Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
A narrow street in the historic Higashiyama District of Kyoto, lined with traditional Japanese houses and blooming cherry blossoms.
Japan

President's Program: The Cultural Highlights of Japan

Program No. 25693RJ
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.
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
33 meals ( 14B, 11L, 8D )
6 expert-led lectures
18 expert-led field trips
3 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
14 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
The Group Leader will greet everyone as they arrive and review safety guidelines and emergency procedures. 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. 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.
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. 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, with stops; approximately 2 hours total riding time with stops. Remember to bring your name tag (sent previously).
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. We then board our waiting motorcoach, and head to a nearby restaurant for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we re-board our motorcoach and go for an exploration of Tokyo, narrated by our Local Instructor. Our route will take us by other 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, we’ll have a tasty meal for our Welcome Dinner.
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; ariving 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. 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 Matsumoto's modern art museum 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, and rotating every two months or three 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.
Activity Note
Walking approx. 3 miles throughout the day in Takayama; mostly flat terrain on pavement. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
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. As we stroll through the city, we will 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.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
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 local restaurant.
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 during group activities; mostly flat with some slopes and steps. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Depart by motorcoach to Kanazawa, arriving late 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. We stretch our legs with a visit to the renowned Kutani Kosen Kiln and west Geisha district before lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After checking into the hotel, we take a short stroll to the nearby Oyama Shrine, formerly a villa of the Maeda family, and featuring an unusual gate containing a mixture of Japanese, Chinese, and European styles.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we’ll have a delicious dinner featuring Kaga cuisine, well-known throughout Japan.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles during group activities throughout the morning; mostly flat with some slopes and steps. Short transfers by taxi or local bus. 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:
The city’s glorious past is still palpable in its samurai quarters, former pleasure quarters and temples. The Kenrokuen Gardens and the imposing, recreated castle buildings, which we will walk through led by our Group Leader, attest to the power of the Clan’s wealth and evoke their grand lifestyle.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in the garden, featuring local regional fare.
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 150 miles; approximately 4 hours to Kyoto. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; gentle pace. 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 Kanazawa and travel to Kyoto by motorcoach.
Lunch:
On your own, choose from various options at a Service Area en route to Kyoto.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Kyoto, we will visit the Nishijin Textile Center. Silk weaving and sericulture arrived in Japan during the 5th or 6th century, and quickly became popular with the Imperial Court. After the strife of the Onin War (1467~1477), craftsmen who had left Kyoto for safer regions return, and settled in the area where the army of the West (“Nishi-jin”) had been based. As a result the textiles they produced came to be known as “nishijin-ori.” The Center features numerous displays, and we will learn about the entire process of producing and weaving silk, as well be able to see seasonal exhibits. We will then take a seat at our own mini-handlooms and try our hand at this ancient craft.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles; approximately 1.5 hours to Miyama, and 1.5 hours back. About 2 miles leisurely walking around the main sights of Miyama. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some attractions today.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Full day excursion 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 Local Instructor. 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:
Back in Kyoto, we'll dine at a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Short transfer via public transportation to lecture. Walking approx. 1/2 mile during group activity; mostly flat terrain. More dependent on personal preference. 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 day; gentle pace, some stairs, elevators and escalators may not always be available.
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 then begin a field trip led by our Instructor. First, we’ll arrive at Kennin-ji Temple, founded by Eisai, who introduced Zen Buddhism to Japan. Built in 1202, 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, this temple is an oasis nestled in the heart of the Gion District, which we stroll through next on our way to catch a glimpse of Yasaka Shrine. 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 2 miles throughout the day; gentle pace. Short transfers via taxis. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Setting out from the hotel, we visit the massive 56-acre Daitoku-ji temple complex. While here, we’ll explore the meaning of Zen Buddhist rock gardens and the origins of some notable Japanese architectural features.
Lunch:
At a Shojin Ryori, a temple vegetarian restaurant located by the Daitoku-ji temple complex.
Afternoon:
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.
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!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
May 15, 2027 - May 30, 2027
May 15 - May 30, 2027 Itinerary Differences: GROUP - President's Program