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I have yet to travel with Wendy Wu but…

I have yet to travel with Wendy Wu but untill now I have nothing but praise for them . Professional , friendly and very helpful even when I’ve asked a couple of trivial questions . As far as customer services go , I think they are doing a great job . I work in the Service Industry and some people have unfair expectations . It’s very hard to please everyone . I have read many reviews good and bad , but when travelling to distant Countriies that have very different lifestyles , one does have to be open minded , have a sense of adventure and some humour . Wendy Wu do mention this . I will review my India by Train holiday when I return . Until now I’m just enjoying the excitement of my forth coming adventure .

Date of experience : 26 September 2024

No response to website query.

Having gone on your website I sent you a query,it says you get back to queries within 24 hours,it is now 3 days since I sent you a query about your holidays.Not very good customer service,doesn’t bode well in trusting this company.

Date of experience : 18 September 2024

Best of Borneo really was the best

Absolutely fantastic experience with Wendy Wu’s Best of Borneo tour. Local guides were fantastic. Saw orangutan in the rehabilitation centres AND in the wild. Saw Pygmy elephants, rhinoceros hornbills and Sun Bears plus crocodiles and proboscis monkeys. Everything so smooth and easy. Group of 17 comprising Aussies, Kiwis and Brits - 5 couples, the rest of us singles. Everyone very friendly. Great for all food to be included: only needed to take spending money. Cannot recommend them highly enough. Best holiday I’ve ever had.

Date of experience : 01 August 2024

Reply from Wendy Wu Tours

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We're thrilled to hear that you had such an incredible experience on our Best of Borneo tour. It sounds like you had the opportunity to see some of Borneo's most iconic wildlife, and we're glad the local guides were able to enhance your experience with their knowledge and passion. We're also pleased that the group dynamic was enjoyable and that everything went smoothly throughout your journey. Including all the food is something we believe adds to the ease and enjoyment of the trip, so we're glad you appreciated that too. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we’re so happy to hear that this was the best holiday you’ve ever had. We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!

Unfortunately 0 is not an option

Unfortunately 0 is not an option. They changed the flights which meant an extra 8 hours travelling. Would not give any refund after we cancelled either. Hard to justify £700 deposit when no flights were booked, no hotels were booked. Avoid them at all costs, many others that are better.

Date of experience : 21 August 2024

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry to hear about your disappointment. We would like to clarify that the flight changes were made by British Airways, who unfortunately cancelled all direct flights between London Heathrow and Beijing. In response, we secured alternative flights that, while requiring a connection in Hong Kong, maintained your original travel dates and ensured that your arrival and departure times in China were as close as possible to those initially planned. It's unfortunate that these adjustments did not meet your expectations as the overwhelming majority of our customers accepted similar alternatives and are continuing with their plans to visit China. Regarding the cancellation and deposit, we understand that £700 is a considerable amount, but it reflects costs that we incur immediately upon booking and our cancellation charges are laid out in our booking conditions which are in place to ensure fairness and consistency for all our customers. We regret that your holiday plans have been impacted in this way, and it's a shame you will not be joining us on what we are confident would have been a memorable tour of China. If there is anything more we can do to assist you, please feel free to contact us.

We went to Japan in July with Wendy Wu.

We went to Japan in July with Wendy Wu and were very disappointed with the repetitious itinerary, mainly temples, shrines and gardens and virtually nothing of city life the cultural aspect of life. We felt frustrated and sad that we saw so little of Japanese life, it looked like a beautiful country. Including things such as a cooking class, a fish market, rice farm, city walking tour, "something fun" would have made a huge difference. Our guide was lovely and very capable, hotels were excellent and the food was enjoyable but not enough variety and far too much tofu.

Date of experience : 10 July 2024

Greetings have just arrived back in New…

Greetings have just arrived back in New Zealand from my 4th Wendy tour. This time did Vietnam mekong river cruise and Cambodia. 22 days the tour was and again I will always recommend this brilliant company to others. In Cambodia our guide solky was incredibly well presented, knowledgeable and caring for the other 23 tour group he called us his family. This man is a credit to a very well run company a strong representative of his area and a lovely person. Our team wish him well and I hope even though all my guides have been great he gets many more tours. Cheers Christine mills

Date of experience : 05 April 2024

2 weeks in Thailand ... went without a hitch

Wonderful experience from start to finish with Wendy Wu. They took our requests for a 2 week bespoke trip to Thailand in November 2023. They pulled together an itinerary that met everything we wanted, for a good price. They kept us updated and delivered a pack a few weeks before travel with everything we needed, and were on hand to answer any additional questions over email. The trip went without a hitch - every transfer was on time, all trips were well planned and guides were fantastic (especially Olivia in Bangkok). Hotels were great, clean and convenient. We had an incredible trip and we'll definitely be using Wendy Wu in the future.

Date of experience : 03 November 2023

Wendy Wu Cambodia tour Nov 2023

Just back from Wendy Wu group tour to Cambodia (Classic). Wow! An amazing experience. Can't recommend it highly enough. A country we knew little about before going was really brought to life by our brilliant local guide, Mr Sokhoeun Bout. He is kind, gentle, an excellent communicator, has such knowledge about and passion for his country, made us all laugh a lot, and nothing was too much trouble. The itinerary was very varied and included fascinating insights into local NGO's and family small businesses, as well as Siem Reap, Angkor, Battambang, Phnom Penh, Kampot and Kep. Hotels all beautiful. Food excellent. Very careful driver. A wonderful trip of a lifetime.

