Japan Family Journey:
A National
Geographic Expedition
11 Days / 10 Nights Itinerary
Japan: 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 miso-infused culinary concoctions. In this fascinating land of anime, snow monkeys, and high-speed trains, there is something to delight every member of the family.
Tour Includes:
Accommodation & Meals
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10 nights: 9 hotels, 1 traditional ryokan
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10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners (incl. kaiseki dinner)
Transport
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Bullet, express & local trains; ferry, metro, taxi, bus, walking
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All transport between destinations & activities included
Experiences & Activities
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Welcome meeting with Expedition Leader
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Tokyo tour (Meiji Jingu Shrine, Asakusa, Harajuku)
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Taiko drumming, sumo class (with former wrestler), Okinawa cooking class (Tokyo)
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Nagano: miso foodie experience, Zenkō-ji Temple, Jigokudani Monkey Park (snow monkeys), Matsumoto Castle
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Kyoto: ramen-making class, Kembu Masters, Nishiki Market & Gion walk
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Visits to Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kiyomizu-dera
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Nara tour (Tōdaiji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine, Naramachi district)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo and settle in before meeting your fellow travellers and Expedition Leader for an exciting start to your journey.
Included Activities
Welcome Moment – Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group.
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 check the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet.
Transportation
Tokyo Airport to Hotel
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 (or similar) – Hotel
Day 2 – Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo and explore the city using its extensive public transit system, visiting historic and cultural highlights before taking part in an interactive taiko drumming experience.
Included Activities
Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit
Visit this shrine dedicated to the 123rd emperor of Japan, Emperor Meiji, and his wife. It’s a peaceful escape from the city, with wide walking paths through forested grounds.
Harajuku Visit
Explore the centre of Japanese youth culture and fashion, featuring a mix of independent boutiques, dining spots, and international luxury stores.
Your Family Moment – Traditional Taiko Drumming Class
Join a professional Wadaiko drummer to learn about the history and construction of taiko drums, proper posture, stance (kamae), and technique. Practice three styles and perform as a group.
Asakusa Walk
Discover this historic district on a guided orientation walk, including a visit to Sensō-ji Temple.
Transportation
Tokyo (local transit)
Get around using Tokyo’s efficient underground and public transit system.
Accommodation
The Gate Hotel Ryogoku by HULIC (or similar) – Hotel
Day 3 – Tokyo
Learn the secrets of Japanese longevity during an Okinawa cooking class, then enjoy free time to explore Tokyo at your own pace.
Included Activities
Your Family Journeys Moment – Okinawa Cooking Class
Take part in a hands-on class exploring the Okinawan diet and lifestyle, known for promoting long life. Prepare a variety of dishes using traditional ingredients and learn about their health benefits, then enjoy your creations for lunch.
Free Time in Tokyo
Spend the rest of the day exploring at leisure. Options include visiting Ueno Park or heading up Tokyo Tower for panoramic city views.
Meals
Breakfast | Lunch
Transportation
Tokyo (metro, public bus, walking)
Get around using public transit and on foot throughout the day.
Optional Activities (additional cost)
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Ueno Park Visit
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Tokyo Tower Visit
Accommodation
The Gate Hotel Ryogoku by HULIC (or similar) – Hotel
Day 4 – Tokyo / Nagano (area)
Start the day with an introduction to Japan’s national sport, sumo wrestling, before travelling by train to Nagano and onward to the traditional hot springs town of Shibu Onsen.
Included Activities
Your Family Journeys Moment – Sumo Wrestling Class
Learn about the history and traditions of sumo with a former wrestler. Try on a traditional sumo belt, practice basic techniques, and experience this ancient martial art firsthand.
Free Time in Shibu Onsen
Enjoy time to explore this charming hot springs town at your own pace.
Meals
Breakfast | Dinner
Transportation
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Tokyo (metro)
Travel via public transit within the city.
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Bullet Train – Tokyo to Nagano (3 hrs)
High-speed journey to Nagano.
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Local Train – Nagano to Shibu Onsen (1 hr)
Scenic transfer to the hot springs town.
Accommodation
Issa no Komichi Biyu no Yado (or similar) – Ryokan
Day 5 – Nagano
Visit the famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani before travelling to Nagano to explore the historic Zenko-ji Temple and enjoy free time in the city.
Included Activities
Jigokudani Monkey Park Visit
Observe wild Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathing in natural hot springs. Watch them roam freely along the paths and relax in the warm thermal pools.
