Signature: Japan's Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Arrive at any time and travel by private van to the hotel.

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.

Begin with a welcome briefing and orientation led by your Expedition Leader, followed by an expert-led “Introduction to Japan” presentation.

Join an expert-led presentation about Japan to begin the journey.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Stroll along the scenic lakeside at Hakone-Machi Port, enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji.

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, varies textures and a balance of flavors all tied together with precise presentation.

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

During your free time, relax at your hotel or explore your surroundings.

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.

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.

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).

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Slurp down a delicious bowl of ramen in Japan's foodie capital. Whether you prefer soy sauce, misa or pork brother based ramen, tonight is your night to dig in.

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

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.

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.

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.

An afternoon at leisure allows you to check off your list of "must-see" spots in Osaka.

Join a local expert for a wrap up presentation, reflecting on the journey and cultural insights gained throughout the trip.

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.

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.

Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.