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Japan

The Cultural Highlights of Japan

Program No. 19725RJ
Take the adventure of a lifetime as you dive deep into the ancient culture of Japan, discovering iconic monuments, ancient traditions and world-renowned cuisine.
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  • The Cultural Highlights of Japan
  • The Cultural Highlights of Japan
Small GroupCity DiscoveriesMulti-City Discoveries
Length
16 days
Rating (4.97)
Activity Level
Starts at
8,699
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
16 days
15 nights
What's Included
35 meals ( 14B, 12L, 9D )
6 expert-led lectures
21 expert-led field trips
5 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
14 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m., meet group in hotel lobby at 6:45 p.m., for 7:00 dinner and start of program. Remember to bring your name tag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
After some time to relax and get settled, we’ll meet in the hotel lobby at 6:45 p.m. and walk to a nearby restaurant.
Dinner:
At a restaurant near the hotel, we’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
Evening:
The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will briefly go over safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. 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. The majority of travel will take place by motorcoach. The vehicles do not include restrooms, but scheduled breaks will be included on longer trips. 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. We’ll then return to the hotel. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; mostly flat, pavement, some steps, elevators and escalators may not always be available. Getting on/off a motorcoach, driving about 22 miles throughout the day; approximately 2 hours total riding time with stops.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Orientation: We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, and logistics. We then will begin our exploration of Japan with a lecture on not only Tokyo’s, but also a brief overview of Japan’s history by our Instructor that will set the stage for our exploration of Japanese culture.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we board our waiting motorcoach and go for an exploration of Tokyo, narrated by our Local Instructor. Our route will take us by areas of historical importance and give us a feel for the scale of the metropolis. Along the way, we will head up to the Observation Deck in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for 360 degree views of the city before re-boarding our coach, we continue our journey through Tokyo, seeing some of the city's most iconic locations before heading back to the hotel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Morning transfer by taxi or subway/train. Walking about 2 miles in the morning; gentle pace. Some stairs, elevators and escalators may not always be available. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
During a morning lecture given by an expert in Kabuki, we’ll learn about this classical Japanese dance-drama that has been performed in Japan since 1603. Afterwards, a visit to the Kabuki-za theater's kabuki museum for an examination of the art form's inner workings.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
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. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 145 miles to Matsumoto; approximately 3.5 hours. Walking approximately 1.5 miles throughout the day. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll leave Tokyo and travel into the heart of central Japan to Matsumoto, a pleasant regional city surrounded by the Japanese Alps. As we travel, we’ll learn about the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate through a discussion led by our Group Leader. Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we’ll go straight 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 lunch featuring their product.
Afternoon:
A visit to the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, which features a permanent exhibition of one of Matsumoto's most prominent figures, Yayoi Kusama. Carrying on, we’ll then check into the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Transferring about 30 miles one way; approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking about 2 miles in Narai; about 1.5 hours; flat terrain around Narai. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Boarding our motorcoach, we set out to Narai, one of the best-preserved post towns of the old Nakasendo Highway. Lying at the foot of the difficult Torii Pass (4200 feet), Narai prospered from the travelers who would rest there in order to prepare for the difficult journey ahead. While here, we will view the distinctive wooden houses with their overhanging roofs and the many well-preserved features of an old post town.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will head back to Matsumoto to visit the Japan Ukiyo-E Museum. Based on the private collection (more than 100,000 pieces) of the Sakai family dating back 300 years, the museum features a rotating display of about 100~150 images focusing on a seasonal theme, changing every 2-3 months. A lovely way to enjoy this historic art form and end our day before returning to 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.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Walking about 1 mile in and around Matsumoto Castle; some very steep flights of steps and polished wooden floors. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles; approximately 2.5 hours to Takayama. Walking of about 3 miles total throughout the day. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today as well as upon arrival at the hotel.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel and again boarding our motorcoach, we go on 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 the facts and compare them to common myths surrounding samurai. We’ll then leave Matsumoto and drive through the spectacular scenery of Japan’s Central Alps on our way to Takayama, also known as ‘Little Kyoto’ by the locals. Upon arrival, we’ll explore this compact, delightful town on foot.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Our arrival in Takayama will take us to the Festival Floats Exhibition hall, where 11 of the floats for this famous festival are kept and displayed on rotation, four at a time. These floats date back to the 17th century, and their detailed wood carvings and metal work reflects the districts of Takayama that they represent. We’ll then check into the hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 75 miles; approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day, half in the morning in Takayama and half in Kanazawa in the afternoon; mostly flat terrain on pavement.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Largely isolated by the surrounding mountains, Takayama fiercely protected its independence under pressure from the Shogunate, which eventually had to resort to direct rule. Through a visit to the historic Jinya, the Shogunate’s local headquarters, we’ll gain insight into Takayama's proud history and daily life in the provinces. As we continue, we’ll take in the picturesque Sanmachi district of town where the streets are lined with many beautifully preserved traditional shops, inns, restaurants, cafés, private homes and museums. Along the way, we’ll see the sake breweries where this very palatable drink is made and perhaps sample a glass or two. Our Group Leader will show us around and answer any questions.
