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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At a Glance

From the frantic pace of the world’s largest metropolis to the elaborate rituals of the Way of Tea, from samurai castles to serene Buddhist temples, delve into the history and modern identity of Japan. Discover Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka and the hidden jewels of rural Japan.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to six miles (throughout the day) and standing for up to three hours daily. Uneven, hilly terrain, many stairs. Must handle own luggage on and off transport. Elevations up to 4,000 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Journey through Japan’s cities, mountains and rural areas via Shinkansen Bullet train, bus, street tram, ferry and on foot.
  • Learn about the Nakasendo Way, a centuries-old route between Tokyo and Kyoto, and stay at one of its historic port towns.
  • Experience the art of Japanese cuisine from fresh sushi to regional specialties and learn the symbolic ritual of the tea ceremony with a Tea Master.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Michael Drzmisek Sozui
Michael was born in Switzerland and first came in contact with Japanese culture came through the martial arts Aikido and Iaido. He originally started to study Japanese calligraphy and later chanoyu to complement martial arts studies but became increasingly interested in tea over the years. After more than twenty years of experience, Michael sees chanoyu as a way of communication between people and ideas. The focus of his tea studies is not only to be a tea master, but to become a true tea person.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of John McBride
John McBride View biography
After studying in Japan and Australia, John McBride began his career at the Australia-Japan Research Centre/Australian National University. He joined Ansett Australia and later became Chief Executive of News Corporation Japan. Returning to live in Sydney, John has continued his interest in matching texts about ancient, natural, and contemporary history with walking in both Australia and Japan. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his support of Australia-Japan cultural and business links, and for supporting young artists and arts institutions.
Profile Image of Michael Drzmisek Sozui
Michael Drzmisek Sozui View biography
Michael was born in Switzerland and first came in contact with Japanese culture came through the martial arts Aikido and Iaido. He originally started to study Japanese calligraphy and later chanoyu to complement martial arts studies but became increasingly interested in tea over the years. After more than twenty years of experience, Michael sees chanoyu as a way of communication between people and ideas. The focus of his tea studies is not only to be a tea master, but to become a true tea person.
Profile Image of Diane Tincher
Diane Tincher View biography
Originally from Virginia, Diane first arrived in Asia as a young adult. She moved to Tokyo from Manila in 1987, and settled in Kagoshima City in 1995. Diane has a deep love of the natural world and delights in exploring the numerous waterfalls, hiking paths and Edo Period (1603-1868) roads of the Kagoshima region. She has eight adult children, and teaches English at homes for the elderly and the disabled, in kindergarten classes, and privately. Diane joined Walk Japan as a Group Leader in 2018.
Profile Image of Hiroko Chiba
Hiroko Chiba View biography
Hiroko Chiba studied English at college and first went abroad to continue her studies in London. Returning to Japan, Hiroko worked for 15 years in investment banking. An interest in Thai food led her to open a restaurant that was in business from 2000 to 2019. During this time, her interests began shifting back to Japan, and she deepened her knowledge of Japanese culture through Zen Buddhism and traditional martial arts. Hiroko is a fan of sumo as well as Noh and Bunraku puppet theaters.
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Year
2025
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date and Direction
Apr 01 - Apr 17 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Mar 11 - Mar 27 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Apr 01 - Apr 17 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Apr 15 - May 01 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • May 06 - May 22 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • May 20 - Jun 05 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Sep 23 - Oct 09 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Oct 14 - Oct 30 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Oct 21 - Nov 06 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Nov 11 - Nov 27 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Nov 25 - Dec 11 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2025
  • 2024
  • 2025
Apr 01 - Apr 17 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Mar 11 - Mar 27 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Apr 01 - Apr 17 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Apr 15 - May 01 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • May 06 - May 22 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • May 20 - Jun 05 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Sep 23 - Oct 09 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Oct 14 - Oct 30 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Oct 21 - Nov 06 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Nov 11 - Nov 27 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
  • Nov 25 - Dec 11 (Tokyo to Fukuoka)
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.
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17 days
16 nights
33 meals
15 B 8 L 10 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive Tokyo, Check-in, Welcome Dinner
Tokyo
D
Hotel Kazusaya

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m., meet group in lobby at 6:45 p.m.

Afternoon: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program will be accompanied by both a Group Leader, who will primarily handle logistics, and a Study Leader who will lead most lectures and field trips, unless otherwise specified. Meals will include water and tea; other beverages will be available for purchase. 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: At the hotel, we’ll have a tasty plated meal for our Welcome Dinner, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
3
Historical Edo, The Samurai & Economic Heart Of Feudal Japan
Tokyo
B,D
Hotel Kazusaya

Activity note: Introductory lecture to Japan and its history, followed by a walk around the Nihonbashi area. In the afternoon, explore the Imperial Palace East Gardens, formerly Edo Castle, seat of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Total walking up to six miles.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet will include a variety of items, plus juice, coffee, tea, water.

