Iconic Japan

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Adventure Small Group Rail
Our Price From 8,246 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,553 Per Person
 Trip Length
12 Days
 Trip Starts
Tokyo
 Trip Finishes
Kyoto
12 Day Iconic Japan Itinerary (G Adventures)
Countries Explored: Japan
Trip Style
National Geographic Journeys
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
15
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
AJENG

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 12 Day Iconic Japan. In Japan, tradition and modernity are celebrated side-by-side in ways that often appear contradictory. Immerse yourself in this intriguing culture, beginning in sprawling Tokyo, one of the world’s most innovative cities. Then head by rail into the countryside to visit traditional villages and tranquil shrines. Explore quaint geisha districts and inspiring gardens; savour the fresh flavours of Japanese cuisine; and get a glimpse of the ancient soul of this fascinating, futuristic country.

Itinerary

Arrive at any time. Stay: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

In Harajuka we catch a glimpse of the pop culture phenomenon of Kawaii. Directly translated as "cute," this Japanese cultural movement is reflected through various avenues of entertainment, toys, personal style, attitude, and cuisine. Stay: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (B)

Opt to visit Ueno park and the museums, Akihabara for cutting edge electronics, Harajuku for funky fashions, Ginza for the highest of the high end, walk the grounds of the Imperial Palace East Garden, or just stroll the streets, looking for the traditional life that still lies just under the modern surface. Stay: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (B/L)

Depart Tokyo by train. Disembark at Nagiso and continue to a local minshuku, a traditional Japanese bed-and-breakfast, where we’ll spend the night. Enjoy a walk through the countryside, passing lush farms and rice paddies into Tsumago, a protected cultural area dating to the Edo period. Explore the charming town, where motorized vehicles are prohibited on the main street during the day and phone lines and power cables hidden from view to preserve its traditional feel. Back at our minshuku, feast on a kaiseki meal—a ritualistic multi-course dinner emphasizing artful presentation and fresh ingredients. Stay: Hanaya Tsumago Ryokan (B/D)

Continue by train to the historic city of Kanazawa, the seat of the powerful Maeda clan during the Edo period. Venture to Nagamachi, the city’s well-preserved samurai district located at the foot of Kanazawa Castle, and learn about the lifestyle of Japan’s ancient, elite warrior class. We’ll also visit the Nomura residence, the beautifully restored home of a wealthy samurai family, boasting a collection of antique heirlooms and a stunning garden. Stay: ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa (B)

Spend the day exploring Kanazawa. Visit the Myoryuji Temple—commonly known as the Ninja Temple—which doubled as a military outpost, and discover its many hidden defenses and escape routes. Take a walk through the Higashi Chaya geisha district and gain insights into geisha culture, viewing one of the district’s traditional wooden houses. Then visit a local craft studio, where we’ll learn about the city’s time-honoured crafts and learn to paint chopsticks with gold leaf. Stay: ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa (B)

The large Peace Park in the centre of the city is an extremely moving place dotted with memorials of those known to have been killed in the explosion and others who died as a result. A burning flame waits in the park to be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world have been destroyed. Stay: ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima (B)

Catch a ferry to Itsukushima Island, popularly known as Miyajima. Here, you’ll find one of Japan’s most beautiful and sacred temples, the 12th-century Itsukushima Shinto shrine. This UNESCO World Heritage site is built over the water, with a red torii or wooden gateway that appears to float at high tide. Spend the afternoon at leisure and explore on your own. Stay: ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima (B)

As the Imperial capital, Kyoto is an essential part of any visit to Japan. Kyoto has some of the most magnificent temples in Japan which date back centuries. There are said to be 2,000 temples, shrines, palaces, museums and traditional gardens in Kyoto. Use your time to wander past huge wooden structures and multi-storied pagodas, all linked with famous walkways. Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma (B)

This morning, we visit a local temple to learn about the history and practice of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Meet with a local monk for a lesson in Zen meditation and calligraphy; then head to the shimmering Kinkakuji, or “temple of the golden pavilion,” one of Kyoto’s most magnificent sites. Later, we’ll learn the basics of samurai etiquette and the practice of kembu, or traditional Japanese swordplay. Try your hand at this delicate art form, and witness a memorable performance by kembu masters. Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma (B)

Venture to the breathtaking Fushimi Inari shrine just outside of Kyoto, dedicated to the Shinto god of rice. Walk under the temple’s iconic red gates, where a scene from Memoirs of a Geisha was filmed. Spend the rest of the day discovering ancient Nara, the site of Japan’s earliest capital. Visit the impressive Todaiji temple—home to the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world—and wander the walkways of Kasuga Taisha, one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrines. Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma (B)

Depart at any time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Explore the modern and traditional sides of Japan.
  • Relax at a traditional Inn.
  • Ride a ferry to Miyajima to see the famous floating torii.
  • Learn the art of meditation from a local monk.

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Tsukiji Sushi Experience, Tokyo
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Zen Buddhist Meditation and Calligraphy, Kyoto
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Kembu Masters, Kyoto
  • Your Hands-On Moment: Chopstick and Gold Leaf Painting Experience, Kanazawa
  • Tour of Tokyo including Meiji Jingu Shrine and Asakusa and Harajuku districts
  • Walking tour of Tsumago Village and countryside
  • Kaiseki dinner
  • Visit Kanazawa samurai and geisha districts
  • Visit Nomura Family Samurai Residence and Myoryuji Ninja Temple
  • Visit Himeji Castle
  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial
  • Excursion to Miyajima Island
  • Zen meditation experience
  • Tour Kyoto and Nara including Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Jan - Sep)
  • Visit Gion Geisha district
  • Japan Rail (JR) pass (7 days)
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Hotels (10 Nights), traditional Inn (1 Night, shared facilities)
  • A mix of Western style hotels (10 nights) and Japanese traditional inns (1 nights).
  • Japan is one of the most populous countries in the world and space is at a premium. Therefore, hotels rooms are small! Additionally, most Japanese hotels do not have designating non smoking rooms. Therefore, we ask hotels to deoderize rooms before check in.