Date of experience : 13 November 2023

We are thrilled to hear you had an amazing time on our Cambodia Classic tour! Mr. Sokhoeun Bout truly shines, and we're delighted he made your journey so special. Thanks for the high recommendation and for choosing Wendy Wu Tours for your adventure in Cambodia. Hope to welcome you on another unforgettable trip soon. Jimmy McLean Customer Service Manager

Jewels of Japan' tour rip off

Went on Wendy Wu 'Jewels of Japan' tour 27th Mar to 6th April 2023, very disappointing! Bad airport pick up, sub standard hotels, awful food which was often cold. Barely any downtime, felt rushed, no time to relax at all! Arrangement for transfer to airport at end of trip was diabolical! So stressful! The tour wasn't the magical experience I was expecting for my 'once in a lifetime' 70th birthday. Total rip off! The tour failed to deliver on any level. Naturally after such a disappointing trip I complained when I got back, but Wendy Wu treated my complaint with contempt! Offered me £100 voucher off next holiday, basically fobbed me off, as if I would ever choose to travel with them again!

Date of experience : 27 March 2023

Best of Borneo tour

Just returned from the Best of Borneo trip, which was fantastic from start to finish. Guide was waiting for us at the airport as promised, all transport and internal flights were well organised. Good food throughout with special care given to guests with specific dietary requirements. The itinerary covered cities, temples and of course the wildlife. The three days spent in the jungle were incredible. A special mention for our guide Selvam, if you get him as your guide you’ve hit the jackpot. So knowledgeable, so kind, and has a genuine desire to make sure every guest has the perfect holiday.

Date of experience : 13 August 2023

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic time on our Best of Borneo trip. It sounds like everything went smoothly and that you enjoyed the diverse itinerary, delicious food, and especially the time in the jungle. We'll be sure to pass on your appreciation to Selvam. Your kind words mean a lot to us. We hope to welcome you back for another incredible adventure in the future! Jimmy

I did the highlights of Sri Lanka with…Wendy wu

I did the highlights of Sri Lanka with Wendy Wu a beautiful country but this trip was just too packed.We had an amazing guide and driver but there was just too much one day we caught the train to the tea plantation arrived in the dark and left early in the morning in the dark again, 5 hours each way to see nothing. The food was really poor all meals for all 16 days were lukewarm buffets apart from a packed lunch on the train. The country is fantastic but pick a tour with better food and slower paced.

Date of experience : 02 February 2024

Great experience on Uncovered Japan…

Great experience on Uncovered Japan tour. Guide was with us from the beginning and spoke excellent english, was knowledgeable and kind. accommodation was clean and comfortable. The tour is definitely busy with lot of sightseeing but that's what we love about wendy wu is there's nothing to be missed. Food was nice just when we thought we'd had enough Japanese food, we would get a nice western meal. have travelled twice with wendy wu before and will be doing again.

Date of experience : 10 May 2023

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! We're delighted that you had a great time on the Uncovered Japan tour. It's fantastic to hear that you enjoyed the knowledgeable and kind guide, comfortable accommodations, and the perfect blend of sightseeing. We're glad our variety of food options added to your experience too. We can't wait to welcome you on another adventure soon! Jimmy

Japan Uncovered

Good itinerary and friendly guide, but several areas of disappointment. Poor value at £7k+ pp for 14 nights. Physical Rating 1 is ludicrous for a tour when most days there is 5+ miles walking, often on inclines, and in hot humid conditions. Pace of tour is wrong with too few breaks, rarely is there a mid morning/afternoon stop for tea/coffee etc. Hotels were mainly in business districts, often at or near railway stations. Rooms almost all small and at the budget end of the hotels' range often, with views of other buildings. Only a few had a bar and none had lounges or areas to relax in, other than, at times. the reception area. Nice to try Japanese food, but most of the lunches and dinners were very similar (and somewhat bland) and often served just about warm. Meals were usually waiting on the tables before our arrival. Food provided was generally of a budget type with only a handful of more premium meals.

Date of experience : 14 September 2023

Travelled with Wendy Wu on a Discover…

Travelled with Wendy Wu on a Discover Japan trip. Unfortunately this turned out to be a disappointing trip for a number reasons: Large group of 28 meant that restaurants used had to accommodate this number. The result was poor food with little variety. Bullitt train experience turned out to be a very short suburban trip with no option to reach the speeds advertised. Poor guide with few social skills and inadequate English. We came home knowing very little about Japan’s culture, history and customs. Questions were not encouraged and there was no help to enable us to make the most of free time. This was especially true in Kyoto where we saw very little of the local architecture etc. People with food intolerances whilst caters for adequately were forced to sit away from their travelling companions. On the plus side, our fellow travellers were all lovely entertaining people and we saw many interesting sights. The blossom was beautiful. This was an expensive trip and the holiday was certainly not the luxury experience we had been expecting. We would not use Wendy Wu again.

Date of experience : 29 March 2024

Refund received on June 22

Awaiting a refund for a cancelled holiday. WW just state “no refunds” and give no indication when I might get my money if I don’t rebook another trip. Well over £10k is at stake: balance paid in late February and it seems unlikely that this has been paid out by WW. Why can’t they refund this and retain my deposit until they get Airline refunds? I have no confidence that I shall see my money again, certainly not for ages. It makes a total mockery of ABTA and “ book with confidence”.

Date of experience : 11 April 2020

have booked a tour but.............

have booked a tour, now very worried about it. The service from their office is pitiful. Misleading, overcharged (cost of visa should have been deducted, more fool me for thinking they could be trusted to to that), slow to respond to request for refund, obfusticate over making it (we don't do bank transfer, despite having one of their agents tell us they did. One example. Sincerely hope the tour is better than their admin and customer service. very worried indeed

Date of experience : 26 March 2019

Could have been better

Felt rushed, limited time to relax. Only one hotel had a luxury feel,the 4x4 desert experience was actually us sat on benches on the back of pick up trucks Food was repetitive and even the free water was in limited supplies(4 bottles for 19 people). Didn’t always have options for those with dietary restrictions, or the information provided was not passed on when making reservations. Vegetarian at cooking class ate a bit of salad and a couple of cooked carrots.as there were no alternatives despite being told there would be. rushed out by the guide before desert was served despite hotel being next door. Felt like a bit of a sales pitch at times, but from this shop or we are stopping here and they will give us discount

Date of experience : 13 May 2023

Jewels of Japan

At a cost of 8k I expected a better standard of service overall but was truly disappointed. Their sales team is effective but once the tour is paid for the after care drops drastically. The guide did not speak good English ! Some of the hotels were very basic . The pace of tour was not level 1 - it was a very busy schedule with a lot of walking and hardly any down time. Long coach trips on coaches of very basic standards . Japan is a beautiful country but I would have enjoyed it better and in comfort with a company who provided a higher standard of service .

