Japan Journey: History, Culture & Society from Kyoto to Tokyo [REGISTRATION FULL]
Dates: 4/4 – 4/13
Location: Japan
Price Range: $6,000-6,800
Theme: Culture & Outdoors
Faculty Contact: Krissy Russell
Join us for an extraordinary cultural adventure through Japan, exploring the journey from ancient traditions to modern innovation. We will spend our first two nights in historic Kyoto and our final two nights in bustling Tokyo, with the heart of our adventure involving walking portions of the legendary Nakasendo Way, the historic highway that connected Kyoto to Edo (now Tokyo). Specific highlights include exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Golden Pavilion, participating in a traditional tea ceremony, staying in authentic Japanese inns (ryokan) with hot spring baths, and learning traditional crafts such as fabric dyeing and soba noodle making.
We’ll walk through preserved post-towns along the Nakasendo Way, visit ancient castles, shrines and temples, and conclude our adventure exploring Tokyo’s vibrant youth culture in Shibuya and Harajuku. Throughout the trip, we will be immersed in authentic Japanese cuisine, from traditional multi-course dinners at our ryokan to local specialties in mountain villages. Dietary and Rigorous Exercise Notice: Please note that specific dietary restrictions can be challenging to accommodate in Japan. This active program requires students to be comfortable walking long distances (up to 9+ miles per day) with light packs over varied terrain.
Itinerary
Join us for an extraordinary cultural adventure through Japan, exploring the journey from ancient traditions to modern innovation. We will spend our first two nights in historic Kyoto and our final two nights in bustling Tokyo, with the heart of our adventure involving walking portions of the legendary Nakasendo Way, the historic highway that connected Kyoto to Edo (now Tokyo).
Specific highlights include exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Golden Pavilion, participating in a traditional tea ceremony, staying in authentic Japanese inns (ryokan) with hot spring baths, and learning traditional crafts such as fabric dyeing and soba noodle making. We’ll walk through preserved post-towns along the Nakasendo Way, visit ancient castles, shrines and temples, and conclude our adventure exploring Tokyo’s vibrant youth culture in Shibuya and Harajuku.
Throughout the trip, we will be immersed in authentic Japanese cuisine, from traditional multi-course dinners at our ryokan to local specialties in mountain villages.
- Students and families should be aware that this experience includes:
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- Extended walking each day—up to 9+ miles—over varied terrain along historic trails and through urban areas
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- Shared accommodations in traditional inns (ryokan) that include cultural customs such as tatami mats, communal hot spring baths, and set mealtimes
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- Limited flexibility for accommodating specific dietary restrictions or preferences
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- Travel by train and other public transportation between cities and rural regions
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- Exposure to a wide range of weather conditions depending on elevation and location
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- Immersion in Japanese culture and cuisine, with opportunities to engage respectfully in traditional practices
Dietary and Rigorous Exercise Notice: Please note that specific dietary restrictions can be challenging to accommodate in Japan. This active program requires students to be comfortable walking long distances (up to 9+ miles per day) with light packs over varied terrain.
Day 1: Kansai Airport – Kyoto, Arrival and orientation
Day 2: Kyoto, Explore Nijo-jo Castle, Golden Pavilion, and tea ceremony (5.3 miles)
Day 3: Kyoto – Nagoya – Ena, Fabric dyeing workshop and bullet train travel (2.4 miles)
Day 4: Ena – Magome – O-Tsumago, Begin Nakasendo Way walking through historic post-towns (9.3 miles)
Day 5: O-Tsumago – Tsumago – Kiso-Fukushima, Continue Nakasendo Way and soba noodle making (4.3 miles)
Day 6: Kiso-Fukushima – Kaida Plateau, Mountain hiking with waterfall visit (8.7 miles)
Day 7: Kaida Plateau – Narai – Matsumoto, Complete Nakasendo section and explore castle town (5.6 miles)
Day 8: Matsumoto – Tokyo, Travel to capital and explore Imperial Palace area (4.0 miles)
Day 9: Tokyo, Modern city exploration including teamLab Planets and youth culture districts (3.1 miles)
Day 10: Tