Journeys: Iconic Japan - G Adventures Tour
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G Adventures Guided Tour

Journeys: Iconic Japan

12 Days 142 Departures
From $6,137 per person

Tour Overview

In Japan, tradition and modernity are celebrated side-by-side in ways that often appear contradictory. Immerse yourself in this intriguing culture, beginning in sprawling Tokyo, one of the world’s most innovative cities. Then head by rail into the countryside to visit traditional villages and tranquil shrines. Explore quaint geisha districts and inspiring gardens; savour the fresh flavours of Japanese cuisine; and get a glimpse of the ancient soul of this fascinating, futuristic country.

Tour Summary

Duration12 Days / 11 Nights
OperatorG Adventures
Departures142 in 2026–2028
Starting From$6,137 pp

Tour Route

Map of your 12-day journey

Journeys: Iconic Japan route map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

12 days through your journey

Day 1

Tokyo

Arrive to your start hotel around 4:00 pm and join your welcome meeting at 6:00 pm.
Day 2

Tokyo

Spend the day exploring vibrant Tokyo—one of the world’s most populous cities—by public transit. Experience the traditional side of the Japanese capital on a visit to the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. We then get a glimpse of the city’s quirky, modern side on a walk through Harajuku, a centre of Japanese pop culture and a great place to sit back and people watch.
Day 3

Tokyo

This morning, set out to visit the Tsukiji fish and seafood outer market. Learn about Japan’s massive fishing industry, and round off the experience with a sushi-making class. Learn how to identify the freshest fish, prepare, fillet, and present; then enjoy a taste of your tasty creations.

After your sushi lunch, take a stroll in Asakusa, the historic heart of Tokyo.
Day 4

Tokyo/Tsumago

Depart Tokyo by train. Disembark at Nagiso and continue to a local minshuku, a traditional Japanese bed-and-breakfast, where we’ll spend the night. Enjoy a walk through the countryside, passing lush farms and rice paddies into Tsumago, a protected cultural area dating to the Edo period. Explore the charming town, where motorized vehicles are prohibited on the main street during the day and phone lines and power cables hidden from view to preserve its traditional feel. Back at our minshuku, feast on a kaiseki meal—a ritualistic multi-course dinner emphasizing artful presentation and fresh ingredients.
Day 5

Tsumago/Kanazawa

Continue by train to the historic city of Kanazawa, the seat of the powerful Maeda clan during the Edo period. Venture to Nagamachi, the city’s well-preserved samurai district located at the foot of Kanazawa Castle, and learn about the lifestyle of Japan’s ancient, elite warrior class. We’ll also visit the Nomura residence, the beautifully restored home of a wealthy samurai family, boasting a collection of antique heirlooms and a stunning garden.
Day 6

Kanazawa

Spend the day exploring Kanazawa. Visit the Myoryuji Temple—commonly known as the Ninja Temple—which doubled as a military outpost, and discover its many hidden defenses and escape routes. Take a walk through the Higashi Chaya geisha district and gain insights into geisha culture, viewing one of the district’s traditional wooden houses. Then visit a local craft studio, where we’ll learn about the city’s time-honoured crafts and learn to paint chopsticks with gold leaf.
Day 7

Kanazawa/Hiroshima

Travel by bullet train to Hiroshima. Here, we’ll pay a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, located in the heart of the city, which commemorates the tragic atomic bombings of 1945. Take your time to wander through the park, pausing at memorials dedicated to the victims of the attack, and visit the moving statue of Sadako Sasaki at the Children’s Peace Monument, a reminder of the thousands of young lives lost as a result of the bombings.
Day 8

Hiroshima

Catch a ferry to Itsukushima Island, popularly known as Miyajima. Here, you’ll find one of Japan’s most beautiful and sacred temples, the 12th-century Itsukushima Shinto shrine. This UNESCO World Heritage site is built over the water, with a red torii or wooden gateway that appears to float at high tide. Spend the afternoon at leisure and explore on your own.
Day 9

Hiroshima/Kyoto

This morning, visit the World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle, widely considered Japan’s most spectacular and best-preserved castle. The castle was completed in the early 17th century and features an elegant white facade with multiple wooden roofs. Later, we hop on a train to Kyoto, which served as Japan’s imperial capital for more than a thousand years. Explore the city’s stunning temples, shrines, and gardens at leisure. This afternoon, take a guided stroll through the lantern-lined streets of Gion, Kyoto’s renowned geisha district.
Day 10

Kyoto

Venture to the breathtaking Fushimi Inari shrine just outside of Kyoto, dedicated to the Shinto god of rice. Walk under the temple’s iconic red gates, where a scene from Memoirs of a Geisha was filmed. Spend the rest of the day discovering ancient Nara, the site of Japan’s earliest capital. Visit the impressive Todaiji temple—home to the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world—and wander the walkways of Kasuga Taisha, one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrines.
Day 11

Kyoto

This morning, we visit a local temple to learn about the history and practice of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Meet with a local monk for a lesson in Zen meditation and calligraphy; then head to the shimmering Kinkakuji, or “temple of the golden pavilion,” one of Kyoto’s most magnificent sites. Later, we’ll learn the basics of samurai etiquette and the practice of kembu, or traditional Japanese swordplay. Try your hand at this delicate art form, and witness a memorable performance by kembu masters.
Day 12

Kyoto

Depart at any time.

