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Japan Wonder | 2024
2025
Tour Description:
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.
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Dates & Pricing
| Saturday 30 Nov 24 — Monday 09 Dec 24 | Starting at $3,134 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 04 Dec 24 — Friday 13 Dec 24 | Starting at $2,537 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 07 Dec 24 — Monday 16 Dec 24 | Starting at $2,537 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 11 Dec 24 — Friday 20 Dec 24 | Starting at $3,134 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 18 Dec 24 — Friday 27 Dec 24 | Starting at $2,597 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 21 Dec 24 — Monday 30 Dec 24 | Starting at $2,682 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 25 Dec 24 — Friday 03 Jan 25 | Starting at $2,682 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 01 Jan 25 — Friday 10 Jan 25 | Starting at $3,104 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 08 Jan 25 — Friday 17 Jan 25 | Starting at $3,149 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 11 Jan 25 — Monday 20 Jan 25 | Starting at $2,797 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 18 Jan 25 — Monday 27 Jan 25 | Starting at $2,937 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 25 Jan 25 — Monday 03 Feb 25 | Starting at $2,518 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 29 Jan 25 — Friday 07 Feb 25 | Starting at $2,518 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 05 Feb 25 — Friday 14 Feb 25 | Starting at $2,797 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 08 Feb 25 — Monday 17 Feb 25 | Starting at $2,863 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 15 Feb 25 — Monday 24 Feb 25 | Starting at $2,577 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 01 Mar 25 — Monday 10 Mar 25 | Starting at $2,657 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDining 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYStart 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.
Osaka
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....
Osaka to Kyoto
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.
Kyoto
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 to Hiroshima
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.
Hiroshima (Including Miyajima)
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.
Hiroshima to Tokyo (Including Hakone)
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.
Tokyo
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.
Tokyo
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!
End Tokyo
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…
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
