Japan
Awesome Asia: The Best of Japan With Your Family
Program No. 2348060MEADV-1116-60
Japan is a country filled with contrasts, from lively cities to quiet temples. Alongside your family, explore the best of Japan on an awesome learning adventure from Tokyo to Hiroshima.
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
14 days
13 nights
25 meals
12B 8L 5D
At a Glance
As soon as you and your family step off the plane in Japan, you will realize you are stepping into a world completely unlike your own. The bright lights of Tokyo and the thriving city life are sure to be the first things that catch your eye, but just a short journey away are serene temples offering a welcome from a giant, smiling Buddha. Alongside your family, discover a country full of surprises from ninjas and Zen gardens to castles and shrines. Learn about the facets of Japanese culture that are so different from our own, such as how to become a geisha. Discuss the atomic bombs that were dropped on Japan to end WWII and what it means today. Join local experts on this exciting two-week Asian learning adventure.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
I like to spend much of the day exploring. Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Stroll through shrines surrounded by forest and venture to temples that are unlike anything you have ever seen, as you learn how important they are to the locals.
- Explore one of the best-preserved castles in Japan and learn how it was built to fend off invaders.
- Get a real taste of Japanese life during a sushi-making class and in a fun manga drawing class.
Suggested Reading List
(13 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Awesome Asia: The Best of Japan With Your Family
Program Number: 23480
Rice, Noodle, Fish: Deep Travels Through Japan's Food Culture
An innovative new take on the travel guide, Rice, Noodle, Fish decodes Japan's extraordinary food culture through a mix of in-depth narrative and insider advice, along with 195 color photographs. In this 5000-mile journey through the noodle shops, tempura temples, and teahouses of Japan, Matt Goulding, co-creator of the enormously popular Eat This, Not That! book series, navigates the intersection between food, history, and culture, creating one of the most ambitious and complete books ever written about Japanese culinary culture from the Western perspective.
A Geek in Japan Revised and Expanded: Discovering the Land of Manga, Anime, Zen, and the Tea Ceremony
Created specifically for fans of Japanese cool culture, A Geek in Japan is one of the most iconic, hip, and concise cultural guides available. Reinvented for the internet age, it is packed with personal essays and hundreds of photographs and presents all the touchstones of traditional and contemporary culture in an entirely new way.
Japan: A Guide of Japan for Teenagers
Upon arrival in Japan, one inevitably undergoes culture shock. The Japanese way of life is so unique that it appears incomprehensible. Foreigners, or "gaijins" as they are commonly referred to, are initially disoriented and mystified. The author has written this travel guide to help teenagers discover Japan and decipher its inhabitants' customs and habits.
Diary of a Tokyo Teen: A Japanese-American Girl Travels to the Land of Trendy Fashion, High-Tech Toilets and Maid Cafes
A book for comic lovers and Japanophiles of all ages, Diary of a Tokyo Teen presents a unique look at modern-day Japan through a young woman's eyes.
You Gotta Have Wa
A hilarious, yet informative, account of Japanese baseball and the cultural clashes that ensued when Americans began playing there professionally.
The Tales of the Heike
The Tales of the Heike is one of the most influential works in Japanese literature and culture, remaining even today a crucial source for fiction, drama, and popular media. Originally written in the mid-thirteenth century, it features a cast of vivid characters and chronicles the epic Genpei war, a civil conflict that marked the end of the power of the Heike and changed the course of Japanese history.
Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen
Traveling to Japan has never been so much fun - visit the land of anime, manga, cosplay, hot springs and sushi! This graphic Japan travel guide is the first of its kind exploring Japanese culture from a cartoonist's perspective.
The Tale of Genji
Completed in the early 11th century, Genji Monogatari is considered a masterpiece of Japanese prose literature, and one of the world's earliest novels. Although its exact origins remain elusive, it is believed that the female author spent many years in service to the royal family of the time.
A Traveller's History of Japan
A history of Japan and its transformation from Shinto, Shogun and Samurai traditions to 20th-century powerhouse.
