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Japan/South Korea

A Voyage of Discovery Through Japan & South Korea

Program No. 25378RJ
Discover Japan and South Korea on this Floating Campus voyage, from iconic Tokyo to South Korea’s bustling markets and historic landmarks, with a scenic sail through the Kanmon Strait.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
13 days
Program Begins
Tokyo
Program Concludes
Osaka
Meals
31 ( 11B, 10L, 10D )
Activity Level
Experience the rich culture and history of Japan and South Korea on this exclusive Floating Campus voyage. Beginning in Tokyo, explore Japan's bustling capital, including the Imperial Palace, then enjoy the bullet train experience from Tokyo to Osaka. Sail along Japan’s scenic shores to discover lesser-known treasures like Hagi and Yakushima. In Busan, South Korea, enjoy a day at the lively Jagalchi Fish Market and Haedong Yonggunsa Temple. Sail through the Kanmon Strait and uncover the rich maritime history, culture and natural beauty that stretches from Tokyo to Osaka. Throughout your voyage, engage with onboard instructors who offer insight into the history and culture of the region and get to know other Road Scholars who love learning as much as you do!
Best of all, you'll...
  • Enjoy exclusive access to experts who will be with you throughout your journey and learn from them as you take in onboard lectures and educational activities.
  • Experience Tokyo’s vibrant culture, including a visit to the Imperial Palace.
  • Wander through the lively Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan, South Korea, and explore the Haedong Yonggunsa Temple.
  • Discover Yakushima Island, Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the National Park, home of the endemic Yakushima Macaque, and populated by several of the island’s ancient cedar trees.
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Christopher Chapman
Dr. Kit Chapman is a science historian and adventurer who has traveled extensively throughout Japan and lived in South Korea. An avid enthusiast of Japanese history, particularly the Sengoku period, Dr. Chapman is also a fan of modern Japanese cinema including the films of Akira Kurosawa and Studio Ghibli. He has a Ph.D. in the history of science, focused on the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and has visited the particle accelerators at RIKEN, based just outside Tokyo, where Japanese scientists are currently attempting to create new building blocks of the universe.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of James Hickey
James Hickey
James Hickey is a researcher and senior lecturer in geophysics and volcanology at the University of Exeter. His research specializes in aiming to better understand active and restless volcanoes, having worked on volcanoes in Japan, Ecuador, Bolivia, the Caribbean, Iceland, and New Zealand, amongst others. He was also invited to join the response to the 2021 eruption on La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain. James combines his research with a passion for education and science communication, and regularly enjoys engaging in science outreach activities.
Profile Image of Tommy Hatwell
Tommy Hatwell
Tommy Hatwell—born in Plymouth, England—has lived, worked, and photographed all over the globe. In 2017, he completed his B.A. with honors in commercial photography and soon after was nominated for the prestigious Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery in London, also opening his first solo exhibition. He shares his passion and knowledge of photography by traveling around the world, offering workshops, and visiting universities. Tommy provides creative, hands-on photography lessons during Road Scholar Floating Campus programs, both on shore and aboard ship.
Activity Level
Choose Your Pace
This program offers two activity levels to choose from: one Keep the Pace that has more walking and standing and one On Your Feet covering slightly shorter distances at a slower pace. Must be comfortable getting in & out of tender boats and zodiacs, feel comfortable navigating around the ship and handle stairs while on board. PLEASE NOTE: The ship is not suitable for wheelchair/electric scooter use.
Floating Campus
On our Road Scholar Floating Campuses, we’ll have the entire ship to ourselves and enjoy field trips onshore in smaller groups. Onboard experts will be on hand throughout the voyage and will offer instruction during exclusive lectures, Q&A sessions and discussions.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (14 Books)
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?
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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.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

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.

Sustainable Travel

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