Japan Unrivalled
Japan Unrivalled
Japan Unrivalled
13 Days Starting in Tokyo and ending in Osaka
Visiting: Tokyo, Takayama, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Mount Koya, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JAPN25
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 30
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Rail Tours, Religion and Spiritual
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Japan Unrivalled" tour and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Japan's culture, history, and natural beauty. Begin your journey in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, where ancient temples and modern marvels coexist. Explore the serene mountain town of Hakone with its stunning views of Mount Fuji, and experience the traditional hospitality of a Ryokan. Discover the historic charm of Matsumoto and Takayama, and feel the poignant history of Hiroshima. Wander through the cultural heart of Kyoto, with its iconic temples and geishas, and find tranquility in the spiritual haven of Mount Koya. Conclude your adventure in the vibrant city of Osaka, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
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.
Day 2: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Today we'll bounce out of bed ready and raring to uncover Tokyo. The ancient Buddhist temple of Asakusa Senso-ji & the Meiji Jingu shrine are just some of the doors we will open to this city. If history and religion don't get you going, the wild fashion of Harajuku & the shopping district of Nakamise Street might see you more wide-eyed. Or perhaps your idea of fun is to take to the streets of Shibuya, attempting to cross the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.
Day 3: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Today is yours to take on Tokyo your way. Luckily, there's no end to what you can do here. Check out the anime and electronics packed buildings of Akihabara. Marvel at the beautiful Ueno Park. Or how about tasting some Japanese food, served by remote-controlled robots (!).
Day 4: Tokyo To Isawa Via Hakone
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Ryokan Special Stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Before we leg it out of Japan's capital we have some very serious business to tend to - a guided tour of famous Tsukiji - the world's largest and busiest fish market. Here, why not opt to learn the art of sushi making, or just kick back in one of the markets sushi bars and soak in the atmosphere.Our first overland journey takes us south to Hakone, completely removing us from Tokyo's fast city pace. We will take in Japanese mountain vistas from the Hakone Ropeway & spend the night in a traditional guesthouse where we'll be treated to some local Japanese hospitality. It's time to pamper ourselves! Check-in at our super chill Ryokan special stay, soak in those healing hot springs, and chillax. Tonight's dinner is a feast of flavors - Japanese kaiseki style!
Day 5: Isawa To Takayama Via Matsumoto
Location: Takayama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Takayama Green Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Waving our supremely hospitable hosts goodbye, we’ll hit the road in search of a long valley amidst the Japanese mountains. Romantic, right?Mountainside city escape. Welcome to Matsumoto, nestled beside Japan’s highest mountain range – the Hida Mountains. Famous for its samurai history and thriving foodie scene, this one will have you taking snaps at every turn.Tonight is yours to explore as you wish, but we have an inkling you won't want to miss the mouthwatering hida beef for dinner.
Day 6: Takayama
Location: Takayama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Takayama Green Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dark wooden buildings, Kanji signs & surrounding hillsides will see us totally taken by Takayama. Grab a bike and take a cycle, then unwind from it all with a Japanese footbath. Relaxation stations. After a full day of exploring and ogling at the Japanese countryside, it’s perfectly acceptable to crash out in Takayama.
Day 7: Takayama To Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
In usual circumstances we'd be quite sad to be leaving the soul-stirring town of Takayama, but with the bullet train experience whizzing us to Hiroshima it's hard not to get excited. We did it! We travelled on land at a casual 320 kilometers per hour on the Shinkansen - the world's fastest train. That's a big old tick off the Japan bucket list. Hiroshima is yours this afternoon to explore your way.
Day 8: Hiroshima (Including Miyajima)
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
A morning of reflection. The site of the world’s first nuclear bombing, Hiroshima has now been declared a City of Peace. Our day here will be one of learning as we take in the tragic recounts of World War II at the Peace Memorial Museum.A gateway island. We’ll take a detour to the tranquil isle of Miyajima, where you’ll get a spellbinding view of the giant orange Great Torii Gate (you know the one, even if you don’t.) Expect forests, temples, roaming deer and much more...…and dinner!We’ll end our day in Hiroshima with more excitement to follow tomorrow.
Day 9: Hiroshima To Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: New Hankyu Hotel Kyoto (or similar)
With 3 more destinations left to uncover on the Japanese map, we hit the road this morning and leave the historical metropolis of Hiroshima behind. Welcome to the culture hub of Japan. Geisha girls, artfully manicured gardens, shrines & temples aplenty - looks like we're in Kyoto! We won't waste a minute peeling back this city's layers, taking you to Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle & the Gion Area with our guide. You'll also have plenty of free time to check the place out any old way you please, and go on the lookout for glamorous geishas. If that means wearing a kimono and platforms, we're right here to applaud you.