Kitchen
The first novel of one of Japan's contemporary literary stars to be translated in to English.
Super Sushi Ramen Express: A Culinary Adventure Through Japan
A fascinating and funny culinary journey through Japan. Japan is arguably the preeminent food nation on earth; it's a mecca for the world's greatest chefs and has more Michelin stars than any other country. The Japanese go to extraordinary lengths and expense to eat food that is marked both by its exquisite preparation and exotic content. Their creativity, dedication, and courage in the face of dishes such as cod sperm and octopus ice cream are only now beginning to be fully appreciated in the sushi- and ramen-saturated West, as are the remarkable health benefits of the traditional Japanese diet.
Hiroshima
First published in 1946, this recounts the events of August 6, 1945 through the observations of survivors.
Culture Smart! Japan
A quick guide to the customs and etiquette of Japan.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
14 days
Program Begins
Tokyo
Program Concludes
Osaka
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
25
| 12B |
8L |
5D |
Activity Level
As soon as you and your family step off the plane in Japan, you will realize you are stepping into a world completely unlike your own. The bright lights of Tokyo and the thriving city life are sure to be the first things that catch your eye, but just a short journey away are serene temples offering a welcome from a giant, smiling Buddha. Alongside your family, discover a country full of surprises from ninjas and Zen gardens to castles and shrines. Learn about the facets of Japanese culture that are so different from our own, such as how to become a geisha. Discuss the atomic bombs that were dropped on Japan to end WWII and what it means today. Join local experts on this exciting two-week Asian learning adventure.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Stroll through shrines surrounded by forest and venture to temples that are unlike anything you have ever seen, as you learn how important they are to the locals.
- Explore one of the best-preserved castles in Japan and learn how it was built to fend off invaders.
- Get a real taste of Japanese life during a sushi-making class and in a fun manga drawing class.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
I like to spend much of the day exploring. Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.
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.
Family Program
Share your love of learning with your family. These programs are designed for any combination of generations: grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and children.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(13 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
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
14 days
13 nights
What's Included
25 meals | 12B | 8L | 5D |
2 expert-led lectures
19 expert-led field trips
10 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Tokyo, Check-in
Location:
Tokyo
Stay:
Sunshine City Prince Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax.
Dinner:
As many flights from the U.S. are likely to arrive during the evening, this meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. As we will discuss during our Orientation session tomorrow morning, Tokyo is a vast city. To make the most of our experience, we will do as locals do and use the large, complex, public transit subway system. We will provide preloaded debit cards (Pasmo) that will cover all of the included program transportation. This card can be reloaded with additional amounts and can be used for free time in Tokyo and other cities as well. The high-speed Shinkansen “bullet train” we will use to transfer between some cities can reach speeds of nearly 200 miles per hour. We will also take motorcoaches when that makes the most sense.
Day
3
Orientation, Asakusa, Sensoji
Location:
Tokyo
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Sunshine City Prince Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transit; stairs and escalators. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day and standing.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast we come together and walk to a local meeting center for our Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. A number of meals will be on your own to enjoy the cuisine of your choice. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Periods in the 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. The Group Leader and local guides will 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. After orientation, we will set out and use the metro to head to Asakusa, where residents take pride in being “edokko” — people of Edo, the pre-modern name for Japan. We hop into rickshaws and ride through the streets of Asakusa to Sensoji Temple, the city’s oldest and busiest.
Lunch:
We have some free time to explore and get lunch on our own.
Afternoon:
After lunch we walk through the fascinating market streets. At Sensoji, we will gain an understanding of the place of Buddhism in the daily lives of Japanese people. We then have some free time to explore the Asakusa area. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We return to our hotel and have some time at leisure.
