Trip Leader: Chip Houston
Dates: February 27, 2020 to March 6, 2020
Cost: $4,610 per student
Deposit: $1,000
Maximum Number of Students: 24
Trip Description and Purpose:
Students will explore the history, religion, food, art, and architecture of Japan, while being introduced to the innovative culture that has led Japan to be a world leader in technological advancements. The country has undergone many changes through the 20th century and remains an important cultural and political center in Asia.
Students will learn the military history of Japan and it's part in the final days of World War II, where the country was the target of the world’s first atomic weapons. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—along with decades of militarization and imperialism—have shaped Japan’s future and its shift from military to technological might. Immerse yourself in a country devoted to rewriting its legacy as one of the world’s leaders in international peacekeeping and technological innovation while exploring the imperialistic roots that led to these changes in national identity.
Japan is an island nation of contrasts. Neon lights pulse and shine on century-old temples, monks roam the streets with the working class, and meditation is practiced in the same parks as active technology users. Japan has perfected the balance of ancient and modern.
Day 1: Fly overnight to Japan
Day 2: Osaka
- Meet your Tour Director at the airport
- Walking tour of Osaka Canal Street
(pending flight arrival time)
- Cash handout for dinner on Canal Street
(pending flight arrival time)
Day 3: Osaka | Hiroshima | Osaka
- Excursion to Hiroshima
- Travel to Hiroshima by bullet train
- Tour Hiroshima with an expert local guide
- Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum
- Return to Osaka by bullet train
Day 4: Osaka | Kyoto
- Travel to Kyoto by bus
- Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Tour Kyoto with an expert local guide
- Visit the Golden Pavilion
- Visit Nijō Castle
Day 5: Kyoto
- Tour the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park
- Visit Kiyomizu Temple
- Sample green tea ice cream
Day 6: Kyoto | Hakone
- Travel by bullet train to Hakone
- Visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
- Take a cruise on Lake Ashi
- Ride the Mount Komagatake cable Car
- Enjoy free time in Owakudani
- See Odawara Castle
Day 7: Hakone | Tokyo
- Travel to Tokyo by bus
- Tour Tokyo with an expert local guide
- Visit the Meiji Shinto Shrine
- Visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple
- Visit the Harajuku shopping district
- Enjoy a sumo-style hot pot dinner
- Karaoke evening
Day 8: Tokyo
- Participate in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
- Participate in a sushi making class and lunch
- Explore Akihabara electric town on your own
- Visit a Japanese arcade
- See the Robot Show in Shinjuku
Day 9: Depart for Home