Signature: Japan's Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka

A trip to Hiroshima includes a sobering visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, followed by a hands-on swordsmith workshop. There is also time to engage with local life in the samurai town of Hagi, sharing stories over tea with residents. The final stop is Osaka, where castle visits and dinners of regional specialities like okonomiyaki and teppanyaki round out the experience. The route uses Japan’s efficient train and private vehicle networks, with luggage transferred ahead to ease the daily moves.

The itinerary takes in cities layered with echoes of the past alongside lively streets and market corners that serve sushi and ramen with generous helpings of atmosphere. Although accommodation includes smaller hotel rooms typical of Japan, a night in a traditional ryokan offers a more formal taste of local customs. The group is accompanied throughout by National Geographic Expedition Experts, providing context and conversation rather than instruction, which suits this quietly thorough style of travel.