Kon'nichiwa Japan! We may only have a week, but what a week it is. Starting in the orchestra of light, sound and history that is Tokyo, we'll get locally guided tours of temples and palaces before whizzing to Kyoto via a bullet train. Here, we'll walk through zen gardens, explore mystical temples and spot Geishas before taking the short trip to Osaka, where we'll have plenty of time to nip to Universal Studios or simply eat our way around the local street food stalls. Filled with a dazzling fusion of modern spectacle and ancient charm, this trip is the best way to see Japan in a week.
Locations Visited
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
Countries Visited
Japan
Travel Style
Accommodations
7 nights included
Age Requirements
Social travel experiences for 18-35 year olds
Day 1
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.
Accommodation
Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Day 2
Accommodation
Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
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.
Day 3
Accommodation
Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Day 4
Today it's time to take that famous example of Japanese efficiency, the aptly named bullet train.
Our train will whizz us past the iconic Mount Fuji, of which we'll hopefully grab a glimpse, before heading for the zen gardens, teahouses of Kyoto and Fushimi Inari Shrine. We'll waste no time with a sightseeing tour, exploring this glorious showcase of ancient Japan.
Accommodation
Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
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.
Day 5
Today is yours to walk the sublime gardens, explore mystical temples and marvel at the architecture of this unforgettable city. We recommend taking the opportunity for a half-day trip to Nara, where you'll find the towering 8th century Great Buddha, as well as numerous examples of beautiful shrines and temples, alongside the roaming, slightly cheeky deer.
Accommodation
Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)
Day 6
There is still so much to see in Kyoto. Don a kimono and check out the bamboo forest, take some photos at the iconic Yasaka Pagoda or spot Geishas in the Gion district. Don't forget to sign up for the optional traditional tea ceremony and enjoy a cup of matcha tea.
Accommodation
Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)
Day 7
It's just a short trip to Osaka this morning...
And we have the whole day to explore. There's plenty of time to fit in Universal Studios, Osaka castle or simply wander down Dontonburi tasting all of the delicious street food. Opt for the Izakaya dinner tonight for one last family meal before our sad goodbyes tomorrow.
Accommodation
Ibis Budget Osaka Umeda (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 8
Our trip ends after breakfast in Osaka today. We'll say farewell to Japan & our new friends, but the memories we made here will stick with us forever.
Meals
Breakfast
Title
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.
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.
Japan sure is magical all year round, but the best time to visit will depend on what you’re looking for. Want to spot Mt Fuji? Head to Japan in June/July – and hang around for the firework festivals too. Wanna experience Japan's winter vibes and even hit some of the spectacular ski spots? Book our Japan Winter Wonder trip between November - March. April to May is when you’ll catch the cherry blossoms, and autumn (August - November) is a great time for colourful leaves and cooler weather.
Dress for comfort first! As a traveller here, you’ll be most comfortable in loose-fitted clothes, made from a light and breathable fabric. Winter in Japan can be as cool as 1-7°C, so you may want to bring some warm clothes if you’re here between October and April.
Tipping in Japan is generally not accepted. Although it’s slowly becoming more common within the tourism industry, tipping isn’t much of a custom in Japan. In lots of restaurants, you’ll pay upfront before you eat and won’t be expected to leave a tip as you leave – Japanese hospitality workers are even known to turn tips down. The same goes for bus and taxi rides. In shops, you may be given your change using a tray, but this isn’t an indication to leave a tip (as it might be in other countries).
When you travel with Contiki, your accommodation, in-country transport, and some breakfasts are included with the cost of your trip – so when it comes to budgeting, you only need to worry about how much shopping you’ll do in Tokyo! Average prices for Japan include:
Museum tickets: ¥1,000 - ¥2,000 ($7 - $15)
Sushi meal: ¥2,500 ($19)
Noodles/Ramen meal: ¥600 - ¥1,200 ($4 - $9)
For a rough estimate, we’d recommend budgeting a minimum of $80USD per day.But please remember that these prices subject to change!
Even though tipping is rare in Japan, it is common for a restaurant to add a service charge to your bill. This will usually be to the value of 10-15%, and you’ll find that it’s issued on arrival. I.e. served with your appetiser.
Trip Notes:
Terms & Conditions:
