This immersive journey through Japan offers students a comprehensive exploration of the country’s history, culture, and regional diversity. Traveling across both major cities and smaller historic towns, participants experience Japan through its sacred sites, preserved neighborhoods, natural landscapes, and everyday life.
The program begins in vibrant Osaka before moving through some of Japan’s most meaningful destinations, including the sacred island of Miyajima, the Peace Memorial sites of Hiroshima, and the beautifully preserved castles, gardens, and merchant districts of central Honshu. Time in Kyoto and Nara highlights Japan’s classical heritage through temples, shrines, traditional neighborhoods, and cultural experiences such as a tea ceremony.
The journey continues through the Japanese Alps, visiting Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama, where students encounter rural traditions and historic architecture. Scenic landscapes in Hakone provide opportunities to experience volcanic terrain, lakes, and potential views of Mount Fuji before the program concludes in Tokyo, where ancient traditions and modern life exist side by side.
Throughout the program, students benefit from expert local guides, thoughtfully paced sightseeing, regional cuisine, and a balance of guided activities and independent exploration. Carefully selected accommodations—including a traditional ryokan stay—support 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 in Osaka.
Welcome by your English-speaking tour escort and transfer into the city for lunch.
Transfer to the hotel and check-in
Late afternoon transfer to Dotonbori—Osaka’s famous entertainment and food district. Enjoy free time along the canal before dinner.
Dinner
Overnight in Osaka.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Walk to Osaka Station and travel by train to Hiroshima, then continue to Miyajimaguchi.
Ferry to Miyajima Island—one of Japan’s most famous sites.
Walking visit of Itsukushima Shrine and the renowned floating torii gate
Lunch featuring Hiroshima‑style okonomiyaki.
Visit Senjokaku (Toyokuni Shrine) and ride the ropeway to Mount Misen for panoramic views
Return by ferry to Hiroshima. Hotel check‑in late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight in Hiroshima.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Private coach for a full day in Hiroshima, including the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Continue by coach to Okayama (approx. 2.5 hours).
Stroll through Korakuen Garden—one of Japan’s three great landscape gardens—with views toward Okayama Castle.
Dinner at a local izakaya‑style restaurant.
Overnight in Okayama.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Private coach to Kurashiki
Explore the preserved Bikan historical quarter and visit the Ohashi House (traditional merchant residence).
Continue to Himeji.
Lunch (tempura) at a local restaurant.
Visit Himeji Castle (UNESCO), one of Japan’s best‑preserved original castles, often called the “White Heron Castle.”
Travel onward to Kyoto
Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Kyoto.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Meet your English‑speaking local guide.
Coach to Nara (approx. 1 hour).
Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine and its lantern-lined approach.
Walk through Nara Park and its famous deer.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Explore Naramachi, a traditional merchant neighborhood.
Visit Todaiji Temple and the Great Buddha.
Return to Kyoto.
Dinner and 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 at a local restaurant.
Afternoon visit to Kiyomizu‑dera and time in the nearby shopping streets.
Tea ceremony experience.
Evening stroll through Gion and the preserved lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
Dinner (shabu‑shabu).
Overnight in Kyoto.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Kyoto Station by subway and travel by express train to Kanazawa (approx. 2 hours).
Explore Omicho Market, Kenroku‑en Garden, and Seisonkaku Villa.
Visit Higashi Chaya (historic geisha district) and Shima Teahouse.
Dinner and overnight in Kanazawa.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Travel to Shirakawa-go
Visit the UNESCO-listed village known for gassho‑zukuri farmhouses, including the former Kanda family residence.
Continue to Takayama (approx. 50 minutes).
Lunch featuring local hoba miso.
Discover Takayama’s well-preserved old town: Kusakabe Folk Museum, Yoshijima House, and the Sanmachi district.
Dinner and overnight in Takayama.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Private coach to Hakone
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Enjoy classic Hakone scenery with a combination of mountain transport
Cruise on Lake Ashi with potential views of Mount Fuji
Ride the funicular/ropeway to Mount Komagatake for panoramic views
Check‑in at a ryokan.
Dinner and overnight at the ryokan (Japanese-style room; private bath/toilet at this property or similar).
Breakfast at the ryokan.
Coach to Tokyo
Lunch (sushi).
City touring includes Meiji Shrine, Harajuku and Takeshita Street, and Omotesando.
Stop at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for sweeping views
Dinner and overnight in Tokyo.
Breakfast.
Full day of visits by private coach.
Begin with the Tokyo National Museum.
Continue to Asakusa and Senso‑ji Temple.
Lunch.
Drive through Ginza and see the Kabuki‑za area.
Transfer to Tokyo’s international airport for your flight to the USA.
Dinner and overnight on board.
Arrive back to US