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A Week in Japan


Take a week to discover the key highlights of this astounding country. Discover Japan's essential highlights on this great-value tour. Explore the historical cities of Kyoto and Nara, be awestruck by the beauty of Mt Fuji and see the bright lights of Tokyo and Osaka

Places Visited

New Zealand - Tokyo (2N) - Hakone (1N) - Kyoto (2N) - Osaka (1N) – New Zealand

Days 1-2: Fly to Tokyo
Fly overnight with Cathay Pacific to the vibrant, neon-bright metropolis of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture
Day 3: Explore Tokyo
As modern as Tokyo may appear, behind the neon facade is a traditional soul that is easy to find amongst the old alleyways, temples and shrines of the Edo era. Today, you will explore the city, ascending the Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower, before taking a wander through Asakusa district, stopping to soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji. Drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza and stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens. This evening, enjoy a Japanese diner cruise on the waters of Tokyo Bay and admire the supercharged lights of the city.
Day 4: Mount Fuji
Travel by road from Tokyo to Fuji, where you’ll ascend 2,300 metres up Japan’s most iconic sight to the ‘5th Station’ for magnificent views of both Fuji’s cone and the surrounding landscapes. If the road to the 5th Station is closed, you will instead visit the Fuji Visitor Centre. Transfer to the spa region of Hakone by coach. Embark on a cruise on the spectacular Lake Ashi, keeping an eye out for the bright red of vermillion torii gates that nestle on the surrounding alpinesque hills and in the shallows of the lake itself. You may even catch a glimpse of the cone of Mt Fuji peering over the hills, though once you have flown high above the lake of the Komagatake Ropeway to the summit of Mt Komagatake the views of Mt Fuji will be breathtaking but weather dependent of course!
Day 5: Bullet Train to Kyoto
Transfer to Odawara Station, jump onboard the bullet train and whizz your way to Kyoto. Capital for a millennium, Kyoto was also the heart of religion, philosophy, art and cuisine, making it a treasure trove of history and culture. It is here that all of the best known cultural arts were born, including the tea ceremony, Kabuki and Geisha. This afternoon, visit the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine. Follow the pathway through thousands of vermillion torii gates that leads through a complex of shrines spread over a peaceful, forested hillside.
Day 6: Explore Kyoto
This morning visit one of Japan’s most famous temples, Kinkaku-ji, also known as 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 – a breathtaking sight no matter what season you visit in. Continue to Ryoan-ji, a Zen temple that is home to Japan’s most famous Zen garden. You’ll have some time to contemplate its mysteries for yourself. This afternoon, enjoy a taste of authentic Japanese culture, experiencing the elegant ritual of a tea ceremony and learning the traditional art of origami.
Day 7: Explore Nara and Osaka
This morning, depart for Nara. Another former capital, Nara also has a huge cultural legacy, considered second only to Kyoto’s. This picturesque, compact city is endlessly charming, something you’ll notice as you explore. Spend the morning discovering Todai-ji Temple which houses the magnificent Daibutsu, a 15-metretall bronze statue of Buddha. Here you’ll also be able to meet Nara’s famous Sika Deer, believed to be the messengers of the Shinto gods. You’ll also stroll Isui-en, a prime example of a Meiji-era (1868-1912) garden. Continue to Osaka, where you’ll have lunch and explore the Dontonburi district, Osaka’s vibrant foodie and entertainment district. It isbest known for its plethora of neon signs and snack-offering street food stalls. Later, you can learn about the turbulent history of the magnificent Osaka Castle.
Day 8: Depart Osaka
The morning is at your leisure before you are transferred to Kansai airport to board your overnight flight to New Zealand.
Day 9: Arrive New Zealand
Arrive home today.

Also Available

Tailor Your Tour

If you like most of the itinerary which we have suggested but you'd like to change the route and the accommodation, speak to our specialist Tailormade team, who can build your perfect itinerary based around where you would like to go, what you would like to see and how much you'd like to spend. Just call us on 0800 936 3998 and we'll help plan your dream holiday.

Tour prices are per person, twin share departing Auckland. Regional departures available on request. Additional charges: Tipping is payable on arrival in destination (see Additional Price Information below).



Additional Price Information:


Single Hotel Room Option – From $1,375
Land Only (Tokyo to Osaka), 7 days From $5,980 per person twin share
Tour availability is updated each Monday. While every effort is made to ensure availability status is current, it is advisable to contact our reservations department on 0800 936 3998. Limited seats denotes 4 seats or less available.

Hong Kong Glimpses

Hong Kong Glimpses

duration 3 Days price from 240pp

New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for travel to Japan.

Phone Calls
International and domestic calls can be made from your hotel room. It’s a good idea to check call costs with hotel staff or your local guide before making calls, as this can be expensive. A service charge may also be involved. To call New Zealand – the international access code is 00, followed by the country code 64, then the local area code (omitting the first 0), then the number.
 
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are quite popular and you will find high quality coverage, with active roaming agreements with most of the service providers. Please make sure you are aware of associated costs and have activated your international roaming prior to departure.
 
Internet & Email
Internet cafes can be found in all major cities and even in some small towns. This is often the easiest and cheapest way to stay in touch. Most hotels have a business centre with internet access, but at a slightly higher rate. Some hotels may have wifi which usually comes at an additional cost and may only be available in hotel lobbies. 
 

Tipping is not part of the culture in Japan and is therefore not expected.

Shopping can be a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure.  In keeping with most people’s interests whilst on holiday, your tour will include a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs.
 
We have included visits to establishments that not only provide an opportunity to purchase a locally produced, great-value souvenir; but you’ll witness first-hand how these local products are made, their history and how they support the local economy. We are aware that people like to take home souvenirs, so we endeavour to ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity.
 

The cost of all meals is included in your group tour cost. Breakfast is a combination of local and western food, usually served buffet style at the hotel you are staying in. Lunches and dinners consist of traditional cuisine and are served at reputable local restaurants. As is traditional in this region, lunch and dinner consists of small dishes of local cuisine which is then placed on the table for everyone to share so you can experience the variety of speciality dishes. The amount served is more than ample for the whole group. We aim to cater to the tastes of the majority of people and so the food is not too spicy or unusual in taste.
 
Drinks will be at each own expense and paid for at the end of each meal. Beer is widely available and cheap. Western style wine is very expensive to import and is not widely available except at upmarket restaurants. Bottled drinking water, soft drinks, and fruit juices are also widely available – remember that you should only have ice or fruit juices from a trusted restaurant, where they will use boiled or bottled water.
 


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Why Book This Tour?

Our A Week In Japan itinerary has been intricately designed for those who wish to see iconic sites and magnificent treasures. You'll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of, with international flights, accommodation and all the touring listed. You will be accompanied by our industry-leading National Escorts whose unparalleled knowledge and talent will turn your tour into an unforgettable experience.

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Wendy Wu Tours offers the best selection of tours to Asia. Wendy Wu Classic, Immerse Yourself & Deluxe Group Tours, Private and Tailor-Made Tours to Asia from New Zealand, Australia, the US and UK.
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