Journeys: Iconic Japan
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From AUD $8369 Was AUD $11159
Small Group
Average
Rating
(7 reviews)
Journeys: Iconic Japan
Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply
12 days
Small Group
Moderate
Average
English
Experience Overview
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.
Includes
Activities
- 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 Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group 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
- Visit Gion Geisha district
- Japan Rail (JR) pass (7 days)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels – 10 nts, traditional Inn – 1 nt, shared facilities,
- 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport
- Bullet train, express train, local train, ferry, metro, taxi, public bus, walking.
Group Leader
- National Geographic Expedition Leader
Highlights
- 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
Trip Details
12 days
Bullet train, express train, local train, ferry, metro, taxi, public bus, walking.
English
Tokyo, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Moderate
National Geographic Journey, Budget
Average
Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo
There are no activities planned today until your evening welcome meeting. Please ensure you arrive on time for the welcome meeting and bring your passport so your National Geographic Expedition Leader can collect the required information for your train tickets. Refer to your voucher for the most up to date welcome meeting time.
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.Accommodation - Premier Hotel Cabin President Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo
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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get around underground via public transit.Activity - Join your group for a guided orientation walk as you explore eclectic and modern Tokyo.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 - 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.Accommodation - Premier Hotel Cabin President Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo
After your sushi lunch, take a stroll in Asakusa, the historic heart of Tokyo.
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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get around underground via public transit.Activity - Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market, formerly known as the biggest fish and seafood market in the world, to get an idea of how important this industry is in Tokyo.Activity - Walk through the Tsukiji outer Market. Later, take in a class with recognized sushi masters. learning first how to recognize the freshest ingredients, before learning to prepare, fillet, and perform the delicate art of sushi-making and presentation. Then, try your own hand at making sushi and enjoy a taste of your own creation.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 - Premier Hotel Cabin President Tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo/Tsumago
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get around underground via public transit.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Take a walk through the countryside, passing farms, hamlets, and rice patties, continuing into Tsumago, a traditional village. Considered one of the best preserved post towns in Japan, the residents go to great lengths to recreate the feel of the Edo Period. Motorized vehicles are prohibited from the main street during the day and phone lines and power cables are hidden to allow visitors to feel as if they have stepped back in time.Accommodation - Hanaya Tsumago Ryokan
Day 5: Tsumago/Kanazawa
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Transport - Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Step back in time with a visit to the Nagamachi Samurai district of Kanazawa. Take a walk through the historic samurai district located just below the Kanazawa Castle, where traditionally samurai and their families lived in mud huts.Activity - Visit the Nomura Family Samurai Residence - who held executive posts from one generation to the next under rule of the Maeda family. A stunning landmark has a coffered ceiling constructed of Japanese cypress and stunning fusuma-e (paintings on sliding-door panels) which were created by the personal painter of the Maeda family. Also enjoy the garden which features a 400-year old Japanese bayberry and winding stream surrounded by ancient rocks.Accommodation - ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa
Day 6: Kanazawa
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the famous Ninja Temple. While there's no evidence linking the temple to ninjas, the hidden doorways, passages and escape routes seem designed for stealthy attackers. Please leave all nunchucks with security. Activity - Partake in a hands-on experience in one of Kanazawa's many famous craft studios and enjoy chop stick and gold leaf painting.Free_time - Enjoy some free time to explore on your own.Activity - Step back in time with a visit to the Higashi Chaya geisha district of Kanazawa. Learn about the geisha culture, prevalent in Kanazawa since the 17th century. Visit the traditional two-story wooden houses decorated with lattice and discover the traditions behind this iconic Japanese way of life.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa
Day 7: Kanazawa/Hiroshima
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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Transport - Move through the busy streets with ease via urban light rail.Activity - Walk through the Peace Park in the centre of Hiroshima, a living memorial dedicated to the tens of thousands who died from the atomic bomb blast in 1945. Visit the statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died of leukemia as a result of the bomb blast, despite folding 1,000 origami paper cranes to appeal to the gods to make her well. See the frame of the Gembaku Dome, the sole building to withstand the explosion. Reflect, remember, and be reminded of the power we all hold to create peace.Accommodation - ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima
Day 8: Hiroshima
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.Activity - Take a trip to Miyajima Island, famed as one of Japan's most scenic spots, with a free afternoon to explore. See the famous floating Torii Gate, set out in the bay, which glows extraordinarily at sunset. The island is dotted with shrines and temples, populated by deer, and traversed with hiking trails for those who want to get some exercise. There are also lanes full of souvenirs and tasty treats. Visit Miyajima at your own pace, and have the option to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.Free_time - Enjoy some time to explore on your own.Accommodation - ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima
Day 9: Hiroshima/Kyoto
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.
