Japan Unrivalled
From CAD $5050
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(20 reviews)
Kon'nichiwa! 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
Dining Summary
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
FAQs
- 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: 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.
- 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.
- Isawa: We'll visit a fruit farm where you'll have the chance to go pick and eat seasonal fruits (think: peaches, grapes. strawberries & more) - just like a local. It's a peak a Japanese experience!
- Matsumoto: The towering ‘Black Crow’ castle is a national treasure. It looks like nothing short of a Samurai castle with its cherry trees (that blossom during spring!) and Alpine backdrop.
- Takayama: The wooden ‘Edo’ buildings of Takayama really capture the vibe of ancient Japan.
- Hiroshima: Visit the Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum to commemorate the lives lost after the atomic bomb was dropped on the city.
- Hiroshima: This way to amazing! These are the sites you always see in those impossibly tranquil pictures of Japan. IRL.
- Kyoto: 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: 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 at the Shukubo helps preserve ancient traditions that are slowly disappearing. During your stay, the head monk welcomes the group and, with the help of your local guide, explains the basics of the religion and daily life in the temple. You’ll join morning prayers, explore important religious relics, and learn the significance of the temple’s traditions. Top it off with a traditional vegetarian meal, discovering its positive effects and religious significance. Who knew you could do so much good by simply taking time to relax?
- Koyasan: Start your journey towards enlightenment at this spiritual ceremony in Mount Koya. And breathe…
Trip Details
Product Code: 17072
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 35 Year Olds Only, Budget
Tour Operator:
Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 121.236A
Starts: Tokyo, Japan
Finishes: Osaka, Japan
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5050 ($388 /day)
Itinerary
Konnichiwa, Tokyo! Welcome to this dazzling orchestra of light, sound and intersecting subway lines. Meet your crew, get the trip vibes flowing, then your evening’s yours.
Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
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! You do you.
Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Today’s yours to do Tokyo your way (just remember to top up your transport card before you head out). Dive into everything the city does best, from neon streets and anime hubs to museums, parks, and food spots. There’s a couple of optional experiences on offer too. First up, a robot cafe where robots deliver your drinks and each table has an avatar you can chat with, piloted by people with disabilities who can’t work in a traditional setting. Then tonight (since it’s our last evening in Tokyo), it’s the perfect time to check out a Maid Cafe in Akihabara, Tokyo's tech paradise.
Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Before we leg it out of Japan's capital, we have some very serious business to tend to - a visit to Tsukiji - one of the world's most famous fish markets. After, you can opt to join a sushi making class or enjoy one last wander in Tokyo before we head to the countryside. 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 & hopefully catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji. 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: Dinner
Waving our supremely hospitable hosts goodbye, we’ll hit the road in search of a long valley amidst the Japanese mountains. Fingers crossed for one last chance to see Mt. Fuji before a quick stop at a nearby farm to pick & eat fresh local seasonal fruits (if that's your vibe). Welcome to Matsumoto, nestled beside Japan’s highest mountain range – the Hida Mountains. First things first, we'll check out Matsumoto castle for a dose of samurai history and grab a quick conbini lunch before hitting the road once again. 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
Dark wooden buildings, Kanji signs & surrounding hillsides will see us totally taken by Takayama. Rent a bike and take a cycle, then unwind from it all with a Japanese onsen. Relaxation stations. After a full day watching the Japanese countryside roll by, there’s only one move left — kick your legs up and unwind here in Takayama.
Accommodation: Takayama Green Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
In usual circumstances we'd be quite sad to be leaving the soul-stirring town of Takayama, but with the bullet train experience whizzing us to Hiroshima it's hard not to get excited. We’ll arrive in Hiroshima after a ride on Japan’s iconic Shinkansen, then head out on a private tour with a local guide to learn the city’s story. This includes entry to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, before you’ve got time to explore the city your way afterwards.
Accommodation: Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Wakey wakey. After brekkie, we’re on the move again, hopping on the tram and ferry over to the magical island of Miyajima. 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)
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 Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart — home to graceful geisha, serene gardens, and countless shrines and temples. Today’s fully guided sightseeing is packed (so we'll make the most of every moment). First, we’ll visit iconic spots like Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its endless vermilion torii gates. Then hit up Kinkaku-ji and the historic Gion district. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of Kyoto’s famed geisha as we uncover the city’s rich cultural layers.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Didn't feel like you had enough time yesterday to really get under the skin of this utterly unique city? We've got good news for you - today is completely yours for Kyoto adventuring. 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)
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 Monastery, eating traditional vegetarian 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, Dinner
It's our last full day of the trip - make the most of it by rising early and partaking in the tradition of an early morning Buddhist service, before we move onto our final destination - Osaka. After a morning of peaceful serenity, it's time to get back to the big city life as we head to Osaka. Known as Japan’s kitchen, here you will have a chance to taste your way through the local food scene (which is basically mandatory). Once your food cravings are satisfied, why not shop around Americamura, pop into a Pokémon store, or just wander and see what grabs you - options aplenty.
