Journeys: Iconic Japan

This small-group tour with G Adventures sets off in Tokyo, where sprawling neighbourhoods like Harajuku offer contrasts alongside the tranquility of Meiji Jingu Shrine. From the capital, the Japan Rail Pass whisks you to the countryside village of Tsumago, a place where time seems to slow amid the wooded paths and wooden inns. In Kanazawa, the samurai and geisha districts recall a less frenetic past, while the Nomura Family Samurai Residence offers a window into historical domestic life.

The journey continues to Himeji Castle with its articulated wooden structure and defensive design, then to Hiroshima, where a visit to the Peace Memorial confronts the weight of history. A ferry crosses to Miyajima Island, famed for its torii gate rising from the waters, a reminder of the island's spiritual significance. Kyoto and Nara offer Zen Buddhist temples, calligraphy sessions, and the lantern-lit streets of the Gion geisha district, rounding off a tour where plumes of urban pace meet centuries-old quietude.

Meals are a mix of group occasions and independent choices, offering chances to sample sushi at Tsukiji and savour Kaiseki dinners. Accommodation combines western hotels with a night at a traditional inn, reflecting the holiday’s balance of the familiar and the distinctly Japanese. At every stop, your National Geographic Expedition Leader accompanies the trip, providing insight without overwhelming and helping smooth the details of navigating Japan’s efficient transport system.