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The Tokyo skyline at sunset, with the illuminated Senso-ji Temple in the foreground and the Tokyo Skytree against a colorful sky.
Japan

President's Program: The Cultural Highlights of Japan

Program No. 25693RJStart Enrolling
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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, 10L, 9D )
5 expert-led lectures
17 expert-led field trips
3 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
14 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m., meet group in hotel lobby at 6:45 p.m., for 7:00 dinner and start of program.
Afternoon:
After some time to relax and get settled, we’ll meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant where we will go over program logistics and have dinner.
Dinner:
At a restaurant near the hotel, we’ll enjoy a family-style meal together for our Orientation Dinner, with one Welcome Drink (beer, or other alcoholic beverage, coffee, tea) and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will briefly go over safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program will be accompanied by both a Group Leader, who will primarily handle logistics, and multiple Instructor who will lead most lectures and field trips, unless otherwise specified. Meals will include water and tea; other beverages will be available for purchase, unless specified otherwise. 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. We’ll then return to the hotel. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking approx. 3 miles throughout the day; mostly flat, pavement, some steps, elevators and escalators may not always be available. Afternoon transfers by taxi or subway/train.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty breakfast buffet with juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
After the program Orientation, which will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, and logistics, we 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 will then head out for a stroll of the local area.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we go for an exploration of Tokyo, including the Imperial Palace, site of the Shogun’s castle, with our Instructor. Our route will take us by other areas of historical import and give us a feel for the scale of the metropolis.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a family-style meal with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Morning transfer by taxi or public transportation. Walking approximately 2 miles; more depending on personal preference in the afternoon; gentle pace. Some stairs, elevators and escalators may not always be available.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
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:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Afternoon:
Free time to explore the area independently. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities in the attachments. The Group Leader will be happy to offer other suggestions as well.
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 as well as in the handouts provided by the Group Leader.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Driving approx. 145 miles; about 3.5 hours to Matsumoto. Walking approximately 1.5 miles in and around Matsumoto. Shoes may need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
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 plated lunch featuring their product with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
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, we’ll have plated meals with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Transferring approx. 30 miles one way; about 2 hours total. Walking about 2 miles in Narai; approx. 1.5 hours; flat terrain around Narai. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a Western breakfast with juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
Boarding our coach, 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, we’ll have plated meals with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we 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:
On your own to sample the local fare. Please refer to the list of suggested restaurants in the attachments as well as in the handouts provided by the Group Leader.
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; Driving approx. 50 miles; about 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:
Hotel plated meal.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel and again boarding our coach, 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, we’ll have tasty plated meals with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
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, we’ll enjoy a traditional plated Japanese-style dinner. Tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving approx. 75 miles; about 2 hours. Walking approx. 3 miles throughout the day in Takayama; mostly flat terrain on pavement.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a delicious buffet featuring Western and Japanese dishes, plus coffee, tea, water.
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 to explore the area independently. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities in the attachments. The Group Leader will be happy to offer other suggestions as well.
Dinner:
We’ll enjoy a plated dinner at a nearby restaurant. Tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Driving approx. 75 miles; about 2 hours. Walking approx. 2 miles 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 we’ll enjoy a breakfast buffet with juice, coffee, tea, water.
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:
Local restaurant plated meal.
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. Tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking approx. 4 miles during group activities throughout the morning; mostly flat with some slopes and steps; more depending on personal preference. Short transfers by taxi or local bus. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
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 Instructor, 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:
Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities in the attachments. The Group Leader will also be happy to offer suggestions. You may wish to check out the lively and warren-like central food market, the Samurai Quarter or, for a change of pace, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is an acclaimed, ultra-modern structure that is as much of an attraction as the art housed inside.
Dinner:
On your own to explore the local fare. Please refer to the list of suggested restaurants in the attachments as well as in the handouts provided by the Group Leader.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Driving approx. 150 miles; about 4 hours to Kyoto. Walking approx. 2 miles throughout the day; gentle pace. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.
Breakfast:
At the inn we’ll have a traditional plated Japanese breakfast with juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
Transfer to Kyoto by motorcoach.
Lunch:
Stop at a Japanese service station or purchase a bento for the coach ride.
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, we’ll enjoy a family-style dinner with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving approx. 30 miles; about 1.5 hours to Miyama and 1.5 hours back. Approximately 2 miles leisurely walking around the main sights of Miyama. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some attractions today.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Full day excursion to Miyama where we will hear a talk about modern thatching renovation/culture, then we will get to try our hand at this ancient art.
Lunch:
Following our hands-on experience, we will have tasty bento lunch, featuring locally produced ingredients.
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. Depending on availability we will either visit an indigo gallery or explore one of the thatch houses more thoroughly.
Dinner:
Plated meal, back in Kyoto at a local restaurant. Tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.
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.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Setting out from the hotel, we’ll transfer to a lecture hall to learn about the traditions and symbolism of Noh theatre through a lecture and demonstration.
Lunch:
Plated meal at a nearby restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities in the attachments. The Group Leader will be happy to offer other suggestions as well.
Dinner:
On your own to explore the local fare. Please refer to the list of suggested restaurants in the attachments as well as in the handouts provided by the Group Leader.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking approx. 3 miles throughout the day; gentle pace, some stairs, elevators and escalators may not always be available. Short transfers via coach.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
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, we’ll have plated meals with tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.
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 Buddhist 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:
On your own to explore the local fare. Please refer to the list of suggested restaurants in the attachments as well as in the handouts provided by the Group Leader.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking approx. 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:
Hotel buffet.
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, we’ll enjoy a tasty plated meal with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
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, we’ll celebrate our journey over a delicious plated farewell dinner. Tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.
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 travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet. 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. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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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