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.
Participant Reviews
Based on 41 Reviews
SHOWING
My Wife and I just completed the program, The Cultural Highlights of Japan. It was absolutely amazing in all aspects. The group bonded immediately and were a joy to travel with. The educational highlights and perspectives of the tour leaders and presenters was exceptional. We gained an appreciation for the Japanese people and their cultural heritage.
— Review left December 12, 2025
We had a fantastic trip to Japan! Our tour guides were wonderfully personable and knowledgeable. I personally enjoyed the experiences such as polishing chopsticks, making mulberry postcards, tea ceremony, etc. I would add perhaps a flower arranging experience or even a calligraphy experience. A very short explanation of a Kanji character was fascinating. Combining calligraphy with a kanji character (such as the character for Japan, Tokyo, or Kyoto) would be another delightful experience. We were given a lot of information and I would personally have loved to be given time to sit in the wonderful gardens we visited to contemplate on all the information. The Kabuki experience was great also. The instructor was very knowledgeable and interesting. However, to keep participants interested, I would perhaps shorten the experience to half a day. This was a fantastic trip!
— Review left December 7, 2025
An outstanding program in all respects
— Review left December 5, 2025
This is probably the best trip I have ever taken! We usually travel to other countries unguided, but we thought Japan might be hard to navigate by ourselves as first timers. The quality of the leaders (Yuta and Deen) and the local experts in topics such as Japanese art, tea ceremony, Noh theater, kabuki, ceramics, heritage way of preserving mackerel (!) was uniformly high. We chose this trip because we were less interested in high tech Japan, and more interested in cultural treasures. Road Scholar delivered!
The best part of the trip was seeing places and people we never could have accessed on our own. One of the high points was the small town of Obama where were visited a tiny Buddhist monastery set in woods on a mountainside. The (female) monk chanted part of a prayer for us which was hauntingly beautiful . Other highlights were making our own paper from mulberry pulp and attending a Japanese tea ceremony.
Although some of the hotels were very simple, each meal was exquisitely beautiful and delicious. Yuta and Deen worked tirelessly to meet the group’s various food needs (like no read meat and vegan)
Driving through the mountains was unforgettable. And I never dreamed we’d see so many stunning gardens, from Zen rock gardens connected to Buddhist temples to beautifully landscaped gardens around feudal castles. November was the perfect time to visit because of the maple trees in full fall color.
If I had a chance, I’d go back again any time!
— Review left December 4, 2025
I highly recommend The Cultural Highlights of Japan tour! Not only were the educational components well-thought-out and excellent, I also loved the beauty of Japan and the Japanese people. I have nothing but wonderful memories of a bucket list trip!
— Review left November 18, 2025
What a wonderful trip!
The tour guide, Ayaka was both friendly and competent. She always answered my questions in a timely manner and went out of her way to be helpful. The two lecturers imparted historical and cultural information while interspersing their comments with autobiographical info.
The group was convivial and prompt. I can't recall a single instance where we had to wait for someone lagging behind. The group enjoyed a balance between active and down time.
The hotels and restaurants exceeded their three star rating.
Finally, what a wonderful surprise to be feted on my 80th birthday on our final night!
Again, wonderful trip.
Alan
— Review left November 2, 2025
The slower pace option enabled my participation. Ayaka and Kathleen were excellent as were all other aspects of the program. I highly recommend this tour to other timid travelers who wish to learn about Japan and its kind and courteous people.
— Review left October 27, 2025
This was a great trip. Japan is beautiful and interesting. The Walk Japan Team, Junko Nakahama, Yoshimuto Inoue and David Braaten were exceptional. They were knowledgeable and always helpful.
— Review left August 4, 2025
So far, we have participated in two Road Scholar trips. One in Egypt, and one in Japan. The group leaders were well informed, organized and attentive. The "guest speakers" were also excellent and added to the educational experience.
— Review left June 13, 2025
The Cultural Highlights of Japan trip with Road Scholar exactly matched its name. At many of the establishments we visited we were able to meet and interact with the current owner from a family history spanning several generations (miso-making, mackerel preservation, pottery, gold-leaf and geiko interaction). We also visited museums of very modern art, and those, like the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design that had exhibits of many different crafts. We gained understanding of Shintoism and Buddhism through our visits to many shrines and temples. We experienced narrow roads, long tunnels, spectacular mountains, unexpected cherry blossoms and monkeys (!). And we were lucky to stay in some hotels with onsen baths - delightful. Did I mention the plentiful food?! Not only did we have many plated meals of Japanese delights, we had lovely vegetarian meals, expansive breakfast buffets daily, and Italian and French meals with a Japanese flair. Our guides were wonderful - friendly, knowledgeable, approachable and organized - with room for flexibility. This organized tour was a once in a lifetime for me, but I look forward to further explorations of Japan now that I've had a "taste".
— Review left June 9, 2025
Diane Tinclte was truly an exceptional guide. Among the 22 trips I've taken with RS, she stands out as one of the very best. Her enthusiasm, deep knowledge, and thoughtful commentary enriched every aspect of the journey.
