Tokyo - Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, is a world apart - a cultural Galápagos where a unique civilisation blossomed, and today thrives in delicious contrasts of traditional and modern and Contiki's newest destination for 2015.
Contiki recently hosted South Africa's top instagrammer, Craig Howes, on the inaugural Japan Unrivalled tour. Check out Craig's pics here and relive his experience of Japan along with his followers which number nearly 180 000.
Standing at the far-eastern end of the Silk Road and drawing influences from the entire continent, the Japanese have spent millennia taking in and refining the cultural bounties of Asia to produce something distinctly Japanese.
From the splendour of a Kyoto geisha dance to the spare beauty of a Zen rock garden, Japan has the power to enthrall even the most jaded traveller. And traditional culture is only half the story: emerging from Tokyo's Shibuya Station and soaking up the energy, lights and sound of the city is like stepping out of a time capsule into a future world.
Contiki gives you the choice that you need to get the most out of your experience in Japan. The blockbusters are all included as part of your trip and we'll get you to the parts of Asia that only a friend in the know can show you.
More me time
Me time = Free Time. Travelling to Japan on a Contiki trip means the freedom to explore and create your own adventures. If something more upbeat calls, then our Trip Managers and expert Local Guides will organise some of Japans awesome experiences for you. From dinner and a show at the Robot restaurant in Tokyo to the traditional Japanese Karoake experience in Osaka, sushi making, teppanyaki dinners, an Onsen experience and more.
A better experience
Experience Japan without limitations. Contiki provides dual use of coaches and trains for inter-city transfers to make the most out of the day. We provide passionate Trip Managers & Local guides like no one else, and their sole focus is making your Contiki the time of your life!
Join the 13-day Japan Unrivalled trip and experience Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Wakayama and Osaka priced from R45 087 per person sharing.
This includes 10 nights twin share hotels, 2 nights at Contiki Special Stopovers, sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, modern, air-conditioned coach and train, experienced Contiki Trip Manager, local English-speaking guides, 14 Meals (12 Breakfasts and 2 three-course dinners), 5 World Heritage Sites visited, see the Imperial Palace, Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street. Plus the Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku and Shibuya Street.
For more information, visit contiki.com, call (011) 280 8400, follow them on Facebook and join the conversation on Twitter with the #NOREGRETS hashtag.
Adapted from a press release for IOL