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Japan

Japan: An Exploration of History, Culture and Society

Program No. 19724RJ
Fulfill the dream of a lifetime as you immerse yourself in the traditions, history and stunning landscapes of one of the world’s most ancient and beautiful cultures: Japan.
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  • A Japanese hot pot meal from the Kisu Valley, with fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and meat arranged in a dark cast-iron nabe pot.
Train TreksSmall GroupCity DiscoveriesMulti-City Discoveries
Length
17 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
9,649
Flights start at
1,450
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
17 days
16 nights
What's Included
34 meals ( 15B, 10L, 9D )
4 expert-led lectures
21 expert-led field trips
4 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
15 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
The Group Leader will greet everyone as they arrive and review safety guidelines and emergency procedures. This program will be accompanied by a Group Leader and a Program Assistant, who will primarily handle logistics, and multiple Instructors who will lead most lectures and field trips, unless otherwise specified. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. Please refer to the attachments at the end of this document for suggestions. The Group Leader will also be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Introductory lecture to Japan and its history, followed by up to 5 miles total walking around Fukuoka during the remainder of the day.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After the program Orientation, which will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, and logistics, we'll start out the day with a lecture from our local Instructor focusing on the history of Fukuoka, but including general Japanese history, allowing us to gain some familiarity with the development of the nation and its people.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We set out with our Group Leader to stretch our legs on an afternoon exploration of this lively city, known as “Japan's gateway to Asia." Weather permitting, our first stop will be a roof-top garden, with not only sweeping views of the city, but also a small “tetsudo” (railway) shrine, where people pray for safe travels. A short walk will take us to some of Fukuoka’s most historic locations, learning more about Fukuoka’s importance as a point of trade and diplomacy between Japan, China, and Korea. Finally, a short trip on the subway will bring us to a small local museum to learn more about the area’s rich history and links with the Asian mainland.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a tasty meal for our Welcome Dinner.
Evening:
After returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars or settle in and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Coach transfer approx. 60 miles; about 4 hours throughout the day. Up to 5 miles total walking en route to and around Dazaifu, as well as in the museum and the pottery village. Sleeping in lodgings on traditional futons on tatami mats on the floor.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We board our coach for transfer to Dazaifu, the old western capital of Japan. Dazaifu is located on the outskirts of Fukuoka, the biggest city in Kyushu. We visit the Kyushu National Museum to view the collections of calligraphy, sculpture and arts from Japan and its Asian neighbors. Later we stop by the impressive Tenman-Gu Shrine, dating from 905AD and home to 6,000 plum trees.
Lunch:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Afternoon:
We then transfer to Hita, a town at the geographical heart of Kyushu that once served as the shogun’s most important stronghold on the island. En-route we stop at a pottery village where we learn about the unique techniques used here. After arriving in Hita we explore the old town and learn about its strategic importance. Checking into our hotel, we’ll relax in the local onsen hot spring baths before dinner.
Dinner:
At the accommodation, we’ll have a traditional Japanese-style dinner.
Evening:
At leisure to enjoy the traditional accommodation including it's onsen hot spring baths.
Activity Note
Coach transfers are approx. 85 miles; about 3 hours throughout the day, travelling around Oita prefecture. Getting on/off motorcoach to visit sites. Walking about 5 miles total throughout the day; some uneven ground and steps. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We transfer to the former castle town of Usuki. In 1600, William Adams, the inspiration for John Blackthorne, the protagonist of James Clavell's novel "Shogun", made landfall just off the coast of Usuki before eventually becoming a samurai for Tokugawa Ieyasu. First we visit the Usuki Magaibutsu, a collection of 61 Stone Buddhas, carved into the cliffs of the area, and designated a National Treasure in 1995.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we continue our exploration of this lovely town, nestled into the coastline and filled with historic districts and traditional architecture. At the end of the day we transfer to our hotel in Oita city.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Motorcoach or train ride 20 miles, 40 minutes, each way, to Usuki and back. Walking about 3 miles total throughout the day; some uneven ground and steep steps. Shoes will need to be removed at some locations.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today we visit a rural community in the Oita countryside where we will learn about the history of farming in Japan and the importance it holds, economically, culturally and socially, in modern day Japan.
