Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times

G Adventures · 11 days

5.0

3 Reviews

Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Japan is a feast for the senses, from its electrifying neon-lit neighbourhoods to tranquil hilltop temples. Experience an intriguing mix of modernity and tradition as we explore dazzling Tokyo, imperial Kyoto, and the mountain city of Nagano.

Includes

Activities

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group Your Family Journeys Moment: Traditional Taiko Drumming Class, Tokyo Your Family Journeys Moment: Okinawa Cooking Class, Tokyo Your Family Journeys Moment: Sumo Wrestling Class, Tokyo Your Foodie Moment: Miso Foodie Experience, Nagano Your Family Journeys Moment: Ramen Making Class, Kyoto Your Family Journeys Moment: Kembu Masters, Kyoto
Tour of Tokyo including Meiji Jingu Shrine, Asakusa and Harajuku districts
Traditional taiko Japanese drumming class
Sumo class led by a former wrestler
Sleep in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) and enjoy a kaiseki dinner
See wild snow monkeys at the Jigokudani Monkey Park
Visit the Buddhist temple of Zenkō-ji
Visit Matsumoto castle
Visit a local miso experience
Walk through the Nishiki Market and Gion Geisha District with your National Geographic Expedition Leader
Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Take part in a ramen making class
Tour Nara including visits to the Tōdaiji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine and the Naramachi district
Visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotels (9 nts), traditional Inn (1 nt)

10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

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

Group Leader

Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group

Highlights

Take part in a traditional taiko drumming class
Learn about the health benefits of the Okinawan cuisine
Meet and train with a former sumo wrestler
Watch wild snow monkeys bathe in hot springs
Learn all about miso
Delve into delicious Japanese cuisine while creating your own ramen
Encounter fearless deer in the gardens of Nara Park
Learn about the legendary swordsmanship of the samurai

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

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

Guide Language

English

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Finishes

Kyoto, Japan

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Family, National Geographic Journey, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Transport - You will be transferred from the airport to your start hotel. Please note your arrival transfer is included from both Haneda and Narita Airports.Accommodation - The Gate Hotel Ryogoku by HULIC

Day 2: Tokyo

Today, we'll see Tokyo from a local's perspective, traveling by public transit. We start from a traditional Japanese taiko drumming class. Hear how these traditional wooden drums are made and learn three different playing techniques. Put your newly acquired skills to the test during a group performance together with a professional Wadaiko drummer. Later a visit to the serene Meiji Jingu shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji. Then hit the streets of the buzzing Harajuku district, where kitschy-cute street fashion and candy-colored wigs are the order of the day.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get around underground via public transit.Activity - Visit this shrine dedicated to the 123rd emperor of Japan, Emperor Meiji and his wife. The shrine is a great place to escape the bustle of the city and wander the grounds along the wide walking paths.Activity - The Harajuku district is known as the centre of Japanese youth culture and fashion. Here, find dozens of shopping and dining options including independent boutiques and larger international luxury stores.Activity - Take part in a Taiko drumming class facilitated by a professional Wadaiko drummer. Learn how wadaiko is made, the history of Taiko, how to stand (posture), kamae instruction (the stance), and how to hold the drumsticks. Learn and practice three different styles and then perform together as a group.Activity - Discover this historic entertainment district on a guided orientation tour of the area. Take in one of Tokyo's iconic sites with a stop at Sensoji temple.Accommodation - The Gate Hotel Ryogoku by HULIC

Day 3: Tokyo

Learn Japanese secrets to longevity in a cooking class on Okinawa cuisine, originating from the Japanese island reputed to have the highest life expectancy in the world. Prepare a selection of dishes using typical ingredients and learn about the beneficial qualities of each. Savour your creations for a nutritious lunch and spend the rest of the day discovering Tokyo at leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get around underground via public transit.Activity - Learn about the Okinawan diet and lifestyle during a hands-on cooking class and demonstration. Residents of this Japanese island are known for their long lifespans; adopting their practises might improve your quality of life and help you avoid the onset of common diseases as you age. Prepare a selection of dishes and learn about the typical foods in this diet.Free_time - Enjoy some time to explore the city on your own. Opt to visit Ueno Park or head to the top of the Tokyo Tower and take in stunning views of the city.Accommodation - The Gate Hotel Ryogoku by HULIC

