This immersive journey through Japan offers students a rich exploration of the country’s history, culture, and daily life—from vibrant modern cities to sacred landscapes and historic capitals. The program combines guided sightseeing with independent discovery, allowing participants to engage deeply with Japan’s traditions while building confidence and global awareness through travel.
Travelers begin in Osaka, known for its lively food culture, before visiting iconic sites such as Himeji Castle, the sacred island of Miyajima, and Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park. Time in Kyoto and Nara highlights Japan’s classical heritage through temples, shrines, and preserved historic neighborhoods. The journey continues through the scenic landscapes of Hakone, with volcanic features, lakes, and potential views of Mount Fuji, before concluding in Tokyo, where ancient traditions and contemporary culture exist side by side.
Throughout the program, students experience a balance of cultural landmarks, regional cuisine, guided learning, and free time for personal exploration. Private transportation, experienced local guides, and thoughtfully selected accommodations—including a traditional ryokan stay—create a meaningful, educational, and memorable introduction to Japan.
Take an international flight to Osaka (routing may include a connection). Meals and overnight on board.
Arrive at Osaka (Kansai) Airport late morning.
Welcome by an English-speaking local guide and transfer by private coach into the city.
Lunch featuring Japanese specialties at a local restaurant.
Hotel check-in from 3:00 PM.
Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Osaka’s oldest Shinto shrines, set in a park with stone lanterns and a striking red bridge.
Panoramic city drive, then time in Dotonbori—Osaka’s iconic food and entertainment district.
Dinner featuring kushi (breaded skewers) at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Osaka.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visits and lunch on your own for personal discoveries
Dinner of Japanese specialties at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Osaka.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Kuromon Market, Osaka’s famous covered food market with seafood, meats, produce, and local delicacies.
Continue by private coach to Himeji.
Visit Himeji Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of Japan’s best-preserved original castles, often called the “White Heron Castle.”
Lunch featuring oden (traditional Japanese simmered dishes).
Afternoon touring by private coach with your English-speaking guide.
Dinner at a local izakaya-style restaurant.
Overnight in Himeji.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart by private coach to Miyajima.
Ferry crossing to Miyajima / Itsukushima Island, one of Japan’s most visited destinations.
Walking visit of Itsukushima Shrine and the famous floating torii gate
Visit Senjokaku (Toyokuni Shrine) and the nearby pagoda area.
Return by ferry and continue by coach to Hiroshima.
Lunch featuring Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
City orientation by coach.
Dinner
Overnight in Hiroshima.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Private coach for Hiroshima visits, including the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Lunch featuring Japanese specialties.
Continue by private coach to Kyoto.
Arrive in Kyoto, Japan’s historic cultural capital. Hotel check-in.
Dinner at a local izakaya-style restaurant.
Overnight in Kyoto.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Guided full-day city touring by private coach.
Highlights include Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji Zen rock garden, and Nijo Castle.
Lunch featuring yakitori skewers.
Afternoon visit to Kiyomizu-dera and a walk along Chawanzaka.
Stroll through Gion and preserved historic lanes
Dinner featuring sukiyaki at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Kyoto.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day by private coach with your English-speaking guide.
Morning visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine—famous for its thousands of torii gates forming a tunnel up the hillside.
Continue to Nara.
Lunch featuring kakinoha-zushi (a regional specialty).
Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, walk through Nara Park, and visit Todaiji Temple and the Great Buddha.
Return to Kyoto.
Dinner featuring Kyoto obanzai (local home-style dishes).
Overnight in Kyoto.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by public transportation to Kyoto Station.
Shinkansen to Odawara
Meet your driver and continue by private coach to Hakone.
Experience Hakone National Park with its volcanic scenery, lakes, and mountain transport
Cruise on Lake Ashi with possible views of Mount Fuji
Ride the funicular/ropeway to Mount Komagatake for panoramic views on a clear day.
Lunch
Check-in at a ryokan.
Dinner featuring shabu-shabu.
Overnight at the ryokan (Japanese-style room; private bath/toilet at this property or similar).
Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.
Depart by private coach to Kamakura.
Visit Kotoku-in and the Great Buddha (13 meters tall).
Visit Hasedera Temple, set on a hillside.
Continue to Tokyo (approx. 1 hour).
Lunch
Tokyo city orientation and visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic views
Dinner featuring yakiniku.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning visit to the outer Tsukiji market area
Short cruise on the Sumida River.
Continue to Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple, including Nakamise shopping street.
Lunch featuring soba noodles.
Visit Meiji Shrine, then explore Harajuku, Takeshita Street, and Omotesando.
Free time at Oriental Bazaar.
Dinner featuring kaisendon (rice bowl with raw seafood).
Overnight in Tokyo.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visits and lunch on your own; a 1-day transit pass is included for local transportation.
Travel to the airport in the afternoon and depart for the US.
Overnight on board.
Arrive back to US