Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
Two geishas in ornate kimonos walk in the rain with red umbrellas along a traditional street in Japan.
Japan/South Korea

Land of the Rising Sun: A Circumnavigation of Japan

Program No. 24833RJ
See More Photos
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.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
18 days
17 nights
What's Included
46 meals ( 16B, 14L, 16D )
3 expert-led lectures
12 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
16 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Check-in available from 3:00 PM.
Afternoon:
After arriving at the hotel, check-in and take some time to unpack and relax. Attend an orientation meeting. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Unless otherwise noted, all lectures and field trips will be led by our Group Leader or a local expert.
Dinner:
At the hotel, get to know your fellow participants with a welcome meal.
Evening:
Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Boarding a motorcoach with 2-4 steps up/down. Walking up to 2 miles, standing up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Boarding our coach, we will go for an exploration of Tokyo. Our route will take us by areas of historical importance and give us a feel for the scale of the metropolis.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will continue our exploration of Tokyo at the Tokyo National Museum. The oldest and largest in Japan, the museum houses over 110,000 objects including 600 Important Cultural Properties. The museum is located on the edge of Ueno Park, a very pleasant park to stroll through.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Boarding a motorcoach with 2-4 steps up/down. Walking up to 2 miles, standing up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking-out of our hotel we will begin our half-day journey through Tokyo's cultural heart with our local expert, Today we will visit the iconic landmark: Meiji Jingu Shrine. Immerse in the spiritual serenity of Meiji Jingu Shrine, nestled within a lush forest sanctuary. Discover the shrine's deep historical significance as we learn about the revered Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and engage in traditional Shinto practices, enriching your understanding of Japan's ancient customs.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will ride to the port in Tokyo and board the ship. We will have some time to unpack and begin to familiarize ourselves with the ship. We will participate with everyone on board in the ship’s muster drill when announced and proceed to our assigned muster stations. Please note that your departure is part of our Adventures Afloat programs. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of excursions without prior notice.
Dinner:
Aboard ship. Each evening aboard the ship, Road Scholar participants are invited to have dinner together with your Group Leader. Included beverages are coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. Other dining options are available for an extra cost onboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars and enjoy the amenities on board the ship. The ship is scheduled to leave Tokyo at 7:00 p.m. on our journey to Omaezaki.
Activity Note
Boarding a motorcoach with 2-4 steps up/down. Walking up to 2 miles, standing up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Moriki Farm, nestled in the gently rolling hills outside Kakegawa, is a family-run tea estate known for its dedication to organic cultivation and traditional farming techniques. A stroll through the verdant tea fields offers insight into the quiet rhythm of rural life and the deep-rooted importance of tea in Japanese culture. The visit includes a tasting of freshly brewed green tea, allowing for a sensory introduction to the subtle flavours that vary with season, soil, and craftsmanship. Next, visit Kakegawa Castle, a striking reconstruction of an original 15th-century fortress once held by prominent warlords during the Sengoku period. While the keep was faithfully rebuilt using traditional materials and methods, several original structures, including the palace building (goshomaru), remain intact. The site offers not only commanding views of the surrounding plains but also a glimpse into the political and military power struggles that once defined this region of Totomi Province.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
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 ship’s daily program for a list of activities. The ship is scheduled to leave Omaezaki at 4:00 p.m. on our journey to Osaka.
Dinner:
Aboard Ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy the various activities and amenities aboard the ship.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
This morning we will journey to Nara Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 752, where we'll be immersed in the rich cultural and religious history of ancient Japan. As we drive through the scenic landscapes of Japan’s ancient capital, be greeted by the park’s iconic roaming deer, revered as messengers of the gods. At the heart of the park, visit Todai-ji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Step back in time at Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, take in the views from Osaka Castle Main Tower and relive dramatic stories of warlords and Osaka’s fascinating history.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship is scheduled to leave Osaka at 7:00p.m. on our journey to Kochi.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
A drive through the cityscape of Kochi leads to Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles from the feudal era. Perched atop Otakasa Hill, the castle retains its Edo-period keep, gates, and turrets, offering a glimpse into the architectural and strategic ingenuity of the early 17th century. The approach to the castle follows a gently sloping path through stone walls and wooden gates, evoking the atmosphere of the samurai era. From the upper levels, panoramic views extend over the city and surrounding mountains, highlighting the stronghold’s commanding presence. Next, visit The Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum and gain insight into one of Japan’s most influential historical figures. Sakamoto Ryoma, a visionary samurai of the late Edo period, played a crucial role in modernizing Japan and overthrowing the Tokugawa shogunate. The museum, set atop a scenic hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, houses rare artifacts, personal letters, and interactive exhibits that trace his efforts in forging alliances that shaped Japan’s future. Continue to Hirome Ichiba Market, a lively indoor marketplace where locals and travelers mingle over regional street food, fresh produce, and artisan goods. The bustling hall is known for its informal atmosphere and wide variety of stalls serving Kochi specialties, including katsuo no tataki (seared bonito), local sake, and sweets made from yuzu citrus. There is time to explore the market freely and enjoy its vibrant local flavour before returning to the port.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time in Kochi or enjoy the amenities of your choice aboard ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship is scheduled to leave Kochi at 9:00 p.m. on our journey to Fukuoka.