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 Study Leader focusing on the history of Tokyo, but including general Japanese history, allowing us to gain some familiarity with the development of the nation and its people. Following our lecture we set out on a walking exploration of the Nihonbashi district of Tokyo with our Study Leader. 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.

Lunch: On your own to sample the local fare.

Afternoon: We’ll visit the nearby Imperial Palace Gardens on the site of the former shogun’s castle. We’ll then return to the hotel for some time to freshen up before walking to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a tasty family-style meal with tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: After returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure.

DAY
4
Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple, Yanaka & Edo, City of Townspeople
Tokyo
B,L
Hotel Kazusaya

Activity note: Walking up to approximately 5 miles throughout the day; gentle pace. Use of transportation including assorted rail and subway transfers; about 1 hour total; some stairs, flat city streets, elevators/escalators sometimes available. Shoes may need to be removed to visit some of the sites today.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After transferring via subway to Asakusa, we will visit the famous Senso-ji temple led by our Study leader. Asakusa is the centre of Tokyo’s Shitamachi, the low city, and was an entertainment district for the lower classes. Senso-ji is a very popular Buddhist temple that was built in the 7th century with a market and entertainment street leading up to it.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal with tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll travel to the charming neighborhood of Yanaka, a quiet quarter with winding streets and narrow alleyways, local shops and an intimate feel. Yanaka provides perhaps the closest approximation to how life once was in downtown Edo through to the pre-war years of Tokyo. As we walk around and soak up the atmosphere, we’ll see a part of Tokyo that survived the air raids of the 2nd World War and learn about the specifics from our Study Leader. The remainder of the afternoon will be free for independent exploration. It is a straightforward journey on the Yamanote line back to the vicinity of the hotel.

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 as well as in the handouts provided by the Group Leader.

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 our stay on the first night in Kiso-Fukushima.

DAY
5
The Nakasendo Way, Print Museum, Post Towns of Kiso Valley
Kiso-Fukushima
B,D
Kisojino-yado Iwaya

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. Sleeping in lodgings on traditional futons on tatami mats on the floor. Main luggage will be sent by overnight courier from Tokyo to arrive in Kiso-Fukushima tomorrow. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll set off early by bullet train to the picturesque Kiso Valley and the Nakasendo Way. Upon arrival in town, we’ll 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. We’ll then head to a Japanese supermarket for lunch.

Lunch: On your own to explore local fare while experiencing the novelty of a Japanese supermarket.

Afternoon: We’ll then board a motorcoach to continue our transfer 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. Next, we’ll travel onward to Kiso-Fukushima and our lodgings where we will be able to immerse ourselves fully in Japanese culture at an excellent modern Japanese inn with onsen, also known as hot spring baths.

Dinner: At the ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, we’ll enjoy a customary plated Japanese dinner with tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
Make Soba Noodles, Barrier Stations
Kiso-Fukushima
B,L,D
Kisojino-yado Iwaya

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: In the ryokan, we’ll have a traditional Japanese-style plated breakfast with tea and water.

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 with tea and water.

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: Ryokan traditional plated meal.

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 night of our stay in Takayama.

DAY
7
Matsumoto & Castle Towns, Japan’s Alps, To Takayama
Takayama
B,L,D
Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama

Activity note: Driving approx. 90 miles throughout the day; about 4 hours total with 1.5 hours in the morning Kiso-Fukushima to Matsumoto and 2.5 hours in the afternoon to Takayama. Walking approx. 3 miles total in and around Matsumoto Castle; mostly flat, some steep stairs that can be quite steep. Main luggage will be sent by overnight courier from Kiso-Fukushima to arrive in Kyoto tomorrow. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.

Breakfast: Ryokan traditional plated meal.

Morning: Once checked out of the ryokan, we’ll travel via motorcoach to the city of Matsumoto for a visit to the city's castle. The keep of Matsumoto Castle, an impressive and imposing structure, is an original which dates back to the late 16th century and is one of only five in Japan to be designated a National Treasure. While here, we’ll be given insights into the establishment and the importance of castle towns under the Tokugawa Shogunate. We’ll also delve into a discussion comparing facts versus myths surrounding the samurai. We’ll then transfer to a traditional miso manufacturer’s facility to learn and see how this essential Japanese foodstuff is made.

