Description
Kon’nichiwa! And welcome to our ‘Unrivalled’ 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.
Japan Unrivalled Highlights:
Departures
- Departs Tokyo at 6:00pm
- Ends Osaka at 9:00am.
Dining Summary
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
What’s included
- 8 Breakfasts
- 2 Dinner
- Expert Trip Manager, Driver Team, Local Guides
- 18 included experiences
- ALL INTERNAL TRANSPORT
- ALL ACCOMMODATION
What’s not included
- Flights to/from the start/end location
- Travel insurance
- Free-time Add-ons
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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- It’s only the biggest pedestrian intersection in the world! Come watch the world go by (and grab an iconic picture) on the crossing.
- 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.
- 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:
- This way to amazing! These are the sites you always see in those impossibly tranquil pictures of Japan. IRL.
- 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. The Golden Pavilion. Geishas. It’s all so surreal. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a film set.
- 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…
- 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?
- Start your journey towards enlightenment at this spiritual ceremony in Mount Koya. And breathe…
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.
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences: Immerse yourself in Tokyo vibes by stepping into this live video game of a city and see Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple,
Meiji Temple, Harajuku and the Shibuya Crossing.
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. Marvel at the beautiful Ueno Park. Or how about tasting some Japanese food, served by remote-controlled robots followed by a chance to check out a cosplay cafe.
Tokyo
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.
Hakone
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.
Isawa
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!
Meals: Dinner
Included Experiences:
- Visit Tsukiji Fish Market
- Brave the Hakone Ropeway and (maybe) catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji
- Kaiseki Dinner
Isawa
Waving our supremely hospitable hosts goodbye, we’ll hit the road in search of a long valley amidst the Japanese mountains, checking out the tranquil Tenkuno Torii Gate first. And then picking & eating fresh fruit at a nearby farm (if that’s your vibe).
Matsumoto
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.
Takayama
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences:
- Go Fruit Picking like a Local
- Fairytale Vibes at Matsumoto Castle
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences: See a Traditional Japanese Street
Takayama
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.
Hiroshima
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.
Meals: Breakfast
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.
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…
Hiroshima
We’ll end our day in Hiroshima with more excitement to follow tomorrow.
Included Experiences:
- See the Itsukushima Shrine & Miyajima Island
- Remember Hiroshima with a Peace Park Guided Tour
Hiroshima
With 3 more destinations le to uncover on the Japanese map, we hit the road this morning and leave the historical metropolis of Hiroshima behind.
Kyoto
Welcome to the culture hub of Japan. Geisha girls, artfully manicured gardens, shrines & temples aplenty – looks like we’re in Kyoto! Thinking of checking out the Fushimi Inari Shrine? Approx 233 metres above sea level, the journey to the shrine begins at the base of the mountain. We won’t waste a minute peeling back this city’s layers, taking you to Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion & 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences:
- Experience Traditional Kyoto
- See Fushimi Inari Shrine
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.
Kyoto
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.
Koyasan
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 beer than this.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences:
- Catch some Zen at Kongobuji Temple
- Help Preserve the Age-old Traditions at our Shukubo Special Stay MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
Koyasan
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.
Osaka
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences: Join a Morning Buddhist Service
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
Important Info
- TRAVELLERS WITH A MIDDLE NAME PLEASE CONTACT RESERVATIONS TO PROVIDE AS SERVICES CANNOT BE BOOKED WITOUT THIS INFORMATION. Trip starts in Tokyo at 6:00pm and ends in Osaka at 9:00am. Please note that during the 2 night Contiki Special Stays in Hakone and Mt Koya travellers will be accommodated in quad share rooming (single supplement does not apply on these nights). A small overnight bag will be required for some stays on this trip. Full Passport Information (inclusive of middle name) is required at time of booking as services cannot be booked without this information. Travellers are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of the trip. Contiki sometimes uses ground handlers or third parties to assist with the full or partial operation of our products. The ground handler for this trip is JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc.
Please ensure that your name is correct on your ticket, as per your passport. Name changes or amendments may incur Contiki and/or Airline fees. It is the passenger’s responsibility to have a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates required for their selected holiday as well as any necessary vaccinations. It is compulsory for travellers to take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and evacuation expenses before travelling on a Contiki holiday. We strongly recommend insurance also covers cancellation, personal liability and loss of personal property, and is arranged at time of deposit. Contiki has the right to refuse travellers without the required insurance cover to join our trips. For full details please visit www.contiki.com/booking-conditions. As Contiki trips are specifically designed for likeminded 18-35 year old travellers, to confirm space on the trip each travellers date of birth must be provided. Full payment must be received no later than 60 days before the trip start date.