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 - Visit the stunning Himeji Castle, which unlike many other Japanese castles was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes, or fires and continues to stand in its original form. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the initial site was built in the 14th century and grew over time as the various clans who ruled over the region continued to expand. The complex, as it stands today, was completed in 1609.Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.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 - Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande
Day 10: Kyoto
Meals included: Breakfast
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 - Take a train excursion to the peaceful gardens and ancient temples of Nara, home of Japan's largest Buddha, and a number of cute and docile deer that are the sacred symbol of the Kasuga Taisha shrine.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.Accommodation - Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande
Day 11: Kyoto
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit a local temple to learn about the history and practice of Zen Buddhism in Japan. One of the monks will instruct us in Zen meditation and Zen calligraphy. This insider access will allow us deeper insight into Japanese culture and beliefs, as well as how to use these techniques to reduce stress in our daily lives.Activity - Relax with a traditional bowl of matcha tea at this historic temple where tea ceremony was developed into its current form by famous tea master, Rikyu.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 - Explore Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion, named for the temple’s top two floors that are covered in gold leaf. The temple is surrounded by trees and sits on a reflective pond, making this must-see in Kyoto a perfect place for photos. While the temple can be busy, there are gardens around the area to explore once you’ve had enough of the view.Accommodation - Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande
Day 12: Kyoto
Meals included: Breakfast
- 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.
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.
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.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
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.
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.
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.
From
AUD $11159
Duration: 12 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Average
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.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 21 Apr 2026
Customer Reviews
05/21/2024
Iconic Japan tour was a great introduction to Japan.
11/06/2023
This tour is a fabulous introduction to Japan. It is fast paced with lots of walking and use of Japan’s massive transportation system- from the bullet train to the subway with someone to guide you through the complexities. Our guide, Mika, was exceptional making sure each individual’s needs were met and sharing her vast knowledge of the country and culture. The itinerary was varied from big city to country side and we found the Japanese people to always be polite and helpful. The group is limited to 15 or less so you get to know everyone. We were fortunate to have a great group.
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
05/21/2024
Iconic Japan tour was a great introduction to Japan.
11/06/2023
This tour is a fabulous introduction to Japan. It is fast paced with lots of walking and use of Japan’s massive transportation system- from the bullet train to the subway with someone to guide you through the complexities. Our guide, Mika, was exceptional making sure each individual’s needs were met and sharing her vast knowledge of the country and culture. The itinerary was varied from big city to country side and we found the Japanese people to always be polite and helpful. The group is limited to 15 or less so you get to know everyone. We were fortunate to have a great group.
09/26/2023
The tour was well organized, and provided great insight into Japanese culture and history
01/06/2023
The tour was a fantastic display of both Japanese culture and sights. The group I was with was great enhancing the already wonderful experience. I was also travelling with an elderly individual so I didn't know how well they would take to the physical requirements of the tour, but are tour guide made every effort to accommodate them when they could - be it taking a little bit of a detour to find a elevator; escalator or always checking in on them when they could which we both appreciated greatly. I was also interested in Japanese culture personally so I would ask the guide different questions related to the topic and they answered each question gleefully, glad that I was taking a personal interest into the subject. With that said I'm already planning my next trip back.
09/15/2019
I loved this tour and I would book it again! You get a perfect overview of nice places in Japan, with a perfect mix between traditional Japanese and modern culture. Everything was nicely planned and organized by our amazing guide, resulting in no worries and no stress during the trip. The hotels, the transportation, the food...everything was great. I especially liked the additionally planned activities/experiences, such as the chopstick gold leaf experience or the meeting with the Kembu Masters. Also the size of the group (10 persons) was a very good fit.
11/03/2018
I enjoyed the contrast between urban and rural Japan. We also got to see the fish market in Tokyo and enjoy a sushi demonstration and meal. Travelling with a small group made it and easy adventure. National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures commented on this review That's fantastic to hear - thank you Paul.
08/12/2018
This was such an amazing trip. It's a great mix of modern culture and traditional Japanese experiences. Our guide was perfect in making sure we all had a wonderful experience, and tailor-made recommendations for our own free time. There was a great mix... Show more National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures commented on this review YES! So happy you had a great time in Japan - what a place! Thanks for travelling the world with us.
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