Osaka, Japan
2 nights
Japan in Winter by Train - Without Ski
10 daysJapan
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, geishas and gardens, plus wild deer along the way.
- Length
- 10 days
- Route
- Osaka to Tokyo
- Meals
- 9 breakfasts
- Style
- Highlights
Watch this price
Highlights
- What does a modular trip mean?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.
- What is the currency used in Japan?The currency (that can buy you some unbeatable authentic sushi) in Japan is the Japanese Yen (¥).
- How do I make my way to the starting point? Are transfers included?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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
Itinerary
- OsakaDays 1–2
- KyotoDays 3–4
- HiroshimaDay 5
- MiyajimaDay 6
- TokyoDays 7–10
Day 1Start OsakaOsaka
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.
Day 2OsakaOsaka
Osaka is all yours today! Head to Osaka Castle or Sumiyoshi-taisa for a dose of history, or make your way to Nara to meet some seriously adorable deer. This evening, join the crew for an optional dinner at a local kushi-katsu spot, where skewers, drinks and a lively neighbourhood atmosphere are all on the menu. Still got energy to spare? We sense some traditional Japanese PATI (that's Japanese for partying) and karaoke may be on the cards...
Day 3Osaka to KyotoOsaka · Kyoto
Tuck in to your tasty breakfast this morning before we hop onto the coach, 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 some of Kyoto's most iconic sights, including Kiyomizu Temple, the shimmering Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), colourful shrines, peaceful gardens and an included entry into the famous Sanjusangendo Temple. You'll also get a glimpse into the world of Kyoto's legendary geishas. This evening is free for you to get to know Kyoto your way, most likely trying out local cuisine in the Shirakawa-dori area and getting to grips with the buzzy Kyoto nightlife.
- Discover Traditional Kyoto
Day 4KyotoKyoto
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 5Kyoto to HiroshimaKyoto · 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. Hello Hiroshima. We're kicking things off today with an optional but highly recommended Okonomiyaki lunch. Then, we'll learn about both the past and present on a sightseeing tour of this city that's remembered as the world's first atomic bomb target. 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.
- Remember Hiroshima with a Peace Park Guided Tour
Day 6Hiroshima (Including Miyajima)Hiroshima · Miyajima
We'll start the day with a train and ferry ride over to Miyajima Island where beautiful scenery and 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.
- See the Itsukushima Shrine & Miyajima Island
Day 7Hiroshima to Tokyo (Including Hakone)Hiroshima · Hakone · Tokyo
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.
- Ride the Hakone Ropeway & Cruise on Lake Ashinoko
Day 8TokyoTokyo
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.
- Visit Tokyo's oldest Buddhist Temple
- Shop for souvenirs at Nakamise Street
- Admire the peaceful Meiji Shrine
- Feel the energy of Harajuku
- Walk across the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Day 9TokyoTokyo
Today's our last day in Tokyo 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. How about a chance to visit a unique remote-operated robot restaurant. You gotta see it to believe it!
Day 10End TokyoTokyo
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…
Hotels
Kyoto, Japan
2 nights
Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)
Hiroshima, Japan
2 nights
Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
Tokyo, Japan
3 nights
Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
What’s included
Optional experiences
Half-Day Trip to Nara
Paid on tour
Tuck Into Kushi-katsu & Drinks
Paid on tour
Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience
Paid on tour
Dine on Food Served by Robots (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience)
Paid on tour
Dates and prices
Per person, twin share