SHORTLIST

Japan Uncovered

Our most extensive tour of Japan includes all the classic sights and key cultural activities. Featuring modern cities, historical sights and beautiful landscapes, Japan Uncovered ensures you get the most out of your trip to this fascinating land.
Price notes:
  • Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2024, 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 (Osaka - Tokyo) 16 days from $12,080 per person, twin share
  • Single Supplement from $3,000 (ds not apply to Solo Exclusive Departures)
  • Please note: cherry blossoms are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
Tour details
Tour Provider Wendy Wu
Price From
$13,080
Number of Days
18
Start Location
Osaka, Japan
End Location
Tokyo, Japan
Age Range
Avg. 60+
Group Size
10 to 28
Tour Style
Comfort
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy
Includes Flights
Yes
Itinerary Open all
Days 1-2: Fly to Osaka
Fly to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Discover Nara
Spend the morning in Nara, the small, history-filled city that was Japan's first capital. Stroll through Nara Park to Todai-ji Temple and admire the traditional Isui-en Garden. Return to Osaka and visit the impressive Osaka Castle.
Day 4: Himeji Castle
Depart Osaka for Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the magnificent 17th Century Himeji Castle and the neighbouring Koko-en, a traditional-style garden.
Day 5: Explore Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a vibrant, forward-thinking city that is a pleasure to explore. Reflect on the city's tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Next, hop on the ferry across to the holy island of Miyajima to visit the Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy time at leisure.
Day 6: Bullet Train to Kyoto
Start the day with a journey by bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as 'Golden Pavilion'.
Day 7: Japanese Tea Ceremony
Enjoy one of Kyoto's most delightful spots, Kiyomizu, a 17th Century Buddhist temple, before experiencing the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony with a tea master. After lunch, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates.
Day 8: Travel to Kanazawa
Travel by road to Kanazawa. Meander through Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, before visiting a historic samurai house.
Day 9: Washi Paper Making
Visit the Nomura Samurai House and Garden before departing Kanazawa. Stop in Gokayama for lunch and a hands-on washi paper making workshop. Continue to Shirakawago, where you will explore the 300-year-old Gassho-style Wada House, before reaching Takayama.
Day 10: Explore Takayama
Browse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa morning market, wander past some of the lovely traditional houses and visit several of the excellent local museums, including the Festival Floats Museum, Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum and Takayama Jinya followed by a stroll down Kamisannomachi Street.
Day 11: Travel to Nagano
Travel to Matsumoto and explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle. Visit a miso house and learn about this famous Japanese seasoning. Go on to continue to Nagano.
Day 12: Search for Snow Monkeys
Travel deeper into the Japanese Alps to search for the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) - sighting not guaranteed at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Continue to Zenkoji, one of Japan's most prolific Buddhist temples.
Day 13: Mount Fuji
Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Ascend by road to the 5th station (weather permitting). Also visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku. Overnight accommodation will be in Mishima or the wider Fuji area.
Day 14: Explore Hakone
Begin the day with a cruise on the peaceful waters of Lake Ashi. Next, soar high on the Hakone Ropeway over the hilltops to the volcanic Owakudani Valley and discover the dramatic natural hot springs of Mount Hakone. Later, proceed to Tokyo.
Day 15: Discover Tokyo
A dazzling, high-tech metropolis, Japan's capital has wonderfully traditional roots. Start your explorations at the Imperial Palace East Garden, visit Meiji Shrine and walk the famous Shibuya Crossing.
Day 16: Tokyo
Stroll the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambiance of Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Ascend to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is free until the evening, when you will enjoy a serene dinner cruise.
Days 17-18: Fly Tokyo to New Zealand
Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the same or following day.
