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Three geishas with traditional white face makeup and elaborate hairstyles stand together outdoors in Japan.
Japan

Awesome Asia: The Best of Japan With Your Grandchild

Program No. 23479RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
14 days
Program Begins
Tokyo
Program Concludes
Osaka
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
25 ( 12B, 8L, 5D )
Activity Level
From
7,399 /Adult
6,799 /Child
As soon as you and your grandchild step off the plane in Japan, you will realize you are stepping into a world completely unlike your own. The bright lights of Tokyo and the thriving city life are sure to be the first things that catch your eye, but just a short journey away are serene temples offering a welcome from a giant, smiling Buddha. Alongside your grandchild, discover a country full of surprises from ninjas and Zen gardens to castles and shrines. Learn about the facets of Japanese culture that are so different from our own, such as how to become a geisha. Discuss the atomic bombs that were dropped on Japan to end WWII and what it means today. Join experts on this exciting two-week Asian learning adventure.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Stroll through shrines surrounded by forest and venture to temples that are unlike anything you have ever seen, as you learn how important they are to the locals.
  • Explore one of the best-preserved castles in Japan and learn how it was built to fend off invaders.
  • Get a real taste of Japanese life during a sushi-making class and in a fun manga drawing class.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Saeko Yamashita is a nationally-licensed English-speaking travel leader based in Kyoto. Originally from Nagano, she has lived in Kyoto for nearly 20 years. Saeko is interested in history and traditional crafts and enjoys traveling to many areas in Japan. Saeko originally trained as a teacher and spent eleven years teaching at elementary and junior high school level before changing careers and becoming involved in the travel industry.
John Hundleby is a New Zealander who has lived and worked in Japan for more than 30 years. He and his Japanese wife have chosen to settle permanently in Japan in order to be close to their two children and five grandchildren. His work in Japan included roles as a New Zealand diplomat and, latterly, as a representative for, and promoter of, the New Zealand beef and lamb sector. Those roles afforded him the opportunity to appreciate the charms of many parts of Japan.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles at a time over varied terrain, adding up to five miles a day over the course of the day. Standing at least three hours daily; climbing stairs, getting on/off public transport, sitting on the floor Japanese-style at times, carrying own luggage. If you believe you require wheelchair assistance to get through an airport you are not fit enough to participate in this program.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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