Activity Note
Full day at sea. Scenic cruising Kanmon Strait
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
The ship will cruise the Kanmon Strait, a narrow channel of water that separates two of Japan's main islands, Honshu and Kyushu. The channel has long been important to maritime transportation and cargo ships, as it connects the Sea of Japan and the Inland Sea. We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time to enjoy the various activities and amenities aboard the ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Set among wooded hills, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine stands as one of Japan’s most important centers of devotion to scholarship. Established in 905 to honour Sugawara no Michizane, a revered poet and statesman, it has long been visited by students praying for academic success. The shrine grounds unfold with vermilion bridges crossing tranquil ponds, centuries-old camphor trees, and stone lanterns, all arranged to create a contemplative landscape rooted in the aesthetics of the Heian period. Next, take a short walk that leads to the Kyushu National Museum, whose sweeping glass façade mirrors the surrounding forest. Inside, carefully curated galleries highlight Kyushu’s role as Japan’s historical gateway to Asia, tracing centuries of cultural exchange through artifacts, ceramics, religious objects, and archaeological finds. The museum offers a perspective on how regional traditions were shaped by dialogue with the wider world.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Enjoy Hakata ramen, the signature dish of Fukuoka. Known for its rich, pork-bone broth and thin noodles, the dish reflects the hearty, approachable flavours that have made it a staple of everyday life in the region.
Afternoon:
After lunch return to port an board the ship. Free time to enjoy the various activities and amenities aboard the ship. The ship is scheduled to leave Fukuoka at 4:00 p.m. on our journey to Sokcho, South Korea.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
The ship is scheduled to arrive in Sokcho at 10:00 a.m. Upon arrival in port, we will begin our journey at Sokcho’s Abai Village, a place steeped in poignant history. Founded by refugees from Hamgyeong-do Province during the Korean War, the village preserves the stories, traditions, and flavors of those who once lived here. While the original shacks have mostly disappeared, traces of the past remain in the rustic alleyways, nostalgic murals, and North Korean–style eateries serving specialties such as Hamheung-style cold buckwheat noodles and stuffed squid.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Continue to the Sokcho City Museum, where exhibits—including the restored Abai Refugee Village—offer deeper insight into Sokcho’s history, culture, and the lives of displaced people. We will wrap up the day at the Sokcho Fish Market, a bustling hub where fresh seafood and vibrant local flavors fill the air before returning to port.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship is scheduled to leave Sokcho at 8:00 p.m. on our journey to Kanazawa, Japan.
Activity Note
Full day at sea.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time to enjoy the various activities and amenities aboard the ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
A drive through Kanazawa leads to Higashi Chaya-gai, the city’s largest and best-preserved geisha district. Established in the early 19th century, this area once hosted performances and refined entertainment for the samurai elite of the Kaga Domain. Its two-storey wooden teahouses with distinctive lattice façades retain the elegance of the Edo period. Inside one of these historic teahouses, a tea experience offers a quiet moment to appreciate the aesthetics and customs of traditional hospitality. Next is a drive to Omicho Market, a vibrant centre of local life since the 18th century. The market is known for its wide variety of fresh seafood and Kaga vegetables, reflecting Kanazawa’s culinary heritage. Independent exploration offers a chance to observe the market’s atmosphere and sample local flavours.
Lunch:
On your own in Omicho Market.
