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Japan

Ancient traditions meet modern marvels.

Asia Japan Tokyo Sakura Blossom Garden

Kon'nichiwa!

From majestic temples to bustling cities, step into a different world where lush bamboo forests and gleaming red shrines await! Savour soul-warming ramen and delicious street food, explore kawaii kitsch, and maybe even visit Disneyland. From ancient temples to modern pop culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, there's something for everyone in Japan.

With insider tips from our Japan specialists, we’ll ensure your Japan adventure is truly unforgettable. Get ready to sushi-roll your way through the Land of the Rising Sun!

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Flight time.

Traveling from Auckland to Japan typically takes around 11 hours on a direct flight. Though it’s a long journey, the allure of Japan’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique blend of tradition and modernity make the time in the air well worth it.

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Best time to go.

The best times to visit Japan are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring is famous for the cherry blossoms (sakura), which bloom across the country, creating breathtaking landscapes. Autumn, on the other hand, offers beautiful fall foliage, cooler temperatures, and fewer tourists. These seasons are perfect for exploring Japan’s temples, gardens, and cultural sites.

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Time difference.

Japan is 3 hours behind New Zealand. This small time difference makes it easy to adjust, allowing you to dive right into your Japanese adventure with minimal jet lag.

Our favourite things to do in Japan

Step into spring under the cherry blossom

The Japanese celebrate Sakura with Hanami, literally “flower viewing” celebrations which take place in March and April.

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Stay in a Ryokan & relax in an Onsen

A must-do experience!

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Bowls of Ramen

Eat like a local

Get your sake fix and karaage cravings satisfied at Hoppy Street!

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Mt Fuji Sunset Asia Japan Mount Fuji Spring

Best. Sunrise. Ever!

Chase the sunrise on Mount Fuji

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Floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine

A Japan bucket list experience

Take a trip to Miyajima Island and see the iconic ‘floating’ torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.

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Shibuya Crossing

Experience the world’s most famous crossing

Brave the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo!

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Ever dreamed of becoming a Maiko or Geisha?

Now’s your chance!

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Stay at a Buddhist temple

For a truly unique experience stay at a Buddhist Temple, or a "shukubo".

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Maree Thompson Mario-karting

Tour the streets of Tokyo in Mario-karts!

Ready for a wild ride?

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Tokyo's most iconic fashion street

Shop quirky t-shirts, hidden gems, and unique souvenirs on every corner!

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93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"Steph was very helpful for my trip. I just emailed her the deal I wanted, the date to fly out & the names of who were travelling. She sorted the rest. Was super easy."

April

"Easy to deal with, listened well."

Tina

"Thank you so much for all of your help with our trip. We had tried out a few other companies but hadn’t got the help we needed. Sarah was amazing to deal with and had us booked within a day. She put in extra work to ensure we got the best price for the flights we wanted and gave us the option of a more flexible booking."

Grace

Meet our Japan specialists

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Eilish Colvin

Eilish Colvin

House of Travel Te Awamutu

2023 Top Contiki Champ!

I returned to the travel industry early 2023, with lots of enthusiasm in helping clients create their dream holidays, big or small. My most recent trip saw me spending a month in Italy and Greece, two places I have a great passion for and love to share my experience with others.

In additional to my own experience on a Contiki, I am also part of the Contiki Champs programme, providing me with insightful knowledge and hot tips for all things Contiki. I am passionate about the adventures they provide and people you meet along the way and would love to help you plan your own to create some amazing memories.


Eilish
Jazmin Pudney

Jazmin Pudney

House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing

Travel creates happiness and I love to make people happy! I love all aspects of travel-adventure, food, culture, relaxation and most importantly making life long memories. 

I pride myself on my organization skills and I have extensive knowledge of travel world. I love creating clients special holidays and will always ensure they have everything they need to have the best holiday!

Jazmin

Catherine Johnson

Catherine Johnson

House of Travel Ashburton

Travel is my passion and to be able to share this with others is the best part of my job!

I love all aspects of travel-adventure, food, culture, relaxation and most importantly making life long memories.

Whether you're looking for a thrill-seeking adventure or a peaceful island escape, I can’t wait to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

Catherine
Robyn Oretsky

Robyn Oretsky

House of Travel Wellington CBD

For me, travel has been more than just a series of destinations,  it has been a transformative journey that has sculpted my character and contributed to my personal evolution.  My travel experiences are not merely about ticking off destinations from a bucket list, but about immersing myself in the heart and soul of each place I’ve visited visit.  


My early travels began with frequent road trips around my home country of Canada and the USA, and I am fortunate enough to have now been to six of the seven continents.  Exploring the world through various modes of transportation has been a thrilling adventure for me, from cruise ships, to trains, to rickshaws, and I have an appreciation for the experiences that local transport offers.  I am comfortable with sleeping in a hammock in the rainforest, an overwater bungalow in the South Pacific, and everything in between.  


My experiences have taught me to adapt to different situations and understand diverse perspectives, and my background in customer service and sales has equipped me with valuable skills that I believe make me well-suited for various client needs. I believe this makes me well-suited to meet your needs as a client. Whether it's finding solutions to problems or anticipating your preferences, I strive to provide an exceptional service tailored to you. My aim is to not just meet but exceed your expectations by drawing on my varied background.


My enthusiasm for travel is infectious, and it is my goal to inspire others to embark on their own adventures and discover the beauty of our planet.


Robyn

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