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Tokyo: Sumo, sushi, and the city's contrasts  

Japan’s capital is introduced through contrast, moving from centuries-old traditions to some of the country’s most recognisably modern neighbourhoods. You’ll begin with a morning sumo training session, close enough to appreciate the discipline and physicality involved, before sharing chanko-nabe with the wrestlers and hearing about life inside the sport. Later, the pace shifts in Asakusa, with Sensō-ji Temple and Nakamise Street bringing you into one of the city’s oldest districts. The following day is more food focused. Tsukiji Market leads into a fresh sushi lunch, while the afternoon moves between Ginza, Shibuya Crossing, and Meiji Shrine.

Hakone: A night at a traditional ryokan

After the pace of Tokyo, the journey moves into the quieter Fuji-Hakone region, where forested hills, hot springs, and Lake Ashi offer an immediate change of rhythm. Time around Hakone-Machi Port brings views across the water and, on a clear day, towards Mount Fuji, before you settle into a traditional ryokan for the night. Here, the experience is as much about ritual as rest: changing into a yukata (a type of lightweight robe), soaking in the mineral-rich onsen, and sitting down to a multi-course kaiseki dinner built around seasonal ingredients. The following morning begins with a traditional Japanese breakfast and another chance to enjoy the baths before boarding the Shinkansen for the ride to your next location.

Kyoto: Private access to living traditions

The focus here turns towards the rituals, craftsmanship, and spiritual traditions that have shaped the former imperial capital for centuries. Soon after arriving, you’ll attend a private tea ceremony hosted by a maiko (an apprentice geisha), including a traditional dance and an explanation of the symbolism behind her kimono and movements. The following day, a Zen priest leads a zazen meditation at Joju-ji Temple in a hall normally closed to the public, followed by a shojin ryori vegetarian lunch with the monks. There is also time to explore Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari’s thousands of torii gates, and a sake tasting at Kizakura Brewery.

Hiroshima and Hagi: History, community, and craft

This part of the journey brings a more reflective perspective, balancing powerful modern history with meaningful time spent in a smaller, more traditional community. In Hiroshima, a private meeting with an atomic bomb survivor precedes time in Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome and memorials. Dinner is deliberately local: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki cooked on the griddle. The following day, you travel to Hagi, a historic coastal town supported through G Adventures’ community tourism programme. After a welcome ceremony and calligraphy, small groups can visit local homes to prepare lunch, drink tea, and learn about everyday life from their hosts. Before leaving Hiroshima, there is one final specialist encounter: a swordsmith’s workshop, where you can watch the forging process and strike the steel yourself under guidance.

Osaka: Food, energy, and a fitting finale

The final stop brings the pace back up, with Osaka’s food culture, historic landmarks, and lively neighbourhoods providing a natural finale to the journey. After arriving by bullet train, dinner is a straightforward bowl of ramen before the final full day takes in Osaka Castle and Dotonbori, where the city’s street-food culture, bright signs, and busy shopping streets are easy to explore at your own pace. The farewell dinner is teppanyaki, with premium Wagyu beef and seasonal ingredients cooked in front of you.

Suggested itinerary

This 12-day journey travels from Tokyo to Osaka via Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Hagi, combining Japan’s major cultural centres with traditional stays, regional food, and specialist-led experiences along the way.

Days 1–4: Tokyo – Begin with sumo training and lunch with the wrestlers, before exploring Asakusa, Sensō-ji, Tsukiji Market, Meiji Shrine, Ginza, and Shibuya with your Expedition Leader.

Day 4–5: Hakone – Leave the city for Lake Ashi and the Fuji-Hakone region, with an overnight stay in a traditional ryokan, time in the onsen, and a seasonal kaiseki dinner.

Days 5–8: Kyoto – Travel by bullet train to Kyoto for a maiko tea ceremony, private Zen meditation at Joju-ji Temple, Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari, and a sake brewery visit and tasting.

Days 8–10: Hiroshima and Hagi – Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and meet an atomic bomb survivor, before spending a day with local families in Hagi and visiting a working swordsmith’s workshop.

Days 10–12: Osaka – Finish in Japan’s food-focused second city, with Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, ramen, and a final teppanyaki dinner featuring premium Wagyu beef.

May is a particularly good time for this route, with generally mild to warm spring weather and comfortable conditions for exploring cities, temples, and gardens on foot.