Zenkō-ji Temple Visit
Explore this 7th-century Buddhist temple, one of Japan’s most important pilgrimage sites and home to the first Buddha statue brought to the country.
Free Time in Nagano
Enjoy time to explore the city at your own pace.
Meals
Breakfast
Transportation
Local Train – Shibu Onsen to Nagano (1 hr)
Travel by train to Nagano city.
Accommodation
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano (or similar) – Hotel
Day 6 – Nagano
Travel to Matsumoto to explore one of Japan’s most iconic castles, then enjoy a hands-on miso experience before returning to Nagano.
Included Activities
Matsumoto Castle Visit
Explore one of Japan’s most treasured 16th-century castles, known as the “Crow Castle” for its striking black exterior. Wander its original wooden interiors and learn about its samurai history.
Your Foodie Moment – Miso Foodie Experience
Visit a traditional miso producer founded in 1868 and discover how this essential Japanese ingredient is made using time-honoured methods. Learn about its cultural and health significance, sample fresh miso soup, and even try miso ice cream.
Meals
Breakfast
Transportation
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Local Train – Nagano to Matsumoto (1 hr 30 min)
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Local Train – Matsumoto to Nagano (1 hr 30 min)
Accommodation
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano (or similar) – Hotel
Day 7 – Nagano / Kyoto
Travel by bullet train to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital, and explore its famous food markets and historic geisha district.
Included Activities
Nishiki Market Visit
Stroll through Kyoto’s most popular food market, known for its wide variety of local specialties. Opt to sample items like barbecued quail, soy milk donuts, and sesame ice cream.
Gion Walk
Explore Kyoto’s renowned geisha district, with its lantern-lit streets, traditional teahouses, shops, and restaurants. You may even spot a geisha or maiko along the way.
Meals
Breakfast
Transportation
Bullet Train – Nagano to Kyoto (3 hrs)
High-speed journey to Kyoto.
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo by IHG (or similar) – Hotel
Day 8 – Kyoto
Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, then take part in a hands-on ramen cooking class and enjoy free time in Kyoto, with the option to explore famous temples.
Included Activities
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit
Explore this famous shrine just outside Kyoto, dedicated to the Shinto god of rice. Walk through the thousands of vermilion torii gates along scenic forested trails.
Your Family Journeys Moment – Ramen Making Class
Learn about the history and varieties of ramen, then take part in a hands-on cooking experience. Prepare noodles, chashu, and other ingredients from scratch before enjoying your creation for lunch.
Free Time in Kyoto
Spend time exploring the city at your own pace.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) Visit
Visit the famous temple known for its gold-leaf-covered upper floors and tranquil surrounding gardens.
Meals
Breakfast | Lunch
Transportation
Kyoto (bus, metro, walking)
Travel around the city using public transport and on foot.
Optional Activities (Additional Cost)
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Tofukuji Temple Visit
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Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo by IHG (or similar) – Hotel
Day 9 – Nara
Spend the day exploring Nara, Japan’s first capital, visiting its historic temples, shrines, and famous free-roaming deer before returning to Kyoto.
Included Activities
Tōdai-ji Temple Complex Visit
Explore this UNESCO-listed temple, home to the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world.
Kasuga Grand Shrine Visit
Visit this historic shrine founded in 768 AD, known for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns lining peaceful forest walkways.
Nara Park & Naramachi District (free exploration)
Wander Nara Park, where semi-domesticated deer roam freely, and explore the traditional shops and galleries of the Naramachi district.
Meals
Breakfast
Transportation
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Local Train – Kyoto (Fushimiinari-eki) to Nara (1 hr 15 min)
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Local Train – Nara to Kyoto (1 hr 15 min)
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo by IHG (or similar) – Hotel
Day 10 – Kyoto
Unleash your inner samurai with sword training and a kembu performance, then explore Kyoto’s famous Kiyomizudera Temple before a farewell dinner to end your Japan journey.
Included Activities
Your Family Journeys Moment – Kembu Masters
Learn about kembu, the traditional samurai sword art. Watch masters perform and practice basic sword techniques, discovering how samurai built focus and courage through this discipline.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple Visit
Explore this UNESCO-listed Buddhist temple in Kyoto, originally founded in 798. Perched on a hillside, it features sacred water believed to grant wishes, giant prayer bowls, and the Tainai Meguri underground passage symbolizing spiritual enlightenment.
Meals
Breakfast | Dinner
Transportation
Not specified for this day
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo by IHG (or similar) – Hotel
Day 11 – Kyoto (Departure Day)
Day overview
Depart any time.
Meals included
breakfast