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.

Countries Visited

Japan

Cities Visited

Hakone , Hiroshima , Koyasan , Kyoto , Matsumoto , Miyajima , Osaka , Takayama , Tokyo

Day 1

Start Tokyo

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.Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Day 2

Tokyo

Today we'll bounce out of bed ready and raring to uncover Tokyo. The ancient Buddhist temple of Asakusa Senso-ji & 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.Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Day 3

Tokyo

Today is yours to take on Tokyo your way. Luckily, there's no end to what you can do here. Check out the anime and electronics packed buildings of Akihabara. Maybe find a cat café and do some petting while you sip your tea. Marvel at the beautiful Ueno Park. Or how about tasting some Japanese food, served by remote-controlled robots (!).Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Day 4

Tokyo to Isawa via Hakone

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. It's time to pamper ourselves! Check-in at our super chill Ryokan special stay, soak in those healing hot springs, and chillax. Tonight's dinner is a feast of flavors - Japanese kaiseki style!Accommodation: Ryokan Special Stay
Meals: Breakfast Dinner
Day 5

Isawa to Takayama

Waving our supremely hospitable hosts goodbye, we’ll hit the road in search of a long valley amidst the Japanese mountains. Romantic, right? Mountainside city escape. Welcome to Matsumoto, nestled beside Japan’s highest mountain range – the Hida Mountains. Famous for its samurai history and thriving foodie scene, this one will have you taking snaps at every turn. 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.Accommodation: Takayama Green Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6

Takayama

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. Relaxation stations. After a full day of exploring and ogling at the Japanese countryside, it’s perfectly acceptable to crash out in Takayama.Accommodation: Takayama Green Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7

Takayama to Hiroshima

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.Accommodation: Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8

Hiroshima

A morning of reflection. The site of the world’s first nuclear bombing, Hiroshima has now been declared a City of Peace. Our day here will be one of learning as we take in the tragic recounts of World War II at the Peace Memorial Museum. A gateway island. We’ll take a detour to the tranquil isle of Miyajima, where you’ll get a spellbinding view of the giant orange Great Torii Gate (you know the one, even if you don’t.) Expect forests, temples, roaming deer and much more... …and dinner! We’ll end our day in Hiroshima with more excitement to follow tomorrow.Accommodation: Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
Day 9

Hiroshima to Kyoto

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.Accommodation: New Hankyu Hotel Kyoto (or similar)
Day 10

Kyoto

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.Accommodation: New Hankyu Hotel Kyoto (or similar)
Day 11

Kyoto to Mount Koya

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.Accommodation: Henjoko-in Wakayama (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12

Mount Koya to Osaka

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.Accommodation: New Hankyu Hotel Osaka (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13

End Osaka

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. Say?nara, globe trotters!
Meals: Breakfast

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Inclusions

Dining Summary

7 Breakfast (B)
1 Dinner (D)

FAQs

Nara: Generally, not. Most of our travellers can get a visa on arrival in Japan. But your visa requirements can change according to your citizenship (and also according to the length and purpose of your visit). We always recommend that you check out our visa guide for more information.
Nara: The currency (that can buy you some unbeatable authentic sushi) in Japan is the Japanese Yen (¥).
Tokyo: This will depend on which city you arrive at.TokyoTokyo is serviced by two major international airports, Narita and Haneda. You’re welcome to take a taxi to the hotel, but these tend to be quite expensive. That’s why, the best way to reach our hotel is by train. You can purchase tickets from the counter at the airport. And the journey will take you 1-2 hours.Osaka The Kansai International Airport in Osaka is around 45 minutes away from our hotel by bus. And the best way to get there is by bus, that’ll drop you off close to our hotel. You can get your tickets at the counter. We don’t recommend getting a taxi since they tend to be quite expensive.
Nara: You can bring one bag or suitcase of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”), with a max weight of 20kg (44lbs) – plus one piece of hand luggage suitable as a carry-on for flights on this trip.You’ll travel between a few destinations via the Shinkansen (bullet train), and won’t have your main luggage because of the space restrictions. But there’s no need to worry, because we’ll send everything forward to the next hotel via truck.In Hiroshima and Mt Koya, you’ll need to bring an overnight bag since you won’t have your main luggage with you. Your Trip Manager will advise you about what you should bring for each day.
Nara: Starstruck by the Shinkansen? Same. All bullet train tickets are one-use-only tickets (and not passes). So, you won’t be able to use them after the trip has concluded.
Nara: A Japan Rail Pass can be quite handy while travelling in Japan. But since we’ve got you covered for the transport, you won’t need a Japan Rail Pass. You’re always welcome to ask your Trip Manager where you can buy one once the trip ends.
Nara: Currently, Street Kart or Mario Kart aren’t offered on any Contiki trip. Who knows what the future holds, though?

Included Experience

Tokyo: Step into this live video game of a city and see Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Harajuku and the Shibuya Crossing.
Tokyo: Heads up seafood fans! Check out the weird and wonderful fish at this bustling market.
Hakone: Tour this beautiful mountain town, famed for its views of Mount Fuji. And get your kicks on the epic cable car ride.
Hakone: Nothing beats sitting down to enjoy a slap up meal. This is portion after portion of authentic Japanese cuisine at its finest.
Matsumoto: The towering ‘Black Crow’ castle is a national treasure. It looks like a Samurai castle with its blossoming cherry trees and Alpine backdrop.
Takayama: The wooden ‘Edo’ buildings of Takayama really capture the vibe of ancient Japan.
Hiroshima: This way to amazing! These are the sites you always see in those impossibly tranquil pictures of Japan. IRL.
Hiroshima: Visit the Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum to commemorate the lives lost after the atomic bomb was dropped on the city.
Kyoto: Tea houses. Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The Golden Pavilion. Geishas. It’s all so surreal. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a film set.
Kyoto: Walk through the endless path of orange torii gates, kindly ask Inari for good luck and then you might want to sample a fortune cookie.
Koyasan: Take off your shoes, enter the golden doors and marvel at the wonders. Then chill in the rock garden. And breathe...
Koyasan: Start your journey towards enlightenment at this spiritual ceremony in Mount Koya. And breathe…

Make Travel Matter®

Koyasan: Think sleepover but at a Buddhist temple! Take a sneak-peek into the lives of monks in this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Every penny we spend to stay at the Shukubo helps preserve ancient traditions that are in decline. Who knew you could do so much good by simply taking time to relax?

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Questions & Answers

Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?

Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.

Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?

Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.

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Contiki Tours Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

3.9

Accommodations

3.8

Itinerary

Professional Staff

4.2

Repeat with Operator

3.9

Value for Money

3.8

Ratings based off 66 reviews about Contiki Tours - currently showing 4 reviews with comments only

BP Bill on Jan 18, 2019

Prepare to spend more than usual on a Contiki tour.

EM Elizabeth on Apr 09, 2017

We were lucky that the group of people with were good, but it was a large group tour and did have some of the downfalls of a trip of that nature, like frequent breaks for the bathroom, difficulty when eating out together, and getting things on and off the coach. The trip was still great and a good value for the money.

OM Omar on Jun 10, 2016

It was a good value and the experiences included were worth it. The only part that wasn't the best were the accommodations as it was hit and miss. Half of the hotels on the trip were okay, and the other half were really nice.

MZ Maria on Oct 21, 2015

I had an amazing trip!

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