Discover Japan

TOUR ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: AUSTRALIA TO TOKYO

Fly overnight with Cathay Pacific Airways to Tokyo for a three night stay.

Melbourne and Brisbane passengers depart on DAY 2.

DAY 3: TOKYO

Make a brief visit to the Imperial Palace Plaza in front of the Imperial Palace where we can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. We will continue to the Tokyo Sky Tree for sweeping views of Tokyo. We will then explore Asakusa, part of Tokyo’s Old Town, where we will explore Sensoji Temple and wander through the Nakamise shopping street. This afternoon we will relax on a cruise along Sumida River before strolling through Hama-Rikyu Teien, a former private garden of an Edo Period lord.

DAY 4: TOKYO – MT. FUJI

Visit the Fuji Visitor Centre to learn more about this iconic mountain before heading up to the 5th station. After lunch travel to Hakone (weather permitting) and take a cruise across Lake Ashinoko. Take the world’s second longest cable car up to Mt. Owakudani. At the top you can sample a hardboiled egg from the sulfuric hot springs.

DAY 5: TOKYO TO TAKAYAMA

Leave Tokyo and drive to Takayama, stopping en route in Matsumoto, where you will visit Matsumoto Castle. Continue to one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms where you can try your hand at making pickled wasabi vegetables before continuing to Takayama.

DAY 6: TAKAYAMA

Head to the Miyagawa morning market and sample some of the regions fruit and vegetables. Later, visit traditional houses and local museums, including the Takayama Festival Floats Museum, Kusakabe Folk Museum and the Takayama Jinya.

DAY 7: TAKAYAMA TO KANAZAWA

Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Shirakawago, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Try your hand at making Japanese washi paper before continuing to Kanazawa where you will visit the Nomura Samurai House and walk through the Old District.

DAY 8: KANAZAWA TO KYOTO

This morning wander through the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens, and visit the Kanazawa Museum. After lunch, board the Thunderbird Express train to Kyoto.

DAY 9: KYOTO

Visit the famous Kinkakuji, known as the Golden Pavilion. The top two floors of this Zen temple are covered in gold leaf. Later, visit the World Heritage listed Ryoanji Temple which means the ‘temple of the peaceful dragon’. Head to a restored Japanese wooden townhouse where you will learn about origami, ikebana, calligraphy and enjoy a tea ceremony.

DAY 10: KYOTO – NARA

Travel to Nara, the former imperial capital of Japan. Visit the Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure, which is home to Japan’s largest Buddha and numerous deer that live in and around the temple. You will also visit Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine. Return to Kyoto stopping en route at the unforgettable Fushimi Inari Shrine, which features in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha.

DAY 11: KYOTO TO KOYA-SAN

Journey to Koya-San, the centre of Shingon Buddhism. Visit Kongobunji Temple, as well as the Garan temple complex. Okunoin is Japan’s largest cemetery and holds the mausoleum of the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kobo Daishi. Take a walk to the mausoleum, passing 200,000 tombstones belonging to feudal lords and prominent monks. Stay overnight in a Buddhist temple lodge, known as a ‘shukubo’. This evening enjoy a Buddhist vegetarian dinner, known as shojin ryori.

DAY 12: KOYA-SAN TO OSAKA

Rise early this morning to witness the monks chant their morning prayers, followed by a shojin ryori breakfast. Later, drive to Osaka for an overnight stay. Visit Osaka Castle which covers an area of 2sq km, and take a cruise along the Yodogawa River. Tonight you will wander down Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample local delicacies before enjoying a sumptuous farewell dinner.

DAY 13: DEPART OSAKA

This morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Kansai airport to board your overnight flight to Australia.

DAY 14: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA

Arrive home today.

Price guide

From $8,167 per person	14 Days, Fully Inclusive Twin Share Departing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide* and Perth Flying Cathay Pacific * Adelaide passengers may require a stopover in Hong Kong at an additional cost.
From price Includes	Tour cost $7,860 Cathay Pacific (CX) Fuel Surcharge $307 (Subject to change, See Booking Conditions)
From $8,392 per person	Departing Darwin with Singapore Airlines (CX) Fuel Surcharge $532 (Subject to change, See Booking Conditions)
From $1,385	Single Hotel Room Option
From $6,973 per person	Land Only (Tokyo to Osaka)

Tour Code	Depart Australia	Arrive Australia	CX Twin Share AUD
2013
CDJ1304	16 Oct	29 Oct	$8,167
2014
CDJ1402	26 Mar	08 Apr	$8,167
CDJ1404	15 Oct	28 Oct	$8,167
Important note: Above prices include airline fuel surcharge of $307 (correct as at May 2013 and subject to change). Though status is regularly updated, availability above is indicative only, not live and hence does not guarantee that space is available on your selected tour when you or your agent calls Wendy Wu Tours to book.  Booking early is the only way to ensure availability of your selected departure date.