National Geographic Journeys
Japan
Group / Max 15
Group Tour
Tokyo to Kyoto – 12 Days
Your Japanese adventure commences in Tokyo, where you'll be engulfed by a blend of modern energy and traditional charm. Explore iconic spots like the Meiji Shrine and the quirky streets of Harajuku, delving into both the city's historical and pop culture scenes. The journey then takes you to the Tsukiji fish market for a sushi-making experience and a stroll through Asakusa, Tokyo's old town.
Leaving the cityscape, travel to Tsumago, an Edo-period town where you'll stay in a traditional minshuku and savour a kaiseki dinner. In Kanazawa, explore the samurai district and learn about the city's rich history and crafts. The tour then leads you to Hiroshima, a city that stands as a symbol of peace, and to the sacred Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima. Your journey concludes in Kyoto, the heart of Japan's imperial heritage, where you'll visit iconic temples, learn Zen meditation and calligraphy, and experience samurai and kembu traditions, leaving with a deep appreciation of Japan's rich cultural tapestry.
FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE & NARA VISIT: Explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. The trip to Nara, Japan's ancient capital, includes a visit to the colossal bronze Buddha at Todaiji Temple and the serene Kasuga Taisha Shrine, offering a profound glimpse into Japan's spiritual heritage.
HIROSHIMA AND ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE: In Hiroshima, reflect on its poignant history at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. A ferry ride to Miyajima Island reveals the breathtaking Itsukushima Shrine, known for its floating torii gate, blending spiritual significance with natural beauty.
KYOTO'S CULTURAL TAPESTRY: Immerse in Kyoto's imperial elegance, from the golden splendour of Kinkakuji to Zen Buddhism insights at a local temple. Engage in a unique kembu (swordplay) session, learning about samurai culture, and stroll through the historic geisha district of Gion.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition. a
National Geographic Journeys
Light
Casual
Experience Japan's dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, from Tokyo's avant-garde buzz to serene countryside shrines and heritage villages. Explore geisha districts and picturesque gardens, savouring authentic Japanese cuisine from sushi to kaiseki. Engage in unique activities like gold-leaf painting, weaving together Japan's rich past and vibrant present in an unforgettable journey.
Commence your adventure whenever you arrive in Tokyo, the bustling heart of Japan. Immerse yourself in the capital's thrilling blend of tradition and modernity, as you get settled in for the journey ahead. Comfort awaits you at the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, or a similar establishment, where you can rest and prepare for the forthcoming days of exploration.
Immerse in the vibrancy of Tokyo, one of the world's most populous metropolises, as you navigate through the city on public transit. Be captivated by the city's traditional facet with a visit to the sacred Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort. Delve into the city's offbeat, contemporary side as you promenade through Harajuku, the epicentre of Japanese pop culture and an excellent spot for observing the city's pulse.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (or similar)
The day unfolds with a visit to the Tsukiji fish and seafood outer market, a window into Japan's immense fishing industry. Absorb knowledge on sushi preparation in a comprehensive class, acquainting you with fresh fish identification, filleting, and presentation, followed by a tasting of your own crafted sushi. Post this unique culinary adventure, traverse Asakusa, Tokyo's historical core, savouring its old-world charm. Optional Activities: Ginza Shopping, Ueno Park Visit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (or similar)
Bid farewell to Tokyo and board a train destined for Nagiso, following which you'll proceed to a local minshuku, a traditional Japanese bed-and-breakfast. Here, you'll revel in a pastoral stroll into Tsumago, a preserved cultural area from the Edo period. This idyllic town eschews motorised vehicles and hides phone lines and power cables, keeping its vintage appeal intact. Back at the minshuku, partake in a kaiseki dinner, a ritualistic multi-course affair that extols artful presentation and fresh ingredients.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Hanaya Tsumago Ryokan (or similar)
Journey onward by train to Kanazawa, an historic city once under the influential Maeda clan during the Edo period. Delve into Nagamachi, the city's well-conserved samurai district situated beneath Kanazawa Castle, and glean insights into the esteemed warrior class's lifestyle. A visit to the Nomura residence is also on the itinerary, the impeccably restored dwelling of a prosperous samurai family, replete with antique treasures and a breathtaking garden.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dedicate your day to uncovering Kanazawa. Explore Myoryuji Temple, colloquially known as the Ninja Temple for its role as a military outpost, unveiling its secret defences and escape routes. Wander through Higashi Chaya, the city's geisha district, delving deeper into geisha culture with a viewing of a traditional wooden abode. Finally, stop by a local craft workshop, where you'll learn about Kanazawa's age-old crafts and experience painting chopsticks with gold leaf. Optional Activities: Kanazawa Castle Visit, Kenroku-En Garden Visit