Date of experience : 08 November 2023

Jewels of Japan - what a waste of money

Jewels of Japan - March 2024. Worst tour we've ever been on. Chaotic tour from start to finish. Coach left twice without all the passengers and had to go back to pick up. Really poorly organised. Our 'guide' had no idea how to be a guide and was totally oblivious to the expectations of people who were on the tour. The guide didn't know the basics such as how to get tickets for attractions so there was lots of waiting around and constant changing of plans and timing causing lots of confusion. Most frustratingly for us, we learned nothing - guide gave no information about the places we visited, history, the food we were eating etc. We were certainly not immersed in the culture and history as promised in the brochure. The audio equipment which was issued with the expectation that there would be information about the places visited was for decoration only. They were used once during the whole tour. The only way we learned anything was to listen in to other tours. We were pretty much dropped off at a location and left to make our own way round and learn what we could for ourselves. This was certainly not the premium tour advertised and represented very poor value for money. We would never go on another tour with Wendy Wu.

Date of experience : 22 March 2024

I extremely disappointed with Wendy Wu

As with many reviewers I have travelled with Wendy Wu on 3 previous occasions and have loved the tours. In January I attended the holiday show in Manchester and spoke to the staff there. I wanted an add on to the holiday and was assured this could happen and paid a deposit. Hanna got back to me a couple of times and my holiday was sorted including everything I wanted. I also paid for an additional flight. I was reminded to pay and paid the remaining amount on 15th April, received a confirmation on 16th and then my holiday was cancelled on 18th! This holiday cost over £20 000 . I was then informed that their systems couldn’t pay me back immediately as it was ‘too much’. I had to ring the company and I have received the full amount back. This was my ‘holiday of a lifetime’ . I have received no further contact or apology. I am extremely disappointed that a company I trusted should behave in such a way.

Date of experience : 18 April 2024

Japan Tours

We have 0  to Japan

Japan is one of the booming areas for Australian travellers and it is not hard to see why. From buzzing metropolises, alpine mountain passes, serene temples and shrines and picture-perfect gardens, our Japan tours cover all the bases.

Perhaps escorted group travel is not your cup of sake – we have independent travel tours to all major cities in Japan, or we can create something unique from scratch for you.

Japan Tours ( 29 )

Japan Uncovered

• Fully Inclusive Touring with Guides and entrance fees
• Flights International flights and current taxes
• Physical Rating 1 i Walking, some steps and time on your feet.
• Discover historic Kyoto & Nara
• Reflect in Hiroshima & Miyajima
• Admire beautiful Mount Fuji
• See the snow monkeys
• Feel the rush of Tokyo & Osaka
• Explore Kanazawa & Takayama

Discover Japan

• Feel the rush of Tokyo
• Admire great Mount Fuji
• Be charmed by Kyoto
• Visit Buddhist Koyasan
• See ancient Nara
• Explore the Japanese Alps

Jewels of Japan

• Puzzle over Ryoanji
• Reflect in Hiroshima
• Explore relaxed Miyajima

A Week In Japan

• Stroll through vibrant Tokyo
• Discover Kyoto's temples
• Explore historic Nara
• Experience the super-fast bullet train

Japan by Rail

• Reflect in Nagasaki & Hiroshima
• Admire Kyoto's temples
• Search for the snow monkeys
• Explore bustling Tokyo
• Discover Sendai & Hakodate
• Spend time in Sapporo

Experience Japan

• Discover delightful Nara
• Visit Matsumoto & Osaka castles
• Explore Arashiyama bamboo forest
• See Kamakura's Grand Buddha
• View the impressive Mt Fuji

Off-Beat Japan

• Physical Rating 3 i Longer walking and gentle paced physical activities.
• Take a Taiko drumming class
• Walk around Mount Fuji’s base
• Stay at a traditional ryokan
• Explore sacred Koyasan
• Chant with Buddhist monks

Journey through Japan

• Discover Hokkaido's nature
• Explore vibrant Sapporo
• Spend time in Hakodate
• See Tokyo's bright lights
• Gaze at Mount Fuji
• Uncover Kyoto's past

Japan & the Scenic South

• Explore charming Fukuoka
• Discover Kumamoto
• See the impressive Mount Aso
• Admire Kyoto's past

Ancient Empires of China & Japan

• Discover historic Beijing
• See the Terracotta Warriors
• Admire Shanghai's bright lights

Best of Japan

• Ascend the slopes of Mt Fuji and take a relaxing cruise on Lake Ashi
• Meet the adorable Snow Monkeys in Yudanaka
• Learn washi paper making and visit a miso house and a wasabi farm
• Wander through the thatched-roof village of Shirakawago
• Stop in amazement at the dramatic flair of the Matsumoto Castle
• Watch as water laps over the iconic Itsukushima Shrine

Essence of South Korea & Japan

• Explore bustling Seoul
• Visit historic Gyeongju
• Discover picturesque Busan

Osaka to Seoul

• Sail from Tokyo to Seoul ,Explore Kyoto's timeless temples ,Gaze on Japan's most iconic sight, magnificent Mount Fuji ,Explore the vibrant city of Seoul

