Day 1: Fly overnight to Japan
Day 2: Tokyo
Meet your Field Director at the destination airportReceive 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 KomagatakeVisit 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
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
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