Day 4: Tokyo/Nagano (area)

This morning, take a crash course in Japan's national sport: sumo wrestling! Get initiated into this explosive martial art, which originated as a religious ritual more than a thousand years ago. Learn about the wrestlers' rigorous routine and mindboggling calorie intake, earn basic technique and watch Sumo wrestling. After the class, journey to Nagano, the beautiful mountain city that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. Settle into our historic ryokan — or traditional Japanese inn — located just outside the city, in the hot springs town of Shibu Onsen.
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), and kaiseki meals (often served in the comfort of your own room); a ryokan is the perfect place to experience traditional customs and local immersion. The Ryokan is a simple, traditional Inn with few amenities and shared facilities, have fun and enjoy this relaxing opportunity to learn more about Japan's unique customs.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get around underground via public transit.Activity - Learn all about the history of sumo with a former Sumo wrestler. Wearing a traditional Sumo belt, go through sumo training and learn basic moves of this ancient martial art.Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Free_time - Enjoy some free time to wander thought this traditional hot springs town.Accommodation - Issa no Komichi Biyu no Yado

Day 5: Nagano

Nagano is home to the Japanese macaque, or snow monkey — one of the only primate species that can survive below freezing temperatures. Venture to Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Snow Monkey Park) to watch these furry simians scampering about the rocks or taking a soak in one of the thermal pools, fed by natural hot springs. Then head into Nagano city to explore the 7th-century Buddhist temple of Zenkoji, home to the very first Buddha statue brought to Japan.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild snow monkeys can be seen bathing in the natural hot springs. The pool where most of the monkeys soak is man made, fed by the hot springs. Along the walking paths up to the pools other monkeys tend to stop and watch visitors curiously.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Visit the Buddhist temple of Zenkō-ji, one of the last remaining pilgrimage sites. Built in the 7th century, the city of Nagano was built around the already standing structure.Free_time - Enjoy some time to explore the city on your own.Accommodation - Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

Day 6: Nagano

Travel to Matsumoto for a visit to one of Japan's most treasured castles. Known as the “crow castle” for its imposing black exterior, the Matsumoto fortress dates back to the 16th century and was once a stronghold of the samurai, Japan's elite military class. Later, visit Ishii Miso, founded in 1868 at the end of the Edo era, and see how they are still producing miso by a unique traditional method. Check out massive wooden barrels and learn about Miso— a soybean paste and essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Nagano Prefecture is known as the top producer of miso in Japan. Let's have a taste of Miso soup and even Miso ice cream!

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.Activity - Stop at the castle of Matsumoto one of Japan's most treasured castles, maintaining it's original wooden interior and stone exterior. Explore this castle where 16th century Samurai once roamed before venturing out with the group to wander Matsumoto's ancient streets and or dine in a traditional storehouse.Activity - Miso Foodie Experience is where we can learn all about why Miso is so important in Japanese culture, food & health in Japan. In National Geographic Traveller Magazine, Nat Geo agrees in the article Five Ways with Miso that Miso is quintessentially Japanese yet it is super versatile. Miso is fermented food so it is very healthy. In this foodie experience, suitable for all ages, taste delicious Miso soup straight from the source and see for yourself how great this Japanese specialty is. We’ll even try Miso ice cream. In Japanese, we say “oishii” when something is delicious!Transport - Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.Accommodation - Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

