Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Your Japanese Adventure Begins!

Depart for Tokyo on your overnight flight! Get ready for a journey filled with cultural connections, historic landmarks, and unforgettable experiences as you explore Japan’s vibrant cities and traditions.

Day 2: Welcome to Japan! | Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo, where your local Program Director will welcome you to Japan! Transfer to your hotel and settle in before heading out for an orientation walk, time permitting. Get your first introduction to the city and begin discovering the sights and sounds of daily life in Tokyo.

Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner and get to know your fellow travelers as you prepare for the adventures ahead.

Day 3: Shrine Traditions, Taiko Drumming & Harajuku | Tokyo

Begin your day at Meiji Shrine, surrounded by peaceful forest in the heart of Tokyo. Explore the grounds with your guide and learn about Shinto traditions and the etiquette of visiting a Japanese shrine.

Next, feel the rhythm during a hands-on Taiko drumming workshop! Learn basic techniques and work together to create the powerful sounds of this Japanese musical tradition.

This afternoon, explore Harajuku’s colorful streets, where fashion, creative shops, and youth culture offer a different perspective on the city. Enjoy time to browse and discover how tradition and contemporary self-expression coexist in Tokyo.

Day 4: A Day of Magic | Tokyo Disneyland

Get ready for a full day of fun at Tokyo Disneyland! Explore its themed lands, enjoy attractions, and discover familiar Disney stories through the park’s distinctive details and experiences.

Spend the day making memories with your classmates, with opportunities to enjoy parades and evening entertainment as the park’s schedule allows.

Day 5: Market Flavors, Anime & Gaming | Tokyo

This morning, explore Tsukiji Outer Market, where bustling lanes introduce you to Japanese ingredients, food traditions, and local specialties. Discover new flavors and browse the market’s shops as you learn about the role food plays in everyday Japanese life.

Later, head to Akihabara for approximately three to four hours of exploring Tokyo’s famous electronics, anime, and gaming district. Browse collectibles, visit gaming shops, try the neighborhood’s arcades, and find a few souvenirs to bring home. It’s an exciting opportunity to experience the creativity and enthusiasm behind Japan’s pop culture!

Day 6: Lake Ashi, Volcanic Landscapes & Mount Fuji Views | Hakone

Leave the city behind for a day exploring Hakone’s mountain scenery. Cruise across Lake Ashi and take in the surrounding landscapes, keeping an eye out for views of Mount Fuji if the weather is clear.

Then, ride the Hakone Ropeway and discover the volcanic landscape of Owakudani, subject to operating conditions. Learn about the geothermal activity that shapes the area and the story behind its famous black eggs.

After a day of natural wonders and scenic views, return to Tokyo for the night.

Day 7: Bullet Train Adventure & Historic Gion | Kyoto

This morning, transfer to the station and board Japan’s famous bullet train for your journey to Kyoto! Watch the scenery change as you travel from the capital toward a city celebrated for its historic neighborhoods and cultural traditions.

Upon arrival, settle into your accommodations before joining your guide for a walk through Gion. Explore streets lined with traditional wooden buildings and learn about the neighborhood’s history and living traditions, observing local photography rules and respecting the people who live and work here.

Day 8: Reflection, Peace & Island Discovery | Hiroshima & Miyajima

Depart early by bullet train for Hiroshima. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum for a thoughtful exploration of the atomic bombing, its human impact, and the importance of remembrance and peace. Take time to reflect on what you’ve learned with your group.

Later, continue to the ferry terminal and travel to Miyajima Island. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and see its famous torii gate, whose appearance changes with the tides. Explore the island’s waterfront and shops, with time to discover local treats and enjoy the scenery.

Return to Kyoto in the evening after a full day of learning, exploration, and travel.

Day 9: Kyoto’s Historic Treasures & Return to Tokyo

Spend your final full day discovering more of Kyoto’s remarkable heritage. Begin at Nijo Castle, where you’ll learn about Japan’s shoguns while exploring the historic grounds and architecture.

Continue to Fushimi Inari Shrine and walk through a stretch of its striking vermilion torii gates. Learn about the shrine’s traditions and take in the atmosphere of its wooded pathways. If opening schedules and timing permit, visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace for another perspective on the city’s imperial history.

Later, board the bullet train back to Tokyo and transfer to your hotel. Spend your final evening reflecting on the discoveries, friendships, and experiences you’ll bring home from Japan.

Day 10: Sayonara, Japan!

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Depart with lasting memories, greater confidence, and a deeper appreciation for Japan’s culture, history, and people—and the connections you’ve made along the way!