Japan Winter Wonder | 2024-2025

What's Included

• Accommodations

  Stay in comfortable hotels like Elcient Osaka, Elcient Kyoto, Hotel Vista Hiroshima, and Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel or similar throughout the tour.

• Meals

  Enjoy daily breakfasts and experience local cuisine with opportunities for additional foodie experiences.

• Transportation

  Travel in style with included bullet train rides and all internal transport.

• Guided Tours

  Benefit from guided tours in Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo, including visits to major attractions like the Peace Park, Itsukushima Shrine, and Nakamise Street.

• Cultural Experiences

  Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with visits to tea houses, temples, shrines, and opportunities to see geishas and samurai history.

• Scenic Views

  Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from Hakone and scenic ferry rides to Miyajima Island.

What's Not Included

• International Flights

  Flights to and from Japan are not included and must be arranged by travelers.
  
  

• Travel Insurance

  Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
  
  Please arrange your own.
  
  

• Some Meals

  Not all meals are covered.
  
  Some lunches and dinners will be at your own expense, giving you the freedom to explore local cuisine.
  
  

• Personal Expenses

  Expenses for personal nature like souvenirs, laundry, and other personal items are not included.
  
  

• Optional Activities

  Any optional activities mentioned in the itinerary are not included in the tour price and will incur additional costs.
  
  

Dining Summary

• 9 Breakfast (B)

FAQs

• Nara: Do I need a visa to enter Japan? 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: 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 kind of luggage should I bring? What are restrictions? 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: Can bullet train tickets be used at a later date? 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: Will I be given a Japan Rail (JR) Pass? 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: Is Street Kart or Mario Kart available as an optional activity? Currently, Street Kart or Mario Kart aren’t offered on any Contiki trip. Who knows what the future holds, though?

Included Experience

• Kyoto: Tea houses. Kiyomizu Temple. 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.
• Hakone: Prepare to be impressed. An awesome cable car ride is set against dream-like views of Mount Fuji.
• 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 Shoken. 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.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with included bullet train rides and all internal transport, providing a seamless and efficient way to explore the diverse landscapes and cities of Japan.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable hotels like Elcient Osaka, Elcient Kyoto, Hotel Vista Hiroshima, and Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel or similar throughout the tour, ensuring a restful experience after each day's adventures.

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