Departure Dates & Pricing

142 departures available

Departure DateEnd DateStatusPrice Per Person
Jul 7, 2026 Jul 18, 2026 Available $7,239per person Get Quote
Aug 4, 2026 Aug 15, 2026 Available $6,599per person Get Quote
Aug 11, 2026 Aug 22, 2026 Available $6,137per person Get Quote
Aug 25, 2026 Sep 5, 2026 Available $7,207per person Get Quote
Sep 29, 2026 Oct 10, 2026 Available $6,974per person Get Quote
Oct 4, 2026 Oct 15, 2026 Available $7,749per person Get Quote
Oct 6, 2026 Oct 17, 2026 Available $7,749per person Get Quote
Oct 27, 2026 Nov 7, 2026 Available $7,749per person Get Quote
Nov 10, 2026 Nov 21, 2026 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Nov 17, 2026 Nov 28, 2026 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Nov 24, 2026 Dec 5, 2026 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Dec 1, 2026 Dec 12, 2026 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Dec 8, 2026 Dec 19, 2026 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Feb 9, 2027 Feb 20, 2027 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Feb 23, 2027 Mar 6, 2027 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Mar 2, 2027 Mar 13, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Mar 7, 2027 Mar 18, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Mar 9, 2027 Mar 20, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Mar 16, 2027 Mar 27, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Mar 21, 2027 Apr 1, 2027 Available $8,499per person Get Quote
Mar 23, 2027 Apr 3, 2027 Available $8,499per person Get Quote
Mar 28, 2027 Apr 8, 2027 Available $8,499per person Get Quote
Mar 30, 2027 Apr 10, 2027 Available $8,499per person Get Quote
Apr 4, 2027 Apr 15, 2027 Available $8,499per person Get Quote
Apr 13, 2027 Apr 24, 2027 Available $8,499per person Get Quote
Apr 20, 2027 May 1, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
Apr 25, 2027 May 6, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
Apr 27, 2027 May 8, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
May 2, 2027 May 13, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
May 9, 2027 May 20, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
May 11, 2027 May 22, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
May 18, 2027 May 29, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
May 23, 2027 Jun 3, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
May 30, 2027 Jun 10, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
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Jun 8, 2027 Jun 19, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
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Jun 22, 2027 Jul 3, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Jul 6, 2027 Jul 17, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Jul 20, 2027 Jul 31, 2027 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Aug 3, 2027 Aug 14, 2027 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Aug 10, 2027 Aug 21, 2027 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Aug 17, 2027 Aug 28, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
Aug 24, 2027 Sep 4, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
Aug 31, 2027 Sep 11, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
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Sep 26, 2027 Oct 7, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
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Oct 3, 2027 Oct 14, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
Oct 5, 2027 Oct 16, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
Oct 10, 2027 Oct 21, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
Oct 12, 2027 Oct 23, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
Oct 17, 2027 Oct 28, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
Oct 19, 2027 Oct 30, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
Oct 24, 2027 Nov 4, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
Oct 31, 2027 Nov 11, 2027 Available $7,999per person Get Quote
Nov 2, 2027 Nov 13, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Nov 7, 2027 Nov 18, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Nov 9, 2027 Nov 20, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Nov 14, 2027 Nov 25, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Nov 16, 2027 Nov 27, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Nov 21, 2027 Dec 2, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Nov 23, 2027 Dec 4, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Nov 30, 2027 Dec 11, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Dec 7, 2027 Dec 18, 2027 Available $7,449per person Get Quote
Jan 30, 2028 Feb 10, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Feb 8, 2028 Feb 19, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Feb 15, 2028 Feb 26, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Feb 22, 2028 Mar 4, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Feb 27, 2028 Mar 9, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Feb 29, 2028 Mar 11, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Mar 5, 2028 Mar 16, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Mar 7, 2028 Mar 18, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Mar 12, 2028 Mar 23, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Mar 14, 2028 Mar 25, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Mar 19, 2028 Mar 30, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Mar 21, 2028 Apr 1, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Mar 26, 2028 Apr 6, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
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Apr 2, 2028 Apr 13, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Apr 4, 2028 Apr 15, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
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Apr 16, 2028 Apr 27, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Apr 18, 2028 Apr 29, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
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May 2, 2028 May 13, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
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May 14, 2028 May 25, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
May 16, 2028 May 27, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
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Jun 20, 2028 Jul 1, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
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Jul 4, 2028 Jul 15, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
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Jul 18, 2028 Jul 29, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Jul 25, 2028 Aug 5, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Aug 1, 2028 Aug 12, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Aug 8, 2028 Aug 19, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Aug 15, 2028 Aug 26, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Aug 22, 2028 Sep 2, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
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Sep 5, 2028 Sep 16, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Sep 10, 2028 Sep 21, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Sep 12, 2028 Sep 23, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Sep 17, 2028 Sep 28, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Sep 19, 2028 Sep 30, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Sep 24, 2028 Oct 5, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Sep 26, 2028 Oct 7, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Oct 1, 2028 Oct 12, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Oct 3, 2028 Oct 14, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Oct 8, 2028 Oct 19, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Oct 10, 2028 Oct 21, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Oct 15, 2028 Oct 26, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Oct 17, 2028 Oct 28, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Oct 22, 2028 Nov 2, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Oct 24, 2028 Nov 4, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Oct 29, 2028 Nov 9, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Oct 31, 2028 Nov 11, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Nov 5, 2028 Nov 16, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Nov 7, 2028 Nov 18, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Nov 12, 2028 Nov 23, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Nov 14, 2028 Nov 25, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Nov 19, 2028 Nov 30, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Nov 21, 2028 Dec 2, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Nov 26, 2028 Dec 7, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Nov 28, 2028 Dec 9, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Dec 5, 2028 Dec 16, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote
Dec 12, 2028 Dec 23, 2028 Available $6,899per person Get Quote

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