Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times
Travel Destinations: Japan
11 Day Itinerary | Tokyo, Nagano, Matsumoto, Kyoto, Nara
Japan is a feast for the senses, from its electrifying neon-lit neighbourhoods to tranquil hilltop temples. Experience an intriguing mix of modernity and tradition as we explore dazzling Tokyo, imperial Kyoto, and the mountain city of Nagano. Wander Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, practice sumo wrestling and samurai swordplay, and sample wasabi-infused culinary concoctions. In this fascinating land of anime, snow monkeys, and high-speed trains, there is something to delight every member of the family.
• Take part in a traditional taiko drumming class
• Meet and train with a former sumo wrestler
• Watch wild snow monkeys bathe in thermal pools near Nagano
Small Group
Enjoy an intimate journey with a close-knit group, blending personalized experiences with social connections.
Family
Trips with activities suitable for all ages and family-friendly accommodations.
Premium
Elevate your journey with style and sophistication, offering top-notch experiences without breaking the bank.
Pre-Set
Please reach out to us for an up-to-date list of start dates for this trip.
At A Glance
Day 1 – Tokyo
• Arrive and meet your fellow travelers
Day 2 – Tokyo
• Explore Tokyo by public transit
• Traditional Taiko drumming class
Day 3 – Tokyo
• Okinawa cooking class
• Day at leisure
Day 4 – Tokyo to Nagano
• Sumo wrestling class
• Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano
• Traditional ryokan stay
Day 5 – Nagano
• Trip to the infamous Snow Monkey Park
• Visit Zenkoji temple
Day 6 – Nagano to Matsumoto
• Shinkansen (bullet train) to Matsumoto
• Matsumoto “Crow Castle” fortress
• Wasabi farm and tasting
Day 7 – Nagano to Kyoto
• Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto
• Tour of Nishiki Market and Gion District
Day 8 – Kyoto
• Fushimi Inari visit
• Ramen making class
Day 9 – Nara
• Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nara
• Explore Nara park and its domesticated deer
Day 10 – Kyoto
• Samurai swordplay lesson
• Kiyomizudera Temple visit
Day 11 – Kyoto
• Depart at any time
Itinerary
Day 1 – Tokyo
The adventure begins tonight! You will be transferred from the airport to your start hotel. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your tour leader will review the details of your tour.
Day 2 – Tokyo
Today, we’ll see Tokyo from a local’s perspective, traveling by public transit. We start from a traditional Japanese taiko drumming class. Hear how these traditional wooden drums are made and learn three different playing techniques. Put your newly acquired skills to the test during a group performance together with a professional Wadaiko drummer. Later a visit to the serene Meiji Jingu shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji. Then hit the streets of the buzzing Harajuku district, where kitschy-cute street fashion and candy-colored wigs are the order of the day.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 – Tokyo
Learn Japanese secrets to longevity in a cooking class on Okinawa cuisine, originating from the Japanese island reputed to have the highest life expectancy in the world. Prepare a selection of dishes using typical ingredients and learn about the beneficial qualities of each. Savour your creations for a nutritious lunch and spend the rest of the day discovering Tokyo at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities:
• Ueno Park Visit
• Tokyo Tower Visit
Day 4 – Tokyo to Nagano
This morning, take a crash course in Japan’s national sport: sumo wrestling! Get initiated into this explosive martial art, which originated as a religious ritual more than a thousand years ago. Learn about the wrestlers’ rigorous routine and mind boggling calorie intake, earn basic technique and watch Sumo wrestling. After the class, journey to Nagano, the beautiful mountain city that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. Settle into our historic ryokan — or traditional Japanese inn — located just outside the city, in the hot springs town of Shibu Onsen.
Ryokan are traditional Inns found across Japan. Featuring tatami floors (soft mats of woven straw), futon beds, Japanese-style baths, cotton kimono (casual robe worn to lounge around), and kaiseki meals (often served in the comfort of your own room); a ryokan is the perfect place to experience traditional customs and local immersion. The Ryokan is a simple, traditional Inn with few amenities and shared facilities, have fun and enjoy this relaxing opportunity to learn more about Japan’s unique customs.
