Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times - G Adventures Tour
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G Adventures Guided Tour

Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times

11 Days 47 Departures
From $4,912 per person

Tour Overview

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 Summary

Duration11 Days / 10 Nights
OperatorG Adventures
Departures47 in 2026–2028
Starting From$4,912 pp

Tour Route

Map of your 11-day journey

Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times route map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

11 days through your journey

Day 1

Tokyo

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.
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 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.
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 of each. Savour your creations for a nutritious lunch and spend the rest of the day discovering Tokyo at leisure.
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 intake, earn basic technique and watch Sumo wrestling. After the class, journey to Nagano, the beautiful mountain city that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. Settle into our historic ryokan — or traditional Japanese inn — located just outside the city, in the hot springs town of Shibu Onsen.
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 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.
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, 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!
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 donuts, sesame ice cream, and more, taking your taste buds on a culinary roller coaster. This evening, venture to Gion, Kyoto’s renowned geisha district. As you wander its lantern-lit streets, you might catch a glimpse of a geisha — traditional female entertainers recognizable by their distinctive makeup.
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 class, rolling up your sleeves to make a steaming bowl of ramen noodles.
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 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.
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 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.
Day 11

Kyoto

Depart any time.

Departure Dates & Pricing

47 departures available

Departure DateEnd DateStatusPrice Per Person
Jul 12, 2026 Jul 22, 2026 Available $4,912per person Get Quote
Jul 19, 2026 Jul 29, 2026 Available $6,549per person Get Quote
Jul 26, 2026 Aug 5, 2026 Available $5,239per person Get Quote
Aug 2, 2026 Aug 12, 2026 Available $6,549per person Get Quote
Aug 14, 2026 Aug 24, 2026 Available $5,239per person Get Quote
Nov 20, 2026 Nov 30, 2026 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Dec 20, 2026 Dec 30, 2026 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Mar 14, 2027 Mar 24, 2027 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Mar 19, 2027 Mar 29, 2027 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Mar 21, 2027 Mar 31, 2027 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Mar 26, 2027 Apr 5, 2027 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Mar 28, 2027 Apr 7, 2027 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Apr 2, 2027 Apr 12, 2027 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Apr 9, 2027 Apr 19, 2027 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Jun 11, 2027 Jun 21, 2027 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Jun 20, 2027 Jun 30, 2027 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Jun 25, 2027 Jul 5, 2027 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Jul 2, 2027 Jul 12, 2027 Available $6,599per person Get Quote
Jul 18, 2027 Jul 28, 2027 Available $6,599per person Get Quote
Jul 30, 2027 Aug 9, 2027 Available $6,599per person Get Quote
Aug 13, 2027 Aug 23, 2027 Available $6,599per person Get Quote
Aug 15, 2027 Aug 25, 2027 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Nov 26, 2027 Dec 6, 2027 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Dec 13, 2027 Dec 23, 2027 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Dec 17, 2027 Dec 27, 2027 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Mar 5, 2028 Mar 15, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Mar 17, 2028 Mar 27, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Mar 19, 2028 Mar 29, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Mar 24, 2028 Apr 3, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Mar 26, 2028 Apr 5, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Apr 2, 2028 Apr 12, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Apr 9, 2028 Apr 19, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Jun 9, 2028 Jun 19, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Jun 16, 2028 Jun 26, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Jun 21, 2028 Jul 1, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Jun 30, 2028 Jul 10, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Jul 2, 2028 Jul 12, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Jul 9, 2028 Jul 19, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Jul 16, 2028 Jul 26, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Jul 23, 2028 Aug 2, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Jul 30, 2028 Aug 9, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Aug 4, 2028 Aug 14, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Aug 11, 2028 Aug 21, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Aug 13, 2028 Aug 23, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Nov 19, 2028 Nov 29, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Dec 11, 2028 Dec 21, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote
Dec 15, 2028 Dec 25, 2028 Available $6,299per person Get Quote

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