Day 2

Tokyo

Arrive Tokyo/Transfer to Hotel

Welcome to Tokyo! After arriving at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, meet a Thomson Family Adventures representative and transfer to the hotel.

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Tour Tokyo’s Harajuku Area

You’ll venture to Japan’s uber-trendy Harajuku, the hub of youth culture in the country. You’ll explore just off the bustling streets to a quiet wooded area, visiting the peaceful Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Japan’s first modern emperor, Emperor Meiji.

Karaoke Box

Enjoy a quintessentially Japanese experience: singing in a karaoke box, where you’ll get your karaoke on!

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Days 4-5

Nara

Ride a Bullet Train to Osaka

Take a bullet train to Osaka, known as the country’s commercial center and for it’s legendary good food. In fact, the term “kuidaore” or “eat till you drop” is heard so often here, it’s practically the city’s motto!

Visit Osaka Castle

Visit Osaka Castle, a castle constructed in 1583 by warrior, general, samurai and politician Toyotomi Hideyoshi. A modern-day symbol of Japanese history, you’ll get a chance try on a samurai-style helmet or kimono to take some fun photos!

Taiko Drumming Session

During a taiko drumming class, you’ll learn new “drum” or “taiko” rhythms under the enthusiastic guidance of a world-famous drumming troupe!

Ride a Bike in Asuka

You’ll ride bikes through the rural town of Asuka — the first permanent capital of Japan — cycling in the quiet countryside past ancient burial mounts and mysterious stone monuments.

Lunch at a Local Farmhouse

Stop by a tradtional farmhouse and enjoy a delicious and delectable bento box lunch!

Walk in Nara Park

More than 1,000 tame deer roam freely through this green haven, and you can choose to feed them their favorite biscuit treats. According to ancient folklore, one of the four deities of the nearby Kasuga shrine was seen riding a white deer; since then, the animals were considered divine. Today, the Nara Park deer are protected as national treasures.

Visit Todaiji Temple

Visit Todaiji—the “great Eastern temple.” Its main hall, the Daibutsuden, is the world’s largest wooden building. Tour the temple and see the enormous, bronze, seated Buddha statue, one of the largest in Japan. Find the pillar with base the width of Daibutsu’s nostril – it is said those who can squeeze through will be granted enlightenment in their next life.

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Days 6-7

Kii Peninsula

Visit Kumano Kodo

Explore part of the network of ancient pilgrimage trails known as the Kumano Kodo or Kumano Ancient Trail, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This has been part of a pilgrimage route for more than 1,000 years!

Musuhi Budo

Your group will change into traditional training gear before watching a demonstration of authentic sword techniques by Master Asami.  You will then get to practice with wooden swords before a very brief talk on Japanese culture. Next, using imitation swords, you’ll try paper cutting before photos with real swords. Then you will move onto calligraphy where you can practice writing your names using the brush and ink technique, before making your final version on paper or transferring it to a fan. Everyone will get a lovely certificate holder tube to place their hard work into.  

Hike Kumano Kodo Trail

Hike a short but scenic section of the Kumano Kodo trail, much like emperors did in the 11th Century! Along the way you’ll pass ridge-top villages and oji shrines, where nobles once rested and composed poems as they walked.

Make Washi Paper

You’ll learn traditional methods to make Japanese washi paper and you’ll present it to priests at the neighboring shrine, who will write a calligraphic emblem of the shrine for us on the paper, creating a one-of-a-kind souvenir of this unique experience.

Kawabune Ride

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Days 8-9

Kyoto

Visit Kiyomizu Temple

You’ll visit Kyoto’s Higashiyama area to see Kiyomizu Temple, founded in 778, and walk a street lined with vendors selling Kyoto’s famous pickles, kiyomizu-yaki pottery and traditional crafts.

Explore the Gion District

On a visit to the world-famous Gion District we will learn about the strict training undertaken by young women who hope to become geisha, known in Kyoto as “geiko.”

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Explore Kyoto’s western region of Arashiyama, a beautifully scenic and serene area tucked at the base of the Arashiyama Mountains, renowned for its otherworldly and mesmerizing bamboo grove.

Tour Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle was the original Kyoto residence for the Tokugawa shoguns in the 17th century. The castle is most noteworthy for its nightingale floors, which “chirp” when walked on to warn of intruders. Try and walk the floors without making a sound, we’re willing to bet you can’t!

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Day 10

Depart

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2025 Dates

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Additional Info

Single Supplement

Single supplement starts at $1,600.

Alumni Discount 

If you are a returning Thomson guest, please subtract $500 per family from these prices.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. We’ve received great feedback about Travel Guard – you can learn more about the benefits of travel insurance there.

Price Includes

All entrance fees, accommodations based on two to a room, land transportation, private bilingual guide throughout, most meals, and snacks in the vehicle.

Depending on your flight schedule you may return home the following day. 

Guaranteed departure. Small group surcharge may apply. Call us to discuss age recommendations for each destination. Prices are subject to change.