Iconic Japan National Geographic Journeys

Arrive at any time. Accommodation: - Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (or similar). Included Activities: - Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting Additional Notes: On our tours in Japan we use public transport, making use of Japan's world famous transportation system. From the super fast Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kyoto's extensive local bus network, we ride with the locals. As well, there is a lot of walking on this trip, every day - please ensure you have an average level of fitness and can walk unaided for long periods of time. A good pair of walking shoes are highly recommended. Please note: We will use a baggage transfer service, which is included in the cost of your tour, so you will not have to worry about carrying your bags on and off trains as we travel. As such, you will not have access to your bags during the transfers from city to city, and will not be reunited with your luggage until the following day. On these days, we recommend using an overnight bag for anything you may need, including valuables. Luggage size restriction – Effective from May 2020 onwards All G Adventures tours in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Any luggage brought on board the train must be less than 160cm in total. This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments. As this tour includes city-to-city luggage transfers, this restriction affects your carry-on luggage on board the train.

Spend the day exploring vibrant Tokyo—one of the world’s most populous cities—by public transit. Experience the traditional side of the Japanese capital on a visit to the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. We then get a glimpse of the city’s quirky, modern side on a walk through Harajuku, a centre of Japanese pop culture and a great place to sit back and people watch.In Harajuka we catch a glimpse of the pop culture phenomenon of Kawaii. Directly translated as "cute," this Japanese cultural movement is reflected through various avenues of entertainment, toys, personal style, attitude, and cuisine. Accommodation: - Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Transport: - Metro: Tokyo Included Activities: - Orientation Walk - Harajuku Visit - Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit Additional Notes: On some departures of this tour the activities on Days 2 and 3 will be swapped. Please note that the new JR Pass validation policy asks travellers to come to the office counter to activate their JR Pass.

This morning, set out to visit the Tsukiji fish and seafood outer market. Learn about Japan’s massive fishing industry, and round off the experience with a sushi-making class. Learn how to identify the freshest fish, prepare, fillet, and present; then enjoy a taste of your tasty creations. After your sushi lunch, take a stroll in Asakusa, the historic heart of Tokyo.Opt to visit Ueno park and the museums, Akihabara for cutting edge electronics, Harajuku for funky fashions, Ginza for the highest of the high end, walk the grounds of the Imperial Palace East Garden, or just stroll the streets, looking for the traditional life that still lies just under the modern surface. Accommodation: - Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast - Lunch Transport: - Metro: Tokyo Included Activities: - Toyosu Fish Market - Tsukiji Sushi Experience - Asakusa Walk