Dinner:
At our hotel, we have our welcome dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Hands-On Sushi Experience
Location:
Tokyo
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Sunshine City Prince Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transit; stairs and escalators. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day and standing.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will take public transport to the Meiji Shrine. Dedicated to the late 19th-century emperor Meiji who opened Japan to the West, the shrine is situated in a serene forest oasis. The 40-foot-high torii gate at the entrance is made of 1,500-year-old cypress. A local expert will tell us about the history of the shrine and some basics of Shinto — a belief system unique to Japan. Incidentally, to become a Shinto, you must be Japanese and born in Japan. Next, just steps outside of Meiji Shrine, we will move from tradition and into the ultra-modern in Harajuku, the center of Japanese youth culture and fashion. Here we will be amazed by the sights and sounds as we stroll the narrow, vibrant laneways. Our walk ends in Omotesando, the tree-lined “Champs Elysees” of Tokyo. This neighborhood is the location for haute couture brands. Even more impressive than fashion brand names are the stunning, architecturally-ambitious buildings by great modern architects who have been the recipients of more Pritzker Architecture Prizes than anywhere else in the world. We hop on the subway and transfer to our sushi class and lunch.
Lunch:
At a neighbourhood sushi bar, we will participate in a hands-on sushi-making class. We then dine on what we have just made for lunch.
Afternoon:
Free time. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This time has been set aside for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests each of us most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. The Group Leader will accompany those who wish to return to the hotel via public transportation.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
teamLab Planets, Manga, Nakano Broadway
Location:
Tokyo
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Sunshine City Prince Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off public transit; stairs and escalators. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day and standing.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board public transport and transfer to Toyosu. Here we will visit teamLab Planets, an art museum where visitors can immerse themselves in the artworks. After time to soak up this intriguing artscape, we will board the Yurikamome — a driverless train system — to travel to Nakano. From our train, we can take in the sights of Odaiba Seaside Park. We will learn something of how the island was constructed on reclaimed land and why it was needed.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
At a local school, we will learn the history of “manga” — a uniquely Japanese art form. We then learn how to draw our own in a hands-on activity. In Nakano, we have a walking exploration of the neighborhood. We wander through the meandering pedestrian streets where small businesses are jumbled with modern pop culture. We explore Nakano Broadway, a spiritual home to Japan's "otaku" culture. We return to our hotel and have the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Those who wish to do so are welcome to stay out and explore, making their own way back to the hotel independently.
Dinner:
On your own to explore local fare and enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer to Misugi in the morning. Prepare to take all luggage to reception by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. Larger luggage will be sent ahead to Kyoto; plan to take smaller luggage with only what you need for the two days in Misugi on the train.
Day
6
Shinkansen to Nagoya, Ninja History, Mie Prefecture
Location:
Misugi
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Misugi Resort Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bullet train; riding approximately 1.5 hours. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 90 miles throughout the day, approximately 3 hours total riding time. Walking about 1 mile, standing up to 2 hours at a time; paved and unpaved ground. Shoes must be removed at entrance of Japanese hotel rooms. Sitting on low chairs for dining; sleeping on Japanese futons on floor.
Breakfast:
At accommodation.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will take taxis to the train station and catch a shinkansen “bullet train" to Nagoya. Upon arrival at the Nagoya train station, we will board a motorcoach and ride to Mie Prefecture.
Lunch:
On your own en route.
Afternoon:
Iga is the center of historical study of ninja. We will visit the Ninja Museum of Igaryu. Not just the stuff of action movies, ninja were the secret spy network for shoguns. They employed martial arts, physical prowess, and secret disguises to carry out their missions and evade danger. At the museum, we will learn about their weapons, history, and meet actual ninjas. Even today, their skill is passed on from parent to child, which we will see in a performance of their skills. We will then visit a local municipal center and engage in a hands-on activity, learning how to make Iga Kumihimo, braided silk cords combined with silver or gold threads. The craft has a centuries-old history, with skills and designs handed down through many generations. We will make a key ring or bracelet in a choice of colors, to take home. We will then ride on to Misugi and check in to our “ryokan” (Japanese hotel), with tatami rooms. If you like, you may change into the provided “yukata” (casual kimono).
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to use the onsen — the traditional, communal Japanese bath divided into male and female sections. Japanese culture is particular about manners; bath etiquette will be detailed in preparatory materials sent following enrollment. Note: There is still a cultural taboo against tattoos in Japan. People with tattoos are generally not permitted in Japanese communal baths.
