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.

The currency (that can buy you some unbeatable authentic sushi) in Japan is the Japanese Yen (¥).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Currently, Street Kart or Mario Kart aren’t offered on any Contiki trip. Who knows what the future holds, though?

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.

If you’re looking to rent your ski gear, we recommend the Rhythm Japan Ski Shop.

For your lift passes, you can visit the Ski Hakuba 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Contiki are the world leaders in organized youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?

Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our two values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re About People’. We don’t just talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘Travel.Together.’ which means to travel with one another, with the destinations we visit, the people and cultures we enjoy and the environment.

You’ve never experienced travel like this.

A sunrise, shoreline or bright light for every whim. We are proud to offer over 200 global trips, intelligently designed for a seamless and simple social travel experience. Visit our search page to discover your perfect travel destination.

We’re reinventing hassle free travel. Whether you are a solo traveller or group you can be rest assured that there has been tonnes of planning behind every trip.

Booking with Contiki means you are saying yes to a smile inducing trip where the typically stressful elements just seem to magically happen.

No one does trips like Contiki, essential accommodation, transport, reservations and so much more is all taken care of. You can multiply the magic with trip add ons and numerous customisations for your free time.

Every single Contiki social travel trip is managed by one of our expert Trip Managers, who are there to provide hands-on support and ensure your trip runs smoothly whilst you stay in the moment.

From 2022 your good time will be good for the planet as all Contiki trips are carbon natural. Find out more here.

Group sizes are completely dependent on where and how you choose to travel with Contiki. 

In Europe and in most of North America and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 24 – 53 awesome travellers. 

In regions like Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, and on some North America and New Zealand trips, our group sizes are considerably smaller – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.

Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.

Wondering what is so great about travelling together? Check out the Contiki Social travel page.

Each group is administered according to our strict Covid policies which can be viewed here.

You certainly can! All of our trips are available to book online, just select your preferred travel date(s) and away you go. You can also book over the phone if you'd prefer.

All essential trip elements have been catered to ensure a great time, with great people in great places. But you mean more specifically right?

Your accommodation, essential trip transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost of your Contiki trip (on most trips we offer breakfast every day, plus a hand-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals). 

To fill your days and Insta feeds we have Included Experiences, which are basically the sights and activities we think you just can’t afford to miss. Of course you also get our expert and highly trained team of Contiki staff to support throughout.

A day by day breakdown of inclusions and Free Time Add-Ons are available on the trip specific pages. 

We always try to accommodate special requests such as birthdays, proposals etc. Please chat to our team and we can explore how we may support the request.

Contiki social travel trips have a large degree of flexibility built into them to enable you to truly own your experience. This means that some trip elements are not included in the initial cost and may require additional budgeting. 

Flights to and from your starting and ending points are not included in the cost of your trip. These can be added on during the booking process either online or via our contact center or booked independently by you.

Each trip contains the right amount of free time for you to explore or indulge your travel desires. We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences that are not included in the overall price. These add ons are highlighted on the specific trip page. Your Trip Manager will highlight these to you and organise their booking on trip. Exceptions may apply where pre booking is required but this will be made known to you in your pre departure information.

A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important. 

Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and should be booked separately.

Travel comes with responsibilities. That’s why we’re determined to travel sustainably and consciously, and that’s why we’re willing to take a stand on issues closest to our hearts. Find out more details here.

With the help of our four-point Climate Action Plan, we're now on a journey to Net Zero - committing to carbon reductions and evolving to support the transition to a low-carbon future.

Find out more details here.

Yes! It’s a requirement of traveling with Contiki that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. It’s also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you’ll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies).

For more information check out our full travel insurance FAQs.

Yes and yes! You can add pre- and post-trip accommodation to your booking in one of three ways:

• When booking your trip online

• In the 'My Travel Portal' after you've made your booking

• By calling us any time on 0808 281 1120

In certain cities, you may even be able to secure a preferential rate for you pre- or post-trip accommodation.