Day 7: Nagano/Kyoto

Hop on the bullet train to Kyoto, which served as Japan's imperial capital for more than a millennium. Delve into the aromatic alleys of Nishiki Market, one of the most popular food markets in the city. Opt to sample local specialties like barbecued quail, soy milk donuts, sesame ice cream, and more, taking your taste buds on a culinary roller coaster. This evening, venture to Gion, Kyoto's renowned geisha district. As you wander its lantern-lit streets, you might catch a glimpse of a geisha — traditional female entertainers recognizable by their distinctive makeup.
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. Wander past huge wooden structures and multi-storied pagodas, all linked with famous walkways.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Activity - Take a walk through the famous Nishiki Market renowned as the best place to get your hands on Kyoto’s most famous street food.Activity - Walk through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Visit shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain.Accommodation - Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo by IHG

Day 8: Kyoto

This morning, pay a visit to the Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, this beautiful temple is known for its Senbon Torii — a stunning walkaway of vermilion-colored gates. Later, dive into another fun-filled cooking class, rolling up your sleeves to make a steaming bowl of ramen noodles.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Walk under the thousands of iconic torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area.Activity - Learn about the history and cultural aspects of Ramen during a lunch time cooking class. This includes, Japanese life and Ramen, Ramen types and variety, brief explanation about the ingredients used and the cooking procedure, a “Ramen Making Experience” (making ramen from scratch under guidance of one or two guides depending on the group size) which includes: making/draining the noodles, making chashu. The best part? Enjoy your creation for lunch! and you will get a recipe later !Free_time - Enjoy some time to explore the city on your own.Accommodation - Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo by IHG

Day 9: Nara

Spend the day discovering ancient Nara, where Japan's first capital was established in the early 8th century. Immerse yourself in the ornate halls of the Todaiji temple, and gaze upon the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world, standing nearly 50 feet tall. At Kasuga Taisha, Nara's most celebrated shrine, stroll romantic walkways lined with hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns, and wander amid the gardens of Nara Park, where herds of semi-domesticated deer roam free. Check out the shops and galleries of the Naramachi district before returning to Kyoto.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Explore the famed Tōdaiji Temple which features the largest bronze Buddha in the world.Activity - Visit this Shinto shrine originally built in 768 AD by the Fujiwara family. This stunning shrine is famed for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo by IHG

Day 10: Kyoto

Unleash your inner warrior this morning with a lesson on samurai swordplay. Learn how to wield a Japanese sword and witness an unforgettable performance by masters of kembu, or sword dance. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Kiyomizudera temple, perched on a hilltop near a sacred waterfall. There is much to keep you busy here: ring giant prayer bowls, sip holy water — said to have wish-fulfilling qualities — or muster the courage to walk through the Tainai Meguri, a lightless underground tunnel that symbolizes the visitor's journey to enlightenment. This evening, celebrate your Japan adventure at a farewell dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Gain an understanding of kembu, an ancient art form that honours the culture of the Japanese warrior class, the samurai. Watch kembu masters practice this delicate artform and learn for yourself the basic moves of properly using a Japanese sword. It’s said that in feudal times, samurai would perform these traditional routines to build courage and improve concentration, thereby expressing the spirit of the warrior.Activity - Visit the Kiyomizu Temple, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto and part of Kyoto's UNESCO listed sights. Originally built in 798, the current structures were built in 1633 without the use of a single nail.Accommodation - Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo by IHG

Day 11: Kyoto

Depart any time.
There are no planned activities today and you are free to depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $9459

AUD $7,094

(Tour only)

Offer ends 28 Mar, 2026 Per Person Standard

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 27 Mar 2026

View Map

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Lynda

Traveled, April 2024

05/19/2024

We want to thank Tour Radar for making this trip so seamless. Every inquiry was answered quickly and all details of the trip were thoroughly explained and easy to access. This is our second tour using them and we will continue to seek out adventures on their web site in future.

5.0

Suzanne

Traveled, April 2024

05/18/2024

Really enjoyed trip. Guide Jiro Hattori was very organized and helpful. Good variety of rural, cultural and urban activities.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

Book Now