Day
7
Traditional Life & Culture in Misugi
Location:
Misugi
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Misugi Resort Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking in forest.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will ride to the village of Misugi and walk through the town, meet local people, and gain insights into local life. We also learn about the family who owns our hotel, how they grow some of their own produce for use in the restaurant, and even brew their own beer.
Lunch:
We will have a typical Japanese camping lunch that we will cook ourselves. We will have some time to explore the local forest as our lunch cooks.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will learn how to make a traditional Japanese cake. We then have some “down time” to explore the resort on our own or enjoy the on-site onsen.
Dinner:
In a private tatami room at the hotel, we will have a traditional kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal and regional produce.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.
Day
8
Transfer to Nara, Todaiji Temple, Kyoto
Location:
Kyoto
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles throughout the day, approximately 4 hours total riding time. Walking about 2 miles.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel this morning, board our motorcoach with our Group Leader, and ride to Nara. We arrive in Nara and walk to Todaiji Temple, constructed in 752 as the chief temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan. It grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower the temple’s influence on government affairs. Todaiji’s main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), is the world’s largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original size. The massive building houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of the Buddha (Daibutsu), more than 49 feet high. The temple is situated in Nara’s Deer Park. Deer were traditionally perceived to be the messengers of the gods, so they were not hunted and developed a tame relationship with humans. Today, the deer roam freely and enthusiastically seek snacks from visitors who can purchase “deer crackers” from local vendors.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we walk back to our motorcoach and travel on to Kyoto. We will check in to our hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Dinner:
On your own to have what you like. The area around the hotel has a multitude of dining choices.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Ginkakuji Temple, Zen Garden, Nikishi, Taiko
Location:
Kyoto
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day. Taiko drumming does not require any special clothing or equipment.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined by a local expert, board a motorcoach, and ride to the north-west side of Kyoto into the Higashiyama neighborhood. There, we will set out on a walking field trip through the manicured Zen garden of Ginkakuji (silver pavilion) Temple. In temple gardens, the core beliefs of Shinto and Buddhism are modeled in three dimensions. We will follow the path uphill to take in views over the city, then walk along the river path — known as the Philosophers’ Path that was used for contemplation — through local neighborhoods. We transfer to Nishiki Market. Here we have time to explore the fascinating array of stalls exhibiting all manner of local food and products.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Nishiki Market.
Afternoon:
The taiko, sometimes called wadaiko, is a traditional type of drum native to Japan. In feudal Japan the moving thump of the drum was used to bolster warriors’ morale, set a marching pace, and relay orders. Taiko drums have also been used in traditional arts as well as festivals enjoyed by all ages. We will take up the bachi (wooden sticks) and learn the basic rhythms. We then take public transport to the historic entertainment area of Gion, the city’s best-known geisha district. Geisha translates as “arts person” and these talented ladies are highly trained in traditional Japanese arts. We will stroll down the lovely Shirakawa Dori (white river street). As we walk through tree-lined streets, we might even glimpse geisha and maiko — apprentice geisha — on their way to evening appointments. We return to our hotel and have some down time before dinner.
Dinner:
We walk to a local restaurant for dinner.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
10
Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Origami Experience
Location:
Kyoto
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking through bamboo grove and gardens.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
With our local expert, we will set out early this morning, board our motorcoach, and ride to the exquisite Kinkakuji Temple (golden pavilion). The picturesque reflection of Kinkakuji on its neighboring pond makes it one of the most appealing landscapes in Kyoto. After soaking up the stunning scenery, we then ride to Arashiyama on the outskirts of Kyoto. We will walk through the rustling Bamboo Grove to the garden of Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Tenryuji is the head temple of its own school within the Rinzai Zen sect of Japanese Buddhism. Although the temple buildings have been rebuilt multiple times, Tenryuji's garden survived the centuries in its original form. The artfully landscaped garden features a central pond surrounded by rocks, pine trees, and the forested Arashiyama mountains.
