taiko drummers drumming

We made it! This is the last in our series of itineraries and destinations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas! It’s Day Twelve!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…

…twelve drummers drumming.

So, for drumming, what about Japanese taiko drums? In Japan, “taiko” can refer to any drum. The instruments were introduced to Japan centuries ago, likely from Korea or China. But since then, Taiko Drumming is a unique type of drumming associated with Japanese history and culture.

Admittedly, for most of these 12 days, we’ve really been focused on destinations rather than full itineraries, but for the final day of Christmas, we thought we’d give you a full itinerary, one with an opportunity to learn about Japanese Taiko Drumming!

This family itinerary is offered by our preferred partner, G Adventures, which has a terrific partnership with National Geographic Family journeys. These small-group tours are packed with opportunities for children to really immerse themselves in the culture of the destination. And this particular itinerary has a class in taiko drumming on Day 2!

ITINERARY

DAY 1 TOKYO

Arrive in time to meet your fellow travelers for a welcome gathering this evening. Your arrival transfer is included.

DAY 2 TOKYO

Today, we’ll see Tokyo from a local’s perspective, traveling by public transit. Experience the traditional side of the city with 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. Later, make your way to the old part of town for a 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, then be wowed by a heart-pounding professional routine.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Family Journeys Moment Traditional Taiko Drumming Class

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. Sweet potatoes form a large part of the Okinawan diet, as do seaweed, fish, rice, and an array of herbs and spices. Savor your nutritious lunch and spend the rest of the day discovering Tokyo at leisure.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Okinawa Cooking Class

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

DAY 4 TOKYO/NAGANO (AREA)

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 mindboggling calorie intake, and come away with a handwritten print of your name in Kanji script. Later, 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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Family Journeys Moment Sumo Wrestling Class

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 6 NAGANO

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!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Foodie Moment Wasabi Farm Visit

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 7 NAGANO/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.

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Family Journeys Moment Ramen Making Class

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

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.

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Kembu Masters

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

DAY 11 KYOTO

Depart any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Amazing itinerary, right? If you’re looking for an incredible adventure with your family, this is the way to go! Of course, we have many other spectacular ideas for visiting Japan — whether or not you’re taking your family. We’d love to share them with you!