Day 10: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: New Hankyu Hotel Kyoto (or similar)
So what's up next? How about checking out the Fushimi Inari Shrine? Approx 233 metres above sea level, the journey to the shrine begins at the base of the mountain. This afternoon is free for you to explore the sights of Kyoto.
Day 11: Kyoto To Mount Koya
Location: Mount Koya
Accommodation Name: Henjoko-in Wakayama (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a slow and leisurely morning in Kyoto to get in the zen frame of mind for what lies ahead. On the train we make tracks for Mt Koya.You would think that by this stage of the trip all the phenomenal moments might be behind us. Oh how wrong you would be. Tonight we stay in a Buddhist guesthouse, eating traditional food and savouring the mindfulness & beauty of this incredible experience. For those looking for a digital detox amongst nature, it doesn't get better than this.
Day 12: Mount Koya To Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: New Hankyu Hotel Osaka (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's our last full day of the trip - make the most of it by rising early this morning and partaking in the tradition of an early morning Buddhist service. A Local Guide will then walk us through the beauty of the Koyasan area and centuries old cemetery before we move on to our last destination.For those who have stepped out of their quiet zone from the morning of serenity, it will be time to relish in Osaka and take on the traditional Japanese pastime of Karaoke. A couple of Asahis or Sakes - you know, for tradition - should stimulate your bravery.
Day 13: Osaka
Location: Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today our Japanese fairytale comes to an end. Whilst we'll be crying silent (or not so silent) tears, our life-lasting memories, army of new friends and deep appreciation for Japan will be enough to keep the smiles on our faces. Sayōnara, globe trotters!
What's Included
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Dine on Food Served by Robots
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Visit Tsukiji Fish Market
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Kaiseki Dinner
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Visit Matsumoto Castle
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See the Itsukushima Shrine & Miyajima Island
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See Fushimi Inari Shrine
What's Not Included
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Optional Tours and Activities
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International Flights
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Visa
Mode of Transport
Travel through Japan using a mix of transportation including guided tours, overland journeys, the Hakone Ropeway, and the Shinkansen bullet train.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of accommodations including the Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel in Tokyo, a traditional guesthouse in Hakone, the Takayama Green Hotel, Hotel Vista Hiroshima, New Hankyu Hotel Kyoto, Henjoko-in Wakayama, and New Hankyu Hotel Osaka.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect in Hakone?
In Hakone, you will stay in a traditional guesthouse where you can enjoy local Japanese hospitality. The accommodation includes a special stay at a Ryokan, where you can soak in healing hot springs and enjoy a Japanese kaiseki style dinner.
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What unique experiences are included in the visit to Hiroshima?
In Hiroshima, you will visit the Peace Memorial Museum to learn about the tragic events of World War II. Additionally, you will take a detour to the tranquil isle of Miyajima, where you can see the giant orange Great Torii Gate, explore forests, temples, and encounter roaming deer.
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What activities are planned in Takayama?
In Takayama, you can explore the town's dark wooden buildings and Kanji signs, take a bike ride, and unwind with a Japanese footbath. The day is designed for relaxation and enjoying the Japanese countryside.
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What can I expect during the stay at Mount Koya?
At Mount Koya, you will stay in a Buddhist guesthouse, eat traditional food, and experience the mindfulness and beauty of the area. You can also participate in an early morning Buddhist service and take a guided walk through the Koyasan area and its centuries-old cemetery.
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What is the highlight of the journey from Tokyo to Isawa via Hakone?
The highlight of the journey from Tokyo to Isawa via Hakone includes a guided tour of the famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, a cable car ride in Hakone with views of Japanese mountain vistas, and an overnight stay in a traditional guesthouse with hot springs and a kaiseki style dinner.
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What is special about the train journey to Hiroshima?
The train journey to Hiroshima includes a ride on the Shinkansen, the world's fastest train, traveling at a speed of 320 kilometers per hour. This experience is a significant highlight of the tour.
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What cultural experiences are included in Kyoto?
In Kyoto, you will visit the Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, and the Gion Area. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine and have free time to discover the city's gardens, shrines, and temples.
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What can I do during the free day in Tokyo?
During the free day in Tokyo, you can explore the anime and electronics-packed buildings of Akihabara, marvel at the beautiful Ueno Park, or taste Japanese food served by remote-controlled robots.
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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.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
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