23 days Classic Cruise & Tour
Our Osaka to Seoul Reverse tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Discover the history and etiquette of making and appreciating sushi with a hands-on lesson before sitting down with your instructing chef to enjoy Japan's most famous cuisine. It's the taking part that counts!
Oishi Park, on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, boasts one of the most spectacular views of Mount Fuji that you'll find anywhere in the area. What makes it extra special are the park's flower gardens, with different blooms in different colours, depending on the season. If you are really lucky and the skies are clear and the lake's waters still, you might get a Fuji reflection!
There are around 25,000 hot spring sources across Japan, so it's no surprise that onsens are such a huge part of Japanese culture. Bathing in the geothermal waters, lauded for their medicinal qualities, is used for relaxation, healing and both literal and metaphorical cleansing. What better way to unwind after a day of exploring than making like a local and soaking.
Fly overnight to South Korea's lively, fast-paced capital city, Seoul. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring.
Spend the day seeing the sights of Seoul. Start at Gwanghwamun Square where you can begin to discover the city's long history before passing through the magnificent gate of the Gyeongbok Palace complex to watch the Changing of the Guards ceremony. You'll then change into traditional Korean clothes to explore Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighbourhood of restored traditional houses, for a fascinating step back in time. After lunch at a local restaurant, take part in a kimchi making demonstration, then take a guided stroll along the picturesque Cheonggyecheon Stream. The day ends in Myeongdong, an area renowned for its fashion boutiques and street food stalls, where you'll be able to get a feel for contemporary Seoul.
After breakfast you will be transferred to Seoul's Incheon cruise terminal to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.
Spend the day getting to know the Celebrity Millennium and all the plentiful ways you can be active or relax onboard as you cruise across along South Korea's coastline.
Port at Jeju Island, South Korea's favourite holiday spot. A volcanic island of rugged peaks, lush forest and white sand beaches, it is an excellent place to not only enjoy a bit of all out relaxation, but to explore a wealth of unique ancient traditions.
Nagasaki is best known for the events of the 9th of August 1945 but there is so much more to it. Backed by rolling hills and forested islands, with unspoilt beaches, European-style architecture, and ancient roots, it is a delight to explore.
Today's port of call is the sunny city of Kagoshima, nestled at the foot of Sakurajima Volcano. While the city itself has historic castles and traditional gardens to explore, there are also volcanic hot springs to soak in and delicious local food to try.
Relax onboard your way – sitting by the pool, enjoying the bars and restaurants, or taking part in a sport or activity.
Arrive at Hiroshima. Best known as the first city in the world to feel the power of the atomic bomb in 1945, Hiroshima has emerged for the ashes as a cosmopolitan and peaceful place. Consider visiting the tranquil Peace Memorial Park to learn about and reflect on the past.
Port at Kochi. A surfer hang out with a UNESCO Global Geopark coastline, plentiful outdoor activities and bags of rustic charm, Kochi is a wonderful place to while away a day.
Arrive in Osaka, the closest port to the timeless city of Kyoto. Spend the day exploring ancient architecture, soaking up a rich, age-old culture or sampling culinary delights.
Spend a second day at port in Osaka, continuing your explorations, perhaps with a visit to Osaka Castle or simply make the most of the excellent range of facilities onboard your cruise ship.
Make the most of your cruise ship facilities today – you could relax by the pool, try out the restaurants and bars, and enjoy the range of activities and shows.
Port at Shimizu, a city of medieval castle ruins, ancient pine groves and traditional gardens. Here, you are ideally located for viewing Mount Fuji (weather dependent) or exploring the series of fascinating cultural sights around its base.