Lunch: At the miso manufacturer’s establishment, we’ll enjoy a delicious plated lunch featuring their product, plus tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Continuing by motorcoach, we’ll travel through the spectacular mountains of Japan’s Central Alps to the town of Takayama where we will check into the hotel with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a buffet with both Japanese and Western cuisine. Tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
8
An Independent City, Festival Floats Exhibition, To Kyoto
Kyoto
B,D
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo-Karasuma

Activity note: Walking approx. 5 miles during morning group activities; more dependent on personal preference; flat terrain, pavement, roads. Transfer to Kyoto is about 165 miles; approx. 3.5 hours. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet will feature both Western and Japanese dishes, plus juice, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: On a walking field trip with our Study Leader, we’ll explore Takayama, a charming, small mountain town. Its streets are lined with Edo-period shops and houses. Largely isolated by the surrounding mountains, Takayama fiercely protected its independence under pressure from the Shogunate, which eventually had to resort to direct rule. Along our way, we’ll visit the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition hall where 4 of the 11 floats for this famous festival are kept and displayed on rotation, with the others kept in their neighborhood warehouses throughout the historical district.

Lunch: On your own to sample the local fare.

Afternoon: We’ll then take some time for independent exploration before regrouping at a predetermined time and place and transferring to Kyoto in the mid-afternoon.

Dinner: Plated dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure, after transferring to and checking in at the hotel.

DAY
9
Japanese Tea Ceremony, Daitoku-ji Temple, Free Time
Kyoto
B,L
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo-Karasuma

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 Study Leader, 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, we’ll have plated meals, plus tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities in the attachments. The Group Leader will be happy to offer other suggestions as well.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like among Kyoto’s abundant, small restaurants. Please refer to the list of suggested restaurants in the attachments as well as in the handouts provided by the Group Leader.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
10
Cultural Icons of Kyoto, Nijo Castle
Kyoto
B,L
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo-Karasuma

Activity note: Walking approx. 3 miles throughout the morning’s group activities; more depending on personal preference during free time; some unavoidable stairs. Private transfers via coach.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Setting out from the hotel, we’ll begin a comprehensive multi-stop field trip led by our expert Study Leader. First, we’ll arrive at Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion), built by the 8th Ashikaga Shogun Yoshimasa. Like his grandfather, Yoshimitsu, Yoshimasa was a great patron of the arts but a poor governor of the nation. While Kyoto was engulfed in the internecine and destructive Onin Wars, the Higashiyama culture began and flourished at Ginkaku-ji. Based largely on the ideals and aesthetics of Zen Buddhism and the concept of wabi-sabi, which can be translated as beauty in simplicity, Higashiyama culture centered on the development of the Japanese tea ceremony, ikebana flower arranging, Noh drama, and sumi-e ink painting. Our next stop will be the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design and begin with an introduction to the city’s splendid artisan crafts before walking to nearby Heian Jingu, a vast Shinto shrine complex that was modeled on an ancient imperial palace.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy plated meals with tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: To round off the main theme of today, 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.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like among Kyoto’s abundant, small restaurants. Please refer to the list of suggested restaurants in the attachments as well as in the handouts provided by the Group Leader.

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.

DAY
11
Tale of Heike, Miyajima Island, Shinto Itsukushima Shrine
Hiroshima
B,D
Hotel Granvia Hiroshima

Activity note: Bullet train ride of approx. 220 miles to Hiroshima; about 2 hours. Walking approx. 5 miles throughout the day in Hiroshima and Miyajima; mostly flat, pavement, roads. Some short transfers by tram and ferry. Main luggage will be sent by overnight courier from Kyoto to arrive in Hiroshima tomorrow.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll head to the train station for our morning transfer by Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima, a vibrant city that belies its recent and infamous past. Next, we’ll transfer to Miyajima-guchi then the ferry to Miyajima Island. The island is justly famous for the Shinto Itsukushima Shrine, built out over the sea, which we will visit. The Shrine is over 1,400 years old but its present form was established in 1168 under the patronage of Taira-no-Kiyomori, who established the first samurai government of Japan. The Taira Clan’s fierce and bloody feud with the Minamoto Clan is related in the epic, Tale of Heike. Finally victorious, the Minamoto established the Shogunate at Kamakura in 1192.

Lunch: On your own to explore the local cuisine of Miyajima.

Afternoon: Free time. Miyajima, where vehicles are few, is a pleasant place to stroll around before returning to Hiroshima for check-in at the hotel.

