A Week In Japan

TOKYO – MISHIMA – MT FUJI – KYOTO – NARA – OSAKA

Take a week to explore the top highlights of this futuristic and eccentric country. Start in Tokyo, then travel to Hakone and the iconic Mount Fuji, and explore Kyoto’s traditional streets and temples. Finish in vibrant Osaka. If you’re hungry to see Japan but don’t have much time, this tour is perfect for you!

● Discover Tokyo's temples and vibrant city streets
● Admire breathtaking Mount Fuji
● Experience the speedy bullet train
● Explore Japan's history in Kyoto
● Meet Nara's friendly deer

Itinerary A Week in Japan

Day 1-2 Tokyo

Fly overnight to Tokyo, the capital of Japan. On arrival, you will be met by an English-speaking representative and transfer approximately 1.5 hours to your hotel. Please note: Early check in is not included. If your flight arrives in the morning and you wish to arrange this, please speak to your reservations consultant. You will be transferred by shared coach with other passengers who are not part of a Wendy Wu Tour. If you are on a shared bus transfer, you may have to walk for a few minutes to get to your hotel. Transfers will differ depending on group size.

Destination Information

Tokyo – One of the world’s most cutting-edge capital cities, Tokyo is a city of contrasts, famous for its neon-lit landscape, towering skyscrapers, peaceful shrines and lovingly tended gardens. Although long the political and cultural centre of Japan, Tokyo became the official capital when the Meiji Emperor moved it to Tokyo in 1867.

Day 3 Explore Tokyo

Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you’ll find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore; today take a tour by coach of this fascinating city. Head to the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over the city before taking a wander through the district of Asakusa for an opportunity to pick up some souvenirs on Nakamise Shopping street and visit Sensoji Temple. Drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza and then stroll through tranquil Hamarikyu Gardens. You will be on your feet for 4-5 hours during your touring in Tokyo. Return to your hotel where your guide will let you know what time to meet for this evening’s dinner cruise. Transfer from the hotel to your boat and take a leisurely 1-hour Japanese dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay for some excellent city vistas. You will need to get on and off your boat this evening without assistance.

Destination Information

Tokyo Skytree – The tallest structure in Japan and the tallest tower in the world, Tokyo Skytree is predominantly a television and radio broadcast tower and is earthquake resistant.

Sensoji Temple – Sensoji Temple is an ancient Buddhist Temple and the oldest in Tokyo. The temple was originally founded in the 7th century. The temple adorns an image of the Buddhist Goddess Kannon, who was said to have been rescued by two fishermen from the Sumida River in Tokyo.

Imperial Palace Plaza – The Imperial Palace Plaza is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. Built on the original site of Edo Castle, the Plaza is made up of a palace, museum and large park.

Hamarikyu Gardens – Hamarikyu Gardens are a beautiful example of Japanese garden style and sits at the mouth of the Sumida River.

Day 4 Mount Fuji

Journey 2 hours through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to the mountain’s base. The region is spectacular with the calm waters of the five lakes, formed by past volcanic eruptions, reflecting Fuji’s picture-perfect cone. Head up Fuji’s 5th Station for spectacular mountain vistas, please note it is only possible to reach the 5th station if weather permits. If the 5th Station is closed, the Fuji San World Heritage Centre (formerly Fuji Visitor Centre) will be visited instead. Continue to tranquil Lake Ashi. Take a cruise across the lake before taking the Komagatake cable car for spectacular views of Mount Fuji and the lake below. Transfer to Mishima where you will stay overnight.

Please note: You will need to pack a small overnight bag for tonight as your main luggage will be transferred this morning directly to your hotel in Kyoto. Destination Information

Mount Fuji – At 3,776m, Mount Fuji is the highest of Japan's mountains and an iconic symbol of the country. Mount Fuji is notoriously shy and is often enveloped by clouds.

Fuji Five Lakes – Situated at the northern base of Mount Fuji, the five lakes were formed by lava flows which damned up rivers hundreds of years ago during Mount Fuji's multiple eruptions.

Day 5 Bullet Train to Kyoto

This morning, transfer to Odawara Station, a journey of approximately 1 hour, to board your 2-hour Hikari bullet train to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for a thousand years; today, it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermillion torii gates. Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Destination Information

Kyoto – Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan for approximately 1,000 years until 1867 when it was moved to Tokyo. Many national treasures can be found in Kyoto and in nearby Nara, including old shrines and temples, screen paintings, beautiful gardens, and statues of Buddha.

Fushimi Inari Shrine (Taisha) – An important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto, Fushimi Inari is most famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates which form a network of tunnels around the main shrine buildings. The shrine itself is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. There are many fox statues in the grounds of the shrine as foxes are thought to be Inari’s messengers.

Day 6 Uncover Kyoto

Today involves a full day of sightseeing, with a lot of time spent on foot at busy temples and in public areas. Begin your explorations of Kyoto with a visit to the Ryoanji Temple before heading to the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion due to its gold-plated exterior. After lunch at a local restaurant, learn the traditional Japanese handicraft of calligraphy and enjoy the art of a tea ceremony accompanied by a Tea Master. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant within walking distance of your hotel.

Destination Information

Ryoanji Temple – Ryoanji Temple is a Zen temple renowned for its garden, which features a dry, sand landscape with large rocks and smooth pebbles.

Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) – Kinkakuji Temple is a Buddhist temple and an excellent example of Japanese garden design. The structure is a brilliant golden hue colour and is very minimalistic.

Day 7 Discover Nara & Osaka

Transfer by coach to Japan’s former imperial capital Nara, a journey of approximately 1 hour. Visit Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure and home to Japan’s largest Buddha. Also visit Isui-en Gardens, known for its natural ponds – sightseeing here will be about 3 hours on foot. Continue to Osaka by coach, approximately an hour’s drive. On arrival, enjoy lunch in the vibrant Dotonbori District, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample delicious local delicacies. This afternoon, visit Osaka Castle before enjoying your final dinner in Japan.

Destination Information

Nara – Home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nara is a rewarding destination and a great spot for Japanese culture.

Todaiji Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Todaiji Temple is one the Seven Great Temples of Japan and is home to the world’s largest bronze statue, Daibutsu.

Osaka – Osaka is Japan’s third largest city. What Osaka lacks in sightseeing locations, it makes up for with its flamboyance, fun loving people and amazing food.

Osaka Castle – Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most famous castles known for sweeping views of the city from its hilltop perch. Construction began in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who intended that the castle become the centre of a new, unified Japan under his rule

Day 8 Depart Osaka

This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to Osaka airport for your return flight home.

Please note: Only breakfast is included today. Late check-out is not included in our A Week in Japan tour. If you wish to book a late check-out for your final day in Osaka, please contact our reservations department who can confirm the additional price and make this arrangement for you, subject to availability at the hotel.

Transfers: In the event that your flight departs outside of the majority group departure time, you will be transferred to the airport by a shared coach (not with other Wendy Wu Tours passengers). If you are on a shared coach transfer, you may have to walk for a few minutes to get to the coach.

PLEASE INFORM OUR RESERVATIONS TEAM OF ANY ALLERGIES AND/OR SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS AT TIME OF BOOKING.

A Week in Japan Tour Inclusions
- All accommodation
-  All meals (From dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day)
- All sightseeing and entrance fees
- All transportation and transfers
- English speaking National Escort
- Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
- Comprehensive travel guides
- Safe and secure with ABTA, ATOL and IATA

Extras: Please ask our sales team to price the International Flights

Single Room supplement