Lunch:
We eat lunch in the company of some Oita locals.
Afternoon:
Oita, like so many rural areas of Japan, suffers from depopulation and decline. In conversations with residents, we’ll examine the problems this raises for the local community and what is being done to reinvigorate a small part of Japan. At the end of the day we transfer back to our hotel in Oita city.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. Please refer to the list of suggested restaurants in the attachments.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning. Main luggage will be gathered in the morning and sent to Hiroshima via overnight courier, be sure to pack overnight belongings in a day pack for the first night of our stay in Hiroshima.
Activity Note
Driving approx. 40 miles, 2 hours, throughout the day, by motorcoach. Train transfer is approx. 180 miles; about 2.5 hours. Walking about 3 miles total throughout the day; some uneven ground and steep steps. Main luggage will be sent by overnight courier from Oita to arrive in Hiroshima tomorrow. Shoes will need to be removed at some locations.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Setting out early from the hotel, our first stop is Beppu, the hot spring capital of Japan. With more hot springs than anywhere else in Japan, it takes the crown as the nation’s top onsen destination. We explore the old quarter of Kannawa in Beppu. Water vapour emanates from grilles in the streets, and above us from towering vents. Locals are to be seen throughout the day to-ing and fro-ing with towels in hand to the many public baths in the neighborhood. We then transfer to Kunisaki, a little-known but fabulous area of Japan. Although sparsely populated now, it was once one of the first Buddhist strongholds in Japan with many beautiful temples and thousands of stone Buddhas and deities spread throughout the whole of Kunisaki. Common in years past, monks on pilgrimage are now a rare sight but the local religion, which has morphed over the centuries into an eclectic concoction of Buddhism, Shintoism, and various folk religions, is vibrant.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We make one more stop in Kunisaki before finally, we embark on our transfer from Kyushu to Honshu, the main island in Japan. After boarding a local train at a small rural station, we continue via Shinkansen, Japan’s famous bullet train, into the bustling port city of Hiroshima.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking approx. 5 miles total around Hiroshima; mostly flat pavement. Some transfers by tram and taxis.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our first destination of the day will bring us to the Peace Memorial Museum where we will hear from someone affected by the atomic bomb that was dropped on the city in 1945. Following this, we will have time to visit the museum. The museum itself is a thoughtful and non-sentimental exhibition of the effects of the bomb.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon we will explore the Peace Memorial Park. Within the grounds of the park is the Atom Bomb Dome, which is the ruin of the old Industry Promotion Hall. The Hall was very close to the epicenter of the explosion and its smashed walls and twisted metal frame vividly recall the blast. The park also contains the eternal flame with a serene, underground memorial hall. The whole area is a thought-provoking site but with an overwhelming feeling of the forward-looking, hopeful way the people of Hiroshima perceive their collective experience.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. Please refer to the list of suggested restaurants in the attachments.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning. Main luggage will be gathered in the morning and sent to Kyoto via overnight courier, be sure to pack overnight belongings in a day pack for the first night of our stay in Kyoto.
Activity Note
Bullet train ride of approx. 220 miles to Kyoto; about 2 hours. Walking approx. 5 miles throughout the day; mostly flat, pavement, roads. Some short transfers by tram, ferry or public bus. Main luggage will be sent by overnight courier from Hiroshima to arrive in Kyoto tomorrow.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Depending on the season we will either make a visit to Miyajima Island, close to Hiroshima, or we will stop at the small port town of Tomonoura en route to Kyoto.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Dependant on the location we visit.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking approx. 5 miles throughout the day; more depending on personal preference; some unavoidable stairs. Taxi transfers. Sitting on either tatami mats or small chairs on the floor while participating in the tea ceremony. Note that space is limited at the tea room, and that large groups will be split into two, reversing the daily itinerary. Sitting on the floor at lunch. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
As we explore Kyoto's history and culture on foot led by our Instructor, we’ll first make a visit to the Daitoku-ji temple complex, associated with the ultimate master of the tea ceremony, Sen-no-rikyu. Then, a short walk away, we’ll experience a tea ceremony in the informative and enthralling company of a tea master. We’ll delve into the ceremony, a delightful and deeply meaningful practice far from the rigid image it often has, and also make tea for each other.
