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Stay · Wendy Wu Tours · 11 nights

Off-Beat Japan

  • Trek at the foot of mighty Mount Fuji.
  • Meet the famous Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka.
  • Stay in a traditional ryokan and Buddhist lodge.
From
$11,790 pp twin share
11 nights · Was $12,980pp
Enquire
Departs 14 September 2026 Returns 28 October 2028
Duration11 nights
OperatorWendy Wu Tours
StyleStay
HighlightDiscover the highlights of Japan on this 14-day adventure
Immerse yourself in Japan's wacky wonders on this culturally rich journey. Trek at the foot of Mount Fuji, meet the Snow Monkeys, and explore sacred Koyasan

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.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
14 September 2026
Returns 28 October 2028
Returns
28 October 2028
Duration
11 nights
From pp twin share
$11,790 pp
Was $12,980 pp
  • 14 Sep 2026 - 26 Sep 2026
    from $11,990 pp twin share *
  • 12 Oct 2026 - 24 Oct 2026
    from $12,990 pp twin share *
  • 19 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
    from $12,990 pp twin share *
  • 26 Oct 2026 - 07 Nov 2026
    from $12,990 pp twin share *
  • 02 Nov 2026 - 14 Nov 2026
    from $11,990 pp twin share *
  • 22 Mar 2027 - 03 Apr 2027
    from $13,190 pp twin share *
  • 29 Mar 2027 - 10 Apr 2027
    from $13,190 pp twin share *
  • 05 Apr 2027 - 17 Apr 2027
    from $13,190 pp twin share *
  • 10 May 2027 - 22 May 2027
    from $11,790 pp twin share *
  • 17 May 2027 - 29 May 2027
    from $11,790 pp twin share *
  • 20 Sep 2027 - 02 Oct 2027
    from $13,190 pp twin share *
  • 11 Oct 2027 - 23 Oct 2027
    from $13,190 pp twin share *
  • 18 Oct 2027 - 30 Oct 2027
    from $13,190 pp twin share *
  • 25 Oct 2027 - 06 Nov 2027
    from $13,190 pp twin share *
  • 01 Nov 2027 - 13 Nov 2027
    from $13,190 pp twin share *
  • 20 Mar 2028 - 01 Apr 2028
    from $13,490 pp twin share *
  • 27 Mar 2028 - 08 Apr 2028
    from $13,490 pp twin share *
  • 03 Apr 2028 - 15 Apr 2028
    from $13,490 pp twin share *
  • 17 Apr 2028 - 29 Apr 2028
    from $13,490 pp twin share *
  • 08 May 2028 - 20 May 2028
    from $12,790 pp twin share *
  • 15 May 2028 - 27 May 2028
    from $12,790 pp twin share *
  • 11 Sep 2028 - 23 Sep 2028
    from $13,490 pp twin share *
  • 18 Sep 2028 - 30 Sep 2028
    from $13,490 pp twin share *
  • 02 Oct 2028 - 14 Oct 2028
    from $13,490 pp twin share *
  • 09 Oct 2028 - 21 Oct 2028
    from $13,490 pp twin share *
  • 16 Oct 2028 - 28 Oct 2028
    from $13,490 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Fly overnight to Tokyo

    Days 1–2
    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 before this evenings welcome dinner.
  2. 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.
  3. 4

    Discover Tokyo

    Sightseeing today begins with 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. Continue with a visit to the Imperial Palace East Garden. In the afternoon, explore the Tokyo National Museum to view its collections of sculpture, ceramics, kimonos and woodblock art.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 13

    Fly Osaka to Australia

    Days 13–14
    Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Take a Taiko drumming class.
  • Walk around Mount Fuji’s base.
  • Stay at a traditional ryokan.
  • Explore sacred Koyasan.
  • Chant with Buddhist monks.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

  • Sunshine City Prince Hotel
  • Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa
  • Hotel Ryu Resort & Spa
  • Rihga Gran Kyoto
  • Hotel Monterey Osaka
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 14 days and 11 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 14 Sep 2026 and 28 Oct 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Ready to lock in?

Book this stay

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 stay
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