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Rail journey · Wendy Wu Tours · 15 nights

Japan Uncovered

  • International flights, domestic transport and accommodation all included
  • Guided touring with entrance fees to temples and attractions included
  • Complimentary airport lounge access for solo travellers in major Australian cities
From
$13,490 pp twin share
Was $15,490 pp
$16,870 pp solo share
15 nights
Enquire
Departs 13 October 2026 Returns 3 December 2028
Duration15 nights
OperatorWendy Wu Tours
StyleRail journey
HighlightEighteen-day guided tour of Japan featuring iconic temples, Mount Fuji, bullet trains and cultural experiences
Walk through ten thousand torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Search for snow monkeys in forested valleys at Jigokudani. Experience traditional Japanese tea ceremony with a tea master

Our most popular Japan tour includes all the classic sights and key cultural activities. Featuring modern cities, historical sights and beautiful landscapes, Japan Uncovered ensures you get the most out of your trip to this fascinating land. Take in the magnitude of Mount Fuji, walk through the iconic torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, search for snow monkeys, enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony, ride the world-famous bullet train and so much more – all included. We also have an extensive range of departures to experience cherry blossom season, autumn leaves and sumo wrestling.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
13 October 2026
Returns 3 December 2028
Returns
3 December 2028
Duration
15 nights
From pp twin share
$13,490 pp
Was $15,490 pp
From pp solo cabin
$16,870 pp
  • 13 Oct 2026 - 29 Oct 2026
    Land only: from $13,290 pp twin share / $16,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $14,490 pp twin share / $17,870 pp sole use *
  • 14 Oct 2026 - 30 Oct 2026
    Land only: from $13,290 pp twin share / $16,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $14,490 pp twin share / $17,870 pp sole use *
  • 18 Oct 2026 - 03 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $14,290 pp twin share / $17,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $15,490 pp twin share / $18,870 pp sole use *
  • 18 Oct 2026 - 03 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $12,290 pp twin share / $15,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $13,490 pp twin share / $16,870 pp sole use *
  • 21 Oct 2026 - 06 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $14,290 pp twin share / $17,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $15,490 pp twin share / $18,870 pp sole use *
  • 23 Oct 2026 - 08 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $14,290 pp twin share / $17,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $15,490 pp twin share / $18,870 pp sole use *
  • 25 Oct 2026 - 10 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $14,290 pp twin share / $17,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $15,490 pp twin share / $18,870 pp sole use *
  • 26 Oct 2026 - 11 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $12,590 pp twin share / $15,970 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $13,790 pp twin share / $17,170 pp sole use *
  • 28 Oct 2026 - 13 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $13,290 pp twin share / $16,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $14,490 pp twin share / $17,870 pp sole use *
  • 03 Nov 2026 - 19 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $14,290 pp twin share / $17,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $15,490 pp twin share / $18,870 pp sole use *
  • 04 Nov 2026 - 20 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $13,590 pp twin share / $16,970 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $14,790 pp twin share / $18,170 pp sole use *
  • 07 Nov 2026 - 23 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $13,290 pp twin share / $16,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $14,490 pp twin share / $17,870 pp sole use *
  • 08 Nov 2026 - 24 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $13,290 pp twin share / $16,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $14,490 pp twin share / $17,870 pp sole use *
  • 10 Nov 2026 - 26 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $13,290 pp twin share / $16,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $14,490 pp twin share / $17,870 pp sole use *
  • 11 Nov 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
    Land only: from $14,290 pp twin share / $15,980 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $15,490 pp twin share / $17,180 pp sole use *
  • 06 Mar 2027 - 22 Mar 2027
    Land only: from $13,290 pp twin share / $16,870 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $14,490 pp twin share / $18,070 pp sole use *
  • 07 Mar 2027 - 23 Mar 2027
    Land only: from $14,090 pp twin share / $17,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $15,290 pp twin share / $18,870 pp sole use *
  • 09 Mar 2027 - 25 Mar 2027
    Land only: from $14,090 pp twin share / $17,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $15,290 pp twin share / $18,870 pp sole use *
  • 10 Mar 2027 - 26 Mar 2027
    Land only: from $14,490 pp twin share / $18,070 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $15,690 pp twin share / $19,270 pp sole use *
  • 11 Mar 2027 - 27 Mar 2027
    Land only: from $13,290 pp twin share / $16,870 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $14,490 pp twin share / $18,070 pp sole use *
  • 12 Mar 2027 - 28 Mar 2027
    Land only: from $14,090 pp twin share / $17,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $15,290 pp twin share / $18,870 pp sole use *
  • 13 Mar 2027 - 29 Mar 2027
    Land only: from $13,290 pp twin share / $16,870 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $14,490 pp twin share / $18,070 pp sole use *
  • 14 Mar 2027 - 30 Mar 2027
    Land only: from $13,290 pp twin share / $16,870 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $14,490 pp twin share / $18,070 pp sole use *
  • 17 Mar 2027 - 02 Apr 2027
    Land only: from $14,090 pp twin share / $17,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $15,290 pp twin share / $18,870 pp sole use *
  • 18 Mar 2027 - 03 Apr 2027
    Land only: from $13,290 pp twin share / $16,870 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $14,490 pp twin share / $18,070 pp sole use *
  • 20 Mar 2027 - 05 Apr 2027
    Land only: from $14,090 pp twin share / $17,670 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $15,290 pp twin share / $18,870 pp sole use *
  • 24 Mar 2027 - 09 Apr 2027
    Land only: from $14,590 pp twin share / $16,380 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $15,790 pp twin share / $17,580 pp sole use *
  • 25 Mar 2027 - 10 Apr 2027
    Land only: from $15,290 pp twin share / $18,870 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $16,490 pp twin share / $20,070 pp sole use *
  • 26 Mar 2027 - 11 Apr 2027
    Land only: from $14,990 pp twin share / $18,570 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $16,190 pp twin share / $19,770 pp sole use *
  • 27 Mar 2027 - 12 Apr 2027
    Land only: from $14,590 pp twin share / $18,170 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $15,790 pp twin share / $19,370 pp sole use *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice. Land only prices exclude international flights.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Fly Australia to Osaka

