wendy wu tours japan reviews

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If you had a zero star I would have…

If you had a zero star I would have picked it. What can I say? This was my first Wendy Wu experience. I will NEVER use them again. I have travelled to many countries using small group travel as my default. All have been positive experiences until now. Japan, a country I had been looking forward to experiencing was sadly compromised as a result. Small group as promised? No-28 people making it unwieldy with a consequent inability to go to smaller restaurants etc. I had specifically asked for a small group tour-below 15 was the expectation. I was sold an expensive dud. Guide? Below abysmal. Didn’t know her stuff. Spoke appalling English. Nothing about the culture, the people, no real detail about wherever we were visiting. Was told not to ask questions!!! Really???? She had to look everything up on her mobile on the bus trip. Told in no uncertain terms where to sit in the often awful places we eat at because of my almond allergy. Could not sit next to some of the lovely and equally dissatisfied people we met. On one of the sections of the tour when we were on a short river cruise, she abandoned two members when she couldn’t find them! We already had a guide on the boat, now we had an extra one who knew nothing and took photos for herself! They had no one. The tour was expensive, underwhelming and in no way lived up to expectations.

Date of experience : 24 March 2024

An Excellent Trip

We have just returned from an excellent trip, Japan Uncovered. Blessed by outstanding weather, and in cherry blossom season this trip covered all the major sites that we most wanted to see in Japan. Our guide, Mina, was fabulous. Patient, knowledgeable and with a great sense of humour. Her English was excellent. Our group of 27 included English, Irish and Australian participants. A few of us had food requests and allergies which Mina took time to understand and to ensure that the restaurants were aware of. Before embarking on a trip such as this though, I would urge people to do their homework. This is a trip designed to cover as many peoples interests as possible. Therefore, there will be occasions when you like certain activities more than others. This is not a personalised trip. This also applies to the food. Sometimes you will eat at fairly high end restaurants and sometimes the equivalent of a cafe. The food is predominantly Japanese because that is what people eat in Japan! I am not a huge fan of Japanese food but I tried everything and I was never hungry. The days are long and there is often quite a bit of walking. So when it is stated that a good level of fitness is required, that is what they mean. On the first day we walked over 20,000 steps as well as travelling by coach and boat; and recovering from jet lag. English is not widely spoken but with a smile and a sense of humour most things can be communicated. We were happy with all of the hotels that we stayed in but Japanese hotel rooms tend to be small and rather warm. There often isn’t a bar to relax in, in the evenings but the vending machines are excellent. We will definitely be keeping our eyes peeled for other Wendy Wu tours but I think that this one will be hard to beat both in terms of cost and the amount of Japan that we were able to see. Just a couple of thousand photos to go through now.

Date of experience : 03 April 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

Experience Japan Tour

When spending over £6000 each you can only hope that your tour company is as good as their reputation. Wendy Wu certainly was! We were fortunate to have a group of 28 wonderful companions and the most fabulous Tour Guide in ‘Jimmy’ who ensured everything went as smoothly as possible. Every aspect of the trip was covered to the last detail so no need to worry about anything. The hotels ranged from basic to amazing but all were clean and comfortable. Our favourite being the Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel which provided one of my personal highlights of the tour - the rooftop onsen watching the sunrise over Mount Fuji. The Experience Japan Tour takes in an awful lot with little free time but we loved it. The Snow Monkey Park was incredible. If I were to be very picky my only criticism is the time in Tokyo as I would have liked to have seen more of the actual city. Retrospectively we would have opted out of the visit to the National Museum and the Skytree and done our own thing, or alternatively extended our stay. We were exceptionally lucky with the weather although cherry season was late this year so the blossoms were not in full bloom. The food throughout the tour was very good albeit the breakfasts varied somewhat. So to sum up … this is a fabulous tour and Wendy Wu is highly recommended. You may even be lucky enough to have ‘Jimmy’ as your guide.

Date of experience : 25 March 2024

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

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

Don’t go to Sri Lanka with Wendy Wu

I went to Sri Lanka with Wendy Wu in February. A beautiful country with lots to see and very friendly people. However the tour had too much time on the coach and virtually no time to explore the towns and villages. A wasted day sitting on a train for 4 hours followed by an hour on the coach for a half hour look at a tea factory. No time to explore. Just another night in a hotel with yet another tepid buffet! The food was awful. Every single meal for two weeks was a hotel buffet. No experience of the local restaurants or freshly cooked Sri Lankan food. Apparently our group was too big to go out! Utter greed by putting 28 people on this tour! Over £4000 for this? The response from Wendy Wu to my complaint is terrible. Couldn’t care less. Offered £150 off another tour with them with no reassurance that it would be any better! As if we would go anywhere with them again.