Lunch:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Afternoon:
We will board our motorcoach for transfer to Kanazawa. Spared from large scale bombing during the Pacific War, Kanazawa retains much of its distinct charm. Upon arrival, we'll pay a visit to the renowned Kutani Kosen Kiln, located in the Nishi Chaya geisha quarter, before transferring to our hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we’ll have a delicious meal featuring local Kaga cuisine, well-known throughout Japan.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 4 miles during group activities throughout the day; mostly flat with some slopes and steps. Transfers by taxi or local bus.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the Edo Period, Kanazawa flourished economically and culturally under the powerful Kaga Clan. With the exception of the Shogun’s family, the Kaga Clan was the wealthiest family with a worth of more than one million koku - one koku (about six US bushels) was defined as enough rice to feed one person for a year. The city’s glorious past is still palpable in its samurai quarters, former pleasure quarters and temples. Setting out from the hotel, we’ll take a stroll through a nearby samurai quarter and visit a samurai residence built in 1583 that has recently been awarded two Michelin stars. We then head to Kenrokuen, the “Garden of Six Attributes”, noted as one of the three most beautiful Gardens in Japan.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in the garden, featuring local regional fare.
Afternoon:
After our repast, our Group Leader will lead us through the garden, delving into its past and providing insight into some of its most famous features. We end mid-afternoon allowing for some free time to either continue exploring the vast gardens, explore other parts of Kanazawa or return to the hotel to relax.
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.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach, driving about 110 miles; approximately 2 hours to Obama. Walking about 2 miles during group activities. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board our motorcoach and travel to Echizen - a small area in Fukui Prefecture. We will meet with local members living in this rural part of Japan and get a glimpse into their lives and community, learning about the difficulties rural and farming areas throughout the nation are facing, and the steps they are taking to reverse that trend.
Lunch:
We’ll enjoy locally-produced, farmhouse meals with some of Echizen’s residents.
Afternoon:
We will arrive in Obama, famed for its seafood, and is the start of the "Mackerel Highway" - transporting heshiko, vinegar, and other foodstuffs to the Imperial Court in feudal times. We head to our accommodations to check in and have some time to relax and enjoy the hot spring baths.
Dinner:
At the inn.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles throughout the day, generally flat ground, but some inclines and hills. Getting on/off a motorcoach.
Breakfast:
At the inn.
Morning:
Setting out from our hotel, we first visit the oldest temple in the Wakasa area, Myoraku-ji, a national important cultural property, well known for its statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kannon. From there, we head to the Wakasa Chopstick Museum, we will learn about the history of Wakasa Lacquerware, and Wakasa Lacquerware chopsticks – 80% of the lacquer chopsticks in Japan are produced in this area. We will also have our first hands-on experience while in Obama here, trying our hand at polishing our own lacquer chopsticks
Lunch:
At a local restaurant focusing on locally produced ingredients.
