Japan Unrivalled
Japan Unrivalled
Japan Unrivalled
13 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Osaka, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kyoto, Koyasan, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JAPN2314
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 24
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
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: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: No Meals
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: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 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: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 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, Matsumoto, Takayama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Takayama Green Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Relaxation stations. After a full day of exploring and ogling at the Japanese countryside, it’s perfectly acceptable to crash out in Takayama. Don’t worry about missing anything – we have all day tomorrow here to explore.
Day 6 : Takayama
Location: Takayama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 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
Accommodation Name: 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, Miyajima, Hiroshima
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 an okonomiyaki cooking class. Dee. Lish.
Day 9 : Hiroshima To Kyoto
Location: Hiroshima, Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: New Hankyu Hotel Kyoto (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: Hotel
Accommodation Name: New Hankyu Hotel Kyoto (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 Name: 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: Hotel
Accommodation Name: New Hankyu Hotel Osaka (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
-
Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
-
Fully Guided
-
Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
-
Transport
Private Coach and Bullet Trains
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
-
Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No, minimum age is 18
-
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
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.
-
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.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
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.
-
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.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Thursday
Aug 03, 2024 - Aug 15, 2024Saturday - Thursday
Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024Saturday - Thursday
Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024Saturday - Thursday
Mar 22, 2025 - Apr 03, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Apr 19, 2025 - May 01, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 08, 2025Saturday - Thursday
May 10, 2025 - May 22, 2025Saturday - Thursday
May 24, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Sep 20, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 06, 2025Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Terms and Conditions