SOLD OUT – Waitlist only
“Dare to live the life you’ve always wanted”. We do – by travelling!
If you’ve been wowed by Joanna Lumley’s Japan on TV, our tour is the closest itinerary we can get to once again, following in her exciting footsteps !
Our exclusive Japan in the Fall tour has it all – from stunning scenery to amazing temples, mountains, lakes and culture. You will marvel at the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermillion coloured ‘torii gates’ winding their way up to the top of Mount Inari-San. You will be exhilarated on the Bullet Train from Hiroshimo to Kyoto and then be mesmerised by the Golden Pavilion mirrored on the tiny Kyokochi pond. You will be filled with delight when mingling with the unique Snow Monkeys at the hot springs in the Japanese Alps at Negano. Finally, you will no doubt consume copious amounts of delicious Japanese & International cuisine in some excellent hotels and restaurants throughout the tour.
This extensive tour of Japan includes all the classic sights and key cultural activities. Featuring modern cities, historical sights and beautiful landscapes. Uncovering Japan in The Fall ensures you get the most out of your fascinating land journey across the spectacular Japanese Alps to the cultural centres of Kanazawa, Shirakawago and Takayama during this extensive tour of Japan.
Starting at Osaka, this exclusive Solent Events Tour will take you to Hiroshima, the beautiful Mt Fuji, as well as historical Kyoto and Nara, ending this exciting holiday of a lifetime in modern Tokyo. Explore the most iconic sites, delve into deep-rooted culture and dine on delicious cuisine to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to Wendy Wu.
The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are bursting into life , which we have already experienced (September to November) when the scenery is ablaze with colour.
Stretching 3,000 kilometres from end to end, the Japanese archipelago reaches from the tropical south to the cold and mountainous north, so the weather can range wildly throughout the year. In the parks and temple gardens of the cities, the leaves of the maple and gingko trees turn vibrant shades of red, yellow and orange and whilst travelling through the Japanese Alps, you are in for an even more spectacular sight!
NB. For the comfort of all our clients, a maximum of 15/19 passengers will apply to this exclusive Solent Events tour, so if you fancy joining us, please contact us as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!
For full details of this exclusive once-in-a-lifetime adventure with Solent Events on Tour, please have a browse through the proposed itinerary below and see if it’s for you.
An EARLYBIRD PRICE of £6,390 with a deposit of just £199pp (if booked before mid- February) is required. Price after mid-February = £6,699pp with £350 deposit
As you can see, this really is a great value tour! 10-years ago we paid over £5,000 for just 13-days for a non-all-inclusive tour! There is plenty of time to save, but if you prefer to budget by paying instalments to suit, that can also be arranged.
VISAS: Visas are not currently required to enter Japan, by British Citizens.
If you have any questions please call Lin on 07977 065885 | 02392 501803.
EARLYBIRD price £6,399pp & only £199pp deposit
until mid-February 2024
TOUR GRADE – 1: This tour will include walking short & medium length distances on uneven ground, steps, inclines with varying amounts of time on your feet so is not suitable for anyone with mobility problems.
For your peace of mind and financial protection, our holiday has been arranged with Asia, China & Japan specialists, Wendy Wu Tours, who are fully bonded by ABTA, ATOL & IATA.
FLIGHTS, ALL TRANSPORT, HOTELS, MEALS & EXCURSIONS INCLUDED.
Itinerary as at 05 October 2025 – EXACT pick-up times in Travel Pack due aprroximately 10-days before departure. All flights – local time.
