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Jewels of Japan
Operated by Wendy Wu
Tripcode: CEJ_AU
Overview
Destination:
Japan,
Start:Tokyo, Japan
Finish:Osaka, Japan
Finish:Osaka, Japan
Duration:12 days
Type:Group tour (max 28)
Travel Period
March 2025 - November 2026
RACV Travel Expo Offer: Save up to $2,100*pp OR Reduced Solo Supplement^Immerse yourself in the unique and fascinating culture of Japan. Encompassing the essentials with futuristic cities, imperial heritage and magnificent nature, this tour incorporates a number of experiences that give your holiday a truly authentic edge.
Price notes:
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Tipping is generally not part of the culture in Japan; however, you may wish to tip your National Escort at your discretion.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request
- Please note: cherry blossoms & autumn leaves are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
Standard inclusions
- Domestic transportation
- Accommodation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- All Meals
Itinerary
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Collapse allDAYS 1-2: Fly To Tokyo
Fly overnight to Tokyo, Japan’s capital, for a three-night stay. Tokyo was once known as Edo and was a small fishing town. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to soak up the local culture.
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. Begin today with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and then take time to explore the Tokyo National Museum to learn about Tokyo's historical heritage. After lunch, seek out the tranquillity at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa district, followed by a visit to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree for panoramic views over the sprawling city below.
DAY 4: Meiji Shrine
Take a relaxed morning wander around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Garden. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, the Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken before passing the famous Shibuya Crossing. The afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. This evening, take a relaxed dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.
Day 5: Fuji Five Lakes
Journey 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 your hotel and check in.
Day 6: Fuji Five Lakes - Kyoto
Visit 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.
Day 7: 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. After lunch, visit a traditional teahouse where you will be joined by a Tea Master, followed by a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine. With its thousands of vermillion torii gates, the Shrine stretches up Mount Inari (233m high). You will walk up part of the mountain and the incline allows a steady-paced walk.
Day 8: Kyoto - Osaka - 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 Pavillion due to its golden exterior. 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..
DAY 9: Hiroshima
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.
DAY 10: Himeji Castle
Travel 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. Transfer approximately 2 hours to Osaka for your overnight stay.
DAYS 11-12: Fly Osaka To Australia
This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to Osaka airport for your return flight home.
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Wendy Wu
Wendy Wu Tours is Australia's leading touring specialist, offering extraordinary tours throughout Asia, Latin America, Eurasia, the Middle East – and most recently, Australasia. Since Wendy sent her very first tour to China in 1994, we've grown from strength to strength and are proud of the multiple awards we've won throughout the years and the unique travel experiences we offer to an expanding range of destinations.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
^ RACV Travel Expo offer Save up to $2,200*pp OR Reduced Solo Supplement: Terms & Conditions
Save up to $4,200 per couple ($2100 pr peson) OR solo travellers enjoy FREE or half-price single supplement on select departures to Japan, China, Southeast Asia, India, South Korea, Latin America and more.
Offer is valid from 22 February 2025 - 28 February 2025 on a selected range of departures to China, Central Asia, Europe, India, Japan, Latin America, Middle East, South Africa, Southeast Asia, South Korea, Sri Lanka & Taiwan. Tours are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Applicable to new bookings only. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to release specials which are applicable to new bookings only. Bookings are non-transferable. Offer not combinable with any other offer. Related to Flight inclusive option only: Indicated rates are based on lead in economy airfares, airfare supplements may apply. Departures booked more than 11 months in advance may be subject to air supplements when airline fares are published.
A non-refundable deposit of $300pp is to arrive via your travel agent within three days of receiving confirmation that space has been held for you. An early flight payment may be required at time of booking to issue tickets depending on airline. River Cruises (Vietnam and Red River Uncovered, Beyond Brahmaputra & India and the Sacred Ganges: A non-refundable & non refundable deposit of $1500pp is required.Final Balance due day which is 75 days prior to departure (charges may apply if airline tickets already issued). For cancellations made within 75 days, please refer to our standard cancellation policy within our terms and conditions for further information. A valid passport copy must be provided at time of booking to ensure passenger names match with passports. Any spelling corrections made after a deposit is paid must be sent in writing and will incur additional fees, including any ticket reissue fees. Mobile phone number, email address and postcode of residence are mandatory at time of ticketing as required by the Australian Government.
Further restrictions may apply, for full details, please check with your RACV Travel Expert at time of booking.
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Price from
$10,180
$9,671
*
Member price from
$9,671*
per person
11 nights
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