Japan

357 Days until departure
May 23, 2026 - June 1, 2026
Trip ID: Rhodes-5931

Tour Itinerary print itinerary

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Day 1 Overnight Flight to Osaka
Day 2 Konichiwa Osaka
Meet your tour director and check into hotel
Day 3 Osaka
Optional  Hiroshima full-day excursion by bullet train  $430
Atomic Dome visit, Peace Memorial Park visit, Peace Memorial Museum visit, Hiroshima Castle visit
Details: Atomic Dome visit
The Atomic Bomb Dome, formerly the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, was destroyed by the world's first atomic bomb dropping. It was called the "Atomic Bomb Dome" for its distinctive domed steel frame and was included in UNESCO's World Heritage List in December 1996 as a symbol of the devastation caused by the first atomic bomb in the history of humankind. It represents the importance of the abolition of nuclear weapons and lasting world peace.
Details: Peace Memorial Park visit
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, located in the center of Hiroshima City was built in its current location near the hypocenter of the atomic bombing during WWII on August 6, 1945. The park is home to many memorials and monuments, including the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.
Day 4 Osaka--Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto
Nara excursion
LEAP Japanese Calligraphy class
Details: Nara excursion
Nara can be an eye-opening experience. The enormous 50-foot bronze Buddha statue in Todai-ji was dedicated in AD 752 by having a priest symbolically "open his eyes" by scrambling up and painting them in (the original paintbrush remains at the temple); strings dangling off the brush allowed the dignitaries on the ground to hang on and participate in the action. The sense of "more is better" continues at Kasuga Shrine, where a thousand intricate bronze lanterns hang prettily off the building. Don't bother the wild deer roaming the adjacent Nara Park -- once considered messengers of the gods, they are still a nationally protected treasure.
Details: Todai-ji temple visit
Todai-ji is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). At 15 meters tall, the seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.
Details: Kasuga Grand Shrine visit
Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrine.
Details: LEAP Japanese Calligraphy class
Learn the fundamentals of Japanese calligraphy and practice the basics of this traditional art.
Day 5 Kyoto
Kyoto guided sightseeing tour
Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion) visit, Nijo Temple visit, Heian Shrine visit
Gion Corner visit
Details: Nijo Temple visit
The Nijo Temple, created to show off the wealth and power of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Inside are painted screens considered to be Japanese masterpieces that are designed to impress.
Day 6 Kyoto--Hakone
Travel to Hakone by bullet train
Hakone excursion
Owakudani Boiling Valley visit, Hakone Ropeway, Lake Ashi cruise, Hakone Shrine visit
Details: Hakone excursion
Step into the misty beauty of a traditional Japanese watercolor. Peaceful lakes, stunning gardens, Hakone one of the prettiest destinations for city-weary Tokyoites. Experience Owakudani, the area around a crater created during the last eruption of Mount Hakone some 3000 years ago. Today, much of the area is an active volcanic zone with sulfurous fumes and hot springs. Watch how far you travel, though -- Hakone was once the feudal checkpoint for visitors to the capital, with all guns required to stay outside the borders and all women required to stay in. Please note: Owakudani Boiling Valley and the Hakone Ropeway are subject to weather conditions, and an alternative activity will be provided.
Day 7 Hakone--Tokyo
Travel to Tokyo
Free time to explore Tokyo with your tour director
Day 8 Tokyo
Tokyo guided sightseeing tour
Meiji Shrine visit, National Museum visit
Akihabara Electric Town visit
LEAP Japanese School Visit
Asakusa Sensoji Temple visit & Nakamise Street
LEAP Japanese cooking class
Details: Meiji Shrine visit
Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji was the first emperor of modern Japan, born in 1852 and ascending to the throne in 1868 at the peak of the Meiji Restoration when the power was switched from the feudal Tokugawa government to the emperor. Learn the difference between Shinto and Buddism
Details: Akihabara Electric Town visit
Take a trip to the Akihabara district, a mecca for electronic goods and home to Japan's otaku (diehard fan) geek culture. Explore the thousands of shops dedicated to anime, manga and video games.
Details: LEAP Japanese School Visit
Visit a Japanese school to meet local students, learn some Japanese, and see the differences between schools in Japan and schools at home. (Please note that school visits will not be possible on certain dates due to schools not being in session. WorldStrides will update you as early as possible.)
Details: LEAP Japanese cooking class
Under the instruction of a professional chef, prepare, eat, and enjoy a traditional Japanese meal.
Day 9 Tokyo
Optional  Nikko excursion  $179
Karaoke experience and dinner
Details: Karaoke experience and dinner
Karaoke is a popular form of entertainment which originated in Japan. Immerse yourself in this environment, grab a mic, your favorite song and sing your heart out in a Tokyo karaoke venue.
Day 10 End Tour

Tour Includes

  • Round-trip airfare and other transportation described in the itinerary
  • Basic Medical, Dental, Emergency Evacuation Insurance during trip
  • Up to three college credits upon course completion (grades 9-12) or high school credit (grades 6-12)
  • Centrally located three- and four-star hotels
  • Plentiful daily breakfast to start the day energized and ready to go
  • Appetizing, culturally representative, three-course dinner daily
  • Full time, multilingual, WorldStrides tour director who is LEAP-trained in experiential education
  • Local guide at sites and on city tours as described in the itinerary
  • LEAP! Learning through Exploration and Active Participation; trademarked immersive approach of learning by doing
  • Entrances and transportation to sites and activities described in your itinerary
  • Local guide and local bus driver tips; see note regarding other important tips
  • 24/7 On Tour Emergency Support
  • Note: On arrival day only dinner is provided; on departure day, only breakfast is provided
  • Note: Tour cost does not include airline-imposed baggage fees, any required passport or visa fees, optional excursions, or recommended Tips for the Tour Director or multi-day Bus Drivers. Optional excursions, optional pre-paid tips, or other individual/group customizations will be listed as separate line items in the total trip cost, if included.

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