A Week in Japan

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. Transfers will differ depending on group size, but you may share a 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.

Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, hightech frontage and you’ll find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore; today take a tour by coach of this fascinatingcity. 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.

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 Hakone where you will stay overnight.

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.

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. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant within walking distance of your hotel.

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.

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.