As an American who has lived in Japan for over forty years and is fluent in Japanese, Diane offered a unique and invaluable perspective. Her personal experiences, particularly raising a family in Japan, allowed her to share insights into everyday life that a native guide might not think to mention. This added a deeply human dimension to our cultural immersion.
The itinerary provided a broad and well-balanced view of the country. Visits to temples and museums were thoughtfully selected and well-paced, offering rich opportunities to engage with Japanese history and tradition. A particularly memorable moment was the chance to speak with a Geisha—an experience that was not only entertaining but also deeply educational and rare.
There were, however, a few areas where the experience could be enhanced. The papermaking and lacquer chopstick sessions, although hands-on, lacked an explanation of their historical or cultural significance, adding some background would greatly elevate their value. Alternatively, a session on Japanese fish farming and its cultural importance—could be both informative and engaging. Similarly, the mackerel preservation demonstration, though interesting, would benefit from a clearer explanation of its relevance to Japanese culinary or cultural traditions.
Mr. T Screech made a valuable contribution by sharing his perspectives on modern Japanese life. His informal talks during bus rides were insightful and engaging. His approach leaned more toward responding to questions than offering prepared remarks. Encouraging him to deliver occasional structured presentations could help the group benefit even more from his depth of knowledge.
This was an amazing, thoughtfully organized trip.
— Review left May 14, 2025
Outstanding trip!
Our Guide, Diane Tincher, and her assistant, Yoshi Inoup, were fantastic. They were knowledgeable and efficient, making our Japan trip more enjoyable and run smoothly. That kind of support elevates a travel experience'
John Old Greenwich
— Review left May 4, 2025
Japan is an amazing country. As I work through visits to all the countries in the far East, this one is my favorite so far!
— Review left April 26, 2025
I loved the diverse and informative outings and the availability of free time.
— Review left April 24, 2025
A wonderful way to explore a rich culture, both while learning about the past and learning about life in Japan today. Loved the site visits and the hands-on experiences and the chance to better understand how the Japanese developed such expertise in the arts. What a fascinating and fun time we had with the traveling and onsite instructors and the group leader. Kathleen and Masaki, I miss you!
— Review left April 18, 2025
A wonderful and diverse dive into the history of Japan and its rich culture. Although listed as a level two experience, this was due to us using private transportation rather than public, limited sitting on the floor, and not changing hotels every night. We routinely walked 10,000+ steps per day and saw to much.
— Review left April 15, 2025
Cultural Highlights of Japan was a very well developed and executed program. In the two short weeks we were there, my knowledge expanded tremendously about Japanese history, politics, and arts & crafts. The group leader and companion guide were attentive, knowledgeable and helpful when we needed advice. Everything proceeded seamlessly.
— Review left November 25, 2024
The trip of a lifetime. Don't hesitate - do this tour. Yet another Road Scholar gem with excellent itinerary, tour guides, local content experts and demonstrations. We felt we got to know the real Japan from yesteryear and today - both urban and rural. And also made new Road Scholar friends in the process. Domo arigato!
— Review left November 8, 2024
This tour was a wonderful, all encompassing educational experience and I can’t rate it highly enough!
— Review left November 3, 2024
If you’re interested in Japanese culture this is a great introduction.
— Review left October 19, 2024
Thanks to everyone. This was a wonderful experience and I truly enjoy meeting you all and making new friends. Merci beaucoup. Katrin
— Review left October 12, 2024
Cultural Highlights of Japan is a rich program full of wonderful experiences. Do take advantage of the “optional” Kabuki experience as a way to experience ancient theatre. The Noh (plays that predate Shakespeare) presentation is wonderful. This trip not only includes Tokyo and Kyoto, but also several days in the mountains (remember the Olympics in 1998 in Nagano) and the Mackerel Highway starting in Obama on the Sea of Japan. The only problem with the food is that it is so delicious we tended to overeat. I have taken many Road Scholar trips, and this was one of my favorites.
— Review left May 25, 2024
Cultural Highlights of Japan was most interesting, very enjoyable and absolutely educational! Loved every minute of this adventure, from the food, to the people, to the various cities and sights! A most delightful and memorable experience!
— Review left May 23, 2024
This trip met all my expectations for an informative, adventurous, and fun guided trip.
— Review left May 3, 2024
The trip was magical! We gained tremendous insight into Japanese history and culture, all while experiencing its incredible natural beauty, especially at cherry blossom time. It was perfection!
— Review left April 22, 2024
This trip, The Cultural Highlights of Japan, was excellent in every way. It was a fascinating introduction to a very different culture, an amazing blend of the modern and the ancient. Our guides were first rate and made sure that everything went smoothly. We learned so much about Japan, and saw so many things that we would have missed had we tried to arrange a tour on our own.
— Review left April 5, 2024
This program provides a great overview on the history and culture of Japan!
— Review left March 25, 2024
This delightful program exceeded my expectations and was so enjoyable. The group leaders were awesome, and the group of Road Scholars cohesive and fun. Thank you Road Scholar!
— Review left October 25, 2023
The smaller groups definitely contributes to the success of the trip (less participants = less problems.
