• Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges (unless a land only option is selected)
• All accommodation
• All meals
• All sightseeing and entrance fees
• All transportation and transfers
• English speaking National Escorts (if your group is 10 or more passengers) or Local Guides

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Tokyo (D)

Fly overnight to Tokyo, the capital of Japan. On arrival, you will be met by an English-speaking representative and transfer approximately 1 and a half 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

Day 3: Discover Tokyo (B, L, D)

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. Pass by the Imperial Palace en route to the Tokyo National Museum. (Please note: The Tokyo National Museum is closed on most Mondays. If your group’s visit falls on a Monday, you will visit the Museum when it reopens on Tuesday). Next, head to the old district of Asakusa and soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple, before browsing the stalls on Nakamise Shopping Street. Due to the limited coach parking, you may need to walk around 15 minutes on flat but busy road to reach the temple area. Later, head to the Tokyo Skytree and ascend to the observation deck for panoramic views over the city. You will be on your feet for 4-5 hours during your touring in Tokyo.

Day 4: Meiji Shrine (B, L, D)

Spend This morning, explore the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Gardens, then drive to the Shibuya district to visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine, located in a peaceful green forest within the city. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel, driving by the Shibuya Scramble Crossing en route! Return to your hotel, where your guide will let you know what time to meet for this evening’s dinner cruise. In the meantime, you are at leisure to explore independently or relax in the hotel. Transfer from the hotel to your boat and take a leisurely dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay for some excellent city vistas. Please note that throughout your time in Japan, some temples, restaurants and other venues, including the dinner cruise, may require you to remove your shoes before entering. Bare feet are not considered respectful. Therefore, it is recommended that you carry spare socks in your day bag during your trip. You will need to get on and off your boat this evening without assistance

Day 5: Mount Fuji & Five Lakes (B, L, D)

Please note that the opening times of certain sites around Mount Fuji can vary dramatically, and some flexibility may be required. For example, some sites are weather-dependent, while other sites may change their opening hours regularly, sometimes with no notice. You may find that your excursions for today and tomorrow will be swapped over to accommodate this. Please listen to your guide for the latest information. Journey 2 hours through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to its base, where you will find the Fuji Five Lakes. 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 group will visit Fujisan World Heritage Centre instead. After lunch, visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations before exploring the Iyashi no Sato historical village, located on the western shores of Lake Saiko, famous for its thatched-roofed houses. Transfer around 1 hour to Mishima and check into your hotel and make use of the onsen facilities.

Day 6: Bullet Train to Kyoto (B, L, D)

Transfer around 45 minutes to Oshino Hakkai, a scenic area of ponds full of crystal-clear spring water created by Fuji’s melting snow. Stroll around the area before trying your hand at making traditional Japanese soba noodles, which you will then tuck into for lunch. Drive around 2 hours to Mishima Station to board a 2-hour 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. Check in to your hotel and have dinner at a local restaurant. Please note that your luggage will be transferred separately to your hotel in Kyoto and arrive later the same day. For May departures only: Instead of visiting the Iyashi no Sato historical village, a visit to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival has been included. This is the best time of the year and one of the most scenic places in Japan to see the pink moss phlox in full bloom. Please note that the flowers’ bloom is weather dependant.

Day 7: Explore Kyoto (B, L, D)

Enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto, starting with a visit to the spectacular Kiyomizu Temple. You will spend 1.5 hours on foot exploring the temple. Next, immerse yourself in the culture, learning the traditional Japanese handicraft of origami and enjoying the art of a tea ceremony. After lunch, visit a traditional teahouse where you will be joined by a Tea Master. Due to the nature of the cultural experience, you will be required to remove your shoes before entering the venue. 8 To book call 1300 727 998 or visit your local travel agent Visit wendywutours.com.au Continue to Fushimi Inari Shrine, slightly outside the city centre. Here, thousands of red torii gates frame picturesque paths that snake up the hill to the main shrine. Please note that due to limited coach parking space, you may be required to walk for 15 minutes from the coach to the beginning of the torii gates, including stone steps and a gentle hill.

Day 8: Kyoto & Hiroshima (B, L, D)

Begin the day with a visit to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous Zen garden, and Kinkakuji Temple, the ‘Golden Pavilion’, famous for its impressive gold-leaf facade. You will be on your feet for approximately 2-3 hours this morning. You will need to remove your shoes at Ryoan-ji Temple. After lunch, transfer to the train station and take the bullet train to Hiroshima, a journey of approximately two hours. A modern and prosperous city, Hiroshima will be forever remembered as the world’s first atomic bomb target. You will need to pack a smaller overnight bag for tonight as your main luggage will be transferred separately to your Hiroshima hotel for the following day.

Day 9: Hiroshima & Miyajima (B, L, D)

Hop on the ferry to Miyajima Island, where sightseeing will be at a leisurely pace on foot. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and explore the island’s charming, shop-lined streets at leisure. Return by ferry and then coach to Hiroshima for lunch. Later, visit Orizuru Tower and the famous Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Please be aware that the museum may be confronting and upsetting for some group members and it is at your discretion if you wish to visit or enjoy time at leisure exploring the Peace Memorial Park. You will be on your feet for approximately 4-5 hours today.

Day 10: Himeji Castle (B, L, D)

Travel 3.5 hours by coach to Himeji, with a rest stop along the way. On arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the beautiful Himeji Castle and neighbouring Koko-en Garden. Later, transfer approximately 2 hours to Osaka for your overnight stay. Himeji Castle is largely in its original condition, so please be mindful of your step when walking around. You will have to remove your shoes before entering, and there are steep wooden staircases between floors. You will be on your feet for 3-3.5 hours during the visit. Himeji Castle is visited by incredible numbers of visitors each year. As such, they now issue numbered tickets on arrival to enter the Main Keep in order to limit visitors, reduce congestion and protect this heritage property. Please note there may be rare cases where some visitors are not allowed to enter the Main Keep; however, there are other parts of the castle to explore. Please note: There will be a substantial amount of walking today, including a large number of steps.

Day 11-12: Depart Osaka (B)

This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to Osaka airport for your return flight home arriving home today or the following day. Please note: Only breakfast is included today. Late check-out is not included in our Jewels of 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.