Our Price From
US$12,609
Save up To $450
Twin Share (Per Person)
Trip Style
National Geographic Signature
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 5 Star
Max. Group Size
22
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
AJTONS
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 12 Day Signature: Japan's Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka. Experience Japan’s living history, from the neon pulse of Tokyo to the quiet temples of Kyoto. Immerse yourself in samurai traditions, Zen meditation, and the warmth of a community exchange in historic Hagi. Guided by experts, explore a land where ancient customs and vibrant modernity exist in perfect harmony.
Itinerary
Welcome to Japan. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Tokyo, a city that pulses with electric energy. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, a sanctuary of calm above the metropolis. Watch the city lights flicker to life from your window or step out to feel the rhythm of the streets, preparing for the immersion into Japanese culture that awaits. Stay: Hilton Tokyo
Meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers for a welcome presentation then step into the intense world of sumo. Witness the raw power and discipline of wrestlers during a morning training session. After, join the athletes for a hearty chanko-nabe–the traditional hotpot stew eaten daily and gain insight into their regimented lives. In the afternoon, shift gears to the serenity of old Tokyo. Wander the historic district of Asakusa, passing through the massive Thunder Gate to the ancient Sensō-ji Temple. Stroll Nakamise Street, inhaling the scent of roasted rice crackers and incense, before a welcome dinner at a local Japanese restaurant nearby. Stay: Hilton Tokyo (B/L/D)
Immerse yourself in Tokyo’s world-renowned culinary heritage. Visit Tsukiji market to see the day's fresh catch and fragrant food stalls. A sushi lunch follows for the chance to indulge in the Japanese specialty. In the afternoon, explore the dynamic contrasts of the city — moving from the historic Edo period fishing market to the futuristic pulse of Tokyo's modern districts. From the fashion-forward streets of Ginza to the bustling Shibuya Crossing and the serene Meiji Shrine, experience the innovation that defines contemporary Japan alongside your Expedition Leader. The evening is yours to explore the city's endless dining options. Stay: Hilton Tokyo (B/L)
Leave the neon behind for the tranquil Fuji-Hakone region–a landscape of ancient forests and crater lakes, with majestic Mount Fuji in the distance. Stroll the shores of Lake Ashi. Arrive at your traditional ryokan (guesthouse) in the late afternoon. Slip into a cotton yukata and find deep relaxation in the mineral-rich waters of the onsen (hot spring). Conclude the day with a multi-course Kaiseki dinner, a masterpiece of seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation. Stay: Hotel Kajikaso (B/L/D)
Start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast and a final soak in the onsen. Then, experience the speed and engineering marvel of the shinkansen “bullet train” watching the countryside blur past on the ride to Kyoto. Enjoy a bento lunch on board. In Kyoto, step into a world of grace with an authentic tea ceremony led by a Maiko (apprentice geisha). Watch the precise, fluid movements during a traditional dance and learn the symbolism behind the kimono and gestures, gaining a rare, intimate glimpse into the city’s guarded geisha culture. Stay: Dusit Thani Kyoto (B/L)
Seek stillness at Joju-ji Temple with an exclusive Zen meditation session. Guided by a local priest, learn the principles of zazen in a hall normally closed to the public, finding quiet amidst the rustling bamboo and moss gardens. After, share a shojin ryori (vegetarian) meal with the monks, engaging in conversation about their daily lives. In the afternoon, walk the "nightingale floors" of Nijo Castle, designed to chirp under footsteps to warn of intruders. Explore the elegant wooden corridors and painted screens of this Shogunate residence, as your Expedition Leader illuminates the history of the samurai who once walked these halls. Stay: Dusit Thani Kyoto (B/L)
Walk through the endless tunnel of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Watch the sunlight filter through the orange pillars as you wind up the forested hillside, a place of deep spiritual energy dedicated to the Shinto god of rice. For lunch, immerse yourself in Kyoto’s craftsmanship at the Kizakura Sake Brewery. Learn the brewing process and sample three premium sakes, paired with a lunch of sashimi and local delicacies. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Kyoto’s atmospheric alleyways or visit the Gion district at your own pace. Stay: Dusit Thani Kyoto (B/L)
Board the shinkansen “bullet train” for the journey to Hiroshima. The afternoon holds a deeply moving private meeting with an A-bomb survivor. Listen to their firsthand account and reflections on peace — a powerful, emotional encounter that connects you directly to the human history of the city. Afterward, walk through the Peace Memorial Park, pausing at the Atomic Bomb Dome and the cenotaphs. Gain insight into the city’s resilience before concluding the day with a traditional Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki dinner, watching the savory pancakes cooked on a hot griddle. Stay: Hilton Hiroshima (B/D)
Travel to the coastal samurai town of Hagi, a G for Good–supported community. Begin with a welcome ceremony before splitting into small groups to visit local homes. Join families to prepare a seasonal lunch, gaining a personal window into daily life and the warmth of Japanese hospitality. Try your hand at calligraphy and share stories over tea, supporting the preservation of the town’s heritage. Return to Hiroshima in the evening for a light, tapas-style dinner, reflecting on the profound human connections made in Hagi. Stay: Hilton Hiroshima (B/L/D)
Step into the heat and rhythm of a swordsmith’s workshop for a rare look at an ancient craft. Watch the master forge a samurai blade, observing the sparks fly, and take the hammer yourself to strike the steel, feeling the reverence of the tradition. After a local lunch, board the shinkansen to Osaka. Arrive in the evening and settle in with a casual ramen dinner, savoring the rich broth and noodles of one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods in its culinary capital. Stay: W Osaka Hotel (B/L/D)
Stand before the majestic Osaka Castle, a symbol of power and resilience surrounded by massive stone walls and moats. Then, dive into the electrifying atmosphere of Dotonbori, Osaka’s neon-lit foodie district, exploring at your leisure for lunch amidst the giant 3D signs and bustling street food stalls. In the evening, gather for a final presentation from the National Geographic Expeditions Expert, then enjoy a farewell Teppanyaki dinner. Watch as premium Wagyu beef is artfully grilled before your eyes — a culinary performance that marks a fitting finale to your trip. Stay: W Osaka Hotel (B/D)
Your expedition to Japan concludes today. After breakfast, individual transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Witness the power of sumo training up close and share traditional hotpot with wrestlers.
