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Your Japan by Rail Package
Japan by Rail
An all-encompassing journey through Japan, travelling mainly by bullet train and taking in the highlights of all three main islands: Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido. Experience ancient traditions and modern Japan's unique charm.
SALE OFFER!
Save $600 per couple on all 2023/24 group tours
OR
50% off Single Supplement, selected departures
Your Fly & Tour Package Includes:
- 20 night Japan by Rail guided tour with Wendy Wu, Fukuoka to Sapporo
Includes:
- International flights based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth
- 3 star plus – 4 star accommodation
- Meals - 19 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners
- Authentic experiences including learning to make sushi & sake cup making
- Touring with guides & entrance fees
- Airline fuel surcharge & taxes
Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 14 September - 04 October 2023
Solo traveller pricing available - 50% off single supplement on this departure
Cherry blossom departures available for 2024 and ON SALE NOW, speak to your travel consultant for further details!
Itinerary:
DAYS 1-2: Fly Overnight To Fukuoka
Fly overnight to the charming city of Fukuoka, the gateway to the island of Kyushu. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
DAY 3: Explore Nagasaki
Begin the day by travelling on the limited express train to Nagasaki. Upon arrival, enjoy a stroll through the Glover Garden, an open-air museum that exhibits mansions attributed to the Scottish merchant who contributed to the modernisation of Japan. Also, visit the Oura Catholic Church and Atomic Bomb Museum before returning to Fukuoka.
DAY 4: Miyajima Island
Board the bullet train to Hiroshima located on Japan's largest island, Honshu. Upon arrival in Hiroshima, take the ferry across the Seto Inland Sea to the holy island of Miyajima. Here, visit the Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy a momiji manju making cooking experience. Later, return to Hiroshima.
DAY 5: Hiroshima Highlights
Spend the day in Hiroshima starting with a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum where you will have the opportunity to pay homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Enjoy okonomiyaki for lunch before ascending Orizuru Tower to view the city from above, followed by a stroll through the historical Shukkeien Garden.
DAY 6: Admire Himeji Castle
Depart Hiroshima by bullet train, stopping at Himeji to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, followed by a walk through Kokoen. Continue by limited express to Osaka.
DAY 7: Osaka & Nara Day Trip
Begin the day with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building followed by a lunch at the famous Dontonburi district. Later, head to Nara and explore Todaiji Temple which houses the impressive Daibutsu, a 15-metre tall bronze statue of Buddha. Enjoy an ink making and calligraphy class before returning to Osaka.
DAY 8: Kyoto's Temples
Journey by road to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Upon arrival, stroll through the Arashiyama bamboo forest and admire the towering thickets. Also visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most well-known zen garden and the famous 'Golden Pavilion' Kinkakuji Temple.
DAY 9: Teas Ceremony & Fan Painting
The day begins with a visit to Kiyomizu Temple temple in Kyoto. Next, immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony, and try your hand at fan painting. Also, explore Gion – Kyoto's famous geisha district and centre of the city's traditional arts.
DAY 10: Explore Kanazawa
Take the limited express train to Kanazawa and upon arrival, meander your way through Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Also visit the Nomura Samurai House and Kunani Pottery Factory.
DAY 11: Shirakawago Village
Travel by road to Takayama stopping en route at Inami for a sake wooden cup making experience and sake tasting. Next, continue to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawago Village to get a glimpse of rural Japan. Continue to Takayama.
DAY 12: Discover Takayama
Spend the morning browsing the local handicrafts and fresh produce at Miyagawa market, the Takayama Floats Museum and Takayama Jinya. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
DAY 13: Snow Monkeys
Travel to Matsumoto and spend time at the Daio Wasabi Farm to see the plantations and learn about its cultivation. Next, travel to Yudanaka and head to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Walk through a picturesque forested valley to the hot pools where you will see the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe and play before returning to Matsumoto.
DAY 14: Miso Tasting & Zen Meditation
Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, also known as 'Crow Castle', due to its intense black exterior. Next, head to a miso house and learn about the process of making this famous Japanese seasoning. Experience zen meditation at Narai-juku before continuing to Suwa.
