Japan Unrivalled
Japan Unrivalled
Japan Unrivalled
13 Days Starting in Tokyo and ending in Osaka
Visiting: Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Koyasan, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JAPN2212
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 50
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Contiki with specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishFrom:
$3860
$3300 (USD)
Operator discount: -$386
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$174
-14%
Tour Overview
Konnichiwa! And welcome to our ultimate trip to Japan. Experience traditional Japanese hot springs in Hakone, explore Kyoto the cultural hub of Japan by visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine & travel around Tokyo taking in all the bright lights and quirks as well as eating as much sushi as possible. This is the only way to be guided around Japan, one of the most unique countries in the world.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Kon'nichiwa Tokyo! Welcome to this dazzling orchestra of light, sound and intersecting subway lines. This is the city where the future fuses with the past in the most fascinating way possible, and we'll have a free evening to bond, explore and soak it all in.
Day 2: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we'll bounce out of bed ready and raring to uncover Tokyo. The ancient Buddhist temple of Asakusa Senso-ji, the lake woven grounds of the Imperial Palace & the Meiji Jingu shrine are just some of the doors we will open to this city. If history and religion don't get you going, the wild fashion of Harajuku & the shopping district of Nakamise Street might see you more wide-eyed. Or perhaps your idea of fun is to take to the streets of Shibuya, attempting to cross the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.
Day 3: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to take on Tokyo your way. Check out the anime and electronics packed buildings of Akihabara or perhaps find a cat café and do some petting while you sip your tea, or check out the beautiful Ueno Park.
Day 4: Tokyo To Hakone
Location: Tokyo, Hakone
Accommodation: Ryokan Special Stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Before we leg it out of Japan's capital we have some very serious business to tend to - a guided tour of famous Tsukiji - the world's largest and busiest fish market. Here, why not opt to learn the art of sushi making, or just kick back in one of the markets sushi bars and soak in the atmosphere.
Our first overland journey takes us south to Hakone, completely removing us from Tokyo's fast city pace. We will take in Japanese mountain vistas from the Hakone Ropeway & spend the night in a traditional guesthouse where we'll be treated to some local Japanese hospitality.
Day 5: Hakone To Takayama
Location: Hakone, Takayama
Accommodation: Takayama Green Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Waving our supremely hospitable hosts goodbye we hit the road in search of a long valley amidst the Japanese mountains.
After a full day of exploring and ogling and Japanese countryside, it would be perfectly acceptable to crash out on arrival in Takayama. Particularly acceptable given we have all day tomorrow here to explore.
Day 6: Takayama
Location: Takayama
Accommodation: Takayama Green Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dark wooden buildings, Kanji signs & surrounding hillsides will see us totally taken by Takayama. Grab a bike and take a cycle, then unwind from it all with a Japanese footbath. There's not many places where relaxation feels quite like this. Tonight is yours to explore as you wish, but we have an inkling you won't want to miss the mouthwatering hida beef for dinner.
Day 7: Takayama To Hiroshima
Location: Takayama, Hiroshima
Accommodation: Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
In usual circumstances we'd be quite sad to be leaving the soul-stirring town of Takayama, but with the bullet train experience whipping us to Hiroshima it's hard not to get excited.
We did it! We travelled on land at a casual 320 kilometers per hour on the Shinkansen - the world's fastest train. That's a big old tick off the Japan bucket list. Hiroshima is yours this afternoon to explore your way.
Day 8: Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation: Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
A city mourned over as the world's first atomic bomb target during World War ll, the mood will turn reflective as we enter Hiroshima. Thankfully, today this historical great has been declared a City of Peace, symbolised by coloured paper cranes denoting people’s prayers. Our day here will be one of learning as we take in the tragic recounts of World War II at the Peace Memorial Museum.
Day 9: Hiroshima To Kyoto
Location: Hiroshima, Kyoto
Accommodation: New Hankyu Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
With 3 more destinations left to uncover on the Japanese map, we hit the road this morning and leave the historical metropolis of Hiroshima behind.
Welcome to the culture hub of Japan. Geisha girls, artfully manicured gardens, shrines & temples aplenty - looks like we're in Kyoto! We won't waste a minute peeling back this city's layers, taking you to Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle & the Gion Area with our guide. You'll also have plenty of free time to check the place out any old way you please, and go on the lookout for glamorous geishas. If that means wearing a kimono and platforms, we're right here to applaud you.
Day 10: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: New Hankyu Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
So what's up next? How about checking out the Fushimi Inari Shrine? Approx 233 metres above sea level, the journey to the shrine begins at the base of the mountain. This afternoon is free for you to explore the sights of Kyoto.
Day 11: Kyoto To Mount Koya
Location: Kyoto, Koyasan
Accommodation: Henjoko-in Wakayama (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a slow and leisurely morning in Kyoto to get in the zen frame of mind for what lies ahead. On the train we make tracks for Mt Koya.
You would think that by this stage of the trip all the phenomenal moments might be behind us. Oh how wrong you would be. Tonight we stay in a Buddhist guesthouse, eating traditional food and savouring the mindfulness & beauty of this incredible experience. For those looking for a digital detox amongst nature, it doesn't get better than this.
Day 12: Mount Koya To Osaka
Location: Koyasan, Osaka
Accommodation: New Hankyu Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's our last full day of the trip - make the most of it by rising early this morning and partaking in the tradition of an early morning Buddhist service. A Local Guide will then walk us through the beauty of the Koyasan area and centuries old cemetery before we move on to our last destination.
For those who have stepped out of their quiet zone from the morning of serenity, it will be time to relish in Osaka and take on the traditional Japanese pastime of Karaoke. A couple of Asahis or Sakes - you know, for tradition - should stimulate your bravery.
Day 13: End Osaka
Location: Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today our Japanese fairytale comes to an end. Whilst we'll be crying silent (or not so silent) tears, our life-lasting memories, army of new friends and deep appreciation for Japan will be enough to keep the smiles on our faces. Sayōnara, globe trotters!
What's Included
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Re-fuel with a hearty breakfast included every day, plus a few delicious dinners. We'll also give you the opportunity to sample some of the best eats in the East. We'll get 14 of your meals, you get the rest. Taste it all - fresh sashimi, spicy ramen and delicious gourmet gyozas.
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3-star hotels are the name of the game, plus you'll get the chance to shack-up in a traditional Ryokan, as well as a Shukubo up on Mount Koya. We like to keep it intrepid, but there's no compromise on comfort.
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A highly trained Trip Manager who brings your adventure to life, along with Local Guides who make tourist traps a thing of the past. This is your team. Smart, friendly, fun, and integral to everything we do.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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