place, making it easy to travel around. No matter what part of the country you are visiting, we will always ensure that you have every detail you’ll need to make your way from place to place. If you’ve never travelled to Japan before, the language barrier may be a little daunting, however, this is never a major problem. Often, signs are displayed in the Roman alphabet.

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Feefo Rated Customer  

Colours of Costa Rica

26-Mar-2020

This was our first tour with you and from start to finish we were guided by Isaac who made sure everything went smoothly. He was laid back - but on the ball - always available and very informative.

Excellent
Feefo Rated Customer  

Ultimate South America

21-Mar-2020

We were hoping this tour would be the holiday of a lifetime and it certainly was. Our guide, Corina, was fantastic and evry country we visited had something special. FANTASTIC

Excellent
William  

Japan Uncovered

12-Nov-2022

A superb trip which ticked all our boxes and covered all the main experiences you would wish for on a trip to Japan! We were looked after by excellent local guides. All of our accommodation was very good. With all meals included we got the chance to experience the local cuisine

Alastair  

Christmas in Vietnam

06-Jan-2023

Vietnam at Christmas, Excellent Experience From start to finish Vietnam at Christmas was amazing, The tour group, Local Guide Loc, we must have been blessed as the weather was excellent only one day of rain. Tour Group 11/10 Guide 11/10 Hotels 8/10 Food 8/10 Itineary10/10 Faboulous experience on Christmas in Vietnam

Feefo Rated Customer  

Highlights of Sri Lanka

24-Mar-2020

Great Country. Good range of different things to do and places to see - temples to beaches to wildlife. Hotels ranged from adequate to excellent. Food quality and variety was better than we expected A really good tour guide and our fellow travellers were excellent company. Would recommend despite the impact of Corona Virus cutting out a few later trips but that was beyond anyone's ability to control..

Excellent

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1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Saturday

Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$6710

Monday - Saturday

Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$8657 $7715

Operator discount: -$942

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Mar 24, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$7024

Monday - Saturday

Mar 24, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$8657 $8029

Operator discount: -$628

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$6710

Monday - Saturday

Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$8657 $7715

Operator discount: -$942

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$6710

Monday - Saturday

Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$8657 $7715

Operator discount: -$942

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

May 12, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$7149

Monday - Saturday

May 12, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$8155

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$6521

Monday - Saturday

Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$8155 $7526

Operator discount: -$628

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$6772

Monday - Saturday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$8406 $7778

Operator discount: -$628

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$6772

Monday - Saturday

Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$8406 $7778

Operator discount: -$628

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
$7275

Monday - Saturday

Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
$8908 $8280

Operator discount: -$628

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Mar 23, 2026 - Apr 04, 2026
$7275

Monday - Saturday

Mar 23, 2026 - Apr 04, 2026
$8908 $8280

Operator discount: -$628

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Mar 30, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026
$7275

Monday - Saturday

Mar 30, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026
$8908 $8280

Operator discount: -$628

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Apr 06, 2026 - Apr 18, 2026
$7275

Monday - Saturday

Apr 06, 2026 - Apr 18, 2026
$8908 $8280

Operator discount: -$628

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026
$7275

Monday - Saturday

Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026
$8908 $8280

Operator discount: -$628

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

May 11, 2026 - May 23, 2026
$7149

Monday - Saturday

May 11, 2026 - May 23, 2026
$8783 $8155

Operator discount: -$628

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Sep 14, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
$7149

Monday - Saturday

Sep 14, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
$8783 $8155

Operator discount: -$628

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
$7149

Monday - Saturday

Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
$8783 $8155

Operator discount: -$628

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Oct 19, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
$7149

Monday - Saturday

Oct 19, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
$8783 $8155

Operator discount: -$628

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Oct 26, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026
$7149

Monday - Saturday

Oct 26, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026
$8783 $8155

Operator discount: -$628

Including UK Flights

Monday - Saturday

Nov 02, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
$7149

Monday - Saturday

Nov 02, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
$8783 $8155

Operator discount: -$628

Including UK Flights

Prices last published on 24-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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