Singapore to Tokyo

• Sail from Singapore to Kobe ,Explore Kyoto's timeless temples ,Watch the adorable snow monkeys bathe in their hot spring pool ,Gaze on Japan's most iconic sight, magnificent Mount Fuji ,

Christmas in Japan

• Spend Christmas in charming Kyoto,Explore the bright lights of Tokyo,Admire beautiful Mount Fuji,Relax in a rejuvenating onsen,Discover traditional Shirakawago ,Uncover Nara’s long history,

Christmas in Japan 2024

Japan by Land & Sea

• Sail from Kobe to Tokyo ,Ascend Tokyo's towering Skytree ,Explore Kyoto's culture treasures ,Watch the adorable snow monkeys bathe in their hot spring pool

China by Land, Japan by Sea

• Sail a route that starts and ends in Shanghai ,Walk on China's most iconic sight, the Great Wall ,Discover more about the mysterious Terracotta Army ,Visit the playful pandas of Chengdu

Japan Impressions

Tokyo & Mount Fuji

• Take in the peaceful serenity of the Hamarikyu Gardens
• Cruise on the Sumida River for stunning panoramic views of Tokyo
• Visit Mount Fuji, synonymous with Japan and the most iconic destination in the country

Hiroshima & Miyajima

• Peace Park and Museum
• Hiroshima Castle
• Itsukushima Shrine

Snow Monkeys Extension

• Explore the historic Zenkoji Temple
• Stay in a traditional Japanese Ryokan
• Relax in hot spring baths
• Meet the famous Japanese Macaques
• Admire the quaint old town of Obuse

Sapporo & Otaru

• Explore Hokkaido Museum,
• Visit Sapporo Beer Museum
• Relax in Otaru
• Visit the Nikka Whiskey factory

Naoshima Extension

• Stroll Bikans Historical Quarter
• Spend the day in Kurashiki
• Explore art museums
• Relax on Naoshima Island

Nikko & Kamakura

• Visit Toshogu Shrine
• View Kegon Falls,
• Discover Kamakura's temples
• See the 11m tall bronze Buddha statue

Koyasan Short Stay

Tokyo Short Stay

• Visit the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Explore quirky Harajuku
• Discover beautiful Kamakura
• See the Great Buddha at Kotokuin

Kyoto Short Stay

• Admire beautiful Kodaiji Temple
• Explore Kyoto's geisha district
• See impressive Heian Shrine
• Stroll the Philosopher's Path

Nara Short Stay

• View the eminent Todaji
• Wander beautiful Nara Park
• See lovely Kasuga Shrine
• Visit Meji-era Isuien Garden

Japan Tour Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 5269 reviews

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Wendy Wu Japan Tour Review

Nicki lahiri.

Our lovely Travel Consultant Pippa has recently experienced a delightful tour of Japan hosted by Wendy Wu, read on to find out about what she loved, recommends and top tips for touring Japan.

Discovering Japan in 8 Days

We travelled by ANA Airways from London Heathrow to Haneda Airport, Tokyo in Business Class.  Very comfortable, flat beds for the overnight flights enhanced with excellent service and refreshments.

Our group included 5 Travel Agents and three senior staff from Wendy Wu, ANA Airways and the Advantage Travel Partnership.

We were met by the Wendy Wu English speaking guide who was to stay with us for the 6 nights we would be in Japan.  Japan is a small country when compared with the vast Asian mainland – it is smaller than the state of California and covers just 368 square kilometres.  We covered a very small area of that in our 6 nights:  98 km from Tokyo to Hakone, 374 km from Hakone to Kyoto and 457 km back to Tokyo.

After checking in at the Hotel Grand Palace we met for the hotel buffet dinner.  The Grand Palace is a typical touring hotel and well located for the sights.  Our first Japanese buffet included Sushi, Sashimi, Miso soup with tofu, tempura and other delights.  I was to be in my element for the week.

We hopped aboard a minibus which took us past the Imperial Palace but sadly not within its hallowed portals. The Palace is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the centre of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station.  It is the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family and of course is home to the new Emperor and Empress of Japan, crowned just this year.

An extremely fast lift took us to the observation area of the earthquake-proof (wouldn’t like to test that!) Tokyo Sky Tree .  It is the tallest tower in the world at 634 metres and the second tallest structure in the world after the Burj Khalifa.  It is used for broadcasting and was completed in 2012.  Architecturally it is described by the Japanese as a fusion of neo-futuristic and the traditional beauty of Japan.  Rather terrifyingly I walked on a section of glass flooring which gives visitors a direct downward view of the streets below.

Japan is famous for its gardens and we spent some time in the Hama Rikyu Garden which is a public park in Chuo located at the mouth of the Sumida River.  Interesting to note it was built one year after the war in 1946. It was remodelled as a public garden park on the site of a villa of the Shogun Tokugawa family (extremely powerful family) in the 17 th century.  In the garden you can find a pond with a tea house in the centre and we crossed one of the three bridges to reach the tea house where you can enjoy the ubiquitous matcha and Japanese sweets.  We saw stunning peonies and plum trees.

After returning to the hotel, we freshened up and split up into groups for dinner, me opting for the Ramen noodles with the Guide!

Today saw the brilliant Japanese courier service put into action.  We would go to Hakone for a night to see Mount Fuji and then go on to Kyoto where our luggage would already be.  It was important therefore to pack a day bag for the sleepover.  We headed off for Mount Fuji, catching glimpses of it through the cloud along the way.  We alighted at the Mt Fuji 5 th Station ostensibly to see the views but first you are hit with myriad souvenir shops and relentless busloads of people.  But ultimately nothing can detract from the wonder of viewing Mount Fuji as elusive as she is behind the shifting clouds.

Mount Fuji is an active volcano commonly called Fuji-san. It is the country’s tallest peak at 3776 metres and has been a pilgrimage site for centuries.

We crossed Lake Ashi and alighted close to the Mt Komagatake Ropeway which takes you to the top of Mt Koma by Cable Car.  The cable length is 1.8 km and the views were sensational, through the cloud, though not for the faint-hearted.

