Signature: Japan's Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.Activity - Your first opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and learn more about your tour before your first full day. Your Expedition Leader will be available at a dedicated hospitality desk at the hotel throughout the day to assist next-day schedule guidance, dining suggestions, and personalized support upon arrival.Accommodation - 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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Begin with a welcome briefing and orientation led by your Expedition Leader, followed by an expert-led “Introduction to Japan” presentation.Activity - Join an expert-led presentation about Japan to begin the journey.Activity - Witness the powerful training of former professional wrestler or amateur wrestler up close, then join them for a hearty chanko-nabe — the traditional hotpot they eat every day to build strength. During the meal, the wrestlers will share their personal stories, experiences, and unique insights into sumo life.Activity - Discover this historic entertainment district on a guided tour of the area with your Expedition Leader. Take in one of Tokyo's iconic sites with a stop at Sensō-ji Temple, a colourful Buddhist temple and the oldest temple in the entire city. Leading up to the temple, the street is lined with shops selling yummy food and great souvenirs.Accommodation - Hilton Tokyo

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: 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. Then enjoy a fresh sushi lunch at the local restaurant nearby.Activity - Join your Expedition leader to discover Tokyo’s captivating contrasts — from the bustling Shibuya Crossing and the serene Meiji Shrine to the sophisticated elegance of Ginza. Experience how tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.Accommodation - Hilton Tokyo

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Stroll along the scenic lakeside at Hakone-Machi Port, enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji.Activity - Experience the ancient traditions of Japan with a night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. The oldest hotels in the world are ryokans, a place for travelers of the 8th century to rest. Here you can soak in the rich mineral water of the onsen hot spring. For dinner indulge in a traditional kaiseki meal, a multi-course meal boasting seasonal ingredients, varied textures and a balance of flavors all tied together with precise presentation.Accommodation - Gora Onsen Setsugekka Bettei Suiun

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

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 - Enjoy an authentic traditional tea ceremony hosted by a real Kyoto geisha, also called a geiko, or their apprentice called a maiko! Watch as they perform a traditional Japanese dance in a room where you and other guests will be allowed to take pictures. During the performance, learn the meanings and symbolisms of the outfits, and dance of the Geisha.Accommodation - Dusit Thani Kyoto

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Step off the busy street and into the quiet world of Joju-ji Temple. This significant Zen Buddhist temple, originally founded in 810 AD and rebuilt during the early Edo Period of 17th century, serves as a sacred place for the practice and teaching of the Zazen school of Zen Buddhism. Take part in a guided zazen meditation led by a Zen priest, held in a private temple hall not open to the public, offering a rare space for reflection and clarity away from the pace of everyday life. Enjoy a traditional lunch with the monks and continue the conversation to deepen your understanding of Buddhism in Japan.Activity - Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both. Join your expedition leader to tour the grounds of the castle and hear stories of the historic samurai-era architecture and rule during the Edo Period.Accommodation - Dusit Thani Kyoto

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.

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 - During your free time, relax at your hotel or explore your surroundings.Activity - Visit a local sake brewery and learn more about this typical Japanese beverage made from fermented rice. Learn about traditional brewing techniques and sample a selection of premium sakes paired with a seasonal lunch. Discover how Japan's celebrated rice wine reflects Kyoto’s craftsmanship and culture.Accommodation - Dusit Thani Kyoto

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: 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.Activity - Have an intimate experience with a survivor of the atomic bomb. They will share their personal experience from the bomb dropping and a reflection of peace.Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Activity - Dig into the delicious Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. This famous savoury dish is known as the "soul food" of Hiroshima. The city's specialty is to layer an abundance of cabbage and yakisoba (fried noodles) and meat, topped with a fried egg, sacue and aonori (dried seaweed fleeks).Accommodation - Hilton Hiroshima

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Get to know a local family at this G Adventures for Good-supported community in Hagi, a farming, fishing and historical heritage town. In recent years, due to the rapidly aging population and limited income opportunities in many of the rural areas of Japan, many community members have had to leave Hagi in order to make a living. Feel the warmth of community with a welcome ceremony. Then learn about local history and customs while cooking a homemade meal with your hosts, try Japanese calligraphy and sip tea as you get to know your hosts.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hilton Hiroshima

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

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 a swordsmith’s workshop for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the ancient art of Japanese sword making — a craft that embodies Japan’s spirit of discipline, precision, and beauty. Try your hand at striking the steel yourself, feeling the heat, rhythm, and reverence that defines this centuries-old tradition. During the visit, the swordsmith will also explain the process of forging and preserving Japanese swords, showcasing some of the beautifully maintained blades.Activity - Slurp down a delicious bowl of ramen in Japan's foodie capital. Whether you prefer soy sauce, miso or pork broth based ramen, tonight is your night to dig in.Accommodation - W Osaka Hotel

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit Osaka Castle, a dramatic symbol of Japan's feudal legacy and resilience. Walk the vast park, admire the golden accents of the main keep, and gain insight into the nation's turbulent samurai past. Don't forget to climb to the observation deck for a breathtaking view of the Osaka skyline contrasted with the historic grounds.Activity - Explore Osaka’s vibrant culinary district, where neon lights and the aroma of sizzling street food fill the air. Take the opportunity to indulge in a restaurant of your choice in this vibrant part of town. Then continue on to wander through Osaka’s lively shopping streets or pick up last-minute souvenirs.Free_time - An afternoon at leisure allows you to check off your list of "must-see" spots in Osaka.Activity - Join a local expert for a wrap up presentation, reflecting on the journey and cultural insights gained throughout the trip.Activity - Celebrate your final evening in Japan with an incredible dinner of teppanyaki, meaning broiled on a steel grill. Enjoy premium wagyu beef and other fresh seasonal ingredients that show off Japan's elevated culinary excellence.Accommodation - W Osaka Hotel

Your expedition to Japan concludes today. After breakfast, individual transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.Activity - Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.