On arrival in Kansai International airport, you will be met by an English-speaking representative and transfer approximately 1 hours to your hotel. Please note: Early check in is not included. If your flight arrives in the morning and you wish to arrange this, please speak to your reservations consultant. You will be transferred by shared coach with other passengers who are not part of a Wendy Wu Tour. If you are on a shared bus transfer, you may have to walk for a few minutes to get to your hotel. Transfers will differ depending on group size. An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on Day 1. If you miss this due to your arrival time, all information will be provided to you at breakfast the following morning. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged.

Spend the morning in Osaka with a visit to the impressive Osaka Castle before cruising along the Yogodawa River. At Osaka castle park, you will reach to the castle for 15 minutes' walk from coach parking on flat road. After lunch, Transfer by coach to Japan’s former imperial capital Nara, a journey of approximately 1 hour. Visit Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure and home to Japan’s largest Buddha. Also visit Isui-en Gardens, known for its natural ponds – sightseeing here will be about 3 hours on foot. Due to the congestion of Nara Park coach parking, you may need to walk from coach parking to Nara park for 15 minutes on flat road. Return to Osaka.

Travel approximately 1 hour by road to Kyoto, Capital of Japan for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Upon arrival, visit Togetsukyo Bridge located in the heart of the vibrant district of Arashiyama and stroll through the bamboo forest with its towering and impressive thickets. Also visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and the famous 'Golden Pavillion' Kinkakuji Temple. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to further explore the city. You will need to remove your shoes at both temples. Sightseeing on foot will be approximately 2-3 hours on foot today.

Begin the day with a visit to one of Kyoto’s most famous sites – Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermillion torii gates and follow a forested hillside pathway passing numerous shrines along the way. Later, enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master, and try your hand at origami. After lunch, your immersive experience continues with a fan painting class where you will learn the technique of this highly refined and sought-after visual art.

This morning travel deeper into the Japanese Alps, approximately 3.5 hours to Nagano, firstly by bullet train to Nagoya and then journey on the limited express train to Nagano. Upon arrival, stop in Yudanaka in search for the snow monkeys (Japanese Macques) at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Monkey Park. There is around a 30-minute walk through the forested valley along paths, occasionally on an incline, from the bus park to the main pool where the monkeys bathe. Accustomed to humans, the monkeys can be observed up-close, and they almost completely ignore their human guests. Please keep in mind that the snow monkeys are wild, not domestic animals and sighting them is never guaranteed, particularly during the breeding season which runs from late September through to November. Also visit the 7th-century Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most prolific Buddhist temples before continuing by road to Matsumoto. Please note your luggage will be transferred to Matsumoto separately and will arrive on your second night, please ensure to pack an overnight bag for your first night in Matsumoto.

Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’, due to its intense black exterior. You will have to remove your shoes before walking along some of the wooden floors and there are some steep wooden steps to reach certain areas. From the coach parking to castle, it is around 15 minutes walk on flat road. Next, head to a miso house and learn about the process of making this famous Japanese seasoning. After lunch, visit a sake brewery and enjoy a tipple or two! There will be some free time this afternoon to further explore Matsumoto.

Travel by road to the Fuji Five Lakes area, the journey will take approximately 2 and a half hours. The region is spectacular with the calm waters of the five lakes, formed by past volcanic eruptions, reflecting Fuji’s picture-perfect cone. Head up Fuji’s 5th Station for spectacular mountain vistas, please note it is only possible to reach the 5th station if weather permits. If the 5th Station is closed, the Fuji San World Heritage Centre (formerly Fuji Visitor Centre) will be visited instead. Continue to tranquil Lake Ashi. Take a cruise across the lake before taking the Komagatake cable car for spectacular views of Mount Fuji and the lake below. Transfer to Mishima where you will stay overnight and enjoy the public onsen facilities.

With no less than 65 Buddhist temples and 19 Shinto shrines, begin the day with a 2 hour journey by road to Kamakura, a popular coastal city located south of Tokyo. Visit Kotokuin Temple which houses Japan’s second tallest bronze buddha statue followed by a stroll through Komachi Street which is lined with pretty little shops before visiting Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura’s most important shrine. After lunch, continue to Tokyo and enjoy a leisurely stroll through Hamarikyu Garden. You will be on your feet for approximately 2-3 hours today.

A dazzling, high-tech metropolis, Japan’s capital has wonderfully traditional roots. Begin the day by ascending the soaring Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower for panoramic views of the city below. Next, head to the old district of Asakusa and soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple, before browsing the stalls on Nakamise shopping street. Due to the limited coach parking, you may need to walk around 15 minutes on flat road.After lunch, take time to explore the Tokyo National Museum to learn about Tokyo’s historical heritage. You will be on your feet for 4-5 hours during your touring in Tokyo. Return to your hotel where your guide will let you know what time to meet for this evening’s dinner cruise. Transfer from the hotel to your boat and take a leisurely 1-hour dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay for some excellent city vistas. You will need to get on and off your boat this evening without assistance.

Any time before your flight is at leisure and breakfast will be included. You will be transferred from your hotel to Haneda or Narita International airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged. Transfers: In the event that your flight departs outside of the majority group departure time, you will be transferred to the airport by a shared coach (not with other Wendy Wu Tours passengers). If you are on a shared coach transfer, you may have to walk for a few minutes to get to the coach.