Dinner: Plated meal with tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
12
Hiroshima – A City Reborn, Peace Memorial Park, Shukkeien
Hiroshima
B,L
Hotel Granvia Hiroshima

Activity note: Walking approx. 5 miles total around Hiroshima; mostly flat pavement. Some transfers by tram and taxis.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a breakfast buffet featuring both Western and Japanese-style dishes, plus juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Our first field trip of the day will bring us to the Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum. 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 museum itself is a thoughtful and non-sentimental exhibition of the effects of the bomb while 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.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We’ll then set out to visit Shukkeien, an archtypal “shrunken” Japanese garden, with our Study Leader. There are a number of tea houses en route as we stroll around – those who wish can enjoy the beautiful scenery over a cup of green tea before returning to the hotel.

Dinner: On your own to explore some of Hiroshima's many restaurants. Please refer to the list of suggested restaurants in the attachments as well as in the handouts provided by the Group Leader.

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 Nagasaki via overnight courier, be sure to pack overnight belongings in a day pack for our stay in Yufuin.

DAY
13
Early Japanese Buddhism, Kunisaki
Beppu
B,L,D
Morinoyu Resort

Activity note: Train transfer is approx. 180 miles; about 3 hours. Getting on/off motorcoach for short transfer to temples. Walking about 3 miles total throughout the day; some uneven ground and steep steps. Driving approx. 15 miles to hotel; about 40 minutes. Main luggage will be sent by overnight courier from Hiroshima to arrive at the accommodation tomorrow. Shoes will need to be removed at some locations.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Setting out early from the hotel to the train, we’ll 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. While here, we’ll explore the area’s unique scenery and learn about the Japanese countryside and depopulation.

Lunch: We’ll enjoy locally-produced, farmhouse plated meals with some of Kunisaki’s residents.

Afternoon: Kunisaki, 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. We continue onto 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.

Dinner: At the accommodation, we’ll have a traditional Japanese-style plated dinner with tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
14
Mountains of Kyushu and Oita countryside
Oguni
B,L,D
Hizenya Tsuetate Kanko Hotel

Activity note: Coach transfer is approx. 60 miles; about 3 hours throughout the day, travelling around Oita prefecture. Getting on/off motorcoach to visit sites. Walking about 4 miles total throughout the day; some uneven ground and steps. Accommodation is mostly Japanese style.

Breakfast: At the accommodation, we’ll have a traditional Japanese-style plated breakfast with tea and water.

Morning: 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 neighbourhood. We re-board our coach to begin a route through the rugged scenery of Northern Kyushu, passing between mountains and verdant forests.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We stop at Yume-no-Ohashi, a suspension footbridge. The bridge spans a gorge into which flow into two waterfalls, weather permitting we will enjoy some spectacular views here. We continue our journey through Oita prefecture, making numerous stops at places of interest before arriving at our accommodation, deep in the countryside.

Dinner: At the accommodation, we’ll have a traditional Japanese-style plated dinner with tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
15
Dazaifu and the Kyushu National Museum
Fukuoka
B
Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station

Activity note: Coach transfer is 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.

Breakfast: At the accommodation, we’ll have a traditional Japanese-style plated breakfast with tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Morning: We board a coach for transfer to Dazaifu, the old western capital of Japan, located on the outskirts of Fukuoka, the biggest city in Kyushu. En-route we stop at a pottery village where we learn about the unique techniques used here.

Lunch: On your own to explore the local fare.

Afternoon: After lunch, 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. We then transfer to our centrally located hotel in Fukuoka.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like. Please refer to the list of suggested restaurants in the attachments as well as in the handouts provided by the Group Leader.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
16
Fukuoka – Japan's Gateway to Asia
Fukuoka
B,D
Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station

Activity note: Up to 4 miles total walking around Fukuoka as a group in the morning. Free time in the afternoon.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll set out with our Group Leader to stretch our legs on a morning exploration of this lively city, known as “Japan's gateway to Asia." Our first stop will be Sumiyoshi Shrine, a site of worship for sea travelers bound for ancient China and Korea. It is an appropriate place to consider the relationship between Japan and Asia at large with two millennia of cultural flows between them. We’ll walk onward to Yanagibashi Market where we’ll walk around the market, see the produce, and take in the bustling communal atmosphere. Started in the 1920s, the market is an important center of fresh produce for the locals. Finally, we make a short stop at a small local museum to learn more about the rich history of the Hakata area.

Lunch: On your own to sample the regional cuisine.

Afternoon: Free time to explore Fukuoka, do some shopping, pack and plan for onward journeys the following day.

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. Tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase. 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.

DAY
17
Program Concludes
In Flight
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet. 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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