Geographic Expeditions

Essential Japan

Essential Japan hero image

Uncover Japan's Cultural Treasures

On this immersive custom tour of Japan, uncover the cultural heart of this island nation. Journey from the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, with their Imperial castles and celebrated temples, to the quietude of Kanazawa’s gardens. Amid Hakone’s volcanic mountains, soak in the healing waters of a private onsen (hot spring). Benefitting from our decades of experience exploring the country, discover the Land of the Rising Sun in a new light.




Essential Japan gallery 01 GalleryHero Kyoto Japan GettyImages 1477515153
Essential Japan gallery Gallery3 BambooForestKyoto Japan GettyImages 1495573971
Essential Japan gallery Gallery4 JapaneseKaisekiFood Japan GettyImages 1396391199
Essential Japan gallery Gallery5 KanazawaCherryBlossoms Japan GettyImages 1143258860
Essential Japan gallery Gallery2 Onsen Japan GettyImages 147275766

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What to Expect

Discover Japan's singular cultural treasures with rare and immersive experiences: Take a private lesson with a taiko drummer, taste the delicacies of soba, sake, and kaiseki, experience the intricacies of a traditional tea ceremony, and join everyday life in under-the-radar neighborhoods.

Trip Highlights

  • Experience modernity and tradition in Japan’s incomparable cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone, and Kanazawa
  • Travel like a local, exploring by train, taxi, and subway when visiting key historic and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Exploring by gondola and boat, feast on iconic views of Mt. Fuji and Owakudani Crater
  • Revel in numerous exclusive access visits: Private taiko drumming lesson, Zen Buddhist lunch, private geothermal onsen soak, and more

Upcoming Departures

  • Custom Trips Offered Year-Round

Trip Pricing

  • Custom Trip: From $17,500

    Based on double occupancy

Inclusions

  • All handpicked accommodations, ground transportation, and airport transfers
  • All guided sightseeing, events, and experiences
  • Top-tier local guides
  • Most meals
  • Most gratuities
  • Emergency evacuation services and secondary medical expense insurance
  • Dedicated support from GeoEx’s travel experts and in-house air reservations team

Your Route Through Japan

Journey at a Glance

  1. Essential Japan Explore Tokyo's Ancient Riches
    Day 1 – 3

    Explore Tokyo's Ancient Riches

    Explore Tokyo, visiting the Meiji Shrine, Kusma Yayoi Museum, and Asakusa. Discover ancient taiko drumming with a private lesson and explore the Tsukiji Outer Market. Depart by train to Hakone.

  2. Essential Japan Hakone's Natural Wonders
    Day 4 – 5

    Hakone's Natural Wonders

    Walk the ancient pavers of Tokaido road, luxuriate in a private mountain hot spring, visit an artisan studio, and spot volcanic Mt. Fuji before continuing to Kanazawa.

I don't use the word “perfect” very often, but the way everything was handled could not have been better. Every activity was carefully thought out and appealed to young and old.

Cande G.

GeoEx Traveler

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