Tokyo: The City Experience

8 or 10 days

Tokyo, Mount Fuji, extension to Kyoto

Tokyo holds the key to open any culture-focused curriculum. You’ll get plenty of time in the capital to experience what makes Japanese culture unique before entering timeless Shinto shrines in the parks of Shibuya. Look up at the towering screens in the Ginza District or peer down from a cable car atop Mt. Komagatake—either way, Japan will give your curriculum a distinctly new perspective.

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Tokyo: The City Experience tour

Day 1: Fly overnight to Japan

Day 2: Tokyo

Meet your Field Director at the airport

Receive your included Tokyo Museum Grutt Pass, which gives you free or discounted admission to museums around Tokyo

Enjoy dinner in Tokyo

Day 3: Tokyo

See the Imperial Plaza and Metropolitan Government Building

Take a guided tour of Tokyo

With your expert local guide you will see:

Harajuku shopping district, the trendy district popular among younger locals
Shibuya district, home to the famed Shibuya crosswalk that has upwards of 3,000 people crossing at a time
Shinjuku district, a large entertainment and business area

Visit the Meiji Shrine and its elaborate wooded Inner Garden

Spend a half day exploring Tokyo on your own

Day 4: Tokyo

Explore Ueno Park, a space with many museums and shrines, on your own

Take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and try matcha tea

Visit the Tokyo National Museum, Japan's largest art museum

Day 5: Tokyo • Hakone

Enjoy a photo stop of Mount Fuji (views of Mount Fuji are completely weather dependent)

Visit Hakone National Park, known for its hot springs, lakes, historic sites, and close-up views of majestic Mount Fuji

Ride a cable car up Mount Komagatake

Visit the Hakone Open Air Museum

Day 6: Tokyo

Spend a full day exploring Tokyo on your own

Day 7: Tokyo

Take a walking tour of Tsukiji Outer Market

With your Field Director you will see:

Fresh seafood stalls
Traditional Japanese food stalls
Japanese kitchenware and specialty ingredient stalls

Spend time exploring Tsukiji Outer Market on your own—wander through bustling stalls, sample fresh street food, and shop for local snacks, teas, and traditional kitchenware.

Attend a sushi-making class and enjoy what you've made

Spend a half day exploring Tokyo on your own

Enjoy dinner in Tokyo

Day 8: Depart for home

Add 2 more days

Day 8: Tokyo • Kyoto

Travel by bullet train to Kyoto

Take a guided tour of Kyoto with an expert local guide and learn about the history and culture of the city

Visit Nijo Castle, a structure built almost entirely out of Japanese cypress

Visit the Gold Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf

Enjoy dinner in Kyoto

Day 9: Kyoto

Add this in-depth excursion:

Nara

Today, join a half-day excursion to Nara, one of Japan’s ancient capitals. Visit the Todaji Temple and see the Daibutsu, the world’s largest bronze Buddha. Then walk through the wooded Nara Park, also known by the nickname of “Deer Park” because of its many four legged inhabitants. Just outside the park, you will visit Kasuga Shrine, one of the most famous Shinto shrines in the country. Twice a year, some 3,000 lanterns are lit here simultaneously during the Lantern Festival. (Please note: comfortable walking shoes are recommended.)

Visit Gion Corner to experience a Japanese kyo-mai dance performed by maiko dancers

Enjoy dinner in Kyoto

Day 10: Depart for home