Journey through Japan
Journey through Japan
Journey through Japan
14 Days Starting and ending in UK
Visiting: Sapporo, Noboribetsu, Hakodate, Hirosaki, Kakunodatemachi, Tsunagi, Hiraizumi, Matsushima Bay, Sendai, Nikko, Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1675
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Along with the must-see sites on the island of Honshu and a day trip to Nikko, this is a tour of varying landscapes as it journeys south from Hokkaido uncovering the charming cities of Sapporo, Otaru and Hakodate.
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Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Fly Overnight To Sapporo
Location: Sapporo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to the vibrant city of Sapporo, capital of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3 : Ascend Okurayama
Location: Sapporo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, ascend to the Okurayama viewing point, soaring up to the summit of the Sapporo Winter Olympics ski jump by chair lift. Continue to the pretty port town of Otaru and take some time to walk along the streets of the village and stroll along the picturesque canal. This evening visit the Sapporo Beer Museum and sample some beer on offer before heading to a local restaurant to dine on a Genghis Khan dinner – barbeque lamb, a Sapporo special!
Day 4 : Travel To Hakodate
Location: Noboribetsu, Hakodate
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Sapporo and travel to a lovely lakeside spot to visit a museum of Ainu culture, an indigenous people of the area. Continue to Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and walk through a volcanic caldera where you can see steam jets, vents and hot springs. After lunch, hop on a train to the harbour city of Hakodate, set on Hokkaido's southern tip, where you'll embark on a night tour with time to ascend the ropeway up Mount Hakodate, for magnificent views over the illuminated city.
Day 5 : Explore Hakodate Asaichi
Location: Hakodate, Hirosaki
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day wandering Hakodate's bustling asaichi (morning market), where hundreds of stores and stalls sell fresh local produce, seafood and the odd souvenir. Ascend Goryokaku Tower for views over Goryokaku Fort and Mount Hakodate before boarding the bullet train to the lovely city of Aomori in the north of Honshu, Japan's largest island. Visit the Nebuta Warasse, a museum dedicated to Aomari's famous, 300-year-old Nebuta Matsuri, a lively summer festival.
Day 6 : Tsunagi Onsen
Location: Kakunodatemachi, Tsunagi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Hirosaki for Kakunodate, an old samurai stronghold still known for its samurai traditions. Visit the Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum for a fascinating look at samurai culture and stroll around Ishiguro House, a traditional samurai residence. Continue to the hot spring resort of Tsunagi, where you can make use of the onsen facilities at the traditional Japanese ryokan where you'll stay overnight.
Day 7 : Cruise Matushima Bay
Location: Hiraizumi, Matsushima Bay, Sendai
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Hiraizumi, where you'll explore the peaceful Chusonji Temple with its beautiful old gold leaf-covered hall. Continue to Matsushima to enjoy a relaxed cruise on Matsushima Bay, passing amongst the small pine tree-covered islands of this picturesque seascape.
Day 8 : Sendai To Nikko
Location: Nikko, Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk to Sendai station and take the bullet train to the culture-filled town of Nikko. Start your explorations in the beautiful surroundings of Nikko National Park, where you'll visit Toshogu shrine. Built in the 1600s, this is Japan's most lavish shrine, built as the final resting place of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Continue to the magnificent Kegon Waterfall, taking a 100-metre tall elevator up to the perfect viewing spot. Transfer to Tokyo.
Day 9 : Explore Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tokyo, Japan's capital, is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage, and you'll find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Start the day in the vibrant district of Asakusa, where you will visit Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and wander down Nakamise shopping street before a visit to Edo Tokyo Museum. After lunch, stroll through the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine complex, before ascending to the observatory deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building for exceptional views over the city.
Day 10 : Admire Mount Fuji
Location: Mount Fuji, Hakone, Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel by road from Tokyo to Mount Fuji, where you'll ascend 2,400 metres up Japan's most iconic sight to the 5th Station (weather permitting). Transfer to the Hakone area and enjoy a cruise on the spectacular Lake Ashi before flying high above the lake on the Komagatake Ropeway before returning to Tokyo.
Day 11 : Travel To Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, the city today is full of the legacy of ancient Japan and home to tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. This afternoon, visit Togetsukyo Bridge in the heart of the vibrant Arashiyama district and walk through the bamboo forest, with its towering bamboo thickets.
Day 12 : Explore Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, visit one of Japan's most famous temples, Kinkakuji, the 'Golden Pavilion'. Set amongst classical Japanese Zen gardens and on the edge of a reflecting pool, the temple's main hall is covered in gold leaf. Also, stroll through Nishiki Market, dubbed 'Kyoto's kitchen', where there are many interesting food and sake stores to explore before a free afternoon to spend as you wish.
Day 13 : Sake Tasting & Handerkerchief Dyeing
Location: Osaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day immersed in the local culture by trying your hand at handkerchief dyeing followed by the rituals of an authentic tea ceremony. After lunch, walk the vermilion, torii gate-lined pathways of the Fushimi Inari Shrine and tour a traditional sake brewery, where you can have a few cheeky tasters. Continue to the booming city of Osaka.
Day 14 : Fly Osaka To Uk
Location: Osaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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3* plus – 4* accommodation
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Domestic transportation
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Touring with guides and entrance fees
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All meals
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Although tipping in Japan is not customary, if you feel you have received an excellent service, please feel free to tip your guide at your discretion.
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Drinks with Meals
Accommodation
Sapporo View HotelIn the heart of Sapporo, the Sapporo View Hotel is just a short walk from Odori Park and offers guests a relaxing stay with large windows offers views across this beautiful city. Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom and electric kettle.
Hakodate Kokusai HotelThe lovely Hakodate Kokusai Hotel provides guests with beautiful coastal views from the West Wing, while the East Wing offers views of the city of Hakodate. Unwind in the hotel's hot spring bath facilities and enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
Art Hotel Hirosaki CityIn the heart of Hirosaki City, the Art Hotel features a variety of dining options including a tea lounge and teppanyaki restaurant. Guest rooms are air conditioned and come equipped with an air purifier, electric kettle and fridge.
Hotel Shi-OnPerfectly located a short distance from Gosho Lake, the Hotel Shi-on offers guests spectacular views over the lake. Relax in the hotel's natural hot spring bath or savour a delicious Japanese Kaiseki, multiple course, meal.
Hotel Vista SendaiIn the city of Sendai, the Hotel Vista Sendai boasts beautiful rooms with modern interiors and an on-site restaurant. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, an air purifier and flat screen TV.
Sunshine City Prince HotelThe Sunshine Prince is located in Sunshine City, a shopping and entertainment hub of Tokyo and close to Ikebukuro Station, providing convenient transport links to the rest of the city. The hotel's en-suite rooms are simple, comfortable and traditionally furnished with a television, electric kettle, a mini fridge and a safety deposit box. Facilities in the hotel include onsite restaurants serving Japanese, Cantonese and Western cuisines, a café and bar and a 24 hour convenience store.
Rihga Gran KyotoLocated near the hub of transportation Kyoto station and many of Kyoto's top attractions, the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is in a great location for exploring this beautiful city. It's contemporary guest rooms are complete with Japanese touches and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel features many facilities, including six restaurants, a luxurious bar, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness gym.
Hotel Monterey OsakaSituated in central Osaka, the Hotel Monterey Osaka is directly connected to Namba train station and just a 10-minute walk from Dotonbori Shopping Street. The hotel features 4 dining options with panoramic city views. Guest rooms feature British-Style interiors and modern practical amenities.
Experiences
Handkerchief DyeingTry your hand at the traditional art of handkerchief dyeing in a workshop of a handicraft village – you'll get to create beautiful colours and patterns working with the dyes.
Spend the Night in a RyokanSpend the night in a ryokan, a centuries-old style of guesthouse that offers the ultimate Japanese experience! Sleep on futons and tatami mats, dine on traditional food and bathe in the relaxing warm waters of an onsen.
Sake TestingEmbark on a tour of a sake brewery, where you’ll see first hand the traditional process used to brew the rice wine that is Japan’s national beverage and have a few cheeky tasters
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
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What is the language barrier like?
Japan is a very welcoming place, making it easy to travel around. No matter what part of the country you are visiting, we will always ensure that you have every detail you’ll need to make your way from place to place. If you’ve never travelled to Japan before, the language barrier may be a little daunting, however, this is never a major problem. Often, signs are displayed in the Roman alphabet.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Wendy Wu requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wendy wu charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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