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Japan

The Best of Japan: A Contrast in Tradition and Innovation

Program No. 23294RJ
Venture south from Tokyo to Hiroshima for an in-depth dive into traditional and modern Japan and learn the local history that shaped its modern society.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Program
At a Glance
Duration
14 days
Program Begins
Tokyo
Program Concludes
Osaka
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
23 ( 12B, 6L, 5D )
Activity Level
As an island nation, Japan’s culture is intriguingly different from its Asian neighbors. No one else in the world blends traditional lifestyles with cutting-edge technology quite like the Japanese, truly creating a belief system all their own. On this educational adventure, learn alongside expert instructors as you explore both modern cities and ancient villages to gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese perspective and the complex history behind how it was formed.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Immerse yourself in the local way of life in Ise-Shima as you stay at a family-owned Japanese hotel.
  • Experience a delicious, traditional Japanese dinner with entertainment from a maiko in Kyoto.
  • Contemplate humanity in these turbulent times as you explore Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
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Robyn Morag Laing
Robyn Laing first visited Japan on a youth exchange program in the mid-70s, which altered the course of her life. After four years living and studying in Kyoto, her fluent language skills were in demand in her native New Zealand, leading to stints teaching in a high school, working for the Japanese Embassy, and then for New Zealand’s dairy export organization. The New Zealand Dairy Board posted her to Japan for 6 years; she also undertook posts in Australia, the UK, Europe, and the USA.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
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John Hundleby
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.
Profile Image of Kumi Yasui
Kumi Yasui
A native of the Tokyo area, Kumi Yasui is a Japanese Nationally-Certified Guide. In additional to her leading work in the Mie prefecture, she is heavily involved in the Japanese National Guide Association. Kumi moved to Mie when her businessman husband was persuaded by his parents to return home with an eye to taking over the family's Buddhist temple. She and her husband have two young children.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Plan to walk an average of 5 miles over the course of each day during visits, many that are accessed by public transportation. Travel by bullet train between cities.
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 Reading List
View Full List (8 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?
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.

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.






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