Bid farewell to the Celebrity Millenium and transfer to your Tokyo hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Embark on a full day exploration of Tokyo, start at vibrant Sensoji, the city's oldest temple before taking a stroll down Nakamise Shopping Street to browse the souvenirs and locals snack foods. Then, ascend the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over the city. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass and dine on your creations for lunch. Later, wander through the Imperial Palace then explore Meiji Jingu Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Experience Shibuya crossing before dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
Travel to Lake Ashi for a picturesque cruise, before soaring high on the Komagatake Ropeway to a spectacular viewpoint with views of Mount Fuji (weather dependent). Then visit Oishi Park on Lake Kawaguchi for more beautiful Fuji views. Next, travel on to your traditional ryokan accommodation in Nagano, where you can enjoy the onsen facilities and a traditional Kaiseki dinner this evening.
Transfer to Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to the famous hot spring bathing Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys. After a walk through a forest, you'll come across the monkey's pool where you can watch them relax and play. Next, visit the 7th-century Zenkoji before boarding a bullet train to Kyoto, a city that is the very essence of ancient Japan.
Soak up Kyoto's rich history with a wander through the beautiful Kiyomizu temple complex, from where you'll get beautiful views over the city. Lunch will be a traditional sukiyaki (hotpot) before an exploration of brewing techniques and the cultural significance of sake plus a tasting. Then, climb the forested slopes of Fushimi Inari Shrine, passing through the many vermilion red torii gates.
Spend another day discovering the treasures of the timeless city of Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital. You'll begin at the enchanting Kinkaku-ji, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion', before contemplating the famous Zen Garden at Ryoanj-ji, the 'temple of the peaceful dragon'. In the afternoon, wander through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and admire the old Togetsukyo Bridge. This evening, enjoy dinner with a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) Performance.
This morning is free at leisure before transferring to Osaka Kansai airport for your return flight home, arriving home the same or the following day.
The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are bursting into life and autumn (September to November) when the scenery is ablaze with colour.
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected
We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and exclusive benefits including a single room throughout your tour and a cocktail on arrival at your destination. Travellers from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne also receive a complimentary Australian airport lounge pass for use prior to departure.
Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.
I always treat my tour groups like a family, making sure that everyone is happy throughout the tour. I am very passionate about Japanese history. If anyone is interested in learning about Samurai or the Meiji Restoration, you'll have to come to Japan and ask me!
A special thank you to Yoko our National Escort, whose friendly, professional and organised approach to the holiday made sure everything ran smoothly and made the trip to Japan so memorable.Mr Degville
It is great being able to explore my own country with different people who can offer a different perspective. I ensure my groups experience our culture as much as possible, because travel isn't just about the things that you see, it's also about the things you do.
Our National Escort Takako Kaneko made the holiday. She was excellent, informative, hardworking and had obviously researched information for us.Mr Mcintosh
I love sharing the culture of my country with visitors, that's why I become a tour guide! From noodles and sake to classical gardens and temples, learning about our culture is surely the best way to understand more about Japan as a whole.
Our National Escort Michiyo 'made' this holiday with her charm, knowledge, lots of interesting details and her send of humour.Mrs Brownridge
It's such a pleasure to introduce Japan to people from all over the world and explore its culture, history and traditions, as well as its unique cuisine. Along with this, I enjoy taking care of each and every member of the tour group, which is why I love being a tour guide.
Michiyo was fantastic and went out of her way to make it a memorable experience. We would absolutely use Wendy Wu Tours again.
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All of our tours offer a single room supplement, which means you’ll have a room to yourself throughout your chosen tour. Continue the check-out process for the applicable supplement.
On most tours, you can choose our 'Happy to Share' option, which may enable you to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share. 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.
If you are booking on a Dedicated Solo departure, a single room is already included in the price and there are no additional single supplements to pay.
With our flight inclusive option, we'll do the planning for you and meet you on arrival.
We include airport pickup upon arrival at your destination and drop off at the end of your tour (on the scheduled tour arrival and departure days) and when booking pre or post tour accommodation with us.
We partner with established and reputable airlines for your international flights.
We can assist with upgrading your seat to premium or business class for an additional cost.
Our team will work with you to choose your ideal routing and if we make changes to your tour itinerary that impact flights, we’ll rebook them for you.
Our On-Tour Support Team is available to provide advice about how to handle flight changes.