Lunch:
At a Shojin Ryori, a temple vegetarian restaurant, located by the 56-acre Daitoku-ji temple complex.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. Please refer to the list of suggested restaurants in the attachments.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking approx. 5 miles throughout the day. Some unavoidable stairs. Private transfers via motorcoach, approx 15 miles, 1.5 hours. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Setting out from the hotel, we’ll go on an expert-led field trip to Nijo-jo Castle, the only residence of the shogun still in existence, for a chance to learn about the daily life at the shogun's court.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will then begin a field trip led by our Instructor. First, we’ll arrive at Kennin-ji Temple, founded by Eisai, who introduced Zen Buddhism to Japan. Built in 1202, it is one of the Five Great Temples of Kyoto, and the oldest Zen temple in the city. Renowned for its beautiful artworks and Zen gardens, this temple is an oasis nestled in the heart of the Gion District, which we stroll through next on our way to catch a glimpse of Yasaka Shrine. Our next stop will be the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design, an excellent introduction to the city’s splendid artisan crafts.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. Please refer to the list of suggested restaurants in the attachments.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning. Main luggage will be gathered in the morning and sent to Kiso-Fukushima via overnight courier, be sure to pack overnight belongings in a day pack for the first night of our stay in Kiso-Fukushima.
Activity Note
Walking approx. 1.5 miles and short subway transfers during morning group activity; flat terrain, pavement, roads. Train ride to Kiso-Fukushima is about 170 miles; approx. 3 hours. Main luggage will be sent by overnight courier from Kyoto to arrive in Kiso-Fukushima tomorrow. Sleeping in lodgings on traditional futons on tatami mats on the floor. Shoes may need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Setting out using local transportation and on foot, we go for a visit to the International Manga Museum, to gain insight into the cultural impact and importance of manga and anime in 20th & 21st century Japanese culture.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We depart for our three hour train transfer to Kiso-Fukushima.
Dinner:
At the ryokan.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Transferring via local bus approx. 6 miles one way; about 1 hour roundtrip. Walking approximately 2 miles throughout Kiso-Fukushima; about 2 hours; fairly flat, on pavement. Sleeping on floor in traditional Japanese fashion. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
At the ryokan, we’ll have a traditional Japanese-style breakfast.
Morning:
Setting out from the ryokan, we’ll transfer via local bus to our cookery workshop where we’ll roll up our sleeves and learn from a team of local folks how buckwheat soba noodles, a local specialty, are made by hand.
Lunch:
At the cookery workshop, we’ll enjoy the noodles we made.
Afternoon:
We’ll then return to Kiso-Fukushima the way we came, enjoying a stroll as we learn about the town's history as a barrier station checkpoint that monitored traffic and enforced the strict regulations imposed by the Tokugawa Shogunate. Afterwards, we'll have a bit of free time before returning to our lodgings.
Dinner:
At the ryokan, we’ll enjoy another customary Japanese dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning. Main luggage will be gathered in the morning and sent to Tokyo via overnight courier, be sure to pack overnight belongings in a day pack for the first night of our stay in Tokyo.
