Travel To Japan | Japan Guided Tour

TRAVEL IN JAPAN

If you're looking for an exciting and action packed holiday, you've come to the right place. Japan is a cultural heavyweight, home to a fascinating whirlwind of experiences. Check out the Edo Period districts at UNESCO listed Kanazawa, hit the slopes at Niseko ski resort, trek in the Japanese Alps or party until dawn in the Tokyo clubs. Whatever you're into, a Japan travel adventure is sure to deliver.

Fast Facts

Language: Japanese
Currency: Yen
Electricity: 100V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Japan
Dialing Code: +81
Time Zone: (GMT+09:00)

ABOUT CONTIKI

From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.

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THINGS TO DO IN JAPAN

There's so much to see and do in Japan that you may well be in need of a few pointers. That's where we come in, so read on for our top Japan travel tips.

EXPLORE KYOTO

Known as the City of Ten Thousand Shrines, Japan's ancient former capital is famed for its proliferation of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and majestic imperial palaces, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage listed. Among them are Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavillion) and the incredible shrine complex of Fushimi Inari-Taisha, a Japan travel 2015 must-see.

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VISIT TSUKIJI FISH MARKET

This sprawling fish and seafood market is the largest of its kind in the world, so if you want to eat fresh fish in Japan it's the go-to place. It comprises an inner wholesale market surrounded by a bustling outer market of stalls and restaurants selling the freshest and tastiest fish and seafood imaginable. It's not open every day so check the calendar before coming, and arrive early if you want to catch the tuna auctions! Our verdict? One of the top things to do in Tokyo.

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CLIMB MOUNT FUJI

Mount Fuji is the highest and most revered of Japanese peaks. Reaching its 3667m summit is usually tackled as a 2-day trek, allowing you to watch the sunrise from the top, but for many its beauty is best appreciated from afar. For those, a ride on the Hakone Ropeway should fit the bill - admire the splendour of distant Fuji-san, explore the shores of beautiful Lake Ashi and take a dip in the famed Hakone Onsen.

SEE THE SIGHTS IN TOKYO

Japan's capital has come a long way since its beginnings as a small fishing village named Edo. It would take a lifetime to fully explore its attractions of this bustling metropolis, but you have to start somewhere. Stroll through beautiful Ueno Park, take in the views from the observatory deck at the 634m Tokyo Skytree tower, shop for all your electronic goodies at Akihabara and visit the magnificent Tokyo Imperial Palace. Whatever you do, but don't forget to snap the definitive Japanese selfie at Shibuya Street intersection, the world's busiest street crossing.

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VISIT HIMEJI CASTLE

Located in Hyōgo Prefecture near Kobe, stunning Himeji-jō is the largest and most magnificent of Japanese castles. There have been forts on this site since the 14th century but the current castle building dates from 1581 and is known as 'Hakuro-jō' ('White Egret Castle') thanks to the brilliant white colour of its walls and its supposed resemblance to a bird in flight.

TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN JAPAN

Festivals (or 'matsuri') are big in Japan, with a huge number taking place around the country throughout the year. Read on for our pick of the best.

SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL

Held over a 2-week period in February, Sapporo Snow Festival attracts over 2 million visitors, with teams of sculptors in attendance from around the world. Three main sites exhibit over 400 snow statues and ice sculptures ranging from the elaborate to the gigantic, and the revelry continues long into the night.

For more information on Sapporo Snow Festival, click here.

AWA ODORI DANCE FESTIVAL, TOKUSHIMA PREFECTURE

Japan's largest dance festival takes place over a 4-day period in August, attracting over 1.3 million visitors annually. The city streets are taken over by troupes of traditional dancers accompanied by traditional Japanese music, with spectators encouraged to join in as things build towards the frenzied pitch of evening.

For more information on Awa Odori, click here.

ASAKUSA SAMBA CARNIVAL, TOKYO

Japan's answer to the carnival in Rio de Janeiro, this huge parade and street party is one of the most popular festivals in Tokyo. It takes place on the last Saturday in August around the Sensoji temple, with things getting colourful as vying teams compete to see who will lead next year's parade.

For more information on Asakusa Samba Carnival, click here.

GION MATSURI, KYOTO

Undoubtedly one of the most famous festivals in Kyoto, Gion Matsuri occurs over the entire month of July, involving the wearing of traditional dress, consumption of traditional foods and general high-spirited merrymaking. During its 3-day climax, numerous elaborate and highly decorated wooden floats are paraded around the city streets.

