Journey Through Japan

Travel the length of Japan on a richly varied journey from the northern landscapes of Hokkaido to the vibrant cities of Honshu. Discover historic ports such as Hakodate, the cultural traditions of Shiraoi and Kakunodate, and the seasonal beauty of Hirosaki. The route continues through the spiritual sites of Hiraizumi and Nikko, offering insight into Japan’s deep-rooted heritage.

Experience the contrast between the energy of Tokyo and the natural scenery of Hakone, with views of Mount Fuji, before exploring the timeless temples, gardens, and traditional districts of Kyoto. The journey concludes in lively Osaka, known for its food culture and dynamic atmosphere, creating a well-balanced introduction to Japan’s history, landscapes, and modern life.

Highlights

• Discover the northern island of Hokkaido
• Spend the night in a ryokan and bathe in the warm waters of an onsen
• Explore the culture filled town of Nikko
• Admire breathtaking Mount Fuji
• Explore Japan's history in Kyoto
• Visit a sake brewery 

Pricing

13 Days 

from

$13,630*

per person, twin share

Pricing is based on  18 Apr, 9 May, 12 Sep, 10,17,24 Oct 26 departures

Inclusions

• Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges (unless a land only option is selected)
• All accommodation
• All meals (From dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day)
• All sightseeing and entrance fees • All transportation and transfers
• English speaking National Escorts (if your group is 10 or more passengers) or Local Guides • Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
• Comprehensive travel guides
• Safe and secure with IATA

The only thing you may have to pay for are personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional excursions or shows, insurance of any kind, customary tipping, early check in or late check out and other items not specified on the itinerary. 

Itinerary Details

Days One & Two - Fly to Sapporo

Fly to Sapporo, the capital of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. On arrival, you will be met by an English-speaking representative and transfer approximately 1 hour to your hotel. 

Day Three - Ascend Okurayama

In the morning, visit the Okurayama Viewing Point and take a 5-minute chair lift to the top of the Sapporo Winter Olympics Ski Jump to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.  Transfer around 1 hour to the pretty port town of Otaru, where you can enjoy strolling along the canal and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.  Return to the hotel. This evening, enjoy a Genghis Khan dinner, a Sapporo specialty of BBQ lamb (other meats and vegetables will be available for those who do not like lamb, but you must advise in advance).

Day Four - Travel to Hakodate

Depart Sapporo and drive around 90 minutes south to a lovely lakeside spot to visit the Upopoy National Ainu Museum. Here, delve into the fascinating culture of Hokkaido's indigenous people, the Ainu, who lived here long before the island was annexed by Japan. Today, the Ainu are a minority among Japan's population. The Upopoy museum was established in order to promote wider understanding of Ainu history and culture.  After lunch, board a limited express train and travel 2.5 hours to the harbour city of Hakodate. Check in at the hotel before dinner.  This evening, board the Hakodate ropeway cable car for magnificent views over the illuminated city (weather permitting).  

Day Five - Explore Hakodate Asaichi

Start the day by strolling through Hakodate’s bustling morning market, where hundreds of stores and stalls sell fresh local produce, seafood and the odd souvenir before ascending Goryokaku Tower for views over Goryokaku Fort and Mount Hakodate from the observation deck.  After lunch, transfer to the train station and take a 1- hour bullet train to the city of Aomori in the north of Honshu, Japan’s largest island. On arrival in Aomori, visit the Nebuta Warasse Museum, which has displays about the town's huge summer festival, before transferring to your hotel in Hirosaki for your overnight stay. 

Day Six - Tsunagi Onsen

Depart Hirosaki and travel around 3 and a half hours by coach to Kakunodate, an old samurai stronghold still known for its samurai traditions.  Here, you will visit two samurai houses,including the Aoyagi Samurai Manor and Ishiguro House. You will be required to remove your shoes. 

Day Seven - Cruise Matsushima Bay

Transfer 1 and a half hour to Hiraizumi, where you’ll explore Chusonji Temple, with its beautiful old gold leaf-covered hall. Continue another 1 and a half hour to Matsushima to enjoy a relaxed cruise on Matsushima Bay, passing amongst the small pine tree-covered islands of this picturesque seascape. Transfer to Sendai and check in to your hotel for the night.  

Day Eight - Sendai to Nikko

Walk 10-15 minutes to Sendai station. From here, take a 90minute bullet train, then transfer 1 hour by coach to the small and charming city of Nikko.  Here, drive by the scenic Shinkyo Bridge before visiting the lavish Toshogu Shrine, burial place of Ieyasu Tokugawa, who founded the Tokugawa Shogunate - a military dynasty that held power for more than 250 years, eclipsing the emperor in importance.  At the shrine, there will be some steps to climb. Continue to the magnificent Kegon Waterfall, taking a 100-metre elevator to a viewpoint where you can look up at the stunning waterfall. You will be walking for approximately 2 hours in Nikko. Drive 2 and a half hours to Tokyo, Japan’s iconic capital, and check in to your hotel. 

Day Nine - Explore Tokyo

A dazzling, high-tech metropolis, Japan’s capital has wonderfully traditional roots. Begin the day with a leisurely stroll through the old district of Asakusa for an opportunity to visit Sensoji Temple and pick up some souvenirs on nearby Nakamise Shopping Street. Later, visit the Tokyo National Museum to see the many artefacts held there before lunch. Head to the Shibuya district to visit Meiji Jingu shrine, dedicated to one of Japan's most beloved emperors. Located in a peaceful urban forest, it feels a world away from the bustling cityscape that surrounds it. Finally, head up to the observatory deck of the Tokyo Government Office Building for panoramic views of Tokyo and beyond. 

Day Ten - Admire Mount Fuji

Journey around 2 hours to the base of the famous Mount Fuji. Head up Fuji’s 5th Station for spectacular mountain vistas (Weather Permitting) If the 5th Station is closed as the result of local weather conditions, your guide will take you to the Fuji World Heritage Centre instead.  

Day Eleven - Travel to Kyoto

This morning, transfer to the train station to board your 2hour bullet train to Kyoto.  An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for a thousand years; today, it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of 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.  

Day Twelve - Explore Kyoto

Visit the beautiful Golden Pavilion, one of Kyoto's most iconic photo opportunities. Then, stroll through Nishiki Market, dubbed ‘Kyoto’s kitchen’, where there are many interesting food and sake stores to explore.After lunch, stop by a sake brewery and learn about this traditional Japanese spirit. The late afternoon is at leisure before meeting your group for dinner.  

Day Thirteen - Kyoto to Osaka

Start the day by visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its picturesque, open-air paths, framed by thousands of vermillion torii gates. The paths wind their way up Mount Inari. Please note that due to the limited parking space at Fushimi Inari Shrine, you may need to walk from the coach parking for 15 minutes before reaching the start of the torii gates.  To book call 0800 936 3998 or visit your local travel agent  Visit wendywutours.co.nz 12 Later, return to Kyoto and experience a Japanese tea ceremony, a deeply ritualised practice, the protocols of which evolved in Kyoto during the samurai period. Please note that you may be required to remove your shoes before entering the venue.  Continue to your lunch venue, where you will be hosted by a very special guest - a maiko, or apprentice geisha! Seeing a geisha is a matter of luck, even in Kyoto, so we invite you to enjoy this rare glimpse into their secretive world. Please be respectful and follow your guide's advice regarding courtesy. In particular, you should not photograph maiko or geisha until permission is given.  Finally, bid farewell to Kyoto and drive approximately 1 hour to the lively city of Osaka ahead of this evening's farewell dinner.  

Days Fourteen & Fifteen - Depart Osaka

This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to Osaka airport for your return flight home.  

Terms and Conditions

Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 July 2025, subject to change.

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. Based on departures from Auckland. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request

Land only (Sapporo - Osaka) 13 days from $12,780 per person, twin share, Single supplement from $2,800

Price listed is based on new bookings only

For further T & C's visit the Wendy Wu Website www.wendywutours.co.nz