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

Reply from Wendy Wu Tours

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

Treasures of Turkey 3* tour at 5* price

First time booking with Wendy Wu and will be the last. The tour sounded good as it covered a lot of sites. As it turned out too many. Due to the distances between sites the majority of the time (up to 7 hours a day) was spent on the bus with minimal time , sometimes only 10 minutes at the sites. Perhaps we should have researched this better ourselves but I think Wendy Wu should have been honest in the itinerary and explained this. Hotels were poor quality and we felt we had paid 5* prices for 3* hotels. Airport pick up was a shambles. Maximum number on the tour was stated as 28 yet there were 30 people on the tour which impacted on time spent in places and made the guides job very difficult in crowded places. We wasted a lot of time waiting for members of the group to catch up. I was going to give this trip a 3* but having provided detailed feedback to Wendy Wu customer services I had a very disappointing response and I don't believe they have taken any criticism on board hence 2*

Date of experience : 02 October 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

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

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

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

Credit where credit is due

See my previous review and having our golden wedding plans ruined and Wendy Wu's reply. Today via our travel agent we have received a hamper with an apology. Credit to Wendy Wu as this is the first time I have ever known a travel company do this. As I say credit to them, it is some recompense for all the upset and time we have spent. Their actions have now made us revisit our view of never booking with them again to that if we find something we would like to do considering them. This is how customer service should be! That is hard to find these days, so well done to them. As a footnote a big thank you to all at our travel agents The Travel Lounge they do know customer service in spades.

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

Vietnam and Cambodia

We had the time of our lives! A great crowd to be with and a great guide. A very full on experience and living out of a suitcase a new experience, it was like posh backpacking. The people were wonderful and friendly. We had one bad experience at the 5 star diamond stars Hotel in Ben Tre where the staff were hopelessly untrained and I believe easily manipulated by the management to cheat the customers on their alcohol bills. I would advise Wendy wu to drop them from the itinerary. That aside the rest of the experience was memorable and well worth the money.

Date of experience : 06 October 2023

Two happy people

Hi, We recently finished a bus tour of Vietnam. We had a great experience travelling around this beautiful exotic country. Starting with the most experience tour guide, Mr Lap. He made our tour very enjoyable with a great sense of humor, passionate about what he does, he took very good care of the group, got out of his way to help, very informative, great knowledge of his country's history, up to date with world news, Lap gave us so much information and from the beginning made us feel very comfortable. We traveled with a very nice group of people. The food was not always good but in general the restaurants were very good. One can not please everybody as we all come from different backgrounds. Accommodation was very good, nice hotels, cleaned and people were very nice and welcoming. We could do another tour with Wendy Wu.

Date of experience : 18 September 2023

Booked through ROL but holiday was part…

Booked through ROL but holiday was part of Wendy Wu package. Went to Singapore as part of holiday and was put in a very substandard hotel. We had to move rooms as the first room smelt of damp and mold. All the corridors in hotel also smelt. The restaurant was like a canteen and i was ill after having breakfast there. Have complained to both ROL and Wendy Wu. Wendy Wu haven't even acknowledged my complaint. Definitely wouldn't book with them again.

Date of experience : 23 November 2023

Thank you for your review, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience you may have experienced during your holiday. Your feedback is valuable to us, and we would like to address the issues you've raised. We regret to hear about any dissatisfaction with the hotel you stayed at. We have investigated the matter and have taken immediate action to resolve it. Our team has been in contact with Readers Offers, the company responsible for liaising between us, and we understand that compensation has been offered. We acknowledge that this particular hotel has faced challenges recently, leading us to reconsider our association with them. As a result, we have decided that we will no longer be using it for any future departures. We deeply regret any disappointment this may have caused and assure you that steps are being taken to prevent similar issues in the future. We understand the importance of your feedback, and we appreciate your comments about your experience. Thank you for your understanding.

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

Hidden Treasures of New Zealand

Just returned from a Hidden treasures of New Zealand with Wendy Wu Tours. It was without doubt the best holiday we have had. It was a well organised and Lisa our tour guide was informative, knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble for her. We had top quality accommodation and the meals were varied and tasty. A wonderful holiday in a fantastic country.

Date of experience : 08 February 2023

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Japan Tours

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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 ( 23 )

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

Ancient Empires of China & Japan

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

Japan & the Scenic South

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

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

Christmas in Japan

Essence of South Korea & Japan

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

Japan Impressions

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 Monastery Retreat

Hiroshima & Miyajima

• Peace Park and Museum
• Hiroshima Castle
• Itsukushima Shrine

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 5003 reviews

Your Details

Thank you for your enquiry regarding one of our tours or destinations.

