Japan and the Scenic South
Save up to $1000 per couple
Members from: $10,090 P.P Twin ShareNon-members from: $10,590 P.P Twin Share
Type
Escorted Touring
Destination
Asia
Supplier
Wendy Wu
Booking Code
WWJSS
Departs
7 October 2022
7 April 2023
6 October 2023
Uncover the beauty of the lesser-known island of Kyushu, renowned for its active volcanoes, hot springs and stunning beaches, before exploring the must-see sights of Hiroshima, Kyoto and Tokyo on the largest island of Honshu.
Highlights:
▪ Explore the charming city of Fukuoka
▪ Discover Kumamoto
▪ See the impressive Mount Aso
▪ Reflect in Hiroshima and sail to Miyajima
▪ Admire beautiful Mount Fuji
▪ Feel the rush of Tokyo
Japan is a fascinating country situated in Northeast Asia. It is comprised of more than 4,000 islands - the main four being Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. The Japanese name for Japan is ‘Nippon’ or ‘Nihon’ meaning ‘sun origin’ and is often translated as ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. It is a country of contrasts; engaging a combination of futuristic cities, ancient culture and diverse scenery. Japan is famous for its relatively short Cherry Blossom season.
Day 1-2 Fly Overnight To Fukuoka
Fly overnight to the charming city of Fukuoka, the gateway to the island of Kyushu. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Dinner
Day 3 Explore Fukuoka
The lovely Fukuoka is at the heart of an area considered a cradle of culture – the city’s position facing Korea and China across the sea means it’s long been a channel of outside influence. This morning take a stroll to the traditional Rakusuien Garden and visit the famous Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the god of academic achievement. Later, take a relaxed cruise on the Yanagawa River, passing through a National Site of Scenic Beauty on a small ‘donkobune’.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 Discover Kumamoto
Transfer to Kumamoto, a city famous for its majestic castle, one of Japan’s largest and most complete. You’ll see the castle as part of your full day city tour, as well as Suizenji Garden. A traditional-style garden built in the 17th century, the garden recreates in miniature the important road that linked Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto, including a mini Mount Fuji.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5 Visit Mount Aso & Beppu
Travel from Kumamoto to Mount Aso, an active volcano at the centre of Kyushu island. Aso’s crater is one of the world’s largest; with a circumference of over 100km it encompasses a number of other active peaks, which you’ll be able to see (weather dependent). Continue to Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts – your hotel for the night has onsen facilities for you to make the most of the steamy waters.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6 Explore Beppu
Venture out into Beppu, starting the day with a jigoku meguri, a hell tour! Here you’ll find all sorts of volcanic features, including thermal mud and hot springs that have bubbled from the ground here for a millennium. Pop over to Yufuin, another hot spring resort that is home to a wealth of art museums, cafes and boutiques and is a delight to explore. This afternoon transfer back to Fukuoka.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7 Travel To Hiroshima
Depart Fukuoka for Hiroshima. Stop en route to explore the city of Yamaguchi, spending some time at Rurikoji, a Buddhist temple that boasts a spectacular national treasure – a five-storey pagoda built in 1442. Continue to Iwakuni for a lunch stop and then to the Kintaikyo Bridge, an elegant wooden bridge that crosses the Nishiki River. Arrive in Hiroshima.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8 Discover Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a vibrant, forward-thinking city that is a pleasure to explore. Take a ferry across the Seto Inland Sea to the holy island of Miyajima and visit the Itsukushima Shrine before enjoying some time at leisure. Back in the city, reflect on Hiroshima’s tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9 Admire Himeji Castle
Depart Hiroshima for Kyoto, stopping in Himeji en route to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive feudal era forts, and stroll through Kokoen, an Edo-style garden just across the castle moat. Drop in on a sake brewery to learn about the process of this traditional Japanese spirit and enjoy some tasters, before arriving in Kyoto.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10 Explore Kyoto
Capital for 1,000 years, until 1879, today Kyoto is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. Start the day with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, remarkable for its 10,000 vermillion torii gate-lined pathways and impressive Nijo Castle. This afternoon gaze on the famous Kinkakuji, also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’ before a stroll around the Gion district, Kyoto’s famous geisha district and centre of the city’s traditional arts.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 11 Visit Hakone
Transfer to Kyoto station, board a bullet train to Atami and transfer to Hakone by road. Discover the mountainous beauty and rich culture of the Hakone area, before travelling to Lake Ashi for a cruise that will allow you to take in the spectacular panoramas of the area, including the iconic, snow-capped silhouette of Mount Fuji (weather permitting). Next, fly high over the thick forest on the Hakone Ropeway, passing the volcanic Owakudani Valley with its hot springs and steam vents. Later, continue to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 12 Tour Tokyo
As modern as Tokyo may appear, behind the neon façade is a traditional soul that is easy to find amongst the old alleyways, temples and shrines of the Edo era. Experience both sides of the city, ascending the soaring Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower, for panoramic views, and wandering through the old district of Asakusa. Stop at Sensoji, Tokyo’s most beloved temple. You will also drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza, soak up the atmosphere at the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine and see the world’s most famous road crossing at Shibuya.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 13-14 Depart Tokyo Arrive Australia
This morning is free at leisure before transferring to the airport for your return flight home, arriving the next day.
Breakfast
Off-Beat Japan
Members from: $9,999 P.P Twin Share
Japan Uncovered
Members from: $12,465 P.P Twin Share
Offer is valid between 26 Nov 2021 – 15 Mar 2022 on all group tours except Australia and Norfolk Island. Tours are subject to availability. Applicable to new bookings only. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to release specials which are applicable to new bookings only. Not combinable with any other offer other than loyalty discount. Bookings are non-transferable.
Prices based on Economy Class fare by Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, LATAM Airlines and Emirates Airlines, at time of advertising and may be higher subject to desired booking class, valid for departures from SYD, MEL, BNE, ADL and PER based on airlines’ operating services. Domestic connection within Australia, or extra nights’ accommodation may be required at an additional expense. Departures booked more than 11 months in advance may be subject to supplements when airline fares are published. Not applicable to tailor-made, private or special group tours.
DEPOSIT & PAYMENT
A non-refundable deposit of $99pp for most tours is to arrive at Wendy Wu Tours or your travel agent within three days of receiving confirmation that space has been held for you. Tours requiring 2nd deposit will be advised at time of booking. Unlimited date changes permitted up to Final Balance due day which is 75 days prior to departure. In the event your tour departure is deferred due to unforeseen circumstances such as government travel restrictions, deposits will be placed as future travel credit with rebooking fees waived. In the event of tour cancellation due to government travel restrictions: any balance payments on file upon cancellation 75 days prior to travel will be refunded and the deposit will be held in credit. For cancellations made within 75 days, please refer to our standard cancellation policy within our terms and conditions for further information. If your tour is deferred Wendy Wu Tours will honour your original booking terms and conditions including promotions, subject to availability. A valid passport copy must be provided at time of booking to ensure passenger names match with passports. Any spelling corrections made after a deposit is paid must be sent in writing and will incur additional fees, including any ticket reissue fees. Mobile phone number, email address and postcode of residence are mandatory at time of ticketing as required by the Australian Government.
Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to correct any errors in rates quoted or calculated, or any omissions made at any time during your booking. Any verbal quote given is an indication only of the final price and is subject to confirmation in writing.