Activity Note
Traveling approx. 300 miles; about 5 hours total throughout the day by rail and motorcoach, with stops. Walking approx. 2 miles around Tsumago; elective additional trail hike of about 3 miles; approx. 1.5 hours; some uneven terrain, stone trail. Main luggage will be sent by overnight courier from Kiso-Fukushima to arrive in Tokyo tomorrow. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Once checked out, we’ll set off early by motorcoach to the picturesque Kiso Valley and the Nakasendo Way. We start off with a visit to Tsumago, a picturesque old post town and probably the most famous in Japan. As we approach, you may choose to embark on an elective walk along the old Nakasendo. You may also choose to drive the whole way to Tsumago and spend more time exploring before we all regroup to discover the workings of a traditional high-class inn, and visit the local history museum.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We drive to Ena where we learn about the woodblock printing process at the Hiroshige Print Museum, then try our hands at producing some of our own. These iconic prints give great insight into the daily life of Edo-period Japan, particularly along the Nakasendo Way, an old highway of Japan. Afterwards we take the train, local and Shinkansen, to Tokyo.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to approximately 5 miles throughout the day. Use of transportation including assorted rail and subway transfers; about 1.5 hours total; some stairs, flat city streets, elevators/escalators sometimes available.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We set out on a walking exploration of the Nihonbashi district of Tokyo with our Instructor. Edo, as Tokyo used to be known in the feudal period, was the de facto political and military center of Japan. Nihonbashi was Edo’s heart with the five main highways of Japan terminating here. We’ll visit the nearby Imperial Palace Gardens on the site of the former shogun’s castle.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will use Tokyo's efficient train system to go to Shinjuku, one of the city's most interesting areas, where many of the movie "Lost in Translation" scenes were filmed. Passing through the "Skyscraper District", we will head up to the Observation Deck in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for 360 degree views of the city.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. Please refer to the list of suggested restaurants in the attachments.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to approximately 3 miles throughout the morning; gentle pace. Afternoon dependant on chosen activity. Use of transportation including assorted rail and subway transfers; about 1 hour total; some stairs, flat city streets, elevators/escalators sometimes available.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Around 250 square kilometres of Tokyo is made up of reclaimed land. This morning we will explore some of these areas, full of interesting architecture and stories.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant near the hotel, we’ll celebrate our journey and review the highlights of the program over our family-style farewell dinner. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
May 05, 2026 - May 21, 2026 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
May 12, 2026 - May 28, 2026 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
May 26, 2026 - Jun 11, 2026 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
Sep 29, 2026 - Oct 15, 2026 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
Oct 13, 2026 - Oct 29, 2026 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
Oct 27, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
Nov 10, 2026 - Nov 26, 2026 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
Nov 24, 2026 - Dec 10, 2026 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 17, 2026 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
Feb 24, 2027 - Mar 12, 2027 (Fukuoka to Tokyo)
Mar 10, 2027 - Mar 26, 2027 (Fukuoka to Tokyo)
Mar 24, 2027 - Apr 09, 2027 (Fukuoka to Tokyo)
Apr 07, 2027 - Apr 23, 2027 (Fukuoka to Tokyo)
Apr 14, 2027 - Apr 30, 2027 (Fukuoka to Tokyo)
May 12, 2027 - May 28, 2027 (Fukuoka to Tokyo)
May 19, 2027 - Jun 04, 2027 (Fukuoka to Tokyo)
Sep 22, 2027 - Oct 08, 2027 (Fukuoka to Tokyo)
Sep 29, 2027 - Oct 15, 2027 (Fukuoka to Tokyo)
Oct 13, 2027 - Oct 29, 2027 (Fukuoka to Tokyo)
Oct 20, 2027 - Nov 05, 2027 (Fukuoka to Tokyo)
Nov 03, 2027 - Nov 19, 2027 (Fukuoka to Tokyo)
Nov 17, 2027 - Dec 03, 2027 (Fukuoka to Tokyo)
Dec 01, 2027 - Dec 17, 2027 (Fukuoka to Tokyo)
Dec 1 - Dec 17, 2027 Itinerary Differences: For people who do not like crowds, this is an optimal date of this program. At this time of year the temperatures are colder but the weather is clear and crisp.