Japan: Off the Beaten Path

Welcome to Japan! Your jam-packed 10-day trip begins in Tokyo, the country’s capital. Upon arrival, your group will transport to your accommodations to drop off your luggage and refresh from your travels.

Wander over to the incredible Tokyo Tower in the Shiba-koen district of Minato in the evening for a spectacular view of all of Tokyo — a city that truly has no end! Standing at 332.9 meters, Tokyo Tower is the second tallest structure in Japan and is inspired by the architecture of the Eiffel Tower.

Begin the day by meeting your native Japanese guide for the duration of your stay. Learn basic greetings, your name and phrases to help you navigate this eccentric country.

Today, your group will visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine (明治神宮), Tokyo’s most visited shrine. It was dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken in 1920. Although it’s located in the heart of the bustle in Tokyo, the shrine retains its calm and peaceful atmosphere with its setting in the middle of a forest of 100,000 trees. The main entrance of the shrine features an enormous wooden torii gate.

Enjoy lunch at an underground ramen joint for an authentic welcome to Japan, and spend the afternoon exploring Tokyo. Visit Shibuya, the busiest crosswalk in the world; more of the city’s incredible shrines and temples; the Pokemon Center; the options are endless!

Depart Tokyo and head to the base of Mount Fuji at Fuji Five Lakes (富士五湖, Fujigoko)! Fujigoko is known as the lake resort area where hiking, camping, fishing and snow sports are enjoyed by many. The region is one of the best places to view Mount Fuji!

Spend the day exploring the Kubota Art Museum where the legacy of Kubota Itchiku is housed — the artist who revived the lost art of silk dyeing, a burdensome craft used to decorate intricate kimonos.

Your group will also have the opportunity to visit the Sengen Shrine — one of more than a thousand that spread across Japan. The shrine is enclosed by dense forest with the main entrance lined by stone lanterns and tall cedar trees.

Splash and scream at Fuji Q Highland today, one of Japan’s most popular amusement parks with record-breaking roller coasters!

From Fujigoko, your group will travel to the ancient capital city of Kyoto. After enjoying an authentic local lunch, you will travel to the famous red torii gates tunnel at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. This shrine is unlike any other you’ll visit on this trip and will require your best hiking shoes, so gear up for one of the most spectacular treks of your life!

Travel through over a thousand red gates as you hike the hillside that Fushimi Inari Taisha sits upon as you stop at different overlooks to capture views of the beautiful ancient capital city.

Spend the morning exploring Kyoto choosing from its many spectacular temples and shrines, an impact project, cultural immersion, or a free day.

In the afternoon, your group will transport to Iya Valley, a remote, mountainous wonderland!

Deep in the heart of Shikoku Island lies the Iya Valley (祖谷渓, Iyakei), a remote and mountainous valley secluded by steep slopes and deep rocky gorges. Iya is well-known for it’s two (of thirteen) surviving vine bridges that crosses these large gorges, as well as hot springs and outdoor activities.

These bridges are reinforced with steel cables for safety and rebuilt every three years. Travelers can cross these bridges (if they dare!) and some even cross them to reach a camping facility on the other side of the river

Welcome to Hiroshima, the location of the atomic bomb dropping by the United States in World War II. While visiting this incredible city, your group will tour the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park and Memorial Museum.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It is dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack, and to the memories of the bomb’s direct and indirect victims.

Explore the memorial alongside your native guide to hear the history and story of this city’s overcoming.

Japan, known for many things, is also known for its massively successful car factories. Today, you will have the unique opportunity to visit the Mazda Museum and tour the factory on site. Learn about the company’s role in Japan’s economy and the production of its cars.

After the factory tour, your group will venture to the Hiroshima Castle, sometimes called Carp Castle. The castle was constructed in the 1590s but destroyed by the Atomic Bombing in 1945. After its rebuilding, a museum was added in to explain the castle’s history, architecture and its construction through photos and videos.

Wander over to the historic Japanese garden Shukkei-en for an evening stroll and to celebrate your adventure to Japan!

Before heading to the airport, visit the oceanside shrine Itsukushima. The shrine is one of Japan’s most revered sites. If you catch it at high tide, it appears as though it’s floating on the water! When you’re ready, your group will head to the Hiroshima airport to begin your departure home and onward journey.