Japan by Land & Sea
Japan by Land & Sea
Japan by Land & Sea
23 Days Starting and ending in Tokyo, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Nagano, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Kobe, Kochi, Hiroshima, Kitakyushu, Sasebo, Busan, Sakaiminato, Kanazawa, Niigata, Akita, Aomori, Japan, Nikko
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2568
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan and South Korea with the "Japan by Land & Sea" tour. Begin your adventure in Tokyo, where you'll ascend the iconic Skytree and master the art of sushi making. Witness the enchanting snow monkeys in Jigokudani and explore the cultural treasures of Kyoto, including the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Experience the thrill of a bullet train ride to Kyoto and a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi. Board the Azamara Pursuit for a 13-night cruise, visiting vibrant cities like Hiroshima, Busan, and Kanazawa. Delight in the culinary artistry of a kaiseki dinner and discover the historic beauty of Nikko. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural wonders, and luxurious cruising, ensuring a truly immersive experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly To Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Japan's capital, and one of the world's largest cities, Tokyo. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Explore Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tokyo may seem a thoroughly modern cityscape at first glance but look beyond the soaring towers and neon signs and you'll find deeply rooted tradition and peaceful pockets of the past. Start at vibrant Sensoji, the city's oldest temple before ascending the Tokyo Sky Tree for magical views. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass before dining on your creations for lunch. Make a photo stop at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing then explore Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Day 4: Snow Monkeys
Location: Nagano
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Jigokudani Monkey Park, walking through the forest to reach the hot spring pool where a community of Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, bath in the warm waters. Visit the 7th-century Zenkoji before transferring to Nagano, where you can try out the Japanese tradition of onsen – hot spring baths – and enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan accommodation.
Day 5: Mount Fuji
Location: Mount Fuji
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel by road to Mount Fuji area. Pause at Oishi Park for incredible views (weather dependent) before a mini cruise on the picturesque Lake Ashi. Fly up to the heights of Mount Komagatake by cable car for more beautiful views. Board a bullet train and be whisked off to Kyoto!
Day 6 - 7 : Days 6-7: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is a treasure trove of history and timeless culture. Your explorations will include Kyoto's landmark sights - beautiful Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, the Zen garden of Ryoanji, the pathways of vermilion red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Gion district, an area famous for its geisha. Enjoy a kaiseki dinner and sukiyaki lunch on these days too.
Day 8: Board The Azamara Pursuit
Location: Kobe
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Kobe's cruise terminal to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.
Day 9: Cruise - Kobe
Location: Kobe
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend today ported in Kobe; relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer.
Day 10: Cruise – Explore Kochi
Location: Kochi
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Port at Kochi. A surfer hang out with a UNESCO Global Geopark coastline, plentiful great outdoors and bags of rustic charm, Kochi is a wonderful place to while away a day.
Day 11: Cruise - Explore Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive at Hiroshima. Best known as the first city in the world to feel the power of the atomic bomb in 1945, Hiroshima has emerged from the ashes as a cosmopolitan and peaceful place. Visit the tranquil Peace Park to learn about and reflect on the past.
Day 12: Cruise - Explore Kitakyushu
Location: Kitakyushu
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On the north coast of the island of Kyushu, Kitakyushu is the gateway to plentiful natural beauty, historic sights, and some wonderful local food.
Day 13: Cruise - Explore Sasebo
Location: Sasebo
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Port at Sasebo, a hub of local culture and a city famous for its beautiful bay, dotted with over 200 rocky islands and islets. Enjoy any of a range of excursions at your own expense, bookable on your cruise reservation.
Day 14: Cruise - Explore Busan
Location: Busan
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Japan and arrive in South Korea, porting at the bustling city of Busan. Boasting mountains, beaches, and hot springs, this is a city full of small-town charm.
Day 15: Cruise - Explore Sakaiminato
Location: Sakaiminato
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Back in Japan, port at Sakaiminato. This small fishing town is the birthplace of anime legend Shigeru Mizuki, so is a pilgrimage site for manga lovers, as well as being surrounded by spectacular nature.
Day 16: Cruise - Explore Kanazawa
Location: Kanazawa
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in the historic town of Kanazawa, where you can get a flavour of old-world Japan exploring classical architecture and traditional Japanese gardens, including Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.
