Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times

11 days
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Small Group Tour
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 cul...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

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

What's this trip about?

    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.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityTokyo
End CityKyoto

Destinations

Trip includes

    • Your Family Journeys Moment: Traditional Taiko Drumming Class
    • TokyoYour Family Journeys Moment: Okinawa Cooking Class
    • TokyoYour Family Journeys Moment: Sumo Wrestling Class
    • TokyoYour Foodie Moment: Miso Foodie Experience
    • NaganoYour Family Journeys Moment: Ramen Making Class
    • KyotoYour 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
    • Departure transfers

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Tokyo

Arrive in time to meet your fellow travelers for a welcome gathering this evening. Your arrival transfer is included.

On our tours in Japan we use public transport, making use of Japan's world famous transportation system. From the super fast Shinkansen Bullet T...

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 ...

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 o...

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 inta...

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...

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, v...

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 do...

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...

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 Kasu...

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 hi...

Day 11 Kyoto

Depart any time.

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

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,799
Price per day$527
Last Updated: 6/3/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
16 Mar 2025
26 Mar 2025
$6,699
21 Mar 2025
31 Mar 2025
$6,699
23 Mar 2025
02 Apr 2025
$6,699
28 Mar 2025
07 Apr 2025
$6,699
30 Mar 2025
09 Apr 2025
$6,699
04 Apr 2025
14 Apr 2025
$6,699
15 Jun 2025
25 Jun 2025
$5,999
20 Jun 2025
30 Jun 2025
$5,999
22 Jun 2025
02 Jul 2025
$5,999
25 Jun 2025
05 Jul 2025
$5,999

Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets.

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

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

Transportation & Flights

Bullet train, express train, local train, ferry, metro, taxi, public bus, walking,On our tours in Japan we use public transport, making use of Japan's world famous transportation system. From the super fast Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kyoto's extensive local bus network, we ride with the locals.

Transportation & flights

Bullet train, express train, local train, ferry, metro, taxi, public bus, walking On our tours in Japan we use public transport, making use of Japan's world famous transportation system. From the super fast Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kyoto's extensive local bus network, we ride with the locals.
Guides
2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout
Requirements
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.,We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Odd number adult travellers in your family will be paired in twin accommodation with another adult traveller of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Health & Safety
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical information pertaining to the country you are travelling to well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as a full supply of any personal medical requirements. In Asia, you will not find the same drugs as you get at home. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. Also note that for legal reasons our Leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if, in the reasonable opinion of the CEO, they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Meals Included
10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
gadventure-25163

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