Our Osaka to Seoul 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.
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!
There are around 25,000 hot spring sources across Japan, so it's no surprise that onsens are such a huge part of Japanese culture. Bathing in the geothermal waters, lauded for their medicinal qualities, is used for relaxation, healing and both literal and metaphorical cleansing. What better way to unwind after a day of exploring than making like a local and soaking.
Oishi Park, on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, boasts one of the most spectacular views of Mount Fuji that you'll find anywhere in the area. What makes it extra special are the park's flower gardens, with different blooms in different colours, depending on the season. If you are really lucky and the skies are clear and the lake's waters still, you might get a Fuji reflection!
Fly overnight to the vibrant city of Osaka. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel in Kyoto. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
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. Between explorations, enjoy a kaiseki dinner and sukiyaki lunch.
Board a bullet train and be whisked off to Mount Fuji. 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 before heading to Nagano to relax in an onsen – hot spring baths – dine on a traditional kaiseki dinner and stay at a traditional ryokan.
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 Tokyo, Japan's capital since 1868 and one of the world's largest cities.
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.
After breakfast you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Yokohama 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.
Port in Shimizu, a city of medieval castle ruins, ancient pine groves and traditional gardens. Here, you are ideally located for viewing Mount Fuji (weather dependant) and a series of fascinating cultural sights.
Port in Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart.
Spend today at port in Kyoto, enjoying what your cruise ship has to offer.
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.
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.
Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail along Japan's coastline.
Arrive at Kagoshima, a city at the southern tip of the island of Kyushu. Watched over by the active Sakurajima volcano and rich in history and delicious food, and surrounded by glorious nature, there is plenty to discover here.
Port at Nagasaki. Like Hiroshima, Nagasaki is best known for the events of the 9th of August 1945 but there is so much more to it. Backed by rolling hills and forested islands, with unspoilt beaches, European-style architecture, and ancient roots, it is a delight to explore.
Port at Fukuoka, the alluring, and largest city, on Kyushu Island. The gateway to a mountainous interior that offers excellent hiking, and really, really good ramen to sample, the city itself has plenty of historic and cultural attractions to enjoy.
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.
Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail up South Korea's coastline.
Arrive at Seoul's cruise port and disembark the Celebrity Millenium. You will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Spend the day exploring the sights and sounds of Seoul, South Korea's capital. A city that contrasts a high-tech, cutting-edge frontage with a deeply traditional, even spiritual vibe, you'll get swept up in its wonders as you visit Gyeongbok Palace, the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Royal Shrine and the N Seoul Tower
Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the following day.
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected
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.
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.Mr Degville
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.Mr Mcintosh
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.Mrs Brownridge
It's such a pleasure to introduce Japan to people from all over the world and explore its culture, history and traditions, as well as its unique cuisine. Along with this, I enjoy taking care of each and every member of the tour group, which is why I love being a tour guide.
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.