Day 1:
Thursday 16 October 2025
0600 Luxury mini-coach leaves Stokes Bay, Gosport
0615 Coach leaves Stubbington Lane, Stubbington
0630 Coach leaves Peak Lane, Fareham
0900 Arrive London Heathrow T3
1000 The comfort of No1 Heathrow Airport Lounge for brunch and relaxation
1220 Cathay Pacific CX252 – overnight flight to Osaka, Japan via Hong Kong – 12h35m
DAY 2:
Friday 17 October
0755 Arrive Hong Kong Airport (HKG) Transit time 2h30m
1025 Depart Hong Airport Cathay Pacific 506 – 3hrs50m
1515 Arrive Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX)
2 nights Osaka
On arrival, we will be met and transferred to our hotel
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3:
Saturday 18 October
Osaka
After breakfast, we spend the morning in Nara, the small, history-filled city that was Japan’s first imperial capital. We will stroll through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and admire the traditional Isuien Garden, famous for its ponds. We return to Osaka for lunch and a visit to the impressive wooden Osaka Castle, before cruising along the Yodogawa River.
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4:
Sunday 19 October
Hiroshima – 2 nights
This morning we depart Osaka for Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the magnificent 17th Century Himeji Castle and the neighbouring Koko-en, a traditional-style garden.
Accommodation: Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5:
Monday 20 October
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a vibrant, forward-thinking city that is a pleasure to explore. Reflect on the city’s tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Next, hop on the ferry across to the holy island of Miyajima to visit the Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy time at leisure.
Accommodation: Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6:
Tuesday 21 October
Kyoto – 2 nights
We start the day with a journey by bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous zen garden and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as ‘Golden Pavilion’.
Accommodation: Rihga Gran Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7:
Wednesday 22 October
Kyoto
Today we enjoy one of Kyoto’s most delightful spots, Kiyomizu, a 17th-century Buddhist temple, before experiencing the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony with a tea master. After lunch, we visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates.
Accommodation: Rihga Gran Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 8:
Thursday 23 October
Kanazawa – 1 night
Today we travel by road to Kanazawa. We then meander through Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, before viewing the excellent art collection of the Kanazawa 21st-century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Accommodation: Hotel Vista Kanazawa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9:
Friday 24 October
Takayama – 2 nights
After breakfast we will 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.
Accommodation: Mercure Hida Takayama
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10:
Saturday 25 October
Takayama
Browse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa morning market, wander past some of the lovely traditional houses. Also 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.
Accommodation: Mercure Hida Takayama
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11:
Sunday 26 October
Nagano – 2 nights
Today we travel to Matsumoto to explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle. We also visit a miso house and learn about this famous Japanese seasoning and spend some time at a wasabi farm to learn about its cultivation before continuing to Nagano.
Accommodation: Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 12:
Monday 27 October
Negano
Today we travel deeper into the Japanese Alps to search for the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at the Jigokudani Monkey Park and hot springs. We then continue to Zenkoji, one of Japan’s most prolific Buddhist temples.
Accommodation: Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13:
Tuesday 28 October
Mishima or Gotemba – 1 night
Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Ascend by road to the 5th station (weather permitting),. Also visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku. Overnight accommodation will be in Mishima.
Accommodation: Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14:
Wednesday 29 October
Tokyo – 3 nights
We begin the day with a cruise on the peaceful waters of Lake Ashi to the Hakone Ropeway where we soar high on the over the hilltops to the volcanic Owakudani Valley and discover the dramatic natural hot springs of Mount Hakone. Later, proceed to Tokyo.
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 15
Thursday 30 October
Tokyo
A dazzling, high-tech metropolis, Japan’s capital has wonderfully traditional roots. We start our explorations at the Imperial Palace East Garden, with a visit to Meiji Shrine and stop by the famous Shibuya Crossing.
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 16
Friday 31 October
Tokyo
We stroll the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambiance of Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Ascend to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is free until the evening, when we board a traditional yakata boat for a dinner cruise.
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 17
Saturday 01 November
0600 Depart Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) for London via Hong Kong Cathay Pacific 505 – 5h 20m
1020 Arrive Hong Kong Airport. Transit time 1hr 55m
Day 18
Sunday 02 November
0025 Depart Hong Kong Airport, (HKG) for London Cathay Pacific 237 – 14h 45m (Was 0015. New time notified 16Sept)
0700 Arrive London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
0800 Meet coach for journey home
0945 Arrive home area
Approx
Meals: Breakfast; Meals on flights
FINAL TIMES will be confirmed in your personal Travel Pack, to be posted or hand delivered to you approximately 10/12 days before departure.
