Japan Uncovered - an escorted tour of Japan by Wendy Wu
This is a hugely popular tour and for good reason. It covers all the major tourist sites of Japan. You'll visit castles, temples, shrines, and gardens, travel on the bullet train, enjoy a cruise near Mount Fuji, and spend some time in the Japanese Alps. It's here that you'll hopefully get to see the snow monkeys, although they are more prevalent during the colder months.
As it's a Wendy Wu tour, the cost includes ALL meals throughout your tour.
Days 1-2: Fly to Osaka
Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Discover Nara
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 and visit the impressive Osaka Castle before cruising along the Yodogawa River.
Day 4: Himeji Castle
Depart Osaka for Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the magnificent 17th Century Himeji Castle and the neighbouring Koko-en, a traditional-style garden.
Day 5: Explore Hiroshima
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, hop on the ferry across to the holy island of Miyajima to visit the Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy time at leisure.
Day 6: Bullet Train to Kyoto
Start the day with a journey by bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as 'Golden Pavilion'.
Day 7: Japanese Tea Ceremony
Enjoy one of Kyoto's most delightful spots, Kiyomizu, a 17th-century Buddhist temple, before experiencing the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony with a tea master. After lunch, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates.
Day 8: Travel to Kanazawa
Travel by road to Kanazawa. Meander through Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, before viewing the excellent art collection of the Kanazawa 21st-century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Day 9: Washi Paper Making
Visit the Nomura Samurai House and Garden before departing Kanazawa. Stop in Gokayama for lunch and a hands-on washi paper making workshop. Continue to Shirakawago, where you will explore the 300-year-old Gassho-style Wada House, before reaching Takayama.
Day 10: Explore Takayama
Browse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa morning market, wander past some of the lovely traditional houses. Also visit several of the excellent local museums, including the Festival Floats Museum, Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum and Takayama Jinya, followed by a stroll down Kamisannomachi Street.
Day 11: Travel to Nagano
Travel to Matsumoto and explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle. Visit a miso house and learn about this famous Japanese seasoning. Also spend some time at a wasabi farm to learn about its cultivation before continuing to Nagano.
Day 12: Search for Snow Monkeys
Travel deeper into the Japanese Alps to search for the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at the Jigokudani Monkey Park - sighting not guaranteed. Continue to Zenkoji, one of Japan's most prolific Buddhist temples.
Day 13: Mount Fuji
Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Ascend by road to the 5th station (weather permitting),. Also visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku. Overnight accommodation will be in Mishima or the wider Fuji area.
Day 14: Explore Hakone
Begin the day with a cruise on the peaceful waters of Lake Ashi. Next, soar high on the Hakone Ropeway over the hilltops to the volcanic Owakudani Valley and discover the dramatic natural hot springs of Mount Hakone. Later, proceed to Tokyo.
Day 15: Discover Tokyo
A dazzling, high-tech metropolis, Japan's capital has wonderfully traditional roots. Start your explorations at the Imperial Palace East Garden, visit Meiji Shrine and stop by the famous Shibuya Crossing.
Day 16: Tokyo
Stroll the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambiance of Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Ascend to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is free until the evening, when you will board a traditional yakata boat for a dinner cruise.
Day 17: Fly Tokyo to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
Guide Prices
From £7,190 per person including flights and all meals.
There are several departures throughout the year starting in early March for the start of the Cherry Blossom season, and continuing up until November for the end of the Autumn Leaf season.
Full prices are up to £8,600 per person in peak times.
What's Included?
- Flights from the UK
- All meals
- Accommodation of a 3.5 to 4 star rating
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- Maximum group size - 28
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I extend the tour to be part of a bigger trip?
A. Yes on some tours we are easily able to add extra nights at the beginning or end of your trip, even in a completely different country. With others it's a bit more difficult and less economical. Please contact us for the options available.
Q. Do you provide expert advice on which tour of Japan to book?
A. Yes, it will be Tom who will manage your booking, and as he has first hand experience of Japan, you are welcome to ask for any help or advice about these trips. After booking, Tom will still be your contact and you'll be able to contact him by phone or email.
Q. Do I need a visa?
A. You can get a visa on arrival in Japan which lasts for 90 days. One thing we do after booking is to double check your passports are going to be valid.
Q. When is full payment required?
A. We take an initial deposit to secure your holiday, and the final balance must be paid around 3 months before departure. However if you would like to make instalments in the meantime, that's absolutely fine.
Q. What if I have a special request?
A. Please advise us ideally before booking of any dietary requests or mobility issues.
More information
| Call | 01462 677111 |
| holidays@onyourtravels.co.uk |