Inclusions
  • Domestic transportation
  • Accommodation
  • Entrance fees, guides and daily tours
  • All Meals
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
09 Jun 2025 25 Jun 2025 28 $13,080
23 Jun 2025 09 Jul 2025 18 $13,080
23 Jul 2025 08 Aug 2025 28 $13,480
06 Aug 2025 22 Aug 2025 28 $13,480
21 Sep 2025 07 Oct 2025 28 $13,780
22 Oct 2025 07 Nov 2025 28 $14,280
08 Nov 2025 24 Nov 2025 28 $13,780
10 Nov 2025 26 Nov 2025 28 $13,780
14 Nov 2025 30 Nov 2025 28 $13,780
08 Mar 2026 24 Mar 2026 28 $14,730
10 Mar 2026 26 Mar 2026 28 $14,730
11 Mar 2026 27 Mar 2026 28 $14,730
14 Mar 2026 30 Mar 2026 28 $14,730
15 Mar 2026 31 Mar 2026 28 $14,730
17 Mar 2026 02 Apr 2026 28 $14,730
18 Mar 2026 03 Apr 2026 28 $14,730
21 Mar 2026 06 Apr 2026 28 $14,730
22 Mar 2026 07 Apr 2026 28 $14,730
24 Mar 2026 09 Apr 2026 28 $14,730
28 Mar 2026 13 Apr 2026 28 $14,730
29 Mar 2026 14 Apr 2026 28 $14,730
31 Mar 2026 16 Apr 2026 28 $14,730
01 Apr 2026 17 Apr 2026 28 $14,730
05 Apr 2026 21 Apr 2026 18 $17,030
07 Apr 2026 23 Apr 2026 28 $14,730
08 Apr 2026 24 Apr 2026 28 $14,730
11 Apr 2026 27 Apr 2026 28 $14,730
12 Apr 2026 28 Apr 2026 18 $17,030
14 Apr 2026 30 Apr 2026 28 $14,730
15 Apr 2026 01 May 2026 28 $14,730
18 Apr 2026 04 May 2026 28 $14,730
19 Apr 2026 05 May 2026 18 $17,030
03 May 2026 19 May 2026 28 $14,730
05 May 2026 21 May 2026 28 $14,730
06 May 2026 22 May 2026 28 $14,730
09 May 2026 25 May 2026 28 $14,730
10 May 2026 26 May 2026 28 $14,730
12 May 2026 28 May 2026 28 $14,730
13 May 2026 29 May 2026 28 $14,130
16 May 2026 01 Jun 2026 28 $14,130
19 May 2026 04 Jun 2026 28 $14,130
20 May 2026 05 Jun 2026 28 $14,130
26 May 2026 11 Jun 2026 28 $14,130
02 Jun 2026 18 Jun 2026 28 $14,730
09 Jun 2026 25 Jun 2026 28 $14,730
16 Jun 2026 02 Jul 2026 28 $14,730
21 Jul 2026 06 Aug 2026 28 $14,730
04 Aug 2026 20 Aug 2026 28 $14,730
01 Sep 2026 17 Sep 2026 28 $14,730
02 Sep 2026 18 Sep 2026 28 $14,730
05 Sep 2026 21 Sep 2026 28 $14,730
06 Sep 2026 22 Sep 2026 28 $14,730
08 Sep 2026 24 Sep 2026 28 $14,730
09 Sep 2026 25 Sep 2026 28 $14,730
19 Sep 2026 05 Oct 2026 28 $14,730
20 Sep 2026 06 Oct 2026 28 $14,730
22 Sep 2026 08 Oct 2026 28 $14,730
23 Sep 2026 09 Oct 2026 28 $14,730
26 Sep 2026 12 Oct 2026 28 $14,730
27 Sep 2026 13 Oct 2026 28 $14,730
29 Sep 2026 15 Oct 2026 28 $14,730
30 Sep 2026 16 Oct 2026 28 $14,730
03 Oct 2026 19 Oct 2026 28 $14,730
04 Oct 2026 20 Oct 2026 28 $14,730
06 Oct 2026 22 Oct 2026 28 $14,730
07 Oct 2026 23 Oct 2026 28 $14,730
10 Oct 2026 26 Oct 2026 28 $14,730
11 Oct 2026 27 Oct 2026 28 $14,730
14 Oct 2026 30 Oct 2026 28 $14,730
17 Oct 2026 02 Nov 2026 28 $14,730
18 Oct 2026 03 Nov 2026 28 $14,730
20 Oct 2026 05 Nov 2026 28 $14,730
21 Oct 2026 06 Nov 2026 28 $14,730
24 Oct 2026 09 Nov 2026 28 $14,730
25 Oct 2026 10 Nov 2026 28 $14,730
27 Oct 2026 12 Nov 2026 28 $14,730
31 Oct 2026 16 Nov 2026 18 $17,030
01 Nov 2026 17 Nov 2026 18 $17,030
03 Nov 2026 19 Nov 2026 28 $14,730
04 Nov 2026 20 Nov 2026 28 $14,730
07 Nov 2026 23 Nov 2026 28 $14,730
08 Nov 2026 24 Nov 2026 28 $14,730
11 Nov 2026 27 Nov 2026 28 $14,730
14 Nov 2026 30 Nov 2026 28 $14,730
15 Nov 2026 01 Dec 2026 28 $14,730