8 experiences that keep drawing us back to Japan

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

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

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

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

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

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.

6. Aso-Kuju National Park

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

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

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.