Accommodation: Ibis Budget Osaka Umeda (or similar)
Meals: 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!
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
Amy - Traveled, July 2019
Fi is an amazing trip manager! She was able to answer all of my questions and always went out of her way to make sure we had a great time. Having her as our manager made the trip nothing less than awesome.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/10/2019
Juliana G. - Traveled, July 2019
She is the most caring and excellent guide I’ve ever had. She genuinely goes above and beyond to make sure you have the most incredible experience and most memorable adventures.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2019
Bradwynn - Traveled, July 2019
Amazing tour, we saw so much in such little time. Very fast paced and high energy, much like our tour guide. We went to places we other wise would have missed without local knowledge. Almost all the accommodation was great one felt a little cramped, the kobe beef add-on seemed a little over priced but the rest of the tours meals included and not were great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2019
Riley T. - Traveled, July 2019
Fi is the best, she would make anyone feel safe. Plus, she always got me home safe when I had a bit too much. 10/10 would get wasted with tour guide again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2019
Rüveyda - Traveled, July 2019
It was really great experience and our guide was amazing thank you
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2019
Aarie J. - Traveled, July 2019
Fiona brought her positive and enthusiastic attitude every day, her knowledge and help of the area was outstanding and everything she did made the whole group feel included.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2019
Jamie S. - Traveled, June 2019
Fantastic tour with many wonderful sights. The boundless enthusiasm and sense of humour of our tour manager, Fi, really helped the group to bond, whilst providing information and background on the many stunning places we were visiting.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2019
chrissysunita - Traveled, June 2019
This tour was better than I could imagine. I went with very low expectations as it wasn’t at the top of my bucket list, but I was pleasantly surprised. Our tour manager, Fi, made sure everything ran smoothly and was always there at the beginning of the day with a smile on her face. She truly illuminated the Contiki experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2019
Luka S. - Traveled, June 2019
Fiona is probably the most comitted tour manager ive ever had, even when she injured her knee she was still giving it one hundred percent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2019
Edwin - Traveled, June 2019
Fi was absolutely amazing, super knowledgeable, and just an all around fun person. She made this trip so much fun, and so memorable. We went as a couple, and she did her best to accommodate us, and we truly appreciated it. Also she should be allowed to take dogs on her tours. Contiki
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/28/2019
Noah - Traveled, June 2019
Fi is the best guide and made this tour so fantastic!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/28/2019
Emily - Traveled, June 2019
Fiona is an amazing guide, she was very knowledgeable about every place we went to and knew the public transport system inside. Super friendly and always happy. Would definitely travel with her again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2019
Tayla S. - Traveled, June 2019
Fi was organised, energetic and always positive!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2019
Devin S. - Traveled, June 2019
The tour is absolutely amazing! A mix of old and new from ancient temples to fighting robots. A magical time! A knowledgeable and SUPER energetic tour guide who made sure everyone was looked after. Best experience to date!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2019
Ashie - Traveled, June 2019
Fi, you honestly done such an amazing job as our tour guide. You're so supportive, fun, organised and very outgoing, I loved every single bit of the trip! ? I hope I get to see you in the future contiki tours, wishing you all the best in the future. Ashie
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2019
Jake D. - Traveled, April 2019
Fi is awesome! I'm glad she was our trip manager. She has a great sense of humour, very knowledgeable, down to earth and loved to party. She made the trip unforgettable and I would recommend her to anyone! Cheers Fi. 11/10 ;)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2019
Joesphyne - Traveled, April 2019
Fi was amazing! I couldn't have asked for a better tour guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/27/2019
Sinead M. - Traveled, April 2019
Fi is amazing! Always happy and always willing to help. She had so much knowledge on every place we went to. If I could have Fi as my tour guide every trip I’d be very happy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2019
Matthew R. - Traveled, April 2019
Fi was the best trip manager I’ve ever had, cannot recommend her enough
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2019
Holly S. - Traveled, April 2019
She's an incredible tour manager that really makes you feel safe whilst showing you the best that Japan has to offer! I've made a true friend and I can't wait to go on another tour she's running!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2019
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