Day 1 - 2: Fly to Tokyo
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 reservation’s 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. (D)
Day 3: Discover 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. Begin with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden (you will not enter the palace itself) before exploring the Tokyo National Museum.
After lunch, head to the Asakusa district, stopping at the atmospheric Sensoji Temple and wandering down Nakamise
shopping street, followed by a visit to the observation deck of the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over the city. You will be on your feet for 4-5 hours during your touring in Tokyo. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Meiji Shrine
Spend a relaxed morning wandering around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Gardens and exploring the Shinto Meiji Shrine, located in a green forest within the city. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel, driving by the Shibuya “Scramble” Crossing on the way. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore independently or relax in the hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Mount Fuji & Five Lakes
Journey two 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. 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. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Bullet Train to Kyoto
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. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Explore Kyoto
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. Next, visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermillion torii gates. You will walk up part of the mountain and the incline allows a steady-paced walk around 15 minutes with flat road and steps to reach tori gates. Due to the limited space of Fushimi Inari Shrine coach parking, you may need to walk from coach parking for 15 minutes. Tonight, there will be a Christmas Eve dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Journey to Hiroshima
Begin the day with a visit to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous zen garden, and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion due to its golden exterior. You will need to remove your shoes at both temples. You will be on your feet for approximately 2-3 hours today. Continue around 1 hour by coach to Osaka to have lunch in the vibrant Dotonbori district. Transfer to the train station and take the bullet train to Hiroshima, a journey of 1 hour 40 minutes. A modern and prosperous city, Hiroshima will be forever remembered as the world’s first atomic bomb target. Tonight, enjoy a special Christmas Day dinner onboard a cruise in Hiroshima Harbour. You will need to pack a smaller overnight bag for tonight as your main luggage will be transferred separately this morning to your Osaka hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Hiroshima and Miyajima
Hop on the ferry to Miyajima Island, where sightseeing will be at a leisurely pace on foot. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and explore the traditional market town at leisure. Return by ferry and then coach to Hiroshima and have lunch. Later, visit 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. Also visit the Orizuru Tower. You will be on your feet for approximately 4-5 hours today. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Himeji Castle
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 Koko-en Garden. 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 walking along some of the wooden floors and there are
some steep wooden steps to reach certain areas. You will be on your feet for 3-3.5 hours during the visit. After the reopening in
March 2015, Himeji Castle has welcomed a large number of visitors. As such, they now issue numbered tickets to enter the
Main Keep in order to limit the number of people who can enter, reducing congestion, waiting time and to protect the cultural properties. Please note this means that there may be cases where some visitors are not allowed to enter the Main Keep, however, there are many other parts of the castle to explore. Later, transfer approximately 2 hours to Osaka for your overnight stay and enjoy a pre-New Year’s dinner at the hotel to end your holiday in Japan!
Please note: There will be a substantial amount of walking today, including a large number of steps. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - 12: Meiji Shrine
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 Christmas 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.
