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Off-Beat Japan
Operated by Wendy Wu
Tripcode: CTJ_AU
Overview
Destination:
Japan,
Duration:14 days
Type:Group tour (max 18)
Travel Period
October 2026 - May 2028
Prepare to immerse yourself in the wacky and wonderful in this fascinating land. Get off the beaten track on our most culturally immersive Japan holiday and trek at the foot of Fuji, meet the Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka, take a rickshaw ride through a bamboo forest. You'll see all the classic highlights too in Tokyo and Kyoto. This tour includes a one night stay in a traditional ryokan as well as a one night stay in a Buddhist lodge with simple shared facilities.
Tour highlights:
- Tokyo Past and Present, Experience the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, from big-city lights to the old soul of the Edo era
- Snow Monkey Spotting, Meet the adorable Snow Monkeys in their natural habitat
- Sumo Wrestling, Watch a exhilarating Sumo Wrestling Tournament (on selected dates)
- Mt Fuji, Hike around the base of Japan's iconic mountain
Tour experiences:
- Morning Prayers with Monks, Enjoy the peace and serenity inspired by the sacred chanting of Buddhist monks as you join them for their morning prayers in a beautiful 13th-century temple.
- Try Taiko Drumming, Have a go at traditional drumming with a Taiko drumming class, taking part in an energetic and age-old ensemble performance on big, floor tom drums.
- Spend the Night in a Ryokan, Spend the night in a ryokan, a centuries-old style of guesthouse that offers the ultimate Japanese experience! Sleep on futons and tatami mats, dine on traditional food and bathe in the relaxing warm waters of an onsen.
Places visited:
- Tokyo (3N)
- Mt Fuji (1N)
- Yudanaka
- Nagano (1N)
- Takayama (1N)
- Nagoya
- Kyoto (2N)
- Koyasan (1N)
- Himeji
- Osaka (2N)
Price notes:
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2025. 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.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Most Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Domestic transportation
- 3 – 4 star accommodation, plus ryokan and Buddhist temple lodging
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDAYS 1-2: Fly overnight to Tokyo
Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, for a three-night stay. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
DAY 3: Japanese Drumming
Begin your tour of Tokyo and immerse yourself into the local culture by spending the morning trying your hand at traditional Japanese drumming with a Taiko class, where you will learn how to beat the 'wadaiko' with 'bachi'. Later, stop by Meiji Jingu Shrine and continue to the vibrant district of Harajuku before stopping by the famous Shibuya Crossing.
DAY 4: Discover Tokyo
Sightseeing today begins with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and a visit to the observation deck of the 634m Skytree for views over the sprawling city
below. You'll also stop by Senso-ji Temple - Tokyo's oldest, and stroll along Nakamise shopping street. In the afternoon, explore the Tokyo National Museum. Housed in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo, the museum powerfully illustrates Tokyo's past (known as Edo until 1869) right up to recent decades.
DAY 5: Mount Fuji
Journey out of Tokyo to the foot of mighty Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes area. Pick up a walking trail and make your way through lush alpine forest at Fuji’s base, pausing often to admire the landscapes around you.
DAY 6: Search for Snow Monkeys
Travel to Matsumoto and explore its magnificent 16th-century castle. Continue
to Nagano, stopping in Yudanaka to watch the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at Jigokudani Monkey Park bathe and play in and around their hot spring pool. Sighting not guaranteed.
DAY 7: Japanese Alps
Travel to Hotaka and ride up into the Japanese Alps on the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway for breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains (weather permitting). Drive to Takayama where you will spend the night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with onsen facilities. Here you can relax and bathe in the natural hot spring pools and experience this most traditional pastime. This afternoon you will have time to explore Kamisannomachi Street and sample the street food on offer. This evening, enjoy dinner in your ryokan.
DAY 8: Bullet Train to Kyoto
Take a Limited Express train to Nagoya, then board a super-fast bullet train to whizz your way through the countryside to Kyoto. Start discovering the city's rich heritage with visits to the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. Stroll around Higashiyama and Gion, the geisha district, with a stop at Gion Corner, which showcases the seven professional performing arts.
DAY 9: Kyoto
Start today by visiting Arashiyama district to explore the striking bamboo forest and enjoy a rickshaw ride. Later, visit Ryoan-ji, the ‘temple of the peaceful dragon’. Continue to the famous Kinkaku-ji, also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion'; the top two levels are covered in pure gold leaf.
DAY 10: Kyoto Culture & Koyasan
Witness the rituals involved in the preparation and pouring of matcha tea in a traditional tea ceremony. Go on to try your hand at the traditional art of origami, and enjoy the opportunity to wear a kimono! This afternoon, travel by road to Koyasan for your overnight stay in a 13th-century temple - a true glimpse into the life of a Shingon Buddhist monk.
DAY 11: Morning Prayers in Koyasan
Rise early to join the monks for their daily morning service – hearing the recitation and chanting is a magical experience. After breakfast, take a walking tour of Koyasan. One of Japan's holiest sites, this mountain top sanctuary is full of temples and pagodas. Also visit Kongobu-ji Temple and Okunoin Cemetery before travelling to Osaka.
DAY 12: Himeji Castle & sake Brewery
Take a day tour to Himeji to visit the 17th-century Himeji Castle which is considered a prime example of Japanese feudal period architecture. Continue to a sake brewery, where you can learn about the brewing process and enjoy some tasters. Return to Osaka and enjoy a farewell dinner.
DAYS 13-14: Fly Osaka to Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
DAYS 13-14: Fly Osaka to Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
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
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Price from
$12,280
$11,666
*
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$11,666*
per person twin share
13 nights
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