Regardless of the emphasis to meet activity level, many participants struggle to keep up or to adjust due to old age and physical limitations. That's the reality. I came prepared with an optional activity on my own in case the program has to make adjustments due to participants limitations.
— Review left October 22, 2023
1. I was disappointed in the local sightseeing trip of Tokyo as the bus could only skirt around the outside of the city parameter. Also mention but we did not visit the East Garden.
We did visit the museum but there was so much more to see and do in Tokyo.
I would have missed a lot of the highlights of Tokyo if I did not arrive 3 days earlier.
2. The Inn at Obama was a 11 story hotel and we did not get to experience a tatami room as they did not reserve these rooms for us. This was very big disappointment as this was one of the highlight and experiences that I was looking forward to.
3. We also did not get to experiment making sushi for lunch.
We did however got to experience making paper and thatching a roof that was not on the original itinerary.
I know that itinerary is subject to change but they should let us know in advance so we can plan and be guided accordingly if these are the experience changes that we want as part of our trip itinerary.
Our local Japanese guide (Kaho??), she was wonderful and was very helpful! She gets a gold star!!!
Hotel were comfortable and food was good.
— Review left July 12, 2023
The Cultural Highlights of Japan tour is a perfect balance of talks, sight-seeing, hands-on activities, off-the-itinerary stops, and participants' camaraderie. The program offers so much and is logistically perfectly gauged, with stimulating activities and just the right amount of free time for individualized exploration. The food and accommodations were great, and the almost all double rooms were greatly appreciated by this single traveler. Finally, the staff was great: knowledgeable, warm, and responsive to our needs. Kudos to Road Scholar!
— Review left June 10, 2023
Excellent tour, per se, as intro to Japan. But, also, it's an edifying non-threatening "first venture" beyond Europe/Canada.
— Review left June 4, 2023
The program covered everything that I wanted to see. We were very lucky to have been there during the peak cherry blossom season.
— Review left April 6, 2023
Great program with wonderful hand on experiences. Easy walking, lots of photo opportunities and great Japanese food.
— Review left April 6, 2023
Overall it was a great trip and a good value considering all that was included. The group leaders were fantastic, and deserve a lot of credit for making the tour interesting and memorable. There was also a good amount of free time, allowing us to explore independently. Japan is a beautiful country and this experience has made me appreciate it even more.
— Review left April 4, 2023
Visting Japan has long been on my bucket list. The tour with Road Scholar provided many opportunities to learn about the country, the culture and the lovely people. The meals were outstanding, and we had sufficient free time to visit areas that each of us wanted to see.
— Review left December 21, 2022
This iss a well-conceived, well organized, and logical program that features excellent opportunities to understand Japanese culture. The staff are superb!
— Review left November 17, 2019
This was the best tour trip I have ever taken. Our group consisted of 15 people which was excellent. Our group was fun and cohesive. I cannot say enough wonderful things about our guides. They were so knowledgeable, helpful, and fun. They , Chiaki and Beatrice, really MADE the trip what it was.
— Review left October 6, 2019
This was my third Road Scholar trip, and unlike the previous two, I was very disappointed in the educational content, more specifically, the instructor responsible for providing the on-location enrichment which is the hallmark of Road Scholar trips. We had an older woman who did not like to walk, who had no interest in gardens, who did not seem to know much about Buddhism or Shintoism, or if she did, wasn't interested in sharing her knowledge, and had nothing by the way of educational credentials which her position, as instructor, would have called for. I chose Road Scholar for this trip mainly because we would be accompanied by a full-time instructor, and now believe I would have been better served had a chosen an alternative travel company that makes more use of local experts in lieu of a full-time instructor. Most of what I learned about Japanese culture I got from my own pre-trip preparation and from the excellent tea master who we visited in Kyoto.
The trip logistics, hotels and meals were all fine (food better than I had expected) with the exception of the hotel we stayed in in Kanazawa which had serious HVAC issues (could not get room temp below 78 degrees) and a peculiar bathroom. Masaki was a delight as group leader, cheerful, helpful and very effective in handling transportation and dining arrangements. I thought that perhaps too much attention was given to arts & crafts, but I did take some time out in Kyoto to visit additional places not in the itinerary. I would recommend including Nara instead of the lecture on Noh theater (but since I skipped out on the Noh, I can't really make a fair comparison. I also thought the trip was not as active as I expected or wanted, and didn't really merit the activity rating it was given. Additionally, it would have been nice to include some use of the rail system, for which Japan is so famous. (On my own, I did use the subway system in Tokyo and Kyoto, and took the bullet train back to Narita airport)
— Review left June 11, 2019
The cultural highlights of Japan is an excellent tour and well organized by Walk Japan's instructors/guides. The program provided so much education about Japanese history, culture, art, clothing, and beautiful countryside. One of the best tours I've taken with Road Scholar (12 to date).
— Review left June 10, 2019
This was an excellent introduction to Japan. While we went to many touristy locations (museums, temples, shrines, gardens), we also had many "only in Japan" experiences such as visiting a miso factory, a sake brewery, a wasabi farm and an indigo museum. We also made tie dye scarves and molded candy/confections. The food was fabulous too - beyond our expectations!
— Review left April 26, 2019