Day 17: Cruise - Explore Niigata
Location: Niigata
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On the shores of the Sea of Japan, Niigata is a city of ancient traditions, best known for its rice and sake.
Day 18: Cruise - Explore Akita
Location: Akita
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Surrounded by mountains, forests and plentiful hot springs, Akita also offers a glimpse at the samurai way of life in historic Kakunodate.
Day 19: Cruise - Explore Aomori
Location: Aomori
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A delightfully sleepy seaside resort that boasts access to world class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Aomori is a charming city to explore.
Day 20: Cruise - At Sea
Location: Japan
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail along Japan's coast.
Day 21: Arrive In Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail along Japan's coast.
Day 22: Explore Nikko
Location: Nikko
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel out of Tokyo to ancient Nikko, a compact and culture-filled city. Stop for photos at the scenic Shinkyo Bridge and enjoy a 'yuba' lunch. Then, visit Japan's most lavish shrine, Toshugu, set in the glorious surroundings of Nikko National Park, and the peaceful, forest-swathed Taiyuinbyo, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Return to Tokyo.
Day 23: 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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4* Accommodation
The tour includes 4-star accommodation throughout the journey.
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13 Night Cruise
Enjoy a 13-night cruise with Azamara Pursuit as part of the tour.
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Domestic Transportation
Domestic transportation is included in the tour package.
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Guided Tours and Entrance Fees
Touring with guides and entrance fees are included in the tour.
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Transportation
Transportation includes an overnight flight to Tokyo, transfers to the hotel, road travel to various locations, a bullet train to Kyoto, and a cruise on the Azamara Pursuit.
What's Not Included
Excursions during the cruise are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes an overnight flight to Tokyo, transfers to the hotel, road travel to various locations, a bullet train to Kyoto, and a cruise on the Azamara Pursuit.
Accommodation
Enjoy 4-star accommodation throughout your journey, including a 13-night cruise on the luxurious Azamara Pursuit, offering comfort and elegance as you explore Japan and South Korea.
Experiences
Learn to make Sushi
Discover the history and etiquette of making and appreciating sushi with a hands-on lesson before sitting down with your instructing chef to enjoy Japan’s most famous cuisine. It’s the taking part that counts!
Enjoy a Kaiseki
The embodiment of 'omotenashi' (wholehearted hospitality), a kaiseki dinner is a meticulously prepared and exquisitely served multicourse meal that showcases a chef's skills at a range of intricate skills and techniques. More piece of art than plate of food, you'll be served this must-try culinary experience to enjoy (and admire) while in Kyoto.
Discover Nikko
Visiting Nikko is like stepping into the Edo period, so wonderfully preserved are the city's shrines, temples and sensibilities. Spend a day here, discovering UNESCO World Heritage Sites amongst the towering cedar trees of Nikko National Park, and lunch on delicious local dishes featuring 'yuba', the layer that forms on top of soy milk when it is boiled. Trust us, it tastes better than it sounds!
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 4-star accommodation and a 13-night cruise on the Azamara Pursuit.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, all meals are included in the tour package.
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What is the transportation arrangement for the tour?
Transportation includes an overnight flight to Tokyo, transfers to the hotel, road travel to various locations, a bullet train to Kyoto, and a cruise on the Azamara Pursuit.
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Are cruise excursions included in the tour package?
No, cruise excursions are not included in the tour package. They are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.
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What activities are included in the tour in Tokyo?
In Tokyo, you will visit Sensoji, the city's oldest temple, ascend the Tokyo Sky Tree for views, participate in a sushi making masterclass, and explore Meiji Jingu Shrine.
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What can I expect to see in Kyoto during the tour?
In Kyoto, you will explore landmarks such as Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, the Zen garden of Ryoanji, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Gion district.
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What unique experience is offered at Jigokudani Monkey Park?
At Jigokudani Monkey Park, you will walk through the forest to see Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, bathing in the hot spring pool.
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What is special about the visit to Nikko?
In Nikko, you will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Toshugu Shrine and Taiyuinbyo, set in the scenic Nikko National Park.
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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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Apr 13, 2025 - May 05, 2025Book with Confidence
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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.