Iconic Japan

Discover Japan on an exciting 13-Day Small-Group Adventure during one of the country’s most beautiful times of year — Cherry Blossom season!

Experience the beauty of blooming sakura flowers and a culture where ancient traditions and futuristic innovation exist side-by-side. Our adventure begins in Tokyo, one of the world’s most innovative cities, before travelling by rail into the countryside to discover traditional villages, tranquil shrines, gardens, and charming geisha districts, ending in the historic city of Kyoto. This is a train-based adventure utilizing public transit and bullet train, making the journey part of the experience as you are immersed into the everyday lives of locals. This is an active adventure designed by National Geographic and led by a local expert. It is perfect for curious travellers who want to support the local communities they visit and truly get immersed in the culture of the places they visit.

Please note that this tour is very active and thus not suitable for those with mobility restrictions.

Day 1 – April 3, 2028 | Depart Home

Board our transfer vehicle at one of our pre-selected pickup locations today for Pearson International Airport. Here we will board our direct overnight flight from Toronto to Tokyo, Japan.

Day 2 – April 4, 2028 | Tokyo (D)

Arrive in Tokyo this afternoon where we’ll be shuttled to our hotel. This evening we’ll have a welcome meeting with our group to go over the plan for the week before an included group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know our fellow travellers.

Day 3 – April 5, 2028 | Tokyo (B)

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.

Day 4 – April 6, 2028 | Tokyo (B, L)

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 with a stop at Sensoji temple. This afternoon will be at leisure. Opt to visit Ueno Park which is known for it’s cherry blossoms or shop in Ginza.

Day 5 – April 7, 2028 – Tokyo to Tsumago (B, D)

Travel by train to historic Kanazawa, once home to the powerful Maeda clan. Explore the well-preserved Nagamachi samurai district and learn about Japan’s ancient, elite warrior class. Later visit the beautifully restored Nomura residence, with its antique heirlooms and stunning garden. Opt to visit the Kanazawa Castle or Kenroku-En Gardens during your free time today.

Day 6 – April 8, 2028-Tsumago to Kanazawa (B)

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 7 – April 9, 2028 | Kanazawa (B)

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. 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 8 – April 10, 2028 | Kanazawa to Hiroshima (B)

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 9 – April 11, 2028 | Hiroshima (B)

Catch a ferry to Miyajima Island. 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 that appears to float at high tide. Spend the afternoon at leisure on your own exploring the temples, shops, cafes or the many hiking trails throughout the island.

Day 10 – April 12, 2028 | Hiroshima to Kyoto (B)

Visit Himeji Castle, Japan’s most spectacular and best-preserved castle, known for its elegant white façade and beautiful wooden roofs. Continue by train to Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital for over 1,000 years, and explore its temples, shrines, and gardens. Later, enjoy a guided stroll through the lantern-lit streets of Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district.

Day 11 – April 13, 2028 | Kyoto (B)

Visit breathtaking Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of iconic red torii gates and featured in Memoirs of a Geisha. Continue to ancient Nara, Japan’s first capital, to see Todaiji Temple and its enormous bronze Buddha, and explore the sacred Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

Day 12 – April 14, 2028 | Kyoto (B, D)

Visit a local temple to learn about Zen Buddhism, including meditation and calligraphy with a monk. See Kyoto’s stunning Kinkakuji, the “Golden Pavilion,” then learn samurai etiquette and try traditional kembu swordplay before enjoying a performance by kembu masters.

Day 13 – April 15, 2028 | Return Home (B)

Our time in Japan comes to an end today. We’ll be transported to the airport today by bus to board our flight home. On arrival in Toronto, our transfer vehicle will await us to return us to our original pickup locations.