Accommodation

You’ll spend this tasty adventure in twin-share hotel accommodation. Think comfy, cosy, and in sweet locations.

Guide

A highly trained Trip Manager who brings your adventure to life, along with Local Guides who make tourist traps a thing of the past. This is your team. Smart, friendly, fun, and integral to everything we do.

Transport

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.

Others

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 visaguide 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 (¥). 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? Nara: Is a lift pass and hire equipment included in the trip? You’re covered for the accommodation and transport when you’re with us. But you’ll have to hire your own equipment and life passes on this trip. Nara: Where can I rent ski gear or find information on pricing for gear and lift passes? If you’re looking to rent your ski gear, we recommend the RhythmJapan Ski Shop. For your lift passes, you can visit the SkiHakuba website. Oh, and if you’re a frequent skier, there’s some good news. You might be eligible for a free ski pass since Hakuba is a part of the EPIC Ski Pass, which includes iconic slopes like the Perisher, Whistler and so many more. Nara: Can I bring my own ski/snowboard equipment? Yep, of course. You’ll have to carry your ski gear onto the train and store it in the overhead luggage space throughout the journey.And if you’d like, you can send your gear from Osaka to Tokyo for a small fee (we love not worrying about our luggage when in Japan!). Your Trip Manager will sort that out for you. Nara: How many days will there be to Ski if doing the Ski add-on? Chosen to do the Ski add-on? Amazing! Our trip will depart from Tokyo in the morning on day 10, and will arrive at Hakuba at approx. 2pm.This means you’ll have Day 11, 12 (and 13 & 14 if you’ve picked the 6-day package) to spend skiing. And guess what? Some slopes offer night skiing too! Nara: Is night skiing possible? Looking to spend a night on the snowy swooping slopes? Great news! There are some slopes that keep the lights on for all of us nightowls. But there isn’t a fixed timetable, so remember to check when you arrive in Hakuba. Nara: Will there be a Trip Manager on the Ski portion of the Japan Winter Wonder 4 & 6 Day Ski? The ski portion of this trip is an add-on, so you’ll have to say goodbye to your Trip Manager before heading to Hakuba. But don’t worry, they’ll hand over your train tickets right before you leave Tokyo. Nara: What time will passengers doing the ski package arrive back in Tokyo? Your pre-booked train will arrive in Tokyo at 12:30 PM. So, if you’re booking your departure flight, we recommend that you book them after 7 PM on the final day of the trip. Kyoto: Tea houses. Nijo Castle. 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. Tokyo: Step into this live video game of a city and see Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Harajuku and the Shibuya Crossing. Hakone: Prepare to be impressed. An awesome cable car ride is set against dream-like views of Mount Fuji.

Meals

12 Breakfast (B)

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Contiki through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. For guests travelling with Contiki from 1 January 2023, Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters are highly recommended, but no longer required. Please note that regardless of time of travel guests will need to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destination visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than above. It is guests’ responsibility to ensure that they comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if guests are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to their failure to comply with these requirements.

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Osaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start 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.
Day 2 Day 2: Osaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Osaka

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 Day 3: Osaka To Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: 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.
Day 4 Day 4: Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: 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.
Day 5 Day 5: Kyoto To Hiroshima
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: 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.
Day 6 Day 6: Hiroshima (Including Miyajima)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: 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.
Day 7 Day 7: Hiroshima To Tokyo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Hiroshima To Tokyo

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 Day 8: Tokyo (Including Hakone)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Tokyo (Including Hakone)

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 Day 9: Tokyo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: 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.
Day 10 Day 10: Tokyo To Hakuba
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Tokyo To Hakuba

We may be parting ways with some of the group today but for those heading to the slopes, there’s so much more to look forward to. Make your own way to Tokyo station where you’ll catch your included train to Nagano. Upon arrival at Nagano, take a local bus to Hakuba Station, where your time in the snow will begin... Hello Hakuba! Widely recognised as one of the world’s best skiing spots, this cute mountain village is guaranteed to take your breath away. Boasting 9 resorts, 135 lifts and over 200 runs, Hakuba is a winter spots paradise.
Day 11 Day 11: Hakuba
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Hakuba

Rise and shine, there’s a whole ski resort out there to keep you busy, no matter your level of experience. If you’re a seasoned pro you know the drill, but for beginners or those keen for a refresher, why not opt for a couple of lessons to learn the ropes. Want to try something different? Mountain gliding is also available here and trust us, it is INSANE. Later and after a full day on the powder, why not relax tired bodies in a steamy onsen, then refuel on tasty katsu curry. This is the snow life, Japan style... Please note: the Add-on Ski Package is unescorted
Day 12 Day 12: Hakuba
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Hakuba

With one more full day in the snow, we don’t think you’ll need much encouragement to get up and get going. Explore a different resort to yesterday, brave a black run to prove you can do it, or maybe get off the mountain early afternoon to spend a little more time in those ever so tempting onsens... Please note: the Add-on Ski Package is unescorted
Day 13 Day 13: Hakuba To Tokyo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Hakuba To Tokyo

Waving goodbye to Hakuba this morning, we’ll trace our steps back to Tokyo, making our way to Nagano Station then jumping on the train back to the big smoke. Your trip comes to an end upon arrival in Tokyo. Please note: the Add-on Ski Package is unescorted

+10

13 days tour

Japan Winter Wonder (13 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Japan Winter Wonder (13 Days)

Day 1: Start Osaka

Day 2: Osaka

Day 3: Osaka To Kyoto

Day 4: Kyoto

Day 5: Kyoto To Hiroshima

Day 6: Hiroshima (Including Miyajima)

Day 7: Hiroshima To Tokyo

Day 8: Tokyo (Including Hakone)

Day 9: Tokyo

Day 10: Tokyo To Hakuba

Day 11: Hakuba

Day 12: Hakuba

Day 13: Hakuba To Tokyo

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