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hop on a bullet train and set off for Hiroshima, a city that stands as a poignant testament to the tragedies of war. Traverse the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, nestled at the city's core, a space honouring the devastating atomic bombings of 1945. Explore the various memorials that pay tribute to the victims of the cataclysmic event, stopping by the Children's Peace Monument, where the statue of Sadako Sasaki reverberates the impact of the bombings on the city's youth.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Board a ferry and sail to Itsukushima Island, often referred to as Miyajima. Encounter one of Japan's most stunning and hallowed temples, the 12th-century Itsukushima Shinto shrine. This UNESCO-listed site sits over the water, with a red torii gate that creates the illusion of floating during high tide. The afternoon presents the opportunity to engage with the island's splendours independently.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kick off the morning with a visit to Himeji Castle, a World Heritage site celebrated as Japan's most spectacular and excellently preserved castle. Admire its white facade and intricate wooden roofs, and then continue by train to Kyoto, the heart of Japan's imperial heritage for over a millennium. The city's mesmerising temples, shrines, and gardens beckon exploration. This afternoon, saunter through the lamp-lit paths of Gion, Kyoto's esteemed geisha district.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on a journey to the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari shrine outside Kyoto, a monument to the Shinto god of rice. Wander under the temple’s iconic red gates, recognizable from Memoirs of a Geisha. Later, delve into the antiquity of Nara, home to Japan’s earliest capital. Stand before the immense bronze Buddha statue at Todaiji temple, and walk the sacred paths of Kasuga Taisha, one of Japan's most revered Shinto shrines.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Japan. Interact with a monk, learning Zen meditation and calligraphy. Proceed to the radiant Kinkakuji, or the temple of the golden pavilion, a standout landmark in Kyoto. Experience the elegance of samurai etiquette and the discipline of kembu, traditional Japanese swordplay, under the guidance of experienced instructors and a captivating demonstration by kembu masters.
Meals Included: Breakfast
The journey concludes today. You may depart at any time you find convenient, taking with you the unforgettable memories of your exploration through Japan.
Meals Included: Breakfast
This tour is provided through a partnership between National Geographic Expedition and G Adventures, merging enjoyable, interactive exploration with significant interactions with diverse cultures and individuals. It offers a blend of leisure, options, and activities, all while ensuring the organized and safe experience of traveling in a small group.
Age Requirement: 12+
All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What can you expect when you travel on this tour?
A dedicated Chief Experience Officer and knowledgeable local guides
A group of usually 16 or fewer Travelers
Comfortable and convenient accommodations in each destination
Included activities as indicated in itineraries
Optional activities may be available for an additional cost as indicated in itineraries
Opportunities for on-your-own exploration as indicated in itineraries
Included meals as per itineraries
100% guaranteed departures
Roommate match for Solo Travelers at no additional fee
My Own Room option for Solo Travelers wanting their own room (additional fee applies)
Prices are per person, based on double or single occupancy (unless otherwise noted) and do not include international airfare to/from your destination. All prices and fares are quoted in US dollars and subject to change. See the terms and conditions for this trip for more information.
EXPERIENCES
TRAVEL INSURANCE
A minimum level of medical and emergency travel insurance is required in order to travel with National Geographic Journeys. Details are outlined in our Terms and Conditions and you will not be permitted to join the group until you have provided evidence of adequate travel insurance. Please read the trip details to learn more about recommended policy options.
MY OWN ROOM
During your trip, sometimes it's just more convenient and comfortable to have your own room. That's why we offer the My Own Room option - a single room all to yourself.
My Own Room: From £889.00
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The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
