Discover Japan’s timeless elegance on the 'Japan Awaits You' tour, a 21-day guided group trip designed with seniors in mind. Starting and ending in Tokyo, this extended exploration provides ample time to absorb the country’s rich traditions, modern marvels, and culinary delights at an easy, unhurried pace. With all logistics—hotels, transport, meals—conveniently arranged, guests can relax and enjoy each day’s sightseeing without worry. The highlight of this tour package is its generous duration, offering a truly in-depth experience for those who wish to savor every moment in Japan’s vibrant culture and serene landscapes.
Craving a blend of ancient and alpine Japan? The 'Feudal Japan with Japanese Alps' trip takes seniors on a 10-day guided exploration from Tokyo, highlighting both historic traditions and mountain landscapes. With comfortable accommodations, included meals, and stress-free transport, this tour is crafted for a gentle pace. Its USP is the unique combination of feudal heritage and natural beauty, making it a standout option for those seeking variety and depth in their Japanese adventure.
I have just completed the 17 day Japan tour and it has been an incredible trip. The itinerary is packed with a wide variety of experiences from an origami class, staying in a 1000 year old temple, seeing snow monkeys (if you are lucky!) and a Samurai class to name a few. There is also plenty of free time throughout the trip to shop and explore which I appreciated as there were a few things I wanted to do which weren’t part of the itinerary.
My group leader Dan is an absolute legend!! It is my second tour with him and he always goes above and beyond to ensure we all have the best experience possible. He truly cares about each individual in the group and ensures everyone feels included. When we had free time Dan gave us plenty of recommendations of things to see and do and took us to additional places. He has an extensive cultural knowledge of Japan and I learnt a lot about Japan which I didn’t know about prior to the trip. It was also my birthday on the second day of the trip and it will definitely be a birthday that I will always remember!
I highly recommend doing this tour, you will not be disappointed!
Thank you so much Dan! 😊
Heartfelt Thanks for an Amazing China Trip!
Dear Olivia,
I hope this message finds you well. Our family of four recently returned from our trip to China, we wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for all your efforts in making it such a wonderful experience.
From the seamless arrangements—the comfortable car, professional driver, and knowledgeable guides—to the well-planned itinerary, every detail was executed perfectly. We truly felt cared for throughout our journey, and it’s all thanks to your hard work and attention to detail. We had an incredible time exploring China’s beautiful sights and culture, and much of that joy came from knowing everything was so well taken care of behind the scenes. Your dedication made our trip stress-free and memorable.
Please also extend our gratitude to the rest of your team.
Wishing you all the best, and thank you once again.
Kyle
2025 September
Our tour of eight from the UK and the US literally ate our way around Japan. Our leader, Dean, was outstanding and interpreted, guided, and answered all our many questions with patience and good humor. This is listed as an "Active" trip and my pedometer said I walked 87 miles the second week of the tour, and the first week was similar. I am 70 and thought I was in good shape but my legs were very tired at the end of each day. I particularly liked our stay in Takayama at a minshuku. The smaller city was a welcome break from the crowds of Tokyo.
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Japan, where ancient traditions meet vibrant modernity. From Osaka’s dynamic charm and Hiroshima’s poignant history to Kyoto’s serene beauty and Tokyo’s futuristic allure, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Japan’s cultural and natural wonders.
Immerse yourself in iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle, the floating Itsukushima Shrine, and Kyoto’s tranquil Bamboo Grove. Savor authentic Japanese experiences, from crafting matcha tea and sushi to witnessing the artistry of sumo wrestling. Delight in the country’s breathtaking landscapes, historical temples, and lively districts like Dotonbori and Akihabara.
With curated activities, expert guidance, and leisure time to explore, this journey promises a perfect blend of adventure, discovery, and relaxation.
See the itinerary section for details.
PRIVATE TOUR: Embark on a unique private journey through China, beginning with Beijing's iconic landmarks, including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Travel to Xi’an to witness the Terracotta Warriors and then journey to Lhasa, Tibet’s spiritual heart, to marvel at the serene Yamdrok Lake and the majestic Potala Palace. Conclude your adventure in bustling Shanghai.
