This immersive journey through Japan offers a balanced blend of ancient tradition, modern city life, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Students and travelers will experience Japan’s cultural depth through historic temples and shrines, traditional cuisine, and hands-on encounters, while also exploring vibrant urban centers known for innovation and contemporary culture.
The itinerary moves thoughtfully from the dynamic energy of Osaka to the cultural heart of Kyoto and Nara, continues through the scenic landscapes of Hakone with views of Mount Fuji, and concludes in Tokyo—one of the world’s most influential global cities. With guided sightseeing, thoughtfully planned free time, and a mix of traditional and modern accommodations, this program encourages cultural understanding, independence, and meaningful engagement with daily life in 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 featuring local specialties (crab dinner at Kanidoraku Aminoto Bekkan or similar).
Overnight in Osaka.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Private coach to Nara with your English-speaking guide.
Visit Todaiji Temple and the Great Buddha.
Lunch (Ryozanpaku or similar).
Walk through Nara Park and visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Continue to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of torii gates forming a tunnel up the hillside.
Continue to Kyoto. Hotel check-in.
Kaiseki-style dinner (Ganko Takasegawa or similar).
Overnight in Kyoto.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Meet your guide for a full day of touring by private coach. Highlights include Ryoan-ji Zen rock garden, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and Nishiki Market with some free time.
Lunch featuring yakitori skewers.
Afternoon visit to Kiyomizu-dera, followed by time in the surrounding historic lanes and shopping streets. Walk through Gion and the preserved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
Dinner
Overnight in Kyoto.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning free to explore Kyoto
Late morning/early afternoon transfer by subway to Kyoto Station for the Shinkansen to Odawara
Bento lunch box and one bottle of water provided on board.
Arrive in Odawara and continue by private coach to Hakone.
Ryokan check-in
Dinner and overnight at the ryokan (Japanese-style room; private bath/toilet at this property or similar).
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Owakudani Valley, known as the 'Great Boiling Valley,' where volcanic steam vents rise from the mountains. If weather permits, enjoy views of Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest and most iconic mountain.
Cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji and the famous red torii gate of Hakone Shrine.
Continue to Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital.
Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory for panoramic views of the city.
Dinner and overnight in Tokyo.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart by private coach for a full day of Tokyo touring.
Pass by the Imperial Palace area and enjoy a short walk in the nearby park
Visit Asakusa: walk Nakamise Street to Senso-ji Temple. Drive through Ginza.
Lunch featuring chanko-nabe (sumo-style hot pot).
Visit Meiji Shrine, then explore Harajuku, Takeshita Street, and Omotesando.
Return to the hotel around early evening. Dinner at Gompachi Nishiazabu (or similar).
Overnight in Tokyo.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Day free without guide
Afternoon sushi-making class with tasting
Dinner
Overnight in Tokyo.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning exploration of Tokyo National Museum (Ueno).
Afternoon transfer to the airport with an English-speaking assistant and departure for USA
Overnight on board
Arrive back to US
