Sake, Sumo & Snow Monkeys

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.

Watch an exhilarating Sumo Wrestling Tournament (on select dates)

Your Holiday Package Includes:

• Economy class flight to Tokyo, return from Osaka
• 11 night Off-Beat Japan guided tour with Wendy Wu, Tokyo to Osaka

Includes:

• 3+ star accommodation
• 11 breakfasts, 4 dinners
• Touring with guides & entrance fees
• Authentic experiences & highlights
• Domestic transportation
• Airline taxes

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 15-27 September 2025

Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities & flight upgrades available on request

Other travel dates available, surcharges may apply

Itinerary:

Day 1 / 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 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. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 4 / Discover Tokyo

Tokyo is a city that is always moving forward from the ever-changing skyline to the fashions and trends of the people who call it home. As modern as it may appear, behind the neon façade is a traditional soul that is easy to find amongst the old alleyways, temples and shrines of the Edo era. 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 Sensoji Temple - Tokyo's oldest, and stroll along Nakamise shopping street. In the afternoon, explore the Tokyo National Museum.

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 / 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.

Day 7 / Japanese Alps

Travel to Hotaka and ride up into the Japanese Alps on the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, reaching an observation platform at 2,156 metres, which gives breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains (weather permitting). Drive to Takayama where you will be staying at an onsen hotel. 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 (at your own expense).

Day 8 / Bullet Train to Kyoto

Take a Limited Express train to Nagoya, where you will change onto a Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. This afternoon, start discovering Kyoto's rich heritage with a visit to the enchanting Fushimi Inaritaisha Shrine with its pathway of torii gates before admiring the views over the city from Kiyomizudera Temple. Stroll around the old neighbourhoods of Higashiyama and Gion, the geisha district, with a stop at Gion Corner.

Day 9 / Japanese Tea Ceremony

Start today by visiting Kinkakuji Temple, known as the 'Golden Pavilion', and Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden. Continue to the Arashiyama district where you will have some free time to explore the Bamboo Forest as well as enjoying a rickshaw ride. Later, witness the rituals involved in the preparation and pouring of matcha tea in a traditional tea ceremony.

Day 10 / Kyoto Culture & Koyasan

Spend the morning discovering the craft of kimono creation at Nishijin Textile Centre, before learning the paper-folding art of origami and the complicated process of dressing in a traditional kimono. This afternoon, travel by road to Koyasan, where you will spend the night in a 13thcentury temple in a traditional tatami room.

Day 11 / Morning Prayers

Rise early to join the monks for their morning service – hearing the recitation and chanting is a magical experience. After breakfast, take a walking tour of Koyasan. Visit Kongobu-ji and Okunoin 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 of this potent rice wine and enjoy some tasters. Return to Osaka and experience the bright and brash Dotonbori district. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 13 / Fly Osaka to Australia

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

Day 14 / Fly Osaka to Australia

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

Terms and conditions apply. Prices are per person twin share in AUD based on [Departure Date] departure. Trip prices and dates are correct as of 25-07-2024 but subject to change and will be confirmed at the time of booking. Prices are tour only and do not include international flights, but can be added, please speak to your travel consultant for further details.

https://www.wendywutours.com.au/help-and-advice/booking-conditions/