One of our expert Personal Travel Consultants will be in touch shortly by email or telephone to discuss your holiday requirements further.

We hope to welcome you on a tour soon, Wendy Wu Tours

• 1 - 10 days
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• 20 - 30 days
• New Zealand leading Asia & Beyond Specialist
• Over 26 years of experience
• Friendly, knowledgeable regional specialists
• Exceptional Value & Extraordinary Experiences
• Seamless, end to end holidays
• Global award-winning service
• Highly Experienced Guides
• Fully IATA accredited and Allied TAANZ member
• 5* Trip Advisor rating

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Jewels of Japan

• Fully Guided
• Sightseeing
• In-depth Cultural

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Tokyo
• Day 2 Discover Tokyo
• Day 3 Meiji Shrine
• Day 4 Mt Fuji and Fuji Five Lakes
• Day 5 Bullet Train to Kyoto
• Day 6 Explore Kyoto
• Day 7 Journey to Hiroshima
• Day 8 Hiroshima and Miyajima
• Day 9 Himeji Castle
• Day 10 Time to fly home

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Reviews about this operator.

• Tour Operator Wendy Wu Tours 5.0
• Boyd · 25th April 2023 The tour was excellent. Thanks largely to Joy, our phenomenal guide. Some of the tours that were running parallel to... Show more
• Katherine · 16th October 2022 We had a private tour organised for us by Wendy Wu Tours in Australia. The first two legs were in Hoi An and Hue,... Show more

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• Saturday 4 May, 2024 Monday 13 May, 2024 English Filling Fast Sharing a twin room €5,830 Confirm Dates
• Saturday 11 May, 2024 Monday 20 May, 2024 English Filling Fast Sharing a twin room €5,711 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 17 Aug, 2024 Monday 26 Aug, 2024 English Filling Fast Sharing a twin room €5,711 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay €116 Deposit Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 14 Sep, 2024 Monday 23 Sep, 2024 English Filling Fast Sharing a twin room €5,711 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay €116 Deposit Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 28 Sep, 2024 Monday 7 Oct, 2024 English Filling Fast Sharing a twin room €5,830 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay €116 Deposit Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 5 Oct, 2024 Monday 14 Oct, 2024 English Filling Fast Sharing a twin room €6,069 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay €116 Deposit Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 12 Oct, 2024 Monday 21 Oct, 2024 English Filling Fast Sharing a twin room €6,069 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay €116 Deposit Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 19 Oct, 2024 Monday 28 Oct, 2024 English Filling Fast Sharing a twin room €6,069 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay €116 Deposit Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 2 Nov, 2024 Monday 11 Nov, 2024 English Filling Fast Sharing a twin room €6,069 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay €116 Deposit Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

• Currency ¥ Yen Japan

As a traveller from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 9th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 9th June 2024, a minimum payment of €116 is required to confirm your booking with Wendy Wu Tours. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 45 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Wendy Wu Tours will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Wendy Wu Tours" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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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

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Booked a holiday for November 2023 on this tour. Worried. A lot of reviews very poor.

Anyone got anything good to say about this trip?

9 replies to this topic

Which tour did you book? Can you post the link?

The itinerary looks good with several interesting things such as a wasabi farm, washi making, and tea ceremony. I didn't find any info about the accommodation which bugs me. Most tours list hotel names and I can make an educated guess on the quality of the tour by the hotels they use.

You've already booked it and I'm sure they have a hefty cancelation fee. So don't worry too much and enjoy your tour. And I hope you post a review afterward.

The itinerary does look good, although it is fairly fast-paced. The Wendy Wu Australian site has "sample hotels" on a tab behind the itinerary. These seem to be mid-range and sometimes not the best location. Also with listing sample hotels, there may be occasions where they substitute a lesser hotel.

Some people are just very set in their ways, but if you are the kind of person who accepts that other countries have different ways of living, then I'm sure you will be more satisfied with your tour than these reviewers.

Well it looks like some people who wrote the review are not used to walking a lot and cover a lot in a day. You can start walking in your neighborhood to build up some stamina. Cheers!!

We love tours. Don’t mind walking. Hopefully we will eat a lot of Japanese food. Will see about the hotels when we get there. It’ll be ok I’m sure. We’re not looking for 5*.

Yes that’s what I thought.

A few suggestions to prepare for the tour:

(1) learn a few polite phrases in Japanese,

(2) build your walking stamina,

(3) practice eating with chopsticks if that's new to you, and

(4) study a bit of Japanese etiquette (See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EapIRNxDThE&t=2648s ) .