After arriving at Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel for the night we had dinner in their French restaurant.  This is a modern mountain resort and great for activities such as golf, tennis, hot springs, art galleries and swimming if you have the time.  Dinner was a lavish French affair of several courses.

After breakfast we were taken to Odawara Station for our bullet train journey to Kyoto, Japan’s old capital.  The Shinkansen (bullet train) is a high-speed rail service sometimes travelling in excess of 250 km per hour.  Operations first began as early as 1964 and have just improved over time.  Amazingly you don’t feel as if you’re travelling at high speed – they are very comfortable, and staff move up and down with trollies of food just like South West Railways!

After the short journey to Kyoto we had lunch at the station.  I have become ‘mopper-upper’ of most of the delicious Japanese dishes as more than a few of us have less exotic tastes!

We then checked in to the Hotel Monterey Kyoto which is another touring hotel but I much preferred it to the Grand Palace in Tokyo which lacks character.  The Monterey has a chapel housed in a huge glass structure and is a nod to the Monterey Mission from California.

Kyoto is fascinating and unlike Tokyo has the charm and character of an old capital city having enjoyed that status from 794 to 1868.  It is famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses.  It is also known for the geisha girls and our guide took us later in the evening to the Gion district, famous for its geisha.

We split up again for dinner and once more I stuck with the guide for a typical Japanese dinner in the market area.

A full day tour of Kyoto today beginning with Ryoanji Temple which is a Zen temple considered one of the finest surviving examples of Karesansui, a refined type of Japanese Zen temple garden design generally featuring distinctive larger rock formations arranged amidst a sweep of smooth pebbles raked into linear patterns that facilitate meditation.

Our next stop was Kinkakuji temple or the Golden Pavilion.  It is a Zen Buddhist temple attracting large numbers annually and is a World Heritage Site.  It dates back to 1397 and the name Kinkaku is derived from the gold leaf that the pavilion is covered in.  In keeping with the Zen belief, the gold employed was intended to mitigate and purify any pollution or negative thoughts and feelings towards death.  The reflection of sunlight on the roof is mind-blowing and the effect the reflection creates on the pond is utterly glorious.

We then enjoyed a Kimono fashion show with an opportunity to buy one afterwards.  Tempting but I resisted – too pricey as I didn’t want a cotton one – only silk will do!

After lunch we were treated to a Tea Ceremony and a calligraphy lesson.  A Tea Ceremony normally takes over 4 hours but ours was shortened to half an hour.  Layered in tradition and Japan’s complicated etiquette, we learnt how to make the tea, serve and drink it.  It was a moving lesson and we all enjoyed it.  The calligraphy lesson that followed was most rewarding, resulting in a mounted rendition of our names.

We split up once more and I formed the group that went to one of the beautiful restaurants in old Kyoto overlooking the river.  Food was exceptional.

Once again we prepared our suitcases for the highly efficient courier service to take them back to Tokyo.  No overnight bag required this time though.

At Kyoto station we took the Shinkansen back to Tokyo where we went straight to dinner joined by two members of Tokyo Travel Service – a fun way to complete our tour.

We experienced ANA economy service on the way back which was above average.

Japan has a fascinating and multifaceted culture; on the one hand it is steeped in the deepest of traditions dating back thousands of years and on the other it is a society in a continual state of rapid flux, with continually shifting fads and fashions and technological development that constantly pushes back the boundaries of the possible. This is part of what makes it such a fascinating country to visit. If you are looking for something different you are sure to find it here!

June is the start of the rainy season, but we were lucky in that the rain didn’t tumble down until our final day when we were leaving but ideally you should travel between November and June and avoid the wet time.  Wendy Wu offer a great range of itineraries within Japan and it was fantastic to experience what they have to offer first  hand.  This trip has certainly enhanced my knowledge and showcased three fascinating places to visit.

Typical holiday itinerary

7-night classic tour, discover Japan’s essential highlights on this great-value tour. Explore the historical cities of Kyoto and Nara, be awestruck by the beauty of Mt Fuji and experience the bright lights of Tokyo and Osaka.

• 3 Nights – Tokyo
• 1 Night – Mount Fuji
• 2 Nights – Kyoto
• 1 Night – Nara & Osaka
• All meals included
• £3,540 per person

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT TOURING THROUGH JAPAN?

Speak to Pippa today 01730 711010

[email protected]

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• Etiquette in Japan for business travellers
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Wendy wu tours reviews & ratings, absolutely excellent.

Oct 2019 - We have just returned from a 26 day 'Wendy Wu - Grand Tour of China' which was absolutely EXCELLENT!!! Our China holiday gave us an insight into a beauti...

Excellent Tour

Excellent tour of Vietnam everything I could have wished for,I loved Vietnam its people and culture .Our tour guide David was well spoken and polite and the tour its...

Well organised and all inclusive .

Highly Recommended

I recently went on one of Wendy Wu's tours to Vietnam and can highly recommend them. I felt the tour had a bit of everything for everyone in the group and our tour l...

absolutely perfect

Went to Japan last year on tour- absolutely perfect trip organised by WW...

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Editoral Review of Wendy Wu Tours

Established in 1998, Australia based company, Wendy Wu has risen from humble beginnings operating culturally rich tours to China, to now servicing most of Asia and Southeast Asia and South America. They continue to have a strong focus in China, and are one of the premiere companies for a journey to Asia.

What Makes Wendy Wu Tours Stand Out?

Award winning Wendy Wu tours is the real deal. Founded by Wendy Wu herself, an enthusiastic world traveler, these tours are incredibly welcoming. Exploring local life, classic sights, and making lasting friendships are some of the incredibly positive parts of traveling on a tour with Wendy Wu.

