Japan Winter Wonder | 2024-2025

Tokyo
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Say konnichiwa to the land of sushi, samurai & sake! In a country where the ancient and the modern collide in truly mesmerising style, you’ll make your way from Osaka to Tokyo, taking in temples, teppanyaki, geishas and gardens, plus miniature deer along the way.

Departure dates

From 09/11/2024 to 10/03/2025

What's included

Highlights.
9 Breakfast (B)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?Kyoto: Tea houses.
Nijo Castle.
The Golden Pavilion.
Geishas.
It’s all so surreal.
You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a film set.
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.
Tokyo: Step into this live video game of a city and see Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Harajuku and the Shibuya Crossing.
Hakone: Prepare to be impressed.
An awesome cable car ride is set against dream-like views of Mount Fuji.
.

Itinerary / more information

  • Day 1 Konnichiwa friends, and welcome to the land of the rising sun. Famed for its beauty, culture, cuisine and just a touch of crazy, this is one trip you won't be forgetting any time soon. Get settled into your hotel before joining forces with your Trip Manager & travel crew & head out to explore the local area.
  • Day 2 Universal Studios, Osaka Castle, iconic D?tonbori - today is yours to take on Osaka as your heart desires. History lovers can experience a slice of the past at the 16th-century Osaka Castle, one of the city's best known landmarks, or those keen for a little slice of Shinto could experience Sumiyoshi-taisha, one of the country's oldest Shinto shrines. This evening, why not get to know your new travel friends over our Free Time Add-On foodie experience? We'll be heading to an Izakaya in the bustling hub of Dotonburi. These traditional little restaurants are like a trip back in time, with rice beer, sake & locals finishing up their days. Still not done for the day? We sense some traditional Japanese PATI (that's Japanese for partying) and karaoke may be on the cards....
  • Day 3 Tuck in to your tasty breakfast this morning, you're going to need the food fuel for a full day in Kyoto. Arriving into Kyoto, we'll kick things off with a guided tour of this beautiful, traditional city. Take in the sights of the city including temples, gardens, colourful shrines & world famous geisha girls. This evening is free for you to get to know Kyoto your way, most likely trying out local cuisine in the Shirakawa area & getting to grips with the buzzy Kyoto nightlife.
  • Day 4 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 free for Kyoto adventuring. Ask your Trip Manager for the essentials on what to eat and where to go, then our best advice? Go get yourself a little lost, it's undeniably the best way to get to know a new city.
  • Day 5 Ready for a totally new experience? This morning it's all aboard the bullet train, travelling at a cool 320km/hr as we make our way to Hiroshima. A city remembered as the world's first atomic bomb target during WWII, we'll learn about both the past and present on a sightseeing tour. The rest of the day will then be free to get to know Hiroshima however suits you best - food, shopping, history, it's all here at your fingertips.
  • Day 6 We'll start the day with a ferry ride over to Miyajima Island where beautiful scenery and miniature deer await us. If you're impressed by the traditional Japanese gates at the entrance, just wait until you've seen the main event - the stunning Itsukushima Shrine. Culture goals ticked, we'll make our way back to Hiroshima to dig a little deeper into the city's noble history.
  • Day 7 Tokyo, you're firmly in our sights... Welcome to the bright lights & big city vibes of Tokyo, our home for the next 3 nights. We'll dive right into this 24 hour city with a sightseeing tour of the best bits. We'll take a walk down Nakamise Street (one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan that dates back to the 1500's) to pick up treasures for family and friends back home, brave the busiest street crossing in the world (Shibuya), then round things off at the epicentre of youth culture & fashion, Harajuku. This part of town buzzes with cool vibes & crazy fashion, and we reckon you'll instantly fall in lust.
  • Day 8 Taking a brief reprieve from the buzz of Tokyo, this morning we'll head south to Hakone. Breathtaking views of some of Japan's most famous sights are courtesy of the Hakone Ropeway. Returning to Tokyo this afternoon, you'll have the night to use as you wish. How about heading to Shinjuku, the epicentre of Tokyo's gritty but super fun night scene.
  • Day 9 Today's our last day in Tokyo, and our last day on tour, so let's make it one to remember. With a free day to explore Japan your way, we have a sneaking suspicion Harajuku may be calling you back - it kind of has that affect on people.
  • Day 10 And just like that, it's all over. Japan crew, it's been a hell of a 10 days, and we have a sneaking suspicion this isn't a forever goodbye...
  • Prices quoted valid for sale until 27 May 2024 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
  • Price is per person and subject to availability. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
  • Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
  • Local payments, "trip kittys" or food funds may apply and may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel agent prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
  • Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
  • Additional conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Please enquire for further details.
  • Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at time of publication.
  • Additional levies, government charges and other applicable fees may apply and are beyond our control.
  • Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
  • Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.
  • Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or Bpay.
  • These prices are a guide to the best price. Prices are correct as at 22 May 2024 and are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases. Please enquire for further details.

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