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Wendy Wu Tour Japan

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We were humbled to receive so much positive feedback from clients affected by the onset of the Coronavirus crisis. We hope the positive experience of customers, who still managed to enjoy their tours even as the pandemic hit, shows how wonderful your experience will be once we all get travelling again.

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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...

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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...

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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.

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https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298557-d6938594-r554070119-Wendy_Wu_Tours_Day_Tour-Xi_an_Shaanxi.html

Search for WENDY WU in China forum for info regarding cistomer satisfaction with company. :(

Re comment #2, about some hotels left a bit to be desired by Austraian standards, this suggests to me that they are using some very budget hotels and perhaps not letting their customers know this. I have found Japanese hotels to be on average better than Australian hotels in the equivalent category. You do need to be prepared for smaller rooms though.

On hotels, check which ones and also what room types. I know some tour companies pick "nice" hotels, but the worst rooms.

The group mist some attraction because of fog,Typhoon,no compensation from them only a glass of drinks of your choice at farawel diner,if you do not drink alcohol big mist.prefer they gave a nice gift or some refund,or a show.Think we mist 3 attraction ,Lost 1,5 day staying in your room (hotel room in Japan always small)because of Typhoon.

It was an expensive tour ( most people in the group did this tour on special occassion like golden anniversary),so missing out of some atraction is not good.Very dissappointed this time with Wendy Wu.Know it is a nature force,why they do not prepare for something in place.hope this help travelers

If you email them no reaction,quiet bad.

Presumably you knew when your booked that in September in Japan is typhoon season.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Japan Uncovered

18 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour

Our most extensive tour of Japan includes all the classic sights and key cultural activities. Featuring modern cities, historical sights and beautiful landscapes, you get the most from this fascinating land.

• Fully Inclusive Touring with Guides and entrance fees
• Included Meals Breakfasts: 15 , Lunches: 14 , Dinners: 15
• Flights International flights and current taxes
• Accommodation 15 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.
• Special Offer Your Partner will FLY FREE, or solo travellers save 50% on airfare. Selected departures. - View Offer

Tour Highlights

Our Japan Uncovered 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.

Explore Kyoto's magnificent temples

JAPANESE ALPS

Venture into the beautiful Japanes Alps

Ascend the slopes of Japan's iconic Mt Fuji

SUMO WRESTLING

Watch an exhilirating Sumo Wrestling Tournament (on selcted tour dates)

Cross Tokyo's Famous Shibuya Crossing

Arguably the world's most famous pedestrian crossing, seen in many a film and television show, witness the organised chaos and bright lights of Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing for yourself.

Visit Kubota Itchiku's Art Museum

Admire the elaborately dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku at his eponymous art museum. Itchiku singlehandedly revived the traditional and beautiful technique of 'tsujigahana'.

Visit a Wasabi Farm

One of Japan's most famous condiments, wasabi, is an essential element in Japanese cuisine. Learn about its cultivation on a traditional farm and admire the landscapes.

Day by Day Itinerary

Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure, perhaps to sample this city's famous shopping and food.

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 before cruising along the Yodogawa River.

Depart Osaka for Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the magnificent 17th Century Himeji Castle and the neighbouring Koko-en, a traditional-style garden.

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 some free time.

Catch a bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for a thousand years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous Zen garden and Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as 'Golden Pavilion'.

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. After lunch, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates.

Depart Kyoto and travel to Kanazawa. Meander through Kenroku-en, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, before viewing the excellent art collection of the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.

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.

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.

Travel to Matsumoto and explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle. Visit a miso house and learn about this famous Japanese seasoning. Also spend some time at a wasabi farm to learn about its cultivation before continuing to Nagano.

Travel deeper into the Japanese Alps to see the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe and play in their hot spring pool at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Continue to Zenkoji, one of Japan's most prolific Buddhist temples.

Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Ascend by road to the 5th station (weather permitting), roughly halfway up Mt Fuji, for fantastic views over the surrounding landscapes. 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.

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.

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.

Stroll the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambience of Senso-ji, 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 board a traditional yakata boat for a dinner cruise.

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

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Accommodation

Hotel Monterey Osaka

Grand Prince Hotel

Rihga Gran Kyoto

Hotel Vista Kanazawa

Mercure Hida Takayama

Royal Hotel

Sunshine City Prince Hotel

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Pricing & Availability

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

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• 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
• Dedicated Solo Departures only: Complimentary airport lounge pass in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, complimentary chauffeur transfers within a 50km radius, single room included in price

Important Information For Your Tour

What our customers say.

Rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 5003 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.

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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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