Their in-depth knowledge of the customs, and cultures in the regions they explore on their tours is really what makes them stand out. The wide range of tours that they offer has grown over the years to include not only China but many other areas of Asia as well. With their focus on location familiarization and knowledge, they are dedicated to showcasing the best Asia has to offer.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Wendy Wu Tours?

Travelers who are eager to explore farther reaches of China, with the assistance and support of a knowledgeable local guide every step of the way, will most enjoy a trip with Wendy Wu. Their approach is welcoming, friendly - guides are resourceful and helpful so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy learning about this vast beautiful country.

Wendy Wu’s traveler is generally a bit older - between 40-65. Active middle aged travelers and baby boomers with a lust for adventure as well as an appreciation of the finer things. If you love the idea of enjoying a glass of champagne atop the Great Wall, after an invigorating and rewarding walk to get there, then Wendy Wu is the perfect mix of activity and relaxation for you.

Groups are medium sized, typically no more than 24 and solo travelers are very welcome. You will not need to pay a single supplement if you are willing to share with another same-sex roommate. Most commonly the travelers on your tour will come from the UK, US, and Australia. Guides are fluent english speakers, though you may encounter some thick accents! Private and customizable tours are also offered for those seeking more flexibility in the itinerary.

As their traveler is typically from the “western” world, a sense of adventure and open mindedness is key for maximum enjoyment. In China and other Asian countries you may encounter differing levels of comfort when it comes to amenities, food, and transportation. Expect to sample a lot of local cuisine, which may be a challenge for those with sensitive stomachs. Another benefit of going with a guide who can help translate and find you things you’ll enjoy.

There have a wide variety of tour types and styles you can choose, from group tours, private guided, river cruise, luxury small group, to adventure. These are offered in a variety of budget ranges, and don’t usually involve too much strenuous physical activity - though be sure to check as some Wendy Wu tours involve challenging hikes in high altitude.

Top Destinations

Wendy Wu’s primary focus is in Asia, with a strong specialty in China. Since being founded in 1998 as a tour operator to China, they have expanded dramatically, now operating tours in most of Asia. Their extensive use of professional local guides means you’ll get an intimate look at local life and culture. You’ll be able to venture out into the countryside away from the cities for a truly immersive cultural experience.  

They own and manage their own land arrangements in China, helping you get the most exclusive experience.

It might seem a bit strange as their brand is so much about welcoming travelers to China and other Asian countries, but Wendy Wu tours also visit a few South American countries. These have the same fully escorted dedication, service, and cultural focus as their Asia tours.

However, it is our editorial opinion that if you are looking for a South America tour that has the same kind of values so strongly showcased in Wendy Wu’s trips around Asia, you may want to explore other companies first.

Wendy Wu Travel Style

Wendy Wu’s travel style is active yet comfortable; geared toward older travelers and western travelers. It is important to note that comfort standards can be different in Asia, so keep an open mind. Wendy Wu tours fall into about 6 main categories:

Classic Group Tours - This is your standard group travel escorted experience, yes you will have a group leader with a flag. Groups are mid size, no larger than 29 people. You’ll visit classic sites, and have some unique cultural experiences as well. All parts of the tour are taken care of, from airport pick up and drop off, meals, accommodations, and activities.

Immerse Yourself - An immersive tour with Wendy Wu is a small group tour, with more focus on immersion, cultural activities, and interaction with locals. Groups are no more than 18 people, allowing for a much more intimate experience throughout Asia. You’ll also be allotted more free time to explore on your own during the tour.

The Exclusive Collection - These luxury tours take the Asia travel experience to the next level. Ideal for those who want an assurance of comfort and extremely personalized service. Groups are small, with the max being 18.

Private Tours - If you are the kind of traveler who wants a more customizable experience, perhaps traveling with just your significant other, family, or a small group of friends, Wendy Wu offers the chance to design a Private Tour.

Asia River Cruises - Asia has some stunning rivers that are very popular river cruise destinations. Traveling on a river cruise with Wendy Wu, you’ll enjoy the luxury of only unpacking once, and visiting small villages on cultural shore excursions along the way. You can find divers cruises in Asia with Wendy Wu on the more well known rivers: Yangtze, Mekong, and Irrawaddy, as well as some more unique ventures: Chindwin in Burma, the Red River in Vietnam, or the Brahmaputra in India.

Tailor Made - For a completely customized trip, Wendy Wu tours also offers the ability to speak with a travel advisor and create a fully tailor made experience.

Why Choose a Tour With Wendy Wu?

Their guides are natives to the country you’ll be exploring, giving you a unique glimpse into the life of a local. Itineraries are designed by experts who have traveled extensively throughout the regions - and quite often are from there originally.

They provide access to less touristy attractions and a local perspective like no other. If diversification and a lot of choice in how you see Asia is important to you, Wendy Wu will be a great tour company for you.

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About the company.

For more than 16 years, Wendy Wu has been perfecting her itineraries taking travelers beyond the usual and into the extraordinary. We know that in order to achieve this, it requires more than just delivering passengers to the must see tourist sites. We believe that our passengers like to be travelers as well as tourists and give you the opportunity to mingle with the locals throughout your tour. Wendy Wu Tours is a global leader in fully inclusive vacations designed to offer an in depth look at each destination.

Our Destination Specialists have traveled throughout Asia and are eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you. They can provide you with detailed information about our tours, advice on which itinerary best suits your tastes and even help plan your own personalized program.

Wendy Wu Tours Trips & Specials

Want a tailor-made trip instead, your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

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Japan by Rail

22 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour

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.

• Fully Inclusive Touring with Guides and entrance fees
• Included Meals Breakfasts: 19 , Lunches: 18 , Dinners: 19
• Flights International flights and current taxes
• Accommodation 19 nights in 3+ star accommodation
• Group Tour Max Group Size: 28
• Physical Rating 1 Learn More X A reasonable level of fitness is required but it's more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You'll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps. Learn More Walking, some steps and time on your feet.

