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Japan Winter Wonder | 2025

2026

This tour has other variations available

Everyday Price From

$3,812

$4,235

10 days

No Countries

Overview

Say kon'nichiwa 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.

Locations Visited

Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hakone, Tokyo

Countries Visited

Japan

Travel Style

For 18 - 35 year olds

Accommodations

9 nights included

Age Requirements

Travel experiences for 18-35 year olds

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Itinerary

COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL

Day 1

Start Osaka

Kon'nichiwa 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.

  • Accommodation

    Ibis Budget Osaka Umeda (or similar)


Osaka is all yours today! Head to Osaka Castle or Sumiyoshi-taisa for a dose of history, or to Nara to meet the cutest deers ever! This evening, you have the option to gobble down a delicious meal at an Izakaya - traditional little restaurants 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....

  • Accommodation

    Ibis Budget Osaka Umeda (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

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.

  • Accommodation

    Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Experience Traditional 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. 

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.

  • Accommodation

    Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

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.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Remember Hiroshima with a Peace Park Guided Tour

Visit the Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum to commemorate the lives lost after the atomic bomb was dropped on the city. 

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.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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See the Itsukushima Shrine & Miyajima Island

This way to amazing! These are the sites you always see in those impossibly tranquil pictures of Japan. IRL. 

Tokyo you're firmly in our sights but on route, we'll make a stop in the peaceful mountain town of Hakone.
Breathtaking views of some of Japan's most famous sights are courtesy of the Hakone Ropeway. If the weather plays nice...you might spot the magnificent Mount Fuji.
Welcome to the bright lights & big city vibes of Tokyo, our home for the next 3 nights. 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.

  • Accommodation

    Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Ride the Hakone Ropeway & Cruise on Lake Ashinoko

Prepare to be impressed. An awesome cable car ride is set against dream-like views of Mount Fuji. 

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.

  • Accommodation

    Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Visit Tokyo's oldest Buddhist Temple

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!

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Shop for souvenirs at Nakamise Street

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.

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Admire the peaceful Meiji Shrine

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.

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Feel the energy of Harijuku

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.

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Walk across the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing

It's only the biggest pedestrian intersection in the world! Come watch the world go by (and grab an iconic picture) on the crossing.

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. Or even better, a chance to visit a unique remote-operated robot restaurant. You gotta see it to believe it!

  • Accommodation

    Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

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…

  • Meals

    Breakfast

Experience Traditional Kyoto
Remember Hiroshima with a Peace Park Guided Tour
See the Itsukushima Shrine & Miyajima Island
Ride the Hakone Ropeway & Cruise on Lake Ashinoko
Visit Tokyo's oldest Buddhist Temple
Shop for souvenirs at Nakamise Street
Admire the peaceful Meiji Shrine
Feel the energy of Harijuku
Walk across the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing
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Highlights

FAQs

  • A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.

  • The currency (that can buy you some unbeatable authentic sushi) in Japan is the Japanese Yen (¥).

  • This will depend on which city you arrive at.

    Tokyo
    Tokyo 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Currently, Street Kart or Mario Kart aren’t offered on any Contiki trip. Who knows what the future holds, though?

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Terms & Conditions

Trip Notes:

  • Please note that airfare to and from your start/end destinations are not included in the cost of your trip.
  • Internal flights as specified on individual trip itineraries are included as part of the trip price.
  • Travel to Europe from Canada often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of your itinerary start date.
  • Call 1-844-528-7316 for great deals from Canada to & from all start/end cities for your selected itinerary.

 

Terms & Conditions:

  • ​Prices listed are land only & do not include airfare to and from the start/end of the trip.
  • Prices listed are per person in CAD, based on twin or multi-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same-sex roommate at no extra cost or you can upgrade to a single for an additional cost, based on availability.
  • For departure points and stay longer accommodation options call 1-844-528-7316 for more details.
  • ​​'Exclusive Costco Member Price' is available after member log in. 
  • Last Minute Deals are available on select departures only and only available to travellers departing from Canada; not combinable with any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking. 
  • All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.
  • ​​​Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at time of quote and booking.
  • For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions or FAQs page.

Other conditions may apply. TICO #2058256 #2759979