PARTIALLY GUIDED TOUR: On this 13 day group tour, we’ll explore China’s highlights, starting with the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall. After a high-speed train to Xi’an, we’ll marvel at the Terracotta Warriors before heading to Chengdu to see giant pandas and visit the People’s Park. Our 3-night luxury Yangtze River cruise includes stops at scenic spots like Qutang Gorge and the Three Gorges Dam. We’ll conclude in Shanghai, exploring Yu Garden, the Jade Buddha Temple, Nanjing Road, and The Bund.
Immerse yourself in a captivating 12-day journey through Japan, exploring its timeless traditions and cultural treasures. Delve into the culinary arts by crafting sushi alongside a master chef, and embrace the craft of pottery in Kyoto, renowned for its ceramic expertise. Express your creativity using the refined techniques of Kaga Yuzen, a historic dyeing method.
Beyond the workshops, visit iconic landmarks such as Senso-ji in Tokyo, the resplendent Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, and the mystical Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its seemingly endless Torii gates. Your adventure culminates at breathtaking Mount Wakakusa in Nara, overlooking the city and mountains, and the serene beauty of Shirakawa's traditional wooden houses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled within the Japanese Alps.
This enriching tour seamlessly combines hands-on cultural experiences with awe-inspiring sightseeing, offering a comprehensive insight into Japan's heart and soul.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan's most captivating cities with this immersive tour. From the bustling streets and culinary delights of Osaka to the serene temples and vibrant neighborhoods of Kyoto, this tour promises a rich cultural experience. Begin your adventure with a private transfer from Kansai International Airport, where you’ll settle in Osaka before diving into its historical and culinary wonders, including Osaka Castle and the energetic district of Dotonbori.
The journey continues in Kyoto, where iconic sights like the Fushimi Inari Shrine and the charming Gion District await. Try on a traditional kimono, stroll through the historic Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets, and marvel at Kyoto’s timeless beauty. Travel to Tokyo on the famed Shinkansen bullet train and step into a city where tradition meets modernity. From exploring Meiji Jingu Shrine to learning the art of sushi-making and visiting Tokyo’s lively Shibuya, each experience will deepen your connection to Japanese culture. Cap off the tour with a day of magic at Tokyo Disneyland, an experience that blends Japanese charm with Disney's enchantment.
With seamless transfers, comfortable accommodations, and a thoughtful itinerary, this tour offers a complete, stress-free exploration of Japan's treasures.
I really liked this trip, though I wish we stayed in Busan for at least another night. Both the Contiki and Korean guides were great, there were a few add-ons in each city to choose from and I definitely feel like I learned more about Korea than if I'd gone to the country without doing a Contiki tour. Thank you Joey and Lina!
Experience the must-see sites of Japan winter blanketed in snow. Indulge in the savoury seasonal dishes and embark on an adventure with a list of winter activities.
*Our Japan Winter group tour runs from December until February. If you are interested in visiting Japan in a different season, have a look at our Japan Essentials 9 Day Tour, Japan 10 Day Tour and Japan 14 Day Tour.
Japan in Winter! Japan is a fascinating country where traditional and modern elements coexist. The country boasts spectacular natural landscapes, futuristic cities adorned with neon lights, world-renowned cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage.
To maximise your winter travel experience in Japan, we have created an 11-day itinerary that highlights some of the country’s top attractions during the winter season. This itinerary is a twist on our well-known and popular 10-day group tour, perfect for those who are keen to travel over Winter. You will get to learn how to hand-roll sushi, take a Kendo class with a descendant of a real samurai warrior, visit the red-faced snow monkeys in Nagano, opt to soak in an Onsen Hot Spring, admire Mount Fuji’s majestic beauty (weather permitting), and witness the enchanting Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto glitter in the snow.
This trip promises to be an unforgettable experience.