Tour Highlights

Our Japan by Rail tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Stroll through Glover Garden, home to the city's foreign residents during the end of the era of seclusion in the late 19th Century.

Momiji Manju

Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, try your hand at making Momiji manju (maple leaf bean buns)

Shirakawago

Explore Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unusual architectural style.

Matsushima Bay

Cruise one of Japan's Three Great Sights, Matsushima Bay.

Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, try your hand at making Momiji manju (maple leaf bean buns), Miyajima's most famous confectionary for over a hundred years.

Sake Cup Making

Learn about the role of the masu sake cup in Japan's culture before stepping into the studio to make your very own cup with an original design, which you can then take home as a souvenir!

Learn to make Sushi

Discover the history and etiquette of making and appreciating sushi with a hands-on lesson before sitting down with your instructing chef to enjoy Japan's most famous cuisine. It's the taking part that counts!

Day by Day Itinerary

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Begin the day at the Tokyo Metropolitan Building and ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking views over the sprawling city. Next, soak up the atmosphere at the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine and see the world-famous Shibuya crossing. End the day with a relaxing dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.

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.

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.

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.

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

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Accommodation

Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu

Grand Prince Hotel

Rihga Royal Osaka

Rihga Gran Kyoto

Hotel Kanazawa

Rako Hananoi Hotel

Sunshine City Prince Hotel

Hotel Vista Sendai

Hakodate Kokusai Hotel

Sapporo View Hotel

Book with confidence.

The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are bursting into life and autumn (September to November) when the scenery is ablaze with colour.

Pricing & Availability

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected

• Select Year All Dates
• Select Month January February March April May June July August September October November December
• Departure: All
• 1 Room, 2 Guests
• 1 Room, 1 Guest

We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and exclusive benefits including a single room throughout your tour, complimentary return airport transfers (within 50km radius of major Australian airports) and a cocktail on arrival at your destination. Travellers from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne also receive a complimentary Australian airport lounge pass for use prior to departure.

Additional Price Information

• Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 August 2023. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
• 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.
• Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request
• Please note: cherry blossoms & autumn leaves are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
• Price listed is based on new bookings only

Group Tour includes

• International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
• All Meals (refer to itinerary)
• Domestic transportation
• 3 – 4 star accommodation
• Touring with guides and entrance fees

Important Information For Your Tour

What our customers say.

Rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 5269 reviews

Our Award-Winning Guides

I always treat my tour groups like a family, making sure that everyone is happy throughout the tour. I am very passionate about Japanese history. If anyone is interested in learning about Samurai or the Meiji Restoration, you'll have to come to Japan and ask me!

A special thank you to Yoko our National Escort, whose friendly, professional and organised approach to the holiday made sure everything ran smoothly and made the trip to Japan so memorable.

It is great being able to explore my own country with different people who can offer a different perspective. I ensure my groups experience our culture as much as possible, because travel isn't just about the things that you see, it's also about the things you do.

Our National Escort Takako Kaneko made the holiday. She was excellent, informative, hardworking and had obviously researched information for us.

I love sharing the culture of my country with visitors, that's why I become a tour guide! From noodles and sake to classical gardens and temples, learning about our culture is surely the best way to understand more about Japan as a whole.

Our National Escort Michiyo 'made' this holiday with her charm, knowledge, lots of interesting details and her send of humour.

Michiyo was fantastic and went out of her way to make it a memorable experience. We would absolutely use Wendy Wu Tours again.

Japan Travel Blog

Read our latest articles or travel inspiration, exciting news about our destinations and all things Wendy Wu Tours

The ultimate top 10 unique experiences you cannot miss in Japan!

Asia bucket list: 11 ultimate alternatives in asia, extraordinary wildlife in asia (and how to see it for yourself).

All of our tours offer a single room supplement, which means you’ll have a room to yourself throughout your chosen tour. Continue the check-out process for the applicable supplement. On most tours, you can choose our 'Happy to Share' option, which may enable you to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance. If you are booking on a Dedicated Solo departure, a single room is already included in the price and there are no additional single supplements to pay.

With our flight inclusive option, we'll do the planning for you and meet you on arrival.

We include airport pickup upon arrival at your destination and drop off at the end of your tour (on the scheduled tour arrival and departure days) and when booking pre or post tour accommodation with us.

We partner with established and reputable airlines for your international flights.

We can assist with upgrading your seat to premium or business class for an additional cost.

Our team will work with you to choose your ideal routing and if we make changes to your tour itinerary that impact flights, we’ll rebook them for you.

Our On-Tour Support Team is available to provide advice about how to handle flight changes.

• Australia's leading Asia & Beyond Specialist
• Over 25 years of experience
• Friendly, knowledgeable regional specialists
• Exceptional Value & Extraordinary Experiences
• Seamless, end to end holidays
• Global award-winning service
• Highly Experienced Guides
• Fully ATAS and IATA accredited
• 5* Trip Advisor rating
• The Winner of Best Specialty Wholesaler
• - National Travel Industry Awards

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• Singapore to Tokyo
• Duration 24 days
• Tour Type Cruise & Tour
• Tour Style Classic
• Price From £ 8,790 pp
• Read Reviews 1 Review

FREE one way upgrade to Premium Economy on our Cruise & Tour Holidays Offer ends: 30 Sep 2024 View Offer

• Included Meals Breakfasts: 22 , Lunches: 20 , Dinners: 18
• Flights International flights and current taxes
• Visa Included Visa fees for UK passport holders
• Group Tour Max Group Size: 28
• Physical Rating 1 Learn More X A reasonable level of fitness is required and you should expect to be on your feet for much of the day. You’ll be getting on and off coaches, trains or boats and walking around the sights, often including steps, plus occasional longer walks. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More Walking, some steps and time on your feet

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For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.

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Inspired by Race Across the World?