Afternoon:
Next, our journey takes us to the charming seaside town of Tagarasu, where we visit a former local elementary school, now used to make heshiko, mackerel fermented in brine and rice bran during the spring, to be eaten in the fall, where we will see how this traditional food is made. We wind up the day with a visit to the Rainbow Line Mountain Peak Park, with stunning views of the Mikata Five Lakes and the surrounding countryside.
Dinner:
At the inn, we’ll experience Japanese hospitality at its best with a Kaiseki multi-course meal.
Evening:
At the inn, the remainder of the evening at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 70 miles total; approximately 1.5 hours to Miyama and 1.5 hours to Kyoto. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; gentle pace with short bus transfers between sites. Extended periods of standing in the afternoon. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
At the inn.
Morning:
Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll drive to Miyama where we will focus on sustainable architecture and rural living. We will also try our hand at thatching: putting on thatch bundles, tying some knots and shaving it down to the right angle to give a taste of the skills required for this ancient art.
Lunch:
Tasty bento box lunch from a nearby local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Our day continues with a visit to the Kayabuki no Sato thatched village. When we get there, we’ll go on a stroll around the houses with our Group Leader. This tranquil hamlet will allow us a glimpse into the past, where community as a whole worked to help the individual members, and how community and surrounding environment depended upon each other to thrive.
Dinner:
After arriving into Kyoto, we'll dine at a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Short transfer using public transportation to lecture. Walking about 1 mile during morning group activity; mostly flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Setting out using local transportation and on foot, we’ll transfer to a lecture hall to learn about the traditions and symbolism of Noh theatre through a lecture and demonstration by our Instructor.
Lunch:
At a nearby restaurant.
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
Getting on/off a motorcoach, driving about 7 miles; approximately 45 minutes total. Walking about 3 miles throughout the the day; gentle pace.
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 begin a field trip led by our Instructor. First, we’ll arrive at Yasaka Shrine and take a stroll through the Gion District on our way to Kennin-ji Temple. Built in 1202, the temple was founded by Eisai, who introduced Zen Buddhism to Japan. 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, it is an oasis nestled in the heart of the district. 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.
Activity Note
Walking about 5 miles throughout the day; 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 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. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll start out by exploring the massive 56-acre Daitoku-ji temple complex associated with Sen no Rikyu, the ultimate master of the tea ceremony. While here, we’ll explore the meaning of Zen Buddhist rock gardens and the origins of some notable Japanese architectural features. Rounding off the main theme today, we’ll then 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:
At a restaurant near the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our Farewell Dinner.
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 “Getting There” information 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 rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like 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.
Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 27, 2026 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
May 10, 2026 - May 25, 2026 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
May 17, 2026 - Jun 01, 2026 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Sep 27, 2026 - Oct 12, 2026 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Oct 04, 2026 - Oct 19, 2026 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Oct 18, 2026 - Nov 02, 2026 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Nov 01, 2026 - Nov 16, 2026 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Nov 15, 2026 - Nov 30, 2026 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Nov 29, 2026 - Dec 14, 2026 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Mar 06, 2027 - Mar 21, 2027 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Mar 13, 2027 - Mar 28, 2027 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Mar 27, 2027 - Apr 11, 2027 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Apr 03, 2027 - Apr 18, 2027 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Apr 10, 2027 - Apr 25, 2027 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
May 22, 2027 - Jun 06, 2027 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Sep 18, 2027 - Oct 03, 2027 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Sep 25, 2027 - Oct 10, 2027 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Oct 02, 2027 - Oct 17, 2027 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Oct 16, 2027 - Oct 31, 2027 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Oct 23, 2027 - Nov 07, 2027 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Nov 06, 2027 - Nov 21, 2027 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Nov 20, 2027 - Dec 05, 2027 (Tokyo to Kyoto)
Nov 29 - Dec 14, 2026 Itinerary Differences: For people who do not like crowds, this is the optimal date of this program. At this time of year the temperatures are colder but the weather is clear and crisp.