11 Day Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times

Fully Guided Adventure Small Group Family

Our Price From 7,839 Per Person

Exclusive Savings 179 Per Person

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Trip Length

11 Days

Trip Starts

Tokyo

Trip Finishes

Kyoto

11 Day Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times Itinerary (G Adventures)

Countries Explored: Japan

Trip Operator

G Adventures

103 Reviews

Trip Style

National Geographic Family Journeys

Departures

Mar 2025 to Dec 2026

Budget

Affordable

Max. Group Size

Pace

Moderate

Guide Level

Fully Guided

Trip Code

AJTNF

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 11 Day Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times. 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. Wander Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, practice sumo wrestling and samurai swordplay, and sample wasabi-infused culinary concoctions. In this fascinating land of anime, snow monkeys, and high-speed trains, there is something to delight every...read more

Itinerary

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. Stay: Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome

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. Stay: Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome (B)

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. Stay: Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome (B/L)

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. Stay: Issa no Komichi Biyu no Yado (B/D)

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. Stay: Hotel Metropolitan Nagano (B)

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! Stay: Hotel Metropolitan Nagano (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. Wander past huge wooden structures and multi-storied pagodas, all linked with famous walkways. Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma (B)

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. Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma (B/L)

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. Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma (B)

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. Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma (B/D)

There are no planned activities today and you are free to depart at any time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

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.

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 CEOs
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

Hotels (9 Nights), traditional Inn (1 Night)
Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate triples/quad requests whenever possible and it's important to note that rooming configuration can change from city to city and 2 single beds are the standard configuration in a room.
Please remember that hotel/lodge standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel.
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.

2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout

10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

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

Brochure

G Adventures National Geographic Journeys (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

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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.

Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times

Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo

Day 3: Tokyo

Day 4: Tokyo - Nagano (area)

Day 5: Nagano

Day 6: Nagano

Day 7: Nagano - Kyoto

Day 8: Kyoto

Day 9: Nara

Day 10: Kyoto

Day 11: Kyoto

Trip Inclusions Expand All

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G Adventures National Geographic Journeys (2023-24)

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