Lunch:
At the Tenryuji Temple, we will have a vegan Buddhist meal.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we transfer to our origami experience. Here we will take part in an origami class. Under expert tutelage we will learn some of the intricacies of this traditional Japanese artform. We transfer back to our hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer to Hiroshima in the morning. Prepare to take all luggage to reception by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. Larger luggage will be sent ahead to Osaka; plan to take smaller luggage with only what you need for the two days in Hiroshima on the train.
Day
11
Shinkansen to Hiroshima, Peace Memorial Museum and Park
Location:
Hiroshima
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bullet train; riding approximately 2 hours. Walking about 5 miles throughout the day and standing for approximately 1.5 hours during field trips.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Checking out of the hotel, we will walk to the train station and take the bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima. Upon arrival at the station in Hiroshima, we meet our local expert and transfer by motorcoach to the Peace Memorial Museum. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is in the forefront of the global movement towards nuclear disarmament and lasting world peace. At the Peace Memorial Museum, we will hear a presentation by a local survivor of the atomic bomb, then explore the museum, guided by the local docents. We will have time for some individual exploration of this thought-provoking institution. We transfer to lunch.
Lunch:
At one of Hiroshima’s iconic “okonomiyaki” restaurants, our lunch will be prepared tableside on special steel griddles. Okonomiyaki was originally a snack food but after the A-bomb, when food was scarce, survivors used loose pieces of sheet metal as makeshift griddles to cook whatever scraps they could find such as cabbage, vegetables, and egg for protein. In 1945, the American occupation brought boatloads of surplus wheat to a starving nation, beginning the culture of ramen, udon, and adding a thin crepe to create the now signature dish, okonomiyaki.
Afternoon:
After lunch we return to the Peace Memorial Park. We will go to the Atomic Bomb Dome near the epicenter of the explosion site, whose ruins have been retained as a tangible reminder of the destruction. We will walk through the Peace Park, passing the memorial statues. We will have further time for individual exploration of this important site. We then transfer to our hotel and check in. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free.
Dinner:
On your own to explore local fare and enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Miyajima, Free Time
Location:
Hiroshima
Meals:
B
Stay:
Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
Activity Note
Getting on/off a train; riding approximately 1/2 hour to/from Miyajima. Getting on/off a large car ferry, with steps from the deck up to the enclosed seating area, and steps to an additional upper, outdoor, covered seating area. Walking about 5 miles throughout the day. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will meet our local guide, transfer to the train station and board the train to Miyajima-guchi. Disembarking the local train, we will walk two blocks to the ferry wharf for the 10-minute ferry ride to Miyajima, known as the island of the gods. As the ferry approaches the island, on the right-hand side we will have a water view of the famous torii gates of Itsukushima Shrine — another UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site — that appear to float on water at high tide. Disembarking the ferry, we will begin a walk with a local expert through the small village and on to Itsukushima Shrine. From the Shrine, you may wish to continue on to Daisho-in, the main Buddhist temple on the island. The remainder of our time at Miyajima is free time allowing you to explore the island at your leisure.
Lunch:
On your own. The main street of Miyajima is lined with food stalls, restaurants, and cafés, even a micro-brewery, with many choices for a snack or a sit down meal.
Afternoon:
Free time. You might like to hike the mountain forest paths or stroll the beach by the torii gates We will rendezvous with our Group Leader at an appointed time and place, then return to Hiroshima via ferry and train.
Dinner:
On your own to explore local fare and enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
13
Himeji Castle, Osaka, Farewell Dinner
Location:
Osaka
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bullet train; riding approximately 1 hour. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 60 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking about 2 miles; standing at Himeji Castle approximately 1.5 hours; steep stairways; removing shoes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will leave Hiroshima by bullet train for the one-hour ride to Himeji. At Himeji Station, we will meet a local expert, board a motorcoach, and ride through town to Himeji Castle. Regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, it comprises a network of 83 buildings with advanced defensive systems from the feudal period. The castle was one of the first UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites in Japan for its stone and wood construction. Those who prefer not to climb the steep stairs to the castle are welcome to explore the adjacent Kokoen Gardens and stroll through the charming landscape that is divided into nine walled gardens in designs from the Edo Period. We come together and board our motorcoach bound for Osaka.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we will have a hands-on class giving us an introduction to the making of a cherished Osaka street food — takoyaki.