    Days 1–2

    Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 5

    Explore Hiroshima

    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, take the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima to see it's 'floating' torii gate, Itsukushima Shrine, and enjoy some free time.

  5. 6

    Bullet Train to Kyoto

    Start the day with a journey by bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as 'Golden Pavilion'.

  6. 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 with a tea master. After lunch, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates.

  7. 8

    Travel to Kanazawa

    Depart Kyoto and travel around 4 hours by coach to Kanazawa. After lunch in a local restaurant, wander through the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden before visiting a historic samurai house.

  8. 9

    Washi Paper Making & Shirakawa-go Village

    Drive to Gokayama, where you can enjoy a hands-on washi paper making workshop before lunch. Continue to Shirakawa-go, famous for its steep thatched roof houses. Continue to your hotel in Takayama, a beautiful, laidback town nestled in the western foothills of the Japanese Alps.

  9. 10

    Explore Takayama

    Take a morning walking tour of Takayama's old town, historically a hub for craftsmen, farmers and merchants from the surrounding mountains. Head to the Miyagawa Morning Market, where you can sample some of the delicious local fruits and vegetables (at your own expense). Later, take a leisurely stroll around the traditional streets and visit Takayama Jinya. If local opening hours permit, you will also visit the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall.

  10. 11

    Travel to Nagano

    Travel to Matsumoto and explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, famous for its dramatic, dark wood exterior. Please note that the castle has very steep wooden steps inside; if you prefer, you can wait in the grounds and enjoy the view instead. Later, visit a miso house and learn about this staple Japanese seasoning. Continue to Nagano.

  11. 12

    Search for Snow Monkeys

    Enjoy some time at leisure to explore the charming town of Obuse, known for its chestnut and apple themed snacks. Later, head to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you'll take a gentle hike through the forested valley in search of the semi-wild Japanese snow monkeys, who love to bathe and play in the forest pools. Return to Nagano.

  12. 13

    Mount Fuji

    The sacred peak of Mount Fuji has inspired artists, poets and pilgrims for centuries. Drive from Nagano to reach the Fuji region, where, weather permitting, you can enjoy dramatic views of Fuji and drive up to its 5th Station, the highest point on the mountain accessible by road. If the Station is closed due to inclement weather, you will instead visit the Fujisan World Heritage Centre. Spend the night in the wider Fuji area.

  13. 14

    Explore Hakone

    Begin the day with a cruise on the peaceful waters of Lake Ashi. Next, soar high on the Hakone Ropeway over the hilltops to the volcanic Owakudani Valley and discover the dramatic natural hot springs of Mount Hakone. Later, proceed to Tokyo.

  14. 15

    Discover Tokyo

    A dazzling, high-tech metropolis, Japan's capital has wonderfully traditional roots. Start your explorations at the Imperial Palace East Garden (opening hours permitting), then stop by the famous Shibuya Crossing before some free time to enjoy Tokyo at leisure. Please note, on select May and September departures, there is an extra special addition to day 15: a sumo tournament. Many of Japan’s most ancient traditions are preserved in the sport, and the rituals involved in its performance are as fascinating to watch as the wrestling itself.

  15. 16

    More Tokyo

    Stroll the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambience of Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, and the adjacent Nakamise Shopping Street. Ascend to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is free until this evening's farewell dinner cruise aboard a traditional yakata boat.

  16. 17

    Fly Tokyo to Australia

    Days 17–18

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

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected).
  • Domestic transportation.
  • 3 – 4 star accommodation.
  • Touring with guides and entrance fees.
  • Dedicated Solo Departures only: Complimentary airport lounge pass in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth, single room included in price,.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

  • Sheraton Miyako Hotel
  • Grand Prince Hotel
  • Rihga Gran Kyoto
  • Hotel Vista Kanazawa
  • Mercure Hida Takayama
  • Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel
  • Fujisan Mishima Tokyu
  • Sunshine City Prince Hotel
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 18 days and 15 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 13 Oct 2026 and 03 Dec 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
Ready to lock in?

Book this rail journey

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this rail journey
The fine print

Terms & conditions

Read the operator’s full booking conditions
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2026. 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.
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