Experience Japan’s living history, from the neon pulse of Tokyo to the quiet temples of Kyoto. Immerse yourself in samurai traditions, Zen meditation, and the warmth of a community exchange in historic Hagi. Guided by experts, explore a land where ancient customs and vibrant modernity exist in perfect harmony.
Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: A Day in the Hagi Community, Hagi
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Tokyo
Your Local Living Moment: Sumo Experience and Chanko Lunch with the Wrestlers, Tokyo
Your Foodie Moment: Tsukiji Market & Sushi Lunch, Tokyo
Your Local Living Moment: Maiko Tea Ceremony, Kyoto
Signature Moment: Expert-led Joju-ji Temple Zen Meditation, Kyoto
Your Foodie Moment: Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour, Kyoto
Your Foodie Moment: Okonomiyaki Dinner, Hiroshima
Your Foodie Moment: Ramen Dinner, Osaka
Your Hands-On Moment: Swordsmith Workshop, Hiroshima
Your Foodie Moment: Teppanyaki Dinner, Osaka. Arrival transfer. Sumo Experience and Chanko Lunch with Wrestlers. Asakusa city tour. Tokyo city tour. Sightseeing around Hakone-machi Port. Hakone Shrine. Japanese Kaiseki dinner. Nijo castle visit. Fushimi Inari visit. Peace memorial park and museum visit. Visit Osaka castle. Visit Dotonbori. Departure transfer. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Witness the power of sumo training up close and share traditional hotpot with wrestlers, Experience the grace of Kyoto at a private tea ceremony and dance by an apprentice geisha, Strike the steel yourself in a swordsmith’s workshop to learn the rhythm of the craft, Find stillness at Joju-ji Temple with an exclusive meditation session led by a Zen priest, Cook and connect with local families in the samurai town of Hagi sharing stories over tea.
How large will the group be?
Max 22, avg. 18.
What meals are included in this trip?
11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Walking. Bullet Train. Private Vehicle.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (10 nts), Ryokan (1 nt).
Itinerary
Tokyo
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.
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.
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.
Tokyo/Hakone
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.
Hakone/Kyoto
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.
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.
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.
Kyoto/Hiroshima
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.
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.
Hiroshima/Osaka
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.
Osaka
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.
Osaka
Your expedition to Japan concludes today. After breakfast, individual transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