DAY 15: Mount Fuji
Travel to Hakone and ascend 2,400 metres to the 5th Station (weather permitting) for magnificent views of Mt Fuji. Also, enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Ashi before taking to the skies on the Komagatake Ropeway. Later, continue to Tokyo by road.
DAY 16: Tour Tokyo
Being the day with a stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens. Next, take part in a sushi making class and enjoy your own creations for lunch! Later, soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji Temple, browse the stalls on Nakamise shopping street and take a drive-by of the Imperial Palace Plaza before returning to your hotel.
DAY 17: Even More Tokyo
Begin the day by ascending to the Tokyo Metropolitan Observatory deck and soaking up the atmosphere at the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine. After lunch, see the world's most famous road crossing at Shibuya. You will have the afternoon free at your leisure to explore this exciting city.
DAY 18: Sip Whiskey In Sendai
As the tour journeys to northern Honshu, board the bullet train to Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku. Upon arrival, transfer by road to Matsushima and enjoy a cruise on Matsushima Bay. Also, visit Zuiganji Temple and the famous Nikka Whisky factory in Sendai.
DAY 19: Explore Hakodate
Say goodbye to Honshu Island as you board the bullet train to Hakodate located on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. Visit the Goryokaku Tower, a star shaped fortress followed by some time at leisure. This evening, journey on the Mt Hakodate Ropeway and enjoy the fabulous views of the city below.
DAY 20: Sapporo Sightseeing
Board the bullet train for the very last time to Sapporo. Head to the Clock Tower and Odori Park and in the evening, stop by the Sapporo Beer Museum and enjoy a tasting or two, followed by a farewell dinner.
DAY 21-22: Fly Sapporo To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
* Conditions apply. Offer is limited, subject to availability and change without notice. Promotion is correct and valid at the time of publication. Booking and full supplier terms and conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only and not combinable with any other offer (unless stated).
Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 02 February 2023 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. International flights based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. 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. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
New year sale offer terms -
Offers valid between 26 Dec 2022 – 28 Feb 2023, unless sold out prior. Save $600 per couple (or $300pp) offer available on all 2023 & 2024 group departures. Save 50% on the single supplement offer is available on Japan (selected Departures and tours), India (selected Departures and tours), Vietnam& Cambodia(selected Departures and tours), Sri Lanka, Middle East (selected Departures and tours), Central Asia (selected Departures and tours), China (selected Departures and tours).
Tours are subject to availability. Applicable to new bookings only. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to release specials which are applicable to new bookings only. Bookings are non-transferable. Offers are not combinable with each other or any other offer other than loyalty discount. Departures booked more than 11 months in advance may be subject to air supplements when airline fares are published.
A non-refundable deposit of $99pp is to arrive at Wendy Wu Tours or your travel agent within three days of receiving confirmation that space has been held for you. An early flight payment may be required at time of booking to issue tickets depending on airline. Unlimited date changes permitted up to Final Balance due day which is 75 days prior to departure (charges may apply if airline tickets already issued). In the event your tour departure is deferred due to unforeseen circumstances such as government travel restrictions, deposits will be placed as future travel credit with rebooking fees waived. In the event of tour cancellation due to government travel restrictions: any balance payments on file upon cancellation 75 days prior to travel will be refunded and the deposit will be held in credit. For cancellations made within 75 days, please refer to our standard cancellation policy within our terms and conditions for further information. If your tour is deferred Wendy Wu Tours will honour your original booking terms and conditions including promotions, subject to availability. A valid passport copy must be provided at time of booking to ensure passenger names match with passports. Any spelling corrections made after a deposit is paid must be sent in writing and will incur additional fees, including any ticket reissue fees. Mobile phone number, email address and postcode of residence are mandatory at time of ticketing as required by the Australian Government.
Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to correct any errors in rates quoted or calculated, or any omissions made at any time during your booking. Any verbal quote given is an indication only of the final price and is subject to confirmation in writing.
