Off-Beat Japan
Save up to $1000 per couple
Members from: $9,999 P.P Twin ShareNon-members from: $10,500 P.P Twin Share
Type
Escorted Touring
Destination
Asia
Supplier
Wendy Wu
Booking Code
WWOBJ
Departs
12 September 2022
17 October 2022
20 March 2023
27 March 2023
3 April 2023
8 May 2023
11 September 2023
16 October 2023
Traditional versus modern, nature versus urban – Japan is a land of contrasts. This exhilarating tour encompasses it all, delving deeper into Japan's rich past, present and future, covering robot restaurants to tranquil temples to potent saké and all that's in between.
Highlights include:
▪ Learn the art of Taiko drumming
▪ Hike around the base of Mt Fuji
▪ Get up close to the fascinating Snow Monkeys
▪ Relax in a traditional Onsen
▪ Experience the speedy bullet train
▪ Chant with Buddhist monks in Koya-san
Venture off the beaten track to explore fascinating destinations away from the tourist trail. You will discover the local culture in depth and see sights rarely witnessed by other travellers. These tours take you away from the comforts of home but will reward you with the experiences of a lifetime. These tours include:
▪ Walking through classic sites
▪ Unique cultural experiences and encounters
▪ Off the beaten track destinations
▪ More evenings at leisure for independent exploration
Days 1-2: Tokyo
Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, for a three-night stay. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3 Japanese Drumming
Begin your tour of Tokyo and immerse 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 Jingu Shrine and continue to the vibrant district of Harajuku before stopping by the famous Shibuya Crossing. Finally, it's time for a uniquely Tokyo experience - the Robot Restaurant! This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but well worth the insight into modern Japanese culture.
Breakfast
Day 4 Discover Tokyo
Tokyo is a city that is always moving forward from the ever-changing skyline to the fashions and trends of the people who call it home. As modern as it 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. Sightseeing today begins with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and a visit to the observation deck of the 634m 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 Edo-Tokyo 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.
Breakfast
Day 5 Mount Fuji
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.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 6 Snow Monkeys
Travel to Matsumoto and explore its magnificent 16th-century castle. Continue to Nagano, stopping in Yudanaka to watch the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at Jigokudani Monkey Park bathe and play in and around their hot spring pool.
Breakfast
Day 7 Japanese Alps
Travel to Hotaka and ride up into the Japanese Alps on the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, reaching an observation platform at 2,156 metres, which gives breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains (weather permitting). Drive to Takayama where you will be staying at an onsen hotel. 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 (at your own expense).
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 8 Bullet Train to Kyoto
Take a Limited Express train to Nagoya, where you will change onto a Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. This afternoon, start discovering Kyoto's rich heritage with a visit to the enchanting Fushimi Inaritaisha Shrine with its pathway of torii gates before admiring the views over the city from Kiyomizudera Temple. Stroll around the old neighbourhoods of Higashiyama and Gion, the geisha district, with a stop at Gion Corner.
Breakfast
Day 9 Japanese Tea Ceremony
Start today by visiting Kinkakuji Temple, known as the 'Golden Pavilion', and Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden. Continue to the Arashiyama district where you will have some free time to explore the Bamboo Forest as well as enjoying a rickshaw ride. Later, witness the rituals involved in the preparation and pouring of matcha tea in a traditional tea ceremony.
Breakfast
Day 10 Kyoto Culture & Koyasan
Spend the morning discovering the craft of kimono creation at Nishijin Textile Centre, before learning the paper-folding art of origami and the complicated process of dressing in a traditional kimono. This afternoon, travel by road to Koyasan, where you will spend the night in a 13thcentury temple in a traditional tatami room.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 11 Morning Prayers
Rise early to join the monks for their morning service – hearing the recitation and chanting is a magical experience. After breakfast, take a walking tour of Koyasan. Visit Kongobu-ji and Okunoin before travelling to Osaka.
Breakfast
Day 12 Himeji Castle & sake Brewery
Take a day tour to Himeji to visit the 17th-century Himeji 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 of this potent rice wine and enjoy some tasters. Return to Osaka and experience the bright and brash Dotonbori district. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 13-14 Fly Osaka to Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Breakfast
Japan and the Scenic South
Members from: $10,090 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.