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout

  • 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

  • Bullet train, express train, local train, ferry, metro, taxi, public bus, walking

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Play Youtube Video

Brochure

National Geographic

G Adventures National Geographic (2023-24)

Combining National Geographic’s more than 130 years of global exploration, science, and storytelling, with the fun, responsible, and culturally immersive travel experiences for which G Adventures is a global leader. Support global initiatives, community projects, and enjoy access to exclusive ventures. Dive into a blend of comfort and discovery, just...more as the renowned National Geographic explorers did.

Availability

Wednesday 03 Apr 2024
Sunday 14 Apr 2024
Status
From: $10,329
  Sold Out
Saturday 06 Apr 2024
Wednesday 17 Apr 2024
Status
From: $10,329
  Sold Out
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 10 Apr 2024
Sunday 21 Apr 2024
Status
From: $10,329 $10,122
Save $207 Enquire
Sunday 14 Apr 2024
Thursday 25 Apr 2024
Status
From: $10,329
  Sold Out
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 17 Apr 2024
Sunday 28 Apr 2024
Status
From: $9,799 $9,603
Save $196 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 21 Apr 2024
Thursday 02 May 2024
Status
From: $9,799 $8,246
Save $1,553 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 24 Apr 2024
Sunday 05 May 2024
Status
From: $9,799 $9,603
Save $196 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 01 May 2024
Sunday 12 May 2024
Status
From: $9,799 $9,603
Save $196 Enquire
Wednesday 08 May 2024
Sunday 19 May 2024
Status
From: $9,799
  Sold Out
Wednesday 15 May 2024
Sunday 26 May 2024
Status
From: $9,259
  Sold Out
Monday 20 May 2024
Friday 31 May 2024
Status
From: $9,259
  Sold Out
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 29 May 2024
Sunday 09 Jun 2024
Status
From: $9,259 $9,074
Save $185 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 05 Jun 2024
Sunday 16 Jun 2024
Status
From: $9,259 $9,074
Save $185 Enquire
Wednesday 12 Jun 2024
Sunday 23 Jun 2024
Status
From: $9,259
  Sold Out
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 19 Jun 2024
Sunday 30 Jun 2024
Status
From: $9,259 $9,074
Save $185 Enquire
Wednesday 26 Jun 2024
Sunday 07 Jul 2024
Status
From: $9,259
  Sold Out
Wednesday 03 Jul 2024
Sunday 14 Jul 2024
Status
From: $9,259
  Sold Out
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 17 Jul 2024
Sunday 28 Jul 2024
Status
From: $9,259 $9,074
Save $185 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 31 Jul 2024
Sunday 11 Aug 2024
Status
From: $9,259 $9,074
Save $185 Enquire
Wednesday 07 Aug 2024
Sunday 18 Aug 2024
Status
From: $9,259
  Sold Out
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 14 Aug 2024
Sunday 25 Aug 2024
Status
From: $9,259 $9,074
Save $185 Enquire
Wednesday 28 Aug 2024
Sunday 08 Sep 2024
Status
From: $9,259
  Sold Out
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 11 Sep 2024
Sunday 22 Sep 2024
Status
From: $9,799 $9,603
Save $196 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 25 Sep 2024
Sunday 06 Oct 2024
Status
From: $9,799 $9,603
Save $196 Enquire
Wednesday 02 Oct 2024
Sunday 13 Oct 2024
Status
From: $9,799
  Sold Out
Wednesday 09 Oct 2024
Sunday 20 Oct 2024
Status
From: $9,799
  Sold Out
Wednesday 16 Oct 2024
Sunday 27 Oct 2024
Status
From: $9,799
  Sold Out
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 23 Oct 2024
Sunday 03 Nov 2024
Status
From: $9,799 $9,603
Save $196 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 30 Oct 2024
Sunday 10 Nov 2024
Status
From: $9,799 $9,603
Save $196 Enquire
Wednesday 06 Nov 2024
Sunday 17 Nov 2024
Status
From: $9,259
  Sold Out
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 13 Nov 2024
Sunday 24 Nov 2024
Status
From: $9,259 $9,074
Save $185 Enquire
Wednesday 20 Nov 2024
Sunday 01 Dec 2024
Status
From: $9,259
  Sold Out
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 27 Nov 2024
Sunday 08 Dec 2024
Status
From: $9,259 $9,074
Save $185 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 11 Dec 2024
Sunday 22 Dec 2024
Status
From: $9,259 $9,074
Save $185 Enquire
Show more dates...
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar Tours

11 Day Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinoku Coastal Trail (G Adventures)

11 Days Kyoto Tokyo

Operated By: G Adventures

From 11,514
Save 244
11 Day Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food (G Adventures)

11 Days Tokyo Osaka

Operated By: G Adventures

From 2,645
Save 76
11 Day Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times (G Adventures)

11 Days Tokyo Kyoto

Operated By: G Adventures

From 7,545
Save 167
11 Day Back Roads of Japan (G Adventures)

11 Days Tokyo Kyoto

Operated By: G Adventures

From 5,383
Save 796