- Experience the grace of Kyoto at a private tea ceremony and dance by an apprentice geisha.
- Strike the steel yourself in a swordsmith’s workshop to learn the rhythm of the craft.
- Find stillness at Joju-ji Temple with an exclusive meditation session led by a Zen priest.
- Cook and connect with local families in the samurai town of Hagi sharing stories over tea.
- Your G for Good Moment: A Day in the Hagi Community, Hagi
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Tokyo
- Your Local Living Moment: Sumo Experience and Chanko Lunch with the Wrestlers, Tokyo
- Your Foodie Moment: Tsukiji Market & Sushi Lunch, Tokyo
- Your Local Living Moment: Maiko Tea Ceremony, Kyoto
- Signature Moment: Expert-led Joju-ji Temple Zen Meditation, Kyoto
- Your Foodie Moment: Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour, Kyoto
- Your Foodie Moment: Okonomiyaki Dinner, Hiroshima
- Your Foodie Moment: Ramen Dinner, Osaka
- Your Hands-On Moment: Swordsmith Workshop, Hiroshima
- Your Foodie Moment: Teppanyaki Dinner, Osaka
- Arrival transfer
- Sumo Experience and Chanko Lunch with Wrestlers
- Asakusa city tour
- Tokyo city tour
- Sightseeing around Hakone-machi Port
- Hakone Shrine
- Japanese Kaiseki dinner
- Nijo castle visit
- Fushimi Inari visit
- Peace memorial park and museum visit
- Visit Osaka castle
- Visit Dotonbori
- Departure transfer
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels (10 Nights), Ryokan (1 Night)
- 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 designated non-smoking rooms. Therefore, we ask hotels to deodorize rooms before check in.
- Ryokan are traditional inns found across Japan. Featuring tatami floors (soft mats of woven straw), futon beds, Japanese-style baths, cotton kimono (casual robe worn to lounge around or to head to the bath), and elaborate kaiseki meals that are pleasing both to the eyes and the pallet, a ryokan is the perfect place to experience traditional customs and hospitality. As ryokan are usually top tier accommodations, most guests stay only one night, often to celebrate a special occasion or holiday. Don’t be intimidated by the formalities inherent to a stay at a ryokan, your hosts will welcome you the same way they do all their guests. Have fun and enjoy this relaxing opportunity to learn more about Japan’s unique customs.
- Please note that some of the traditional Japanese inns only offer shared bathing facilities at the onsen (hot springs) bathing area. This means that individual shower stalls will not be available, instead several shower stations are available in an open, same-sex bathing area. Shared bathhouses and onsen are an essential part of Japan’s culture, traditionally serving as a place for men or women to gather, relax, and discuss the days happenings.
- National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert
- 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners
- Walking
- Bullet Train
- Private Vehicle
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Style: National Geographic Signature
These ultra-premium journeys combine deep cultural immersion with five-star comfort and the authority of National Geographic. Created in collaboration with G Adventures, each experience offers rare access, meaningful connections with communities, and expert insight from leading specialists. With world-class service, thoughtfully curated inclusions, and unforgettable Signature Moments throughout, these journeys are designed for travelers who seek refined luxury without losing a sense of purpose or discovery.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Saturday
06 Mar 2027
06 Mar 27
Tokyo
Wednesday
17 Mar 2027
17 Mar 27
Osaka
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $13,999
US$13,579
Save $420
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
20 Mar 2027
20 Mar 27
Tokyo
Wednesday
31 Mar 2027
31 Mar 27
Osaka
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $14,999
US$14,549
Save $450
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
03 Apr 2027
03 Apr 27
Tokyo
Wednesday
14 Apr 2027
14 Apr 27
Osaka
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $14,999
US$14,549
Save $450
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
17 Apr 2027
17 Apr 27
Tokyo
Wednesday
28 Apr 2027
28 Apr 27
Osaka
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $14,999
US$14,549
Save $450
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
08 May 2027
08 May 27
Tokyo
Wednesday
19 May 2027
19 May 27
Osaka
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $12,999
US$12,609
Save $390
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
18 Sep 2027
18 Sep 27
Tokyo
Wednesday
29 Sep 2027
29 Sep 27
Osaka
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $13,999
US$13,579
Save $420
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
02 Oct 2027
02 Oct 27
Tokyo
Wednesday
13 Oct 2027
13 Oct 27
Osaka
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $13,999
US$13,579
Save $420
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
13 Nov 2027
13 Nov 27
Tokyo
Wednesday
24 Nov 2027
24 Nov 27
Osaka
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $13,999
US$13,579
Save $420
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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 Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
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 Inquire. Additional savings may apply. 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. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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.
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