Accommodation: Ryokan
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Nagano
Nagano is home to the Japanese macaque, or snow monkey — one of the only primate species that can survive below freezing temperatures. Venture to Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Snow Monkey Park) to watch these furry simians scampering about the rocks or taking a soak in one of the thermal pools, fed by natural hot springs. Then head into Nagano city to explore the 7th-century Buddhist temple of Zenkoji, home to the very first Buddha statue brought to Japan.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 – Nagano to Matsumoto
Travel to Matsumoto for a visit to one of Japan’s most treasured castles. Known as the “crow castle” for its imposing black exterior, the Matsumoto fortress dates to the 16th century and was once a stronghold of the samurai, Japan’s elite military class. Later, we make our way to a wasabi farm to learn all about this fiery Japanese condiment and its laborious cultivation. Opt to taste a variety of wasabi products, including wasabi-flavored pickles, crackers, noodles, juice — even wasabi ice cream and chocolate. If you’re brave enough, take a nibble of wasabi in its purest form: fresh!
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 – Nagano to Kyoto
Hop on the bullet train to Kyoto, which served as Japan’s imperial capital for more than a millennium. Delve into the aromatic alleys of Nishiki Market, one of the most popular food markets in the city. Opt to sample local specialties like barbecued quail, soy milk donuts, sesame ice cream, and more, taking your taste buds on a culinary roller coaster. This evening, venture to Gion, Kyoto’s renowned geisha district. As you wander its lantern-lit streets, you might catch a glimpse of a geisha — traditional female entertainers recognizable by their distinctive makeup.
As the Imperial capital, Kyoto is an essential part of any visit to Japan. Kyoto has some of the most magnificent temples in Japan which date back centuries. There are said to be 2,000 temples, shrines, palaces, museums and traditional gardens in Kyoto. Wander past huge wooden structures and multi-storied pagodas, all linked with famous walkways.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8 – Kyoto
This morning, pay a visit to the Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, this beautiful temple is known for its Senbon Torii — a stunning walkaway of vermilion-colored gates. Later, dive into another fun-filled cooking class, rolling up your sleeves to make a steaming bowl of ramen noodles.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities:
• Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit
• Tofukuji Temple Visit
Day 9 – Nara
Spend the day discovering ancient Nara, where Japan’s first capital was established in the early 8th century. Immerse yourself in the ornate halls of the Todaiji temple, and gaze upon the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world, standing nearly 50 feet tall. At Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine, stroll romantic walkways lined with hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns, and wander amid the gardens of Nara Park, where herds of semi-domesticated deer roam free. Check out the shops and galleries of the Naramachi district before returning to Kyoto.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 – Kyoto
Unleash your inner warrior this morning with a lesson on samurai swordplay. Learn how to wield a Japanese sword and witness an unforgettable performance by masters of kembu, or sword dance. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Kiyomizudera temple, perched on a hilltop near a sacred waterfall. There is much to keep you busy here: ring giant prayer bowls, sip holy water — said to have wish-fulfilling qualities — or muster the courage to walk through the Tainai Meguri, a lightless underground tunnel that symbolizes the visitor’s journey to enlightenment. This evening, celebrate your Japan adventure at a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 – Kyoto
There are no planned activities today and you are free to depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
Captivating Moments
Get captivated by a stunning collection of sample images from this trip.
Additional Information
This sample itinerary is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be booked pending dates and availability. Itinerary details and availability are subject to change, please inquire for up-to-date information and pricing.
What’s Included
• All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled (not optional) activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
• All meals listed on each day of the itinerary
• Two local guides that accompany you throughout your whole trip
• One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What’s Not Included
• Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing from our Air Team
• Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
• Visas (unless noted)
• Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
• Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
• Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, optional tours, or local camera or video fees
• Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Book This Trip
Love this sample itinerary? Reach out to us and make it your own! Gilded Travels can quickly offer you information about availability, customization, and pricing.