Explore Japan's icons with Wendy Wu Tours

Tea ceremonies, onsen bathing and a unique Christmas tradition to remember; our love for Japan keeps us coming back for more, but it’s those iconic experiences that become ingrained in our core.

Delivering contrast and harmony in equal measure – ancient temples beside neon skylines and centuries-old craftsmanship alongside cutting-edge innovation – Japan’s allure is difficult to deny. Add to that a breathtaking landscape of snow-dusted mountains alongside bubbling hot springs, a world-class cuisine plus a cultural identity unlike anywhere else, and it’s easy to see why Japan has never been hotter with Australian travellers. The question is: how best to see it?

Award-winning tour specialist, Wendy Wu Tours has been living and breathing Asia for 27 years, creating fully inclusive, culturally immersive itineraries that go beyond standard bucket-list sightseeing. Led by knowledgeable guides who understand your desire to taste every dish (or photograph every cherry blossom tree), they’ll handle all the logistics so you can sit back and enjoy the best of what Japan has to offer.

The key experiences every Australian should enjoy at least once? You can start your journey with the following:

1. Christmas in Japan

Christmas Hachimanzaka Hakodate Hokkaido japan — Experience Western Christmas cheer with Japanese traditions. (Image: Getty/ Wiphop Sathawirawong)

Who can say no to a festive feast of mountains of fried chicken and strawberry shortcake, best enjoyed under the glow of millions of illuminations? Christmas in Japan remains a joyful fusion of Western cheer and Japanese charm, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in local Yuletide traditions than with Wendy Wu’s 17-day Christmas In Japan tour.

Slip into your kimono on Christmas morning for a traditional (and relaxing) tea ceremony and wagashi sweet-making experience, and admire the Kyoto skyline from your window as you indulge in a Christmas lunch to remember. No stress, no fuss – only an unforgettable festive experience.

2. Sumo tournament

Sumo wrestling, Japan bucket list — Witness an exciting Sumo wrestling match. (Image: Bob Fisher)

Sumo: some call it Japan’s national sport, but others prefer to think of it as a captivating event where Japan’s sacred past and modern-day spectacle collide in perfect harmony. With roots stretching back over 1500 years to ancient Shinto rituals performed to entertain the gods and ensure a good harvest, a visit to Japan isn’t complete without at least one sumo tournament.

Available on selected dates in Tokyo, sumo is a uniquely Japanese activity to be enjoyed on Wendy Wu Tour’s 18-day Japan Uncovered tour. Between tournaments, join a Gokayama masterclass in the art of traditional washi papermaking.

3. Hell Valley & Samurai culture

Samurai District of Kakunodate, japan — Walk through the Samurai District of Kakunodate. (Image: Getty/ Ntrirata)

Disregard the unsettling moniker; Hell Valley (better known as Jigokudani) is actually a spectacular volcanic wonderworld teeming with steam vents, hot springs and sulfurous streams. Take a soak in an onsen – the perfect end point to a hike through the dramatic caldera – before a visit to Kakunodate, an old samurai stronghold still known for its samurai traditions embodying honour, discipline and loyalty.

Happily, an education in all things samurai is taught via immersive visits to Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum and Ishiguro House, a traditional samurai residence – all of the above experiences included in Wendy Wu’s 15-day Journey Through Japan tour.

4. Ride the bullet train

Shinkansen or JR Bullet train running pass through Mt. Fuji and Shibazakura at spring — Shoot along the Japanese landscape. (Image: Getty/ Blanscape)

A marvel of speed, precision and weirdly, serenity; there’s no greater way to take in Japan’s neon cities, quaint country landscapes and misty mountains than from the comfort of a shinkansen (bullet train). Gliding along at up to 320 km/h, it’s customary to enjoy a bento box (in relative quiet) as you watch the scenery unfurl.

Can’t get enough of the experience? The Wendy Wu Tours Japan by Rail itinerary is an all-encompassing 22-day rail journey which takes in all the highlights of all three main islands: Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido, with the adventure taking place mainly by bullet train.

5. Relax in an onsen

Hells of Beppu — Relax in Beppu’s famous onsens. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Improved circulation, muscle pain relief and stress reduction; there are plenty of health benefits to be gained from soaking in the mineral-rich waters of an onsen. But soaking can also be about fun.

With over 25,000 hot spring sources across Japan, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Wendy Wu’s 14-day Japan & the Scenic South tour ensures you have plenty of opportunities to make the most of that literal and metaphoric cleansing experience. Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous hot springs resorts, and Yufuin, a popular hot springs destination located at the foot of Mount Yufu, are both on the itinerary.

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6. Aso-Kuju National Park

sun is setting over mount aso — Gaze on the dramatic peaks of Mount Aso. (Image: Winged Jedi)

Welcome to a realm of steaming volcanic peaks, hot spring valleys and lush grasslands. Dominated by the dramatic peaks of Mount Aso, you’re not only here to enjoy the wildflower-dotted landscape, which beckons the trekkers and horseback riders among us. But to experience the soul-stirring display of traditional drumming set against the park’s natural backdrop.

Combining the powerful rhythms of traditional taiko drums, shamisen and flutes, what’s known as ‘Theatre in the sky’ is performed by the Japanese taiko drumming group DRUM TAO. It’s just one of many standout moments during the 12-day Hidden Japan: Spirit of Kyushu itinerary with Wendy Wu Tours.

7. Morning prayers with monks

Monks heading to the temple in Koyasan, Japan — Join monks for their morning prayers. (Image: Hanna Eberhard)

Tap into a deeper spiritual rhythm that’s endured for centuries by joining the sacred chanting of Buddhist monks. Join them for their morning prayers in a 13th-century temple.

Created for those who want to delve deeper into Japan’s traditions, Wendy Wu’s Off-Beat Japan Go Beyond group tour is perhaps their most culturally immersive holiday, offering a slew of once-in-a-lifetime moments across 14 days. Meet the snow monkeys of Yudanaka, stay in a Buddhist lodge, take a walking tour of Koyasan, one of Japan’s holiest sites – and yes – embrace an opportunity to reach spiritual enlightenment and embrace peace.

8. Gold-leaf paper making

woman in Kimono peeling off sticker in gold leaf workshop — Try your hand at gold-leaf paper making. (Image: Getty/ Satoshi K)

Deep in the heart of Kanazawa, a castle town with over 400 years of spellbinding history (and seriously good sake), an opportunity to immerse yourself in the intricate art of gold-leaf making presents itself. Symbolising beauty, purity and craftsmanship, the paper – created by beating pure gold into tissue-thin sheets – is used to decorate temples, artwork and ceremonial objects.

Happily, there’s no need to seek out the experience yourself; it’s all part of Wendy Wu’s 14-day Discover Japan tour, which journeys across the Japanese Alps to the cultural centres of Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa.

Visit Wendy Wu Tours for further information on these experiences and tours.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

8 experiences that keep drawing us back to Japan