OUR HOTELS IN JAPAN:
Osaka
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka
6-1-55, Uehonmachi, Tennoji-ku, Osaka
Ph: +81 06-6773-1111
Hiroshima
Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima
23-1, Moto-Ujina-machi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima
Ph: +81 082-256-1111
Kyoto
Rihga Gran Kyoto 1 Higashikujonishisannocho,Minami-ku,Kyoto
Ph: +81 075-662-1121
Kanazawa
Hotel Vista Kanazawa
2-13-27, Hirooka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Ph: +81 076-260-0007
Takayama
Mercure Hida Takayama 4-311-1, Hanasato-machi, Takayama, Gifu
Ph: +81 0577-35-2702
Nagano
Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel 1-28-3 Minamichitose, Nagano-shi, Nagano
Ph: +81 026-223-1090
Fuji
Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel
17-1 Ichibancho, Mishima，Shizuoka
Ph: +81 055-991-0109
Tokyo
Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3-1-5 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Ph: +81 03-3988-1111
JAPANESE HOTEL INFORMATION:
All hotel accommodation in Japan is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities. In the Fuji area, hotels tend to be more traditional in style and culture. In this area, you may be asked to take your shoes off at the door and store them in a secure locker – this is very traditional Japanese culture. Hotels are generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note that there is no international classification system for hotels and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and Japan.
Please note that in Japan, hotel rooms and bathrooms are renowned for being small. Standard single rooms are usually smaller than a standard double or twin room, contain one small double bed (or one single bed), and are designed for one person to use. All our hotels have private western bathroom facilities, AC, TV & telephone. Hotels in Japan may not have porters, so you may be required to carry your own luggage, but help can be arranged if necessary. Rest assured that all hotels used by Wendy Wu Tours are regularly inspected by the staff and partners to ensure that standards meet our needs.
Special Vaccinations are not required for Japan, but please ensure your routine NHS vaccinations & boosters are all up to date, by contacting your Doctor or Travel Clinic a few months before travelling.
Covid-19 Two vaccines and booster
Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain – including for example, seasonal flu vaccine (if indicated), MMR, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Tetanus.
Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid.
Selectively advised vaccines – only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis.
No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country
Japanese cuisine is delicious, colourful and healthy. Meals are usually served with a bowl of rice and a bowl of miso soup and consist usually of fish, pickled vegetables and meat. Japan’s other main staple is noodles, most famous being Udon and Soba.
All meals (excluding drinks) are included in this fully inclusive tour from arrival until the day of departure.
The meal schedule is designed to experience the local dishes, the individual flavours as well as the different ways they are prepared and cooked throughout Japan.
Food is an important element of Japanese culture as it is a time for families and friends to come together and much of family life revolves around the dinner table. Most food is eaten with chopsticks – so best get practicing as cutlery is not always available at all restaurants! I therefore advise you to perhaps take your own portable knife, fork & spoon set if you cannot master chopsticks!
Breakfast will mostly be buffet style but may be a set-menu.
Lunches are mostly pre- set options as is custom in many local restaurants. Dinner is usually buffet-style again, featuring a wide selection of high quality Japanese & Western dishes, but may occasionally be a set-menu. This style of dining tends to suit the wide and varied tastes of our clientele on tour.
These are also pre-booked in advance prior to your arrival by our guide. This will provide greater flexibility and allow us to
sample a broad range of local cuisines and dishes. All beverages will be at own expense and are payable locally.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: if you have any specific dietary requirements, PLEASE inform us before our tour begins, but please be aware that restaurants may not always be able to accommodate every single one of these. NB. Gluten-free food may not be as readily available as in the UK either.
On some days where lots of sights are covered, dinner times may be early and we may have to head directly to the restaurant after sightseeing without stopping at our hotel to freshen up. I’m sure we’ll cope – we always do!
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