The award-winning Wendy Wu Tours is one of Aotearoa’s best Asian travel specialists, and top of everyone’s list should be a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.
“All our unique itineraries are full of great activities,” Managing Director Paul Dymond tells Verve. “Most tours include a ride on the amazing bullet trains, or Shinkansen. Our guests also always love making traditional washi paper, participating in traditional tea ceremonies, and trying their hand at making sushi. One of the most sought-after experiences is going to see the snow monkeys in Yudanaka, where they live in the coldest conditions of any monkey in the world.”
What are your top three highlights of the country?
I seem to get a new top three every time I visit Japan! My first highlight would have to be The UNESCO Village of Shirakawa-go, famous for its traditional thatched wooden houses and mountainous surrounds. The area is full of traditional activities and outdoor pursuits and is very photogenic any time of year. Beppu and the surrounding area on Kyushu Island is another favourite. It is known for its thermal areas and is one of the best places to experience natural hot springs and bathing facilities, known as onsen. There are also many small towns, where they encourage visitors to dress in traditional kimono while visiting the historic sights. Lastly, I really enjoy exploring Tokyo. With over 30 million people, the city has endless secrets to uncover, from small, 12-seater restaurants or sake bars to historic geisha areas and some amazing shopping districts.
And three road-less-travelled destinations?
Kanazawa is a great place to visit – it’s home to Kenrokuen Gardens, one of the three great gardens of Japan. For a traditional spiritual experience, staying over for one night at a Koyasan Monastery is a great immersive experience with the monks. Art lovers should head out from Osaka to Naoshima for a few days – it’s known as the Art Island, with some great Japanese galleries and outdoor art displays.
Which food and drinks should no visitor leave without trying?
There’s so much amazing food and drink that I could write for days! Japanese cuisine has even been classified as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The trick is to try the local specialities. On my last visit I had grilled freshwater eel at the foot of Mount Fuji. Yakitori is a really fun eating experience, where you keep ordering skewers of food, that are cooked over coals. Good yakitori restaurants will be busy, noisy, and the air full of interesting smells. Trying the local sake is a must. Sake is a sacred drink made from fermented rice and is seen used as a gift to the gods. Every region has its own variety, and tastes can vary widely.
I would encourage everyone to stay a night in a traditional ryokan, which is a guest house with a private onsen.
Can you tell us about interesting accommodation options?
I would encourage everyone to stay a night in a traditional ryokan, which is a guest house with a private onsen. They are usually in picturesque areas, and a great way to connect with nature, while soaking in hot pools.
What are the essential cultural dos and don’ts that travellers need to be aware of?
Do speak quietly in public, especially on public transport; bow when greeting people; take your shoes off before going inside houses, traditional restaurants or when you see a sign. And follow all rules.
Don’t blow your nose in public; leave food on your plate; or mix plain rice in a bowl with your other food – if the rice is served in a separate bowl, it should be eaten plain. Rice is a sacred food in Japan. Also, showing public displays of affection or sticking your chopsticks in your rice and leaving them there should be avoided.
Are there any specific festivals or cultural events you recommend visitors experience?
Cherry blossom is an amazing time, but very busy. I love the autumn leaves in November, the colours are out of this world. If you are lucky enough to be in Japan when sumo is on – between May and September – then it is definitely worth trying to get tickets. The city of Takayama has a Matsuri festival where floats made over 350 years ago are pulled through the streets to celebrate spring and autumn.
For more information on Japan and Wendy Wu Tours’ unique itineraries, visit wendywutours.co.nz