Afternoon:
We will board our motorcoach, drive to Osaka, check in to our hotel, and reclaim our large suitcases. We will have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
We will walk to a nearby restaurant for a typical contemporary Japanese dinner. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner. We will also have the chance to engage in a bit of karaoke — an "entertainment" developed in Japan!
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, prepare for check-out and departure tomorrow.
Day
14
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice. Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. Airport transfer at 12:30 p.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Free time. Go out for some independent exploration or just relax. Luggage may be stored at the reception desk after hotel check-out time.
Lunch:
On your own. Osaka is a food lover’s paradise. The streets are full of restaurants large and small, and food stalls with local specialties.
Afternoon:
We will meet back at the hotel for a motorcoach transfer to Osaka Airport — formally known as Kansai International Airport — at 1:00 p.m. This concludes our program. 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 join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
25 Meals
12 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Jul 03, 2024 - Jul 16, 2024
Participant Reviews
Based on 6 Reviews
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Awesome Adventures in Asia was a wonderful experimental trip of a Lifetime for my granddaughter and I! Thank you! Claudia Arthrell
— Review left July 22, 2024
This was a fabulous trip! Japan is a wonderful country. What really made the trip special were the other families touring with us and our phenomenal lead tour guide, John Hundleby. John and Road Scholar had every day planned out perfectly and allowed the adults and young people to experience the most fascinating educational aspects of the Japanese culture. Just a sampling include experiencing a ride in a rickshaw, sushi making, Japanese drumming, bracelet making, origami, touring a castle, making Osaka octopus dough balls, a traditional Japanese campfire picnic and bread making. The stop in Hiroshima was sobering, yet enlightening for all ages. The tour experience included stays in Western hotels, as well as a wonderful stay at a very traditional "Japanese resort" with floor futons and onsen bath houses. There is not enough room to describe all the interesting and fantastic food experiences, including the sweets! All of this allowed us to experience and learn about traditional and modern Japanese culture in both urban and rural settings. The people of Japan, including John and his assistant tour guides, are welcoming, kind, and eager to share their culture and knowledge. This tour gave our family wonderful long-term happy memories and left us with new friendships.
— Review left July 7, 2024
What a spectacular adventure! We haven't stopped talking about all the memories with our granddaughter since we returned home. This was our 5th grandparent trip. The first 4 trips were self planned and guided and were wonderful but having Road Scholar plan all the activities and arrangements was so much easier. There were activities that I would never have discovered on my own and our guide/host/new friend John took such special care of us. He made sure that everyone was enjoying themselves, was able to add information to the commentary from the professional guides and fielded hundreds of questions on education, politics in Japan, families, etc. Our one question before taking the trip was if we would have enough "face time" with our granddaughter on a tour with other families. She is a social being and hugely enjoyed being with the other kids but we quickly discovered that there was ample optional time to have dinners together as a family if we wanted and to join other families if that worked for that day- a great combination. Thank you John and Road Scholar for helping us make a wonderful memory!
— Review left July 1, 2024
A wonderful introduction to an amazing country! We did this program with my 12-year-old and had an amazing time. The activities were fun, the places were beautiful, and the food was delicious! We definitely feel inspired to do more Road Scholar programs and to return to Japan in the future.
— Review left June 27, 2024
This was fabulous trip. We loved all of the hands-on activities for the kids. The adults enjoyed them as much or more than the kids did.
— Review left October 11, 2023
We were three generations on this trip and it was magical! This meticulously planned trip provided us with a unique opportunity to explore Japan in a way that would have been impossible on our own. I would recommend this itinerary and trip to pretty much anyone who wants to see as much of what Japan has to offer as possible.
— Review left August 25, 2023
