Off-Beat Japan

Trip Code:3485

(AUD) Twin Share from $11,990pp

Days 14

Nights 11

Prepare to immerse yourself in the wacky and wonderful in this fascinating land. Get off the beaten track on our most culturally immersive Japan holiday and trek at the foot of Fuji, meet the Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka, take a rickshaw ride 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.

19 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026
Land only: from $11,790 pp twin share / $14,590 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,790 pp sole use *
26 Oct 2026 – 07 Nov 2026
Land only: from $11,790 pp twin share / $14,590 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,790 pp sole use *
02 Nov 2026 – 14 Nov 2026
Land only: from $10,790 pp twin share / $13,590 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $11,990 pp twin share / $14,790 pp sole use *
29 Mar 2027 – 10 Apr 2027
Land only: from $12,790 pp twin share / $15,590 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $13,990 pp twin share / $16,790 pp sole use *
05 Apr 2027 – 17 Apr 2027
Land only: from $12,190 pp twin share / $14,990 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $13,390 pp twin share / $16,190 pp sole use *
10 May 2027 – 22 May 2027
Land only: from $10,790 pp twin share / $13,590 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $11,990 pp twin share / $14,790 pp sole use *
17 May 2027 – 29 May 2027
Land only: from $10,790 pp twin share / $13,590 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $11,990 pp twin share / $14,790 pp sole use *
20 Sep 2027 – 02 Oct 2027
Land only: from $12,190 pp twin share / $14,990 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $13,390 pp twin share / $16,190 pp sole use *
11 Oct 2027 – 23 Oct 2027
Land only: from $12,190 pp twin share / $14,990 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $13,390 pp twin share / $16,190 pp sole use *
18 Oct 2027 – 30 Oct 2027
Land only: from $12,190 pp twin share / $14,990 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $13,390 pp twin share / $16,190 pp sole use *
20 Mar 2028 – 01 Apr 2028
Land only: from $12,490 pp twin share / $15,390 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $13,690 pp twin share / $16,590 pp sole use *
27 Mar 2028 – 08 Apr 2028
Land only: from $13,090 pp twin share / $15,990 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,290 pp twin share / $17,190 pp sole use *
03 Apr 2028 – 15 Apr 2028
Land only: from $12,490 pp twin share / $15,390 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $13,690 pp twin share / $16,590 pp sole use *
17 Apr 2028 – 29 Apr 2028
Land only: from $13,090 pp twin share / $15,990 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,290 pp twin share / $17,190 pp sole use *
08 May 2028 – 20 May 2028
Land only: from $11,790 pp twin share / $14,690 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $12,990 pp twin share / $15,890 pp sole use *
15 May 2028 – 27 May 2028
Land only: from $12,390 pp twin share / $15,290 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $13,590 pp twin share / $16,490 pp sole use *
11 Sep 2028 – 23 Sep 2028
Land only: from $12,490 pp twin share / $15,390 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $13,690 pp twin share / $16,590 pp sole use *
18 Sep 2028 – 30 Sep 2028
Land only: from $13,090 pp twin share / $15,990 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,290 pp twin share / $17,190 pp sole use *
02 Oct 2028 – 14 Oct 2028
Land only: from $12,490 pp twin share / $15,390 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $13,690 pp twin share / $16,590 pp sole use *
09 Oct 2028 – 21 Oct 2028
Land only: from $13,090 pp twin share / $15,990 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,290 pp twin share / $17,190 pp sole use *
16 Oct 2028 – 28 Oct 2028
Land only: from $12,490 pp twin share / $15,390 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $13,690 pp twin share / $16,590 pp sole use *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice. Land only prices exclude international flights.

Itinerary

DAYS 1 – 2 – Fly overnight to Tokyo

Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, for a three-night stay. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture before this evenings welcome dinner.

DAY 3 – Japanese Drumming

Begin your tour of Tokyo and immerse 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 Jingu Shrine and continue to the vibrant district of Harajuku before stopping by the famous Shibuya Crossing.

DAY 4 – Discover Tokyo

Sightseeing today begins with visit to the observation deck of the 634m Skytree for views over the sprawling city below. You’ll also stop by Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest, and stroll along Nakamise shopping street. Continue with a visit to the Imperial Palace East Garden. In the afternoon, explore the Tokyo National Museum to view its collections of sculpture, ceramics, kimonos and woodblock art.

DAY 5 – Mount Fuji

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 landscapes around you.

DAY 6 – Search for Snow Monkeys

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. Sighting not guaranteed.

DAY 7 – Japanese Alps

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

Take a 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 – Kyoto

Start today by visiting Arashiyama district to explore the striking bamboo forest and enjoy a rickshaw ride. Later, visit Ryoan-ji, the ‘temple of the peaceful dragon’. Continue to the famous Kinkaku-ji, also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’; the top two levels are covered in pure gold leaf.

DAY 10 – Kyoto Culture & Koyasan

Witness the rituals involved in the preparation and pouring of matcha tea in a traditional tea ceremony. Go on to try your hand at the traditional art of origami, and enjoy the opportunity to wear a kimono! This afternoon, travel by road to Koyasan for your overnight stay in a 13th-century temple – a true glimpse into the life of a Shingon Buddhist monk.

DAY 11 – Morning Prayers in Koyasan

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 Kongobu-ji Temple and Okunoin Cemetery before travelling to Osaka.

DAY 12 – Himeji Castle & sake Brewery

Take a day tour to Himeji to visit the 17th-century Himeji 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.

DAYS 13 – 14 – Fly Osaka to Australia

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

Highlights

Domestic transportation and accommodation included
Guided tours and entrance fees covered
Unique cultural experiences like taiko drumming and tea ceremony

Inclusions

International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected).
Domestic transportation.
3 – 4 star accommodation, plus ryokan and Buddhist temple lodging.
Touring with guides and entrance fees.

FAQs

Sunshine City Prince Hotel
Fuji Kawaguchiko Resort
Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel
Hoshokaku
Rihga Gran Kyoto
Henjokoin, Koyasan
Hotel Monterey Osaka

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 14 days and 11 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 19 Oct 2026 and 28 Oct 2028, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

Can I travel solo?

Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.

Are discounts available?

Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.

Provided by: Wendy Wu Tours

Fine Print

Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2026. 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.

Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.