Our Journey Through Japan tour is the closest tour you can take to follow in the racers' footsteps as they travelled from North to South.  Explore the tour

Explore al the featured destinations at our Race Across the World page

Tour Experiences

Learn to make Sushi

Discover the history and etiquette of making and appreciating sushi with a hands-on lesson before sitting down with your instructing chef to enjoy Japan’s most famous cuisine. It’s the taking part that counts!

Discover Secret Singapore

Discover a little of Singapore’s secret history in the form of the GPO Tunnel, once used for running mail to ships waiting at the pier. From Merlion Park follow it under Fullerton Road and into the five-star, heritage Fullerton Hotel. Make your way to The Courtyard, the hotel’s heart, where a delicious afternoon tea will be waiting.

Explore the Gion District

Kyoto's Gion is the city's hub of traditional arts and entertainments and its most famous geisha district. Exploring here is a delight, like taking a step back in time - the atmospheric grey flagstone streets are lined with wooden buildings, the possibility of a geisha appearing from an alleyway, hurrying off to an appointment, always an intriguing possibility.

About Azamara Pursuit

• Launched 2018
• Occupancy 702
• Tonnage 30,277
• Length 592ft
• Total Crew 408

Tour Itinerary

Our new and exciting Cruise and Tour Package includes many classic sights and key cultural activities in Singapore and Japan. Featuring modern cities, historical sights and beautiful landscapes.

Fly overnight to the vibrant city of Singapore. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Embark a full day tour of Singapore. Begin in the historic neighbourhoods of Chinatown and Kampong Glam then pass Parliament House on the way to Merlion Park, where you'll get excellent views over Marina Bay. Arrive at the Fullerton Hotel via a hidden walkway for a delicious Afternoon Tea. Cruise the Singapore River as the sun sets then, post dinner, explore the magnificent Gardens by the Bay and enjoy its iconic light show.

After breakfast you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Singapore's cruise terminal to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.

Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail across the Gulf of Thailand.

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's second, but largest, city. On its vibrant streets you can explore the timeless relics of colonials and revolution, sip delicious coffee, and eat some of Vietnam's best food. Or use the city as gateway, striking out to the gloriously lush Mekong Delta or curiosities like the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail along Vietnam's coast.

Port at Chan May from where there is a whole wealth of places to explore. Delve into the imperial history of Hue, where the UNESCO-listed Imperial City is a must-see, wander the enchanting, cobbled streets of Hoi An or head high into the Ba Na Hills to walk across the picturesque Golden Bridge.

Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you cross the South China Sea.

Arrive in the incomparable city of Hong Kong. Incredibly cosmopolitan, this unique destination blends a colonial legacy, ancient Chinese culture, and a modern, iconic cityscape into one glorious-to-explore package. There's delicious food, excellent cultural institutions, spectacular nature and great shopping too, while those looking for something a bit more contemplative can find it in quiet corners brimming with age old traditions.

Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you continue across the South China Sea.

Arrive in Taipei, capital city of Taiwan. A modern metropolis full of glistening skyscrapers, Taipei is a thriving, eclectic mix of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences which you'll find threaded through its culture, food, folk arts, and architecture.

Port at Hirara on Miyakojima. One of Japan's Okinawa islands, here you'll find a tropical paradise, fringed with unbelievable soft white sand beaches and colourful coral reefs.

Arrive at Naha, the cosmopolitan capital of Okinawa, the smallest of Japan's five main islands. The gateway to Okinawa's natural beauty and rich heritage, the city itself is offers great food, unique charms, and hidden treasures.

Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you cruise along the coast of Japan.

Disembark the Azamara Pursuit at Kobe's cruise port, where you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in Kyoto.

Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is a treasure trove of history and timeless culture. Your explorations will include Kyoto's landmark sights - beautiful Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, the Zen garden of Ryoanji, the pathways of vermilion red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Gion district, an area famous for its geisha. Enjoy a kaiseki dinner and sukiyaki lunch.

Board a bullet train and be whisked off to Mount Fuji. Pause at Oishi Park for incredible views (weather dependent) before a mini cruise on the picturesque Lake Ashi. Fly up to the heights of Mount Komagatake by cable car for more beautiful views before heading to Nagano to relax in a onsen – hot spring baths – and stay at a traditional ryokan.

Travel to Jigokudani Monkey Park, walking through the forest to reach the hot spring pool where a community of Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, bath in the warm waters. Visit the 7th-century Zenkoji before transferring to Tokyo, Japan's capital since 1868 and one of the world’s largest cities.

Tokyo may seem a thoroughly modern cityscape at first glance but look beyond the soaring towers and neon signs and you'll find deeply rooted tradition and peaceful pockets of the past. Start at vibrant Sensoji, the city's oldest temple before ascending the Tokyo Sky Tree for magical views. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass before dining on your creations for lunch. Make a photo stop at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing then explore Meiji Jingu Shrine.

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

Places Visited: UK – Singapore (2N) – Azamara Cruise (14N) – Kyoto (3N) – Nagano (1N) – Tokyo (2N)

Download Detailed Itinerary

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

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• All Departures
• Dedicated Solo Departures

Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected dates. In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.

There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

Cruise & Tour includes

• International flights and current taxes
• 4* accommodation
• 14 night cruise with Azamara Pursuit
• Domestic transportation
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• China visa fees for UK passport holders

Additional Price Information

• Based on London Heathrow departures
• Land & Cruise only from £8790
• Regional UK departures available
• Single room supplement from £5150
• Flight upgrades available on request
• Gratuities included for Azamara Cruise
• Tipping payable locally 15 SGD (Singapore)
• Price listed is based on new bookings only

From our Japan Blog

Read our latest articles or travel inspiration, exciting news about our destinations and all things Wendy Wu Tours

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Lonely planet’s best in asia, race across the world…in wendy wu style, confirm airport / passenger requirements, congratulations, you have taken the first step of your journey.

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