Japan/South Korea
Land of the Rising Sun: A Circumnavigation of Japan
Program No. 24833RJ
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Land of the Rising Sun: A Circumnavigation of Japan
Land of the Rising Sun: A Circumnavigation of Japan
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
18 days
Program Begins
Tokyo
Program Concludes
Tokyo
Meals
46 (
16B, 14L, 16D
)
Activity Level
From
9,299Have you dreamed of discovering Japan by water? On a voyage unlike any other, experience the diverse regions of Japan, each home to unique cultures, traditions, landscapes and cuisines. Beginning and ending in Tokyo, circumnavigate the four main islands, stopping to spend one day in South Korea. Journey south to the warm climate of Shikoku, home to Kochi Castle, one of only 12 left in Japan. Along the way, enjoy onboard lectures by expert instructors as you discover lively urban centers, ancient roots and iconic landscapes.
Best of all, you'll...
- Explore the diverse culture and natural splendor of Aomori City, the northernmost city on Japan’s main island, including Japan's most active volcano, Sakurajima.
- Discover the Tokyo National Museum.
- Experience a performance of traditional music and dance by a trainee Geisha, known as a Maiko, and learn about the long-standing history of this unique and graceful tradition.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Yoko Takenami
Yoko Takenami, born and raised in Japan with a year in Ohio as a high school exchange student, has always been interested in culture and art. She holds an M.A. in education from ICU, International Christian University in Tokyo. She started learning Japanese calligraphy at the age of seven and acquired the title of Shihan (master) from Zen-Sho-Gei, one of the major nationwide calligraphy organizations in Japan in 1990. After she moved to London to work for BBC World TV as an interpreter in 2004, ‘Simple Art of Japanese Calligraphy’ was published by Cico Books; it was translated into French and German and was reprinted in summer 2023. She has held calligraphy workshops at various places such as Arts in Action, the British Library, West Dean College, and the Japan Society. She had an opportunity to demonstrate calligraphy for the City of London Festival in 2006, and also enjoyed collaboration with other artists such as Lawrence McGowan, a potter. She goes back to Japan regularly for inspiration and further learning.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Jill Rosenfield
Jill Rosenfield lives in Jerusalem and works full time as an Israeli official guide and Road Scholar group leader. For the past 25 years, she has led a wide variety of groups. She loves introducing the historical, cultural, and culinary wonders of Israel. Jill grew up in Rhodesia, Zimbabwe, before moving to South Africa to finish her schooling and university. After graduating, she emigrated to Israel and worked for many years as a special education teacher, then changed careers and became a licensed Israeli guide.
Yoko Takenami
Yoko Takenami, born and raised in Japan with a year in Ohio as a high school exchange student, has always been interested in culture and art. She holds an M.A. in education from ICU, International Christian University in Tokyo. She started learning Japanese calligraphy at the age of seven and acquired the title of Shihan (master) from Zen-Sho-Gei, one of the major nationwide calligraphy organizations in Japan in 1990. After she moved to London to work for BBC World TV as an interpreter in 2004, ‘Simple Art of Japanese Calligraphy’ was published by Cico Books; it was translated into French and German and was reprinted in summer 2023. She has held calligraphy workshops at various places such as Arts in Action, the British Library, West Dean College, and the Japan Society. She had an opportunity to demonstrate calligraphy for the City of London Festival in 2006, and also enjoyed collaboration with other artists such as Lawrence McGowan, a potter. She goes back to Japan regularly for inspiration and further learning.
Yoshiko Muto
Yoshiko Muto was born and raised in Kamakura, Japan, the site of the first samurai shogunate and the introduction of Zen Buddhism from China in medieval times. She studied art in Tokyo and went on to work in the art business. Having lived in England, she then spent many years living and working in Brazil in the field of language teaching and intercultural communication. She is now back in Japan, working full-time as a government-licensed guide interpreter in English and Portuguese.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over varied and uneven terrain, including hills, cobblestones, and rocky ground at ancient archaeological sites. Standing for up to 2 hours per day. Program will require approximately 30 miles of walking over 18 days. Must be able to use stairs, often without handrails, in order to navigate field trip sites. Due to the pace, terrain, and nature of the ancient sites, wheelchairs, walkers and scooters cannot be accommodated on this program. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
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
Helpful Links
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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 is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
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.
- 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 is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
- 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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