-
Cruises
All Cruises
Cruise Lines
From Australia
International
Don't Miss OutHot Offers
The best-selling holidays right now, at prices that won't last.
Browse Hot Offers - Curated Cruise Experiences
-
Tours
All Tours
Tour Companies
By region
Curated lists
Travel With CompanySocial Getaways
Small-group trips designed for over 60s who love good company on the road — new friends, shared adventures, no single supplements.
Browse Over-60 Getaways -
Destinations
All Destinations
Australia & Pacific
America
Antarctica & Artic
Not Sure Where to Start?Book a Call
Speak with one of our friendly travel specialists — no pressure, just honest advice to help you find the right holiday.
Browse Request a call with a travel expert - Social Getaways
- Solo Holidays
- Hot Offers
- Wishlist 0
This holiday is no longer available — but we can help you find something else.
This itinerary has been thoughtfully designed thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive. This tour is recommended for those who wish to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures of Japan. Some of the highlights include:
Mt Fuji - Ascend Japan's iconic and inspirational highest mountain.
Kyoto - Explore this authentic Japanese town known as the 'thousand year capital'.
Cross Tokyo's Famous Shibuya Crossing - Arguably the world's most famous pedestrian crossing, seen in many a film and television show, witness the organised chaos and bright lights of Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing for yourself.
Visit Kubota Itchiku's Art Museum - Admire the elaborately dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku at his eponymous art museum. Itchiku singlehandedly revived the traditional and beautiful technique of 'tsujigahana'.
Visit a Wasabi Farm - One of Japan's most famous condiments, wasabi, is an essential element in Japanese cuisine. Learn about its cultivation on a traditional farm and admire the landscapes.
Are you a Solo Traveller? This tour has dedicated solo departures, exclusively for customers who prefer to share their wonderful holiday experiences with a ready-made group of like-minded solo travellers. You’ll also enjoy these exclusive benefits on Dedicated Solo departures:
- Enjoy the comfort of your own room on tour
- Smaller group sizes - Max Group Size of 18
- FREE return Australian transfers from home to the airport within 50km radius
- FREE airport lounge pass (available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane airports only)
- Complimentary cocktail on arrival at your destination
Itinerary
- 1
Australia - Osaka, Japan
Days 1–2Fly to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure, perhaps to sample this city's famous shopping and food.
- 3
Discover Nara
Spend the morning in Nara, the small, history-filled city that was Japan's first capital. Stroll through Nara Park to Todai-ji Temple and admire the traditional Isui-en Garden. Return to Osaka and visit the impressive Osaka Castle before cruising along the Yodogawa River.
- 4
Himeji Castle
Depart Osaka for Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the magnificent 17th Century Himeji Castle and the neighbouring Koko-en, a traditional-style garden.
- 5
Explore Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a vibrant, forward-thinking city that is a pleasure to explore. Reflect on the city’s tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Next, hop on the ferry across to the holy island of Miyajima to visit the Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy some free time.
- 6
Bullet Train to Kyoto
Catch a bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for a thousand years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous Zen garden and Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as 'Golden Pavilion'.
- 7
Japanese Tea Ceremony
Enjoy one of Kyoto’s most delightful spots, Kiyomizu, a 17th Century Buddhist temple, before experiencing the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to further explore this amazing city.
- 8
Travel to Kanazawa
Depart Kyoto and travel to Kanazawa. Meander through Kenroku-en, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, before viewing the excellent art collection of the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
- 9
Washi Paper Making
Visit the Nomura Samurai House and Garden before departing Kanazawa. Stop in Gokayama for lunch and a hands-on washi paper making workshop. Continue to Shirakawago, where you will explore the 300-year-old Gassho-style Wada House, before reaching Takayama.
- 10
Explore Takayama
Browse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa morning market, wander past some of the lovely traditional houses and visit several of the excellent local museums, including the Festival Floats Museum, Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum and Takayama Jinya followed by a stroll down Kamisannomachi Street.
- 11
Travel to Nagano
Travel to Matsumoto and explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle. Visit a miso house and learn about this famous Japanese seasoning. Also spend some time at a wasabi farm to learn about its cultivation before continuing to Nagano.
- 12
Snow Monkeys
Travel deeper into the Japanese Alps to see the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe and play in their hot spring pool at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Continue to Zenkoji, one of Japan's most prolific Buddhist temples.
- 13
Mt Fuji
Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Ascend by road to the 5th station (weather permitting), roughly halfway up Mt Fuji, for fantastic views over the surrounding landscapes. Visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku.
- 14
Explore Hakone
Begin the day with a cruise on the peaceful waters of Lake Ashi. You will also enjoy a visit to the Hakone Shrine before taking a ride on the Komagatake ropeway. Later, continue to Tokyo.
- 15
Discover Tokyo
A dazzling, high-tech metropolis, Japan's capital has wonderfully traditional roots. Start your explorations at the Imperial Palace East Garden, visit Meiji Shrine and walk the famous Shibuya Crossing.
- 16
More Tokyo
Stroll the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambience of Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Ascend to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is free until the evening, when you will board a traditional yakata boat for a dinner cruise.
- 17
Fly Tokyo to Australia
Days 17–18Time to say farewell to new friends. Flying home to Australia, arriving home the same or the following day.
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 tour passengers). If you are on a shared coach transfer, you may have to walk for a few minutes to get to the coach.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Your holiday includes:
- Return international economy flights (prices may vary depending on departure city)
- Taxes and current fuel surcharges (unless a land only option is selected)
- 15 nights in 3-4 star accommodation
- 15 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 15 Dinners
- All sightseeing and entrance fees
- All transportation and transfers
- English speaking National Escort
- Touring with expert local guides
- Max Group Size of 28
Not Included:
- Drinks
- Optional excursions or shows
- Insurance
Accommodation
Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities.
Please note: double bed requests can be made at time of booking but cannot be guaranteed. Hotels are generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note that there is no international classification system for hotels and differences in facilities and quality do exist between Australia and Japan.
Please note that in Japan hotel rooms and bathrooms are renowned for being small. Standard single rooms are usually smaller than a standard double or twin room, contain one small double bed (or one single bed), and are designed for one person to use. All group tour hotels have private western bathroom facilities, air-conditioning, TV and a telephone. Hotels in Japan often do not have porters and you will be required to carry your own luggage. If you experience any difficulty, please speak to your National Escort/Local Guide.
Common questions about this voyage
How fit do I need to be to join this tour?
Luggage
Do I need to tip on tour?
Visas:
Book this package
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
Terms & conditions
Read the operator’s full booking conditions
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply
Additional Price Information
- Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 17 November 2022, subject to change.
- 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.
- Tipping is generally not part of the culture in Japan; however, you may wish to tip your National Escort at your discretion.
- Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth
- Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available upon request
- Price listed is based on new bookings only
- Offer not combinable with any other offer or discount excluding loyalty discount, subject to availability at time of booking on selected 2023 tour departures.
Please note: cherry blossoms are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to correct any errors in rates quoted or calculated, or any omissions made at any time during your booking. Any verbal quote given is an indication only of the final price and is subject to confirmation in writing.