There’s a reason why Japan is only increasing in popularity as a holiday destination. Its depth of offerings as a country ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Experience all that Japan has to offer – from culinary delicacies to serene gardens, bustling city streets and ancient temples – with the ease of an experienced guide. Not having a to plan the trip yourself means you can maximise time enjoying your holiday agenda, and with small group sizes, you can make memories with new friends yet still enjoy personal downtime.
With 26 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours offers a wide variety of group tours, private tours and tailor-made holidays. One of their most popular options is a nine-day trip around Japan, which crams an unmissable, action-packed agenda into a matter of days. Explore the historical cities of Kyoto and Nara, be awestruck by the beauty of Mt Fuji and experience the bright lights of Tokyo and Osaka. Here’s what to expect in each city.
Tokyo
Kickstart your travels in Tokyo and be immersed in the city’s wealth of culture, history and culinary gems. A guided tour means you can authentically experience the highlights the sparkling city has to offer.
Nothing is more breathtaking than the panoramic views from Japan’s tallest tower, the Tokyo Skytree. Take a moment with your group to soak up the neon-lit landscapes, peaceful shrines and gardens from above.
Peruse the traditional craft shops and street food stalls on Nakamise Shopping Street in the Asakusa district before exploring the oldest Buddhist temple in the capital, Sensō-ji. Though popular for its impressive five-storey pagoda, huge red lanterns and trails of incense, the temple is heralded for its underlying sense of peace and reflection. For further respite from the bustle of the city, there will be an intimate tour of the tranquil Hamarikyu Gardens. Situated on an island and scattered with vibrant and fragrant plum blossoms, the garden encourages visitors to truly connect with nature.
Fuji Five Lakes
The Wendy Wu tour will traverse through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to the mountain’s base, where the Fuji Five Lakes, formed hundreds of years ago during Mount Fuji’s multiple eruptions, lie. The skyscape is quite spectacular; it sees the stunning juxtaposition of calm, glistening lakes against the snow-capped volcanoes. Dotted around the lakes are a range of cafes where you can grab a local delicacy, sit back and soak up the stunning lakeside scenery. If you’re feeling a little more on the adventurous side, the Wendy Wu group can take a cruise across the nearby Lake Ashi before embarking the Komagatake Ropeway cable car for unparalleled views of Mount Fuji.
Kyoto
Travel in speed and style on the Hikari bullet train to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was Japan’s capital for a thousand years. Today, it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and majestic gardens.
Indulge in local cuisine of soba, sushi and ramen before paying a visit to one of the most interesting places in Kyoto. The Fushimi Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto goddess of rice. Lose yourself in its labyrinth of thousands of vermillion torii gates as you leisurely wander up the mountain with your Wendy Wu tour. Keep an eye out for fox statues scattered around the shrine, as foxes are thought to be Inari’s messengers.
Nara
Next stop: Nara, Japan’s former imperial capital. Home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nara is a rewarding destination and a great spot for Japanese culture. Visit Todaiji Temple, one the Seven Great Temples of Japan and home to the world’s largest bronze statue, Daibutsu.
Osaka
Last but not least is Osaka, Japan’s culinary capital. At its heart is a vibrant restaurant mecca, the Dotonbori District. Its vast offerings of Japanese beef shabu shabu, takoyaki octopus dumplings and famous crab fused with the dazzling lights and bright signage make the district a feast for the senses. It’s the perfect spot to conclude a whirlwind nine-day Wendy Wu tour before returning home!
Wendy Wu Tours has a range of group tours on sale until 4 September 2024 – including the 9-day all-inclusive Fly & Tour Japan (from $7640* per person). On these trips travellers get to explore with a group of old and new friends, all led by an expert tour guide. Visit Flight Centre in store or enquire online to book a trip.
Wendy Wu Tours are your touring experts offering authentic experiences delivered by some of the best travel guides in the world. From scaling the Great Wall of China, to heart-warming moments observing Sri Lanka’s elephants, Wendy Wu Tours makes sure you return home with amazing travel tales to tell.