For more information on Gion Matsuri, click here.

KISHIWADA DANJIRI MATSURI, KISHIWADA

The city of Kishiwada in Osaka Prefecture is host to this annual traditional festival, during which huge and elaborately painted wooden floats are pulled around the town at breakneck speed, with predictable ensuing mayhem.

For more information on Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri, click here.

TOP 5 MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN JAPAN

There's so much to see and do in Japan that you may well be in need of a few pointers. That's where we come in, so read on for our top Japan travel tips.

HIDA FOLK VILLAGE, TAKAYAMA

Built on a hillside overlooking the picturesque Takayama Valley and the Hida Mountains, this open-air museum has around 30 traditional buildings ranging from 100 to 500 years in age, many of which were shipped in and reassembled onsite.

For more information on the the Hida Folk Village, click here.

PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM, HIROSHIMA

Located in a large park in what was once the commercial centre of Hiroshima, this museum documents the history of Hiroshima before and after the advent of the atomic bomb, and features a poignant collection of items collected in its aftermath. Don't forget to check out the nearby UNESCO World Heritage listed Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the few structures to have remained standing after the blast.

For more information on Peace Memorial Museum, click here.

GEKKEIKAN OKURA SAKE MUSEUM, KYOTO

Fushimi has been a hotbed of sake production since the 17th century, thanks primarily to the excellent quality of the local spring water. This museum gives you a peek into the traditional production process, as well as offering the chance to sample some of the local wares.

For more information on the the Sake Making Museum, click here.

TAKAYAMA JINYA

Takayama Jinya started out life as the villa of a local lord, but was requisitioned by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1629 to serve as a government outpost. The complex now functions as a museum, and though the main building was restored in 1816 many of the others are original, dating back to the early 1600s.

For more information on the Takayama Jinya, click here.

MORI ART MUSEUM, TOKYO

The Mori Art Museum is located at the top of Tokyo's Mori Tower, where visitors can catch 360 degree views of the city while checking its many works of Japanese and international contemporary art.

For more information on the Mori Art Museum, click here.

FOOD IN JAPAN

Japan's most famous culinary export is eaten and loved throughout the world, but there's more to Japanese food than sushi. From udon and soba noodles to sashimi to Kobe beef and the ubiquitous ramen, there's a huge world of flavour here just waiting to be discovered.

OKONOMIYAKI

Japan's uber-popular savoury pancakes are made of batter and shredded cabbage, stuffed with your choice of ingredients - octopus, shrimp, squid and vegetables are all classics. Top with seaweed flakes and pickled ginger and you're good to go.

Best eaten at - Kiji Sky, 531 0076, 1-1-90 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka

HIDA BEEF

Tender and beautifully marbled, beef doesn't get much better than this. It comes only from a breed of black-haired Japanese cattle raised in Gifu Prefecture, and trying it is a Japan travel 2016 essential.

Best eaten at - Maruaki, 6-8 Tenmanmachi, Takayama 506-0025, Gifu Prefecture

SUSHI

You've had sushi, but you've never really had it until you've eaten it in Japan. Raw fish and vegetables with rice, it comes in a million varieties and is a classic Japan food experience not to be missed.

Best eaten at - Tsukiji Kiyomura Sushi-Zanmai, 1-1-13 Okubo, Shinjuku, Tokyo

RAMEN

This Japanese noodle soup is sold all over the country, and each region has its own version. Generally you're dealing with a delicious pork or chicken broth, flavoured with a host of ingredients including soy sauce, miso and spring onions.

Best eaten at - Fu-unji, 2-14-3 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo

WAGASHI

From flower-shaped Nerikiri to dumpling-like Manju, these traditional Japanese sweet cakes come in endless varieties are best enjoyed with a Japanese green tea.

Best eaten at - Higashiya Ginza, 1-7-7 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0061

WHAT TO PACK?

Slip-ons - Because many places require you to leave your footwear at the door.

A camera - You wouldn't seriously come to the spiritual home of the camera without bringing your own, would you? Failing that, head to the electronics epicenter of Akihabara and treat yourself to an upgrade.

A translator app - English isn't widely spoken outside the major cities and signs are generally written only in Japanese. For anything from reading menus to getting off the train right train station, a translator app can be a godsend!

Streamlined luggage - Space is at a premium on Japanese public transport, so pack light if you're planning on using the trains.

An adapter plug - Japan's electrical sockets are similar to those in the USA, with comparable voltage. Europeans will need an adapter plug.

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