Afternoon:
Next, head to Kenroku-en Garden, once the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, centuries of cultivation reflect the refined tastes of the Maeda lords. Designed to incorporate the six classical attributes of a perfect landscape—seclusion, spaciousness, antiquity, artificiality, water features, and scenic views—it remains one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens. A short walk from the garden leads to the Kagayuzen Kimono Center, where a kimono specialist provides a lecture on the traditional art of dressing in Kaga Yuzen-style kimono. This regional textile tradition, which flourished under the patronage of the Maeda lords, is distinguished by its elegant designs featuring natural motifs and subtle color gradations. The presentation offers a deeper understanding of the aesthetics and cultural meaning behind the garments, as well as the formal techniques involved in wearing them properly.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship is scheduled to leave Kanazawa at 8:00 p.m. on our journey to Sakata.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours, at the Maiko Performance- steep stairs & steps, no elevators.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
The ship is scheduled to arrive in Sakata at 10:00 a.m. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a traditional Maiko Dance Performance. It is a traditional cultural art deeply rooted in the history of the city. Originating over 300 years ago during the Edo period, the Maiko were apprentice geishas who performed elegant dances and entertained guests in the port city of Sakata, which was then a thriving hub of maritime trade. These performances not only showcased refined artistic skills but also reflected the cultural exchanges and prosperity of the region. Next, we will proceed to Sankyo Soko - a historic complex of traditional wooden rice warehouses built in 1893. These warehouses played a crucial role in Sakata’s rise as a prosperous port town during Japan’s Edo and Meiji periods. Preserved as a cultural heritage site, Sankyo Soko offers visitors a unique glimpse into the region’s agricultural and trading history. Following our walking discovery we will proceed to the commercial complex Irohagura, and enjoy a sake tasting session.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time in Sakata or enjoy the various amenities aboard the ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 3 miles; standing up to 2 hours. Outdoor paths at the archaeological site are paved in most areas, large dwellings have slopes inside and there are steps to some of the remains.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
This morning we will visit the Nebuta Warasse Museum offering insight into one of Aomori’s most prominent cultural traditions. The museum is dedicated to the Nebuta Matsuri, a summer festival known for its large, illuminated floats depicting warriors, mythological scenes, and kabuki actors. Inside, full-sized floats from previous festivals are displayed alongside video footage, music, and materials related to their construction. Continue to the Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site, the largest known settlement of the Jomon period, occupied roughly 5,900 to 4,200 years ago. The site offers a rare opportunity to explore early Japanese pre-agricultural life. Excavated dwellings, storage pits, and reconstructed longhouses provide a clear sense of the community’s layout and daily activities. Artifacts found here—such as pottery, stone tools, and ornaments—suggest a complex society with developed spiritual practices and a stable food supply based on hunting, gathering, and fishing.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time for independent exploration in Aomori or enjoy the amenities and activities on board. The ship is scheduled to leave Aomori at 5:00 p.m. on our journey to Otaru.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours,
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Otaru’s artistic heritage comes into focus with a visit to the Otaru Art Village, a cultural complex housed in early 20th-century Western-style buildings that once reflected the city’s prosperity as a trading port. Inside, carefully curated galleries showcase both Japanese and European works, highlighting the city’s role as a crossroads of culture. From here, a stroll along Otaru’s historic canal reveals stone warehouses and gas lamps that preserve the atmosphere of the Meiji and Taisho eras, while nearby Sakaimachi Street offers a lively mix of glassware shops, music box stores, and confectioneries. Our journey continues to the Otaru Wine Gallery, where Hokkaido's climate and volcanic soil have fostered a distinctive winemaking tradition. Exhibits explain the production process, and a tasting provides the chance to appreciate local vintages that combine Japanese innovation with the natural character of the northern landscape.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time for independent exploration in Otaru or enjoy the amenities and activities on board. The ship is scheduled to leave Otaru at 5:00 p.m. on our journey to Hakodate.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will board our coach and head to Goryokaku, Japan’s first Western-style star fort, constructed in the 1850s during the final years of the Tokugawa shogunate to strengthen coastal defences. The vast pentagonal layout, inspired by European military design, became a decisive stage in the Boshin War, where the shogunate’s last forces made their stand. We will then continue to to Hakodate’s Motomachi district, once the centre of international exchange after the port was opened to foreign trade in 1859. A walking discovery highlights the hillside streets lined with 19th-century churches, consulates, and merchant residences, reflecting Russian, British, and Chinese influences that shaped the city’s cosmopolitan character. Finally we will take the Hakodateyama ropeway providing a panoramic ascent to one of Japan’s most celebrated viewpoints, overlooking the bay and mountains. After the ride, time at leisure in Motomachi offers a chance to explore its historic atmosphere more deeply before returning to the port.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time for independent exploration in Hakodate or enjoy the amenities and activities on board.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship is scheduled to leave Hakodate at 6:00 p.m. on our journey to Tokyo.
Activity Note
Full day at sea.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to arrive in Tokyo at 8:00 a.m. (subject to change).
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
This concludes our program. 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 join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Sep 24, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026
Mar 25, 2027 - Apr 11, 2027
Apr 08, 2027 - Apr 25, 2027