Japan in a Week
From CAD $2,624
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Experience Overview
Kon'nichiwa Japan! We may only have a week, but what a week it is. Starting in the orchestra of light, sound and history that is Tokyo, we'll get locally guided tours of temples and palaces before whizzing to Kyoto via a bullet train. Here, we'll walk through zen gardens, explore mystical temples and spot Geishas before taking the short trip to Osaka, where we'll have plenty of time to nip to Universal Studios or simply eat our way around the local street food stalls. Filled with a dazzling fusion of modern spectacle and ancient charm, this trip is the best way to see Japan in a week.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 3 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- Nara: What is the currency used in Japan? The currency (that can buy you some unbeatable authentic sushi) in Japan is the Japanese Yen (¥).
- Tokyo: How do I make my way to the starting point? Are transfers included? 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: What is the best time of year to visit Japan? Japan sure is magical all year round, but the best time to visit will depend on what you’re looking for. Want to spot Mt Fuji? Head to Japan in June/July – and hang around for the firework festivals too. Wanna experience Japan's winter vibes and even hit some of the spectacular ski spots? Book our Japan Winter Wonder trip between November - March. April to May is when you’ll catch the cherry blossoms, and autumn (August - November) is a great time for colourful leaves and cooler weather.
- Nara: What should I wear in Japan? Dress for comfort first! As a traveller here, you’ll be most comfortable in loose-fitted clothes, made from a light and breathable fabric. Winter in Japan can be as cool as 1-7°C, so you may want to bring some warm clothes if you’re here between October and April.
- Nara: What is the tipping culture in Japan? Tipping in Japan is generally not accepted. Although it’s slowly becoming more common within the tourism industry, tipping isn’t much of a custom in Japan. In lots of restaurants, you’ll pay upfront before you eat and won’t be expected to leave a tip as you leave – Japanese hospitality workers are even known to turn tips down. The same goes for bus and taxi rides. In shops, you may be given your change using a tray, but this isn’t an indication to leave a tip (as it might be in other countries).
- Nara: How much spending money do I need for one week in Japan? When you travel with Contiki, your accommodation, in-country transport, and some breakfasts are included with the cost of your trip – so when it comes to budgeting, you only need to worry about how much shopping you’ll do in Tokyo! Average prices for Japan include:Museum tickets: ¥1,000 - ¥2,000 ($7 - $15) Sushi meal: ¥2,500 ($19) Noodles/Ramen meal: ¥600 - ¥1,200 ($4 - $9) For a rough estimate, we’d recommend budgeting a minimum of $80USD per day.But please remember that these prices subject to change!
- Nara: Are service charges included in the bill at restaurants in Japan? Even though tipping is rare in Japan, it is common for a restaurant to add a service charge to your bill. This will usually be to the value of 10-15%, and you’ll find that it’s issued on arrival. I.e. served with your appetiser.
Included Experience
- Tokyo: Check out the Sensoji Temple, one of the most significant temples in Japan, decked with a 5-storey pagoda. Don't forget to snap a pic under the giant red lantern!
- Tokyo: Get a piece of Japan to take back home from one of the many little stalls here on Nakamise Street, just a short walk from the Sensoji Temple.
- Tokyo: Visit this Shinto shrine in Shibuya, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shōken. You'll have the chance to wander through a tranquil forest, passing under the world-famous Tori Gate. And ofc, stop for a picture in front of the many colourful Sake barrels, and make a wish at the sacred Camphor tree.
- Tokyo: Get ready for a riot of colour and vibrant fashion. This was (and still is) a home for Japanese fashion. Grab a vintage bag, a pair of sneakers or a kawaii outfit. And don't get us started on the food! You'll find rainbow cotton candy, candy covered strawberries or a rainbow cheese sandwich.
- Tokyo: It's only the biggest pedestrian intersection in the world! Come watch the world go by (and grab an iconic picture) on the crossing.
- Kyoto: Tea houses. 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 17135
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 364.1053B
Starts: Tokyo, Japan
Finishes: Osaka, Japan
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,624 ($328 /day)
Itinerary
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)
Today we'll get ready to uncover Tokyo, starting with the ancient Buddhist temple of Asakusa Senso-ji & the famous Meiji Jingu shrine. You'll have the chance to discover the wild fashion of Harajuku & the shopping district of Nakamise Street, or take to the streets of Shibuya for an attempt to cross the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.
Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Today is yours to do Tokyo your way. Anime fan? Check out Akihabara, the ultimate anime & gaming district. Looking for something uniquely Japanese? Go on a date with a giant plush toy at the Moomin cafe, head to a cafe where you're served by robots, eat a kawaii lunch (like a curry shaped like a pink teddy bear), visit Ueno Park for the museums and monuments, or even check out a cosplay cafe. It's our last evening in Tokyo, so it's also the perfect time to check out some of the traditional bars at the Izakaya Alleys for a sip of sake.
Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Today it's time to take that famous example of Japanese efficiency, the aptly named bullet train. Our train will whizz us past the iconic Mount Fuji, of which we'll hopefully grab a glimpse, before heading for the zen gardens, teahouses of Kyoto and Fushimi Inari Shrine. We'll waste no time with a sightseeing tour, exploring this glorious showcase of ancient Japan.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Today is yours to walk the sublime gardens, explore mystical temples and marvel at the architecture of this unforgettable city. We recommend taking the opportunity for a half-day trip to Nara, where you'll find the towering 8th century Great Buddha, as well as numerous examples of beautiful shrines and temples, alongside the roaming, slightly cheeky deer.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)
There is still so much to see in Kyoto. Don a kimono and check out the bamboo forest, take some photos at the iconic Yasaka Pagoda or spot Geishas in the Gion district. Don't forget to sign up for the optional traditional tea ceremony and enjoy a cup of matcha tea.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)
It's just a short trip to Osaka this morning... And we have the whole day to explore. There's plenty of time to fit in Universal Studios, Osaka castle or simply wander down Dontonburi tasting all of the delicious street food. Opt for the Izakaya dinner tonight for one last family meal before our sad goodbyes tomorrow.
Accommodation: Ibis Budget Osaka Umeda (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Our trip ends after breakfast in Osaka today. We'll say farewell to Japan & our new friends, but the memories we made here will stick with us forever.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Contiki (CA)
Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.[1] It is a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation. Its tours historically had a reputation for partying;[2][3] however, it also operates wellness trips culturally immersive experiences that focus less on alcohol, which are more popular with Generation Z.[4] The company owns lodging facilities in Europe, including the Chateau De Cruix, a 16th century castle in the Beaujolais wine region, and the Gasthof Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol. The name "Contiki" comes from the portmanteau 'Con' from the word 'Continent' and 'Tiki'; from the Māori referring to the first man, often symbolised as a pendant known as hei-tiki. It can also be attributed to the New Zealand slang 'Tiki-tour' describing taking a longer route to a destination in order to explore.[5]
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Ellen Abbott Spannari - Traveled, January 2025
Everything was absolutely amazing! From incredible knowledge & recommendations to bonding with everyone from different walks of life... everything gelled perfectly! I'd have to say my favorite highlight would be the final dinner with everyone, it was the best way to end the most incredible trip!!! I loved this contiki! Too easy! From the Contiki website, I easily booked with a deposit & from there the countdown was on! For only being a one week trip, Contiki & Jazz made it jam packed with adventure, fun & laughter!!! Jazz's local knowledge truly elevated my experience and helped me learn, explore & understand the Japanese culture more than I ever thought I would! I really immersed myself in it!! I loved & also very much appreciated the perfect mix of exploration and free time - there were so many options of things to do for different types of people! Anime, food, shopping and so so so much more! No matter your interests there was absolutely something to do! Even if you needed a nap, the accommodation was NOICE! My trip was filled to the brim with smiles & good & everlasting memories!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/13/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
Everyone on the trip was amazing. Yujir was the greatest guide ever and the local guides we had in Tokyo and Kyoto were also amazing. The other people on the trip were amazing and I am happy to say I became life long friends with them. Trip was super easy to book and manage. Contiki was very good at communicating what we needed to do to prepare as the trip got closer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/20/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, January 2025
This was an amazing trip! Renee was an fantastic tour guide who was so sweet! I loved everyone on the trip and I was able to go to all the places I wanted to go in Japan!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, February 2025
It was fun for the most part. the Japanese guides were wonderful and knowledgeable. Kyoto was my favorite city on the trip. the trip manager for the last two days was professional. however, I have mixed feelings about how the original travel manager went to the hospital. i felt bad for her and wished her a swift recovery. however professionally it was unacceptable. the equivalent is if I got drunk in my workplace by a stranger or something. The kimono dress event felt like a scam since we were left to fend for ourselves.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2025
Lucy Jones-Gardiner - Traveled, November 2024
Trip of a lifetime!, the tour manager, made the trip so adventurous, memorable and seamless. Made lots of friends, saw amazing sites and ate delicious food! Read less
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/20/2024
Ambah Hughes - Traveled, February 2025
Such a great week with Yujir! We covered so much in a week but still had lots of time to do our own thing while seeing as many sights as possible! Would definitely recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, February 2025
The trip was amazing! Made so many new friends and group Karaoke was fun! Wish more of the activities were included especially the deer park, but other than that would definitely recommend for a snapshot of Japan. Booking was seamless and easy
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2025
Michael Barrios - Traveled, January 2025
For my first out the country on my own. It was a great to choice to going with contiki. With all the activities that were planned an added. I created great memories with the group and the locals. It was a great choice to go with contiki especially for my birthday. They were accommodating with what I needed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/29/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, February 2025
My trip consisted of visits to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The guides were very helpful showing us around and I was able to figure out my way around so I could do my own exploring. This trip was very fun! Would love to visit again. Yes this booking was a good first step to my first taste of Japan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2025
Rhea Anne C. - Traveled, March 2025
Japan in a week was so much fun. I enjoyed the pacing of the trip and visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. I felt very comfortable and the accommodations were great. I thought the trip was a perfect balance between group activities and creating my own experiences with the suggestions my trip manager provided. My favorite experience was going to Nara Park and seeing the deer. It was a unique experience. I also enjoyed seeing the temples and shrines. They were breathtaking. I will never take travel for granted. I look forward to visiting Japan again. The trip was easy to book and I did not encounter any problems.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2025
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