Trails of Japan

Physical Rating - Active

Group Tour

fully inclusive

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.

Tour Highlights

SHINJUKU

SUMO WRESTLING

MT FUJI

YUDANAKA

SHINJUKU

Experience the wacky Robot Restaurant in this buzzing ward of Tokyo

SUMO WRESTLING

Watch a exhilarating Sumo Wrestling Tournament (on selected dates)

MT FUJI

Hike around the base of Japan's stunning highest mountain

YUDANAKA

Meet the adorable Snow Monkeys in their natural habitat

What's Included

14 Day Trails of Japan Tour Itinerary

Our Trails of Japan itinerary has been intricately designed for those who wish to see iconic sites and magnificent treasures. You'll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of, with international flights, accommodation and all the touring listed below. You will be accompanied by our industry-leading National Escorts whose unparalleled knowledge and talent will turn your tour into an unforgettable experience.

DAYS 1-2: FLY TO 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: DISCOVER TOKYO

Explore the two sides of Tokyo, the modern and the traditional. The city tour begins at the Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest broadcasting tower at 634 metres. Close by is Asakusa, at the heart of which is Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and the vibrant Nakamise shopping street. This afternoon stop at the famous Shibuya crossing, the tranquil Meiji Shrine and the vibrant district of Harajuku. Finally, it’s time for a unique Tokyo experience – the Robot Restaurant. Experience what can only be described as a sci-fi cabaret! Dinner is at your own expense. (B)

DAY 4: JAPANESE DRUMMING

This morning, try your hand at traditional Japanese drumming with a Taiko class. Learn the fundamental techniques of beating the ‘wadaiko’ with ‘bachi’. Next, head to Akihabara, known as Tokyo’s electronics district. Wander the neon-bill-boarded streets and visit a Maid Café, one of Tokyo’s most popular types of themed establishments. Lunch is at your own expense. In the afternoon, explore Tokyo’s past at the Edo Tokyo Museum. (B)

Day 5: Mt. Fuji

The perfectly symmetrical cone of mighty Mt Fuji is the iconic image of Japan. This morning journey out of Tokyo into some of Japan’s picturesque rural landscapes. Pick up a hiking trail and walk through alpine forest, across meadows and around lakes at Fuji’s base, pausing often to gaze on the peak towering above you. (B,D)

DAY 6: SNOW MONKEYS

Travel to Matsumoto and explore the Matsumoto Castle.Continue to Nagano stopping in Yudanaka to visit the Japanese Macaques, or Snow Monkeys, at the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Monkey Park). These creatures make use of the area’s natural hot springs, bathing and playing in and around the water. (B)

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). (B,D)

DAY 8: SPIRITUAL 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. (B)

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. (B)

DAY 10: KYOTO CULTURE AND 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. (B,D)

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. (B)

DAY 12: HIMEJ & 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. (B,D)

DAYS 13-14: FLY OSAKA TO AUSTRALIA

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day. (B)

Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. Our tour prices are from prices based on per person, twin share and are subject to the availability of specific economy class fare levels. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal.

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Additional Price Information

Above prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Subject to change.

Tipping is generally not part of the culture in Japan, however if you feel you have received excellent service, please feel free to tip your National Escort at your discretion.

Standard itinerary departs SYD, MEL, BNE, ADL & PER. Other cities available, contact us for details

Depending on airline schedules, extra nights pre or post tour accommodation or stopovers may be required at additional cost.

Single Supplement from $2,035

CHERRY BLOSSOM DATES: 19, 22, 26, 29 Mar and 22, 28 Mar & 6 Apr 2019

Useful Information

Accommodation

Wendy Wu Tours inspects all hotels to ensure they meet the high levels of service, which we require for our guests. We pick the right hotel for the specific destination, meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family-run guesthouse in a smaller town. Hotels are also chosen for ease of navigation around tourist sights. View Hotels Here.

Food

We aim to cater to the tastes of the majority of people and so the food is not too spicy or too unusual. Breakfast at your hotel includes local and western dishes. In remote areas, we suggest embracing local specialities. Bento boxes are a common lunch option. A traditional bento contains rice, seafood or meat, with pickled or cooked vegetables. Drinks such as beer, soft drinks or bottled water are at your own expense locally.

Shopping

Shopping is a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure. In keeping with most people’s interests while on holiday, your tour includes a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. Included are visits to establishments that provide locally produced goods, unique to your destination. Witness the creation of these products, and see first-hand how their production supports the local economy. As most travellers like to take home souvenirs, we ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity.

Tipping

Local tipping is customary in Asia. We can handle the tipping so you don’t have to. We have a simple tipping system on our Group Tours where passengers contribute to a kitty, paid to the National Escort, who then distributes it. This avoids the need for you to consider individual tipping situations daily throughout your trip. We can suggest appropriate amounts for Private Tours and Tailor-Made Holidays

Communication

While travelling overseas, the Wendy Wu Tours contact number during business hours is +61 2 9224 8888. Emergency Assistance (24-hours) is 0044 1888 288 288. You will find mobile phone coverage to be quite high throughout Asia. We recommend contacting your mobile carrier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated call and data costs before you leave Australia. Some hotels may have Wi-Fi, which usually comes at a cost.

Visas

Australian passport holders do not require a visa to travel to Japan. Other passport holders should arrange visas well in advance of departure, if required.