Japan & the Scenic South
Japan & the Scenic South
$6899
Japan & the Scenic South
13 Days Starting and ending in UK
Visiting: Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Mount Aso, Beppu, Hiroshima, Himeji, Kyoto, Hakone, Tokyo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1676
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan's scenic south with this immersive coach tour. Begin your adventure in Fukuoka, exploring its cultural treasures before cruising the picturesque Yanagawa River. Discover the majestic Kumamoto Castle and the serene Suizenji Garden. Marvel at the vast crater of Mount Aso and unwind in Beppu's renowned hot springs. Experience the historical depth of Hiroshima, including a visit to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Admire the architectural beauty of Himeji Castle and delve into Kyoto's rich heritage, from the Fushimi Inari Shrine to the Golden Pavilion. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on a Lake Ashi cruise and explore Tokyo's vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. With fully guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and inclusive meals, this 11-night adventure promises a comprehensive exploration of Japan's natural and cultural wonders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Fukuoka
Location: Fukuoka
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 3: Explore Fukuoka
Location: Fukuoka
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The lovely Fukuoka is at the heart of an area considered a cradle of culture – the city's position facing Korea and China across the sea means it's long been a channel of outside influence. This morning take a stroll through the traditional Rakusuien Garden and visit the famous Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the god of academic achievement. Later, enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Yanagawa River, passing through a National Site of Scenic Beauty on a small 'donkobune'.
Day 4: Discover Kumamoto
Location: Kumamoto
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Kumamoto, a city famous for its majestic castle, one of Japan's largest
and most complete. Stop by the castle which is currently under renovation and take a photo, before heading to Suizenji Garden. A traditional-style garden built in the 17th century, the garden recreates in miniature the important road that linked Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto, including a mini Mount Fuji.
Day 5: Visit Mount Aso & Beppu
Location: Mount Aso
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel from Kumamoto to Mount Aso, an active volcano at the centre of Kyushu island. Aso's crater is one of the world's largest; with a circumference of over 100km it encompasses a number of other active peaks, which you'll be able to see (weather dependent). Continue to Beppu, one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts – your hotel for the night has onsen facilities for you to make the most of the steamy waters.
Day 6: Explore Beppu
Location: Beppu
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Venture out into Beppu, starting the day with a jigoku meguri, a hell tour! Here you'll find all sorts of volcanic features, including thermal mud and hot springs that have bubbled from the ground for a millennium. Pop over to Yufuin, another hot spring resort that is home to a wealth of art museums, cafes and boutiques and is a delight to explore. This afternoon transfer back to Fukuoka.
Day 7 - Travel To Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Fukuoka for Hiroshima. Stop en route to explore the city of Yamaguchi, spending some time at Rurikoji, a Buddhist temple that boasts a spectacular national treasure – a five-storey pagoda built in 1442. Continue to Iwakuni for a lunch stop and then to the Kintaikyo Bridge, an elegant wooden bridge that crosses the Nishiki River. Arrive in Hiroshima.
Day 8: Discover Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiroshima is a vibrant, forward-thinking city that is a pleasure to explore. Take a ferry across the Seto Inland Sea to the holy island of Miyajima and visit the Itsukushima Shrine before enjoying some time at leisure. Back in the city, reflect on Hiroshima's tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum paying homage to the victims
of the 1945 atomic bomb.
Day 9: Admire Himeji Castle
Location: Himeji
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Hiroshima for Kyoto, stopping in Himeji en route to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, one of Japan's most impressive feudal era forts, and stroll through Kokoen, an Edo-style garden just across the castle moat. Drop in at a sake brewery to learn about the process of this traditional Japanese spirit before arriving in Kyoto.
Day 10: Explore Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Capital for 1,000 years, Kyoto is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. Start the day with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, remarkable for its 10,000 vermilion torii gate-lined pathways and impressive Nijo Castle. This afternoon gaze on the famous Kinkakuji, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion' before a stroll around the Gion district, Kyoto's famous geisha district and centre of the city's traditional arts.
Day 11: Visit Hakone
Location: Hakone
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Kyoto station and board a bullet train to Atami to transfer to the onsen resort of Hakone by road. Discover the mountainous beauty and rich culture of the Hakone area, before travelling to Lake Ashi for a cruise that will allow you to take in the spectacular panoramas of the area, including the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji (weather permitting). Next, fly high over the thick forest on the Hakone Ropeway, passing the volcanic Owakudani Valley with its hot springs and steam vents. Later, continue to Tokyo, Japan's capital city.
Day 12: Tour Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tokyo, as modern as it may appear, behind the neon façade is a traditional soul that is easy to find amongst the old alleyways, temples and shrines of the Edo era. Today you will ascend the soaring Tokyo Skytree, Japan's tallest tower, for panoramic views, and wander through the old district of Asakusa. Stop at Sensoji, Tokyo's most famous and beloved temple. You will also drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza, soak up the atmosphere at the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine and see the world's most famous road crossing at Shibuya.
Day 13: Fly Tokyo To Uk
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfers are included at the destination.
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Accommodation
11 nights in 3+ or 4-star accommodation are included.
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
All domestic transportation, including internal flights, is included.
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Country Entry Visas
Country entry visas are included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to attractions are included.
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Fully Guided
The tour is fully guided.
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International Travel
International travel is included.
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Local Taxes
Local taxes are included.
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Meals – Full Board
Full board meals are included: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 11 dinners.
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Fully Inclusive
The tour is fully inclusive, with guides and entrance fees.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
Although tipping in Japan is not customary, you may tip your guide at your discretion if you feel you have received excellent service. -
Drinks with Meals
Drinks with meals are not included.
Mode of Transport
Experience seamless travel with all domestic transportation, including internal flights, ensuring a smooth journey across Japan's scenic landscapes.
Accommodation
Enjoy 11 nights in comfortable 3+ to 4-star accommodations, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures in Japan.
Experiences
Mount Aso
Gaze over Mount Aso, Japan's largest volcano and the smaller volcanoes within its huge crater (one of which is active), and admire the incredible scenery that surrounds it.
Cruise on the Yanagawa River
Cruise the picturesque Yanagawa River on a 'donkobune', a poled riverboat. It's a
perfect and peaceful way to enjoy sights such as Yanagawa Castle and the traditional
architecture of Yanagawa's canals.
Relax at a Beppu Hot Spring Resort
Visit one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, Beppu, and soak away any aches,
pains and tiredness in the mineral rich waters of your hotel's onsen pools.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 11 nights of accommodation in 3-star or 4-star hotels.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour is full board, including 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 11 dinners.
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Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, all domestic transportation, including internal flights, is included in the tour package.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Yes, entrance fees to attractions are included in the tour package.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the tour is fully guided, with guides accompanying you throughout the tour.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
Yes, international flights and current taxes are included in the tour package.
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What is the policy on tipping during the tour?
Tipping is not customary in Japan, but if you feel you have received excellent service, you may tip your guide at your discretion.
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Are drinks included with meals during the tour?
No, drinks with meals are not included in the tour package.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights include cruising the Yanagawa River, viewing Mount Aso, relaxing at a Beppu hot spring resort, enjoying views of Mt Fuji on Lake Ashi, visiting Himeji Castle, and seeing the Itsukushima Shrine.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. 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 in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Wendy Wu requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wendy wu charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.