Japan Winter Wonder | 2024-2025
10 Days Starting in Osaka and ending in Tokyo
Visiting: Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Tokyo, Hakone
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JAPF2415
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 25
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Say konnichiwa 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation: Elcient Osaka (or similar)
Konnichiwa 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.
Day 2: Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation: Elcient Osaka (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Universal Studios, Osaka Castle, iconic Dōtonbori - today is yours to take on Osaka as your heart desires. History lovers can experience a slice of the past at the 16th-century Osaka Castle, one of the city's best known landmarks, or those keen for a little slice of Shinto could experience Sumiyoshi-taisha, one of the country's oldest Shinto shrines. This evening, why not get to know your new travel friends over our Free Time Add-On foodie experience? We'll be heading to an Izakaya in the bustling hub of Dotonburi. These traditional little restaurants are like a trip back in time, 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....
Day 3: Osaka To Kyoto
Location: Osaka, Kyoto
Accommodation: Elcient Kyoto (or similar)
Meals Included: 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.
Day 4: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Elcient Kyoto (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5: Kyoto To Hiroshima
Location: Kyoto, Hiroshima
Accommodation: Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
Meals Included: 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.
Day 6: Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hiroshima
Accommodation: Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7: Hiroshima To Tokyo
Location: Hiroshima, Tokyo
Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tokyo, you're firmly in our sights...
Welcome to the bright lights & big city vibes of Tokyo, our home for the next 3 nights. 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.
Day 8: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo, Hakone, Tokyo
Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Taking a brief reprieve from the buzz of Tokyo, this morning we'll head south to Hakone.
Breathtaking views of some of Japan's most famous sights are courtesy of the Hakone Ropeway.
Returning to Tokyo this afternoon, 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.
Day 9: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 10: End Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: 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…
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stay in comfortable hotels like Elcient Osaka, Elcient Kyoto, Hotel Vista Hiroshima, and Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel or similar throughout the tour.
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Meals
Enjoy daily breakfasts and experience local cuisine with opportunities for additional foodie experiences.
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Transportation
Travel in style with included bullet train rides and all internal transport.
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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.
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Cultural Experiences
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with visits to tea houses, temples, shrines, and opportunities to see geishas and samurai history.
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Scenic Views
Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from Hakone and scenic ferry rides to Miyajima Island.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
Flights to and from Japan are not included and must be arranged by travelers.
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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.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities mentioned in the itinerary are not included in the tour price and will incur additional costs.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the ending location of the tour?
The ending location of the tour is Tokyo.
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What is the starting location of the tour?
The starting location of the tour is Osaka.
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour includes bullet train rides and all internal transport, ensuring you travel in style throughout your journey in Japan.
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What are the highlights of the Japan Winter Wonder tour?
The highlights of the Japan Winter Wonder tour include visiting Kyoto's tea houses, Nijo Castle, The Golden Pavilion, and experiencing geishas; commemorating lives lost in Hiroshima at the Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum; exploring Tokyo's Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Harajuku, and the Shibuya Crossing; and enjoying scenic views of Mount Fuji from Hakone.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour offers cultural experiences such as visits to tea houses, temples, shrines, and opportunities to see geishas and learn about samurai history.
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What are the exclusions of the tour?
The exclusions of the tour include international flights, travel insurance, some meals (some lunches and dinners will be at your own expense), personal expenses like souvenirs, laundry, and other personal items, and any optional activities mentioned in the itinerary.
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Are meals included in the Japan Winter Wonder tour?
Yes, daily breakfasts are included in the Japan Winter Wonder tour, along with opportunities to experience local cuisine and additional foodie experiences.
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What type of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
On the Japan Winter Wonder tour, you can expect to stay in comfortable hotels like Elcient Osaka, Elcient Kyoto, Hotel Vista Hiroshima, and Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel or similar throughout the tour.
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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.
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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
Book with Confidence
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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.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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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.