Off-Beat Japan
Off-Beat Japan
Off-Beat Japan
13 Days Starting and ending in UK
Visiting: Tokyo, ሀመር።, Mount Fuji, Fuji Five Lakes, Yudanaka hot spring, Nagano, Takayama, Kyoto, Koyasan, Osaka, Himeji
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1096
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
8 - 18
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
16-70
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$7832
$6967 (USD)
including Flights from the UK
Operator discount: -$498
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$367
-11%
Tour Overview
Prepare to immerse yourself in the wacky and wonderful in this fascinating land. Get off the beaten track on our most culturally immersive tour of Japan and trek at the foot of Fuji, meet the Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka, take a rickshaw ride in through a bamboo forest. You'll see all the classic highlights too in Tokyo and Kyoto. This tour includes a one night stay in a traditional ryokan as well as a one night stay in a Buddhist lodge with simple shared facilities.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Fly To Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Fly overnight 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.
Day 3 : Japanese Drumming & Robot Restaurant
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your tour of Tokyo by immersing yourself into the local culture by spending the morning trying your hand at traditional Japanese drumming with a Taiko class, where you will learn how to beat the 'wadaiko' with 'bachi'. Later, stop by Meiji Shrine and continue to the vibrant district of Harajuku before stopping by the famous Shibuya Crossing. Finally, it's time for a uniquely Tokyo experience – the Robot Restaurant! This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but well worth the insight into modern Japanese culture.
Day 4 : Discover Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sightseeing today begins with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and a visit to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree for views over the sprawling city below. You'll also stop by Sensoji Temple – Tokyo's oldest, and stroll along Nakamise shopping street. In the afternoon, explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Housed in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo, the museum powerfully illustrates Tokyo's past (known as Edo until 1869) right up to recent decades.
Day 5 : Mount Fuji
Location: Mount Fuji, Fuji Five Lakes
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey out of Tokyo to the foot of mighty Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes area. Pick up a walking trail and make your way through lush alpine forest at Fuji's base, pausing often to admire the surrounding landscapes.
Day 6 : See The Snow Monkeys
Location: Yudanaka hot spring, Nagano
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Matsumoto and explore its magnificent 16th-century castle. Continue to Nagano, stopping in Yudanaka to watch the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at Jigokudani Monkey Park bathe and play in and around their hot spring pool.
Day 7 : Japanese Alps
Location: Takayama
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Hotaka and ride up into the Japanese Alps on the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway for breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains (weather permitting). Drive to Takayama where you will spend the night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with onsen facilities. Here you can relax and bathe in the natural hot spring pools and experience this most traditional pastime. This afternoon you will have time to explore Kamisannomachi Street and sample the street food on offer. This evening, enjoy dinner in your ryokan.
Day 8 : Bullet Train To Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take the limited express train to Nagoya, then board a super-fast bullet train to whizz your way through the countryside to Kyoto. Start discovering the city's rich heritage with visits to the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. Stroll around Higashiyama and Gion, the geisha district, with a stop at Gion Corner, which showcases the seven professional performing arts.
Day 9 : Japanese Tea Ceremony
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start today by visiting Kinkakuji, known as the 'Golden Pavilion' and Ryoanji. Continue to Arashiyama district to explore the striking bamboo forest and enjoy a rickshaw ride. Later, witness the rituals involved in the preparation and pouring of matcha tea in a traditional tea ceremony.
Day 10 : Kyoto Culture & Koyasan
Location: Koyasan
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover the complicated process of dressing in a traditional kimono at Nishijin Textile Centre, then try your hand at the art of origami. This afternoon, travel by road to Koyasan, where you will spend the night in a 13th-century temple guesthouse sleeping on a traditional futon on a tatami mat floor.
Day 11 : Morning Prayers In Koyasan
Location: Koyasan, Osaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise early to join the monks for their daily morning service – hearing the recitation and chanting is a magical experience. After breakfast, take a walking tour of Koyasan. One of Japan's holiest sites, this mountain top sanctuary is full of temples and pagodas. Also visit Kongobuji Temple and Okunoin Cemetery before travelling to Osaka.
Day 12 : Himeji Castle & Sake Brewery
Location: Himeji, Osaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take a day tour to Himeji to visit the 17th-century castle which is considered a prime example of Japanese feudal period architecture. Continue to a sake brewery, where you can learn about the brewing process and enjoy some tasters. Return to Osaka and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 13 : Fly Osaka To Uk
Location: Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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Accommodation
11 nights in 3+/4 star
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Country Entry Visas
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Entrance Fees
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Fully Guided
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International Travel
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Local Taxes
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Meals – Full Board
Breakfasts: 11, Dinners: 4
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Flights
International flights and current taxes
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
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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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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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
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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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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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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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.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
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Monday - Saturday
May 13, 2024 - May 25, 2024Monday - Saturday
Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024Monday - Saturday
Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024Monday - Saturday
Nov 04, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024Monday - Saturday
Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025Monday - Saturday
Mar 24, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025Monday - Saturday
Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Monday - Saturday
Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Monday - Saturday
May 12, 2025 - May 24, 2025Monday - Saturday
Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Monday - Saturday
Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Monday - Saturday
Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025Monday - Saturday
Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026Monday - Saturday
Mar 23, 2026 - Apr 04, 2026Monday - Saturday
Mar 30, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026Monday - Saturday
Apr 06, 2026 - Apr 18, 2026Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wendy Wu allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the 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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How we Keep you safe on our Tours
Your safety and well-being will always be our Number 1 priority which is why we’ve instituted the most stringent COVID health and safety protocols on all of our tours. Here is a brief summary of the steps we are taking to ensure you will be safe, secure and satisfied when you travel with us.
Guides and National Escorts
Our National Escorts and guides will conduct a Health and Safety briefing with you before the tour begins and will help everyone ensure they adhere to social distancing, hygiene practises and local regulations. They will carry a supply of face masks and hand sanitiser for you to use free of charge and will, of course, observe the highest level of personal hygiene at all times.
Should anyone on the group fall ill your National Escort will ensure the individual receives swift medical attention and can only return to the group once cleared to do so.
Transport & Sightseeing
Vehicles will be thoroughly cleaned with disinfectant after each excursion service, overnight and between different groups.
You will always have at least one seat between you and your fellow tourers, hand sanitiser will be given to the group on each embarkation and vehicles will be thoroughly ventilated prior to passengers boarding.
Drivers will always embark vehicles after clients, disembark the group vehicle prior to clients disembarking, and maintain social distancing and a high level of personal hygiene at all times.
Your guides will assess the situation on the ground avoiding large crowds – where possible, alter timings and splitting the group into smaller sizes.
Accommodation
Wendy Wu Tours will only offer hotels that have undergone a detailed hygiene assessment, have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with government standards.
We will ensure these protocols include staff practising social distancing and wearing appropriate PPI, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in all areas and food safety.
Dining
All the restaurants we visit will be researched and inspected regularly to ensure that they follow the strictest health, cleanliness and safety guidelines.
All waiting staff will wear face masks and gloves and we will arrange à la carte dining, waiter-served meals or waiter-assisted buffets throughout the tour. We will not share open-buffet meals with other hotel or restaurant guests.
Hand sanitiser will be provided to the group before and after every food and beverage service.
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