18 Day Japan Uncovered

Flights Included New Release Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach Group Scenic Cherry Blossom

Our Price From 12,751 Per Person

Exclusive Savings 932 Per Person

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Trip Length

18 Days

Trip Starts

Osaka

Trip Finishes

Tokyo

18 Day Japan Uncovered Itinerary (Wendy Wu)

Countries Explored: Japan

Trip Operator

Wendy Wu Tours

1 Reviews

Trip Style

Classic Tours

Departures

Mar 2025 to Nov 2026

Accommodation

3.5 - 4 Star

Max. Group Size

Pace

Easy

Guide Level

Fully Guided, Locally Guided

Trip Code

JU18

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Wendy Wu's 18 Day Japan Uncovered. Our most extensive tour of Japan includes all the classic sights and key cultural activities. Featuring modern cities, historical sights and beautiful landscapes, you get the most from this fascinating land. Return international flights are included between Australia and the start & end point of your trip. Surcharges may apply.

Itinerary

Fly overnight 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. (D)

Spend the morning in Nara, the small, history-filled city that was Japan's first capital. Stroll through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and admire the traditional Isui-en Garden. Return to Osaka and visit the impressive Osaka Castle before cruising along the Yodogawa River. (B/L/D)

Depart Osaka for Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the magnificent 17th Century Himeji Castle and the neighbouring Koko-en, a traditional-style garden. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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 Kinkakuji Temple, also known as 'Golden Pavilion'. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. Overnight accommodation will be in Mishima or the wider Fuji area. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

Stroll the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambience of Sensoji, 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. (B/L/D)

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

Trip Inclusions

Discover historic Kyoto & Nara
Reflect in Hiroshima & Miyajima
Admire beautiful Mount Fuji
Search for Snow Monkeys in the Japanese Alps
Feel the rush of Tokyo & Osaka
Explore Kanazawa & Takayama

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 or Melbourne, complimentary chauffeur transfers within a 50km radius, single room included in price
15 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 15 Dinners

Grand Prince Hotel, Hiroshima (4 star): Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, Grand Prince Hotel offers 5 dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool and hot spring baths. Air-conditioned rooms with a large picture window and a flat-screen TV await guests of the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima.
Rihga Gran Kyoto, Kyoto (4 star): Located 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 Vista Kanazawa, Kanazawa (3 star): Situated in Kanazawa, the Hotel Vista Kanazawa is perfectly located just a short distance from many of the cities main attractions including Kenroku-en. The interior of the hotel is decorated with traditional local crafts and contemporary art.
Mercure Hida Takayama, Takayama (4 star): Conveniently located within the heart of the city, the Mercure Hida Takayama hotel offers beautifully designed rooms finished with traditional yet modern touches. Guests staying here will be able to enjoy delicious delights from the on site restaurant and bar, serving a range of locally-inspired dishes throughout the day. Staying at this hotel will also mean you are in close proximity to a number of attractions, including the Hida Kokubun-ji Temple, Takayama Zenko-ji Temple plus much more!
Royal Hotel, Nagano (4 star): Set in a historical castle town, the 4-star Royal Hotel Nagano offers spacious guest rooms with ensuite bathrooms, free WiFi and a flat screen TV. The hotel features relaxing hot spring baths, a sauna and tennis courts. Dine on a variety of cuisines including French, Japanese and Chinese in the in house restaurant, Shononoji.
Sunshine City Prince Hotel, Tokyo (3 star): The 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.

Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 August 2023. 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.

Classic Tours

Everything is taken care of including your flights, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees listed on your itinerary and all your meals. Read more

Airfares Included

Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more

Our Tour Guides

On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more

Brochure

Wendy Wu River Cruises & Tours (2025-26)

When you cruise the waters of famous and historic rivers with Wendy Wu, you’ll see a side of a destination that is usually missed. Each river cruise is combined with one of our signature tours, filled with activities and experiences, offering an exciting in-depth exploration of a country’s culture, history, and sights.

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Tuesday 11 Mar 2025

Friday 28 Mar 2025

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Saturday 29 Mar 2025

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Monday 31 Mar 2025

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Note
Prices include air taxes and fuel surcharges, this amount is correct at time of brochure release and subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure city. The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart (based on a minimum of 10 passengers). We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.

Japan Uncovered

Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1-2: Fly Australia to Osaka

Day 3: Discover Nara

Day 4: Himeji Castle

Day 5: Explore Hiroshima

Day 6: Bullet Train to Kyoto

Day 7: Japanese Tea Ceremony

Day 8: Travel to Kanazawa

Day 9: Washi Paper Making

Day 10: Explore Takayama

Day 11: Travel to Nagano

Day 12: Snow Monkeys

Day 13: Mt Fuji

Day 14: Explore Hakone

Day 15: Discover Tokyo

Day 16: More Tokyo

Day 17-18: Fly Tokyo to Australia

Trip Inclusions Expand All

Journey Highlights

Trip Inclusions

Accommodation

Trip Notes

Brochure

Wendy Wu River Cruises & Tours (2025-26)

Availability AUD Twin Share (Per Person)Solo (Own Room)

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Itinerary

Trip Inclusions

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