Our Christmas in Japan 2024 tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Take part in a handicraft experience - the traditions and techniques of the intricate art of origami. You'll learn to fold some of the simpler, but still impressive, shapes and designs.
The buckwheat soba noodle is one of Japan's most famous culinary exports - try your hand at making them from scratch, before feasting on the delicious results for lunch.
The most iconic symbol of Japanese culture, no trip to Japan is complete without at least a glimpse of a geisha. On this tour you'll meet a geisha in Kyoto and learn about their fascinating culture.
Fly to the dazzling 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.
Begin today with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and then take time to explore the Tokyo National Museum to learn about Tokyo's historical heritage. After lunch, seek out the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Arcade, followed by a visit to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree for panoramic views over the sprawling city below.
Today starts with a relaxing wander around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Gardens. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, before driving past the famous Shibuya Crossing. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore as you wish.
ourney through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to its base where we find the Fuji Five Lakes. Upon arrival, ascend 2,000 metres up to Mount Fuji's 5th Station (weather permitting) where, with its perfectly conical looming overhead, you can take in the breathtaking views over the landscapes below. After lunch, continue to Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the artist's elaborate dyed silk creations and spend some time strolling around the beautiful garden. Also explore Iyashi no Sato Historical Village, a former farming village on the shores of Lake Saiko.
Start the day with a visit to Oshino Hakkai before learning how to make your very own traditional Japanese soba noodles which you will then tuck into for lunch! Later, transfer to Mishima station and journey on the bullet train to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for 1,000 years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens.
Enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto starting with a visit to one of Kyoto's delightful temples – the 17th-century Buddhist Kiyomizu. Immerse yourself in the culture by experiencing the sacred rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master and try your hand at origami. Dating back to the 6th-century, the art of 'folding paper' is a cultural symbol of simplicity, beauty and peace. Later, explore the impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine with its remarkable 10,000 red torii gates. Tonight you will enjoy a special Christmas feast in a local restaurant, while enjoying the street decorations, Christmas markets and many amazing illuminations.
Merri Kurisumasu! Begin the day with a visit to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and the famous Kinkakuji Temple, known as the 'Golden Pavilion'. Continue to Osaka, arriving in time for lunch in the vibrant Dotonbori district. Later, travel by bullet train to Hiroshima, a city that needs no introduction. End the day with a Christmas dinner cruise on Hiroshima Bay. While the festive season is more a time to spread happiness, than a religious celebration in Japan, 'kurisumasu keki' - Japanese Christmas cake - can be found on many a corner.
Hop on the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit the Itsukushima Shrine. Enjoy some free time and take an optional ride on the cable car up Mount Misen to enjoy the panoramic views. Return to Hiroshima, taking time to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, while paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb and also visit the Orizuru Tower.
Travel to Himeji to visit its famous castle. The feudal era fort, one of the most impressive in Japan, towers over the city and is recognisable as the backdrop to several major films. Appreciate its turbulent past before strolling around Kokoen, the Edo-style gardens just across the castle moat. Later, transfer to Osaka for an overnight stay and a pre New Years dinner is the perfect way to end your holiday in Japan.
Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the same or following day.
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected
We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and exclusive benefits including a single room throughout your tour, complimentary return airport transfers (within 50km radius of major Australian airports) and a cocktail on arrival at your destination. Travellers from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne also receive a complimentary Australian airport lounge pass for use prior to departure.
I always treat my tour groups like a family, making sure that everyone is happy throughout the tour. I am very passionate about Japanese history. If anyone is interested in learning about Samurai or the Meiji Restoration, you'll have to come to Japan and ask me!
A special thank you to Yoko our National Escort, whose friendly, professional and organised approach to the holiday made sure everything ran smoothly and made the trip to Japan so memorable.Mr Degville
It is great being able to explore my own country with different people who can offer a different perspective. I ensure my groups experience our culture as much as possible, because travel isn't just about the things that you see, it's also about the things you do.
Our National Escort Takako Kaneko made the holiday. She was excellent, informative, hardworking and had obviously researched information for us.Mr Mcintosh
I love sharing the culture of my country with visitors, that's why I become a tour guide! From noodles and sake to classical gardens and temples, learning about our culture is surely the best way to understand more about Japan as a whole.
Our National Escort Michiyo 'made' this holiday with her charm, knowledge, lots of interesting details and her send of humour.Mrs Brownridge
It's such a pleasure to introduce Japan to people from all over the world and explore its culture, history and traditions, as well as its unique cuisine. Along with this, I enjoy taking care of each and every member of the tour group, which is why I love being a tour guide.
Michiyo was fantastic and went out of her way to make it a memorable experience. We would absolutely use Wendy Wu Tours again.
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All of our tours offer a single room supplement, which means you’ll have a room to yourself throughout your chosen tour. Continue the check-out process for the applicable supplement.
On most tours, you can choose our 'Happy to Share' option, which may enable you to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share. 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.
If you are booking on a Dedicated Solo departure, a single room is already included in the price and there are no additional single supplements to pay.
With our flight inclusive option, we'll do the planning for you and meet you on arrival.
We include airport pickup upon arrival at your destination and drop off at the end of your tour (on the scheduled tour arrival and departure days) and when booking pre or post tour accommodation with us.
We partner with established and reputable airlines for your international flights.
We can assist with upgrading your seat to premium or business class for an additional cost.
Our team will work with you to choose your ideal routing and if we make changes to your tour itinerary that impact flights, we’ll rebook them for you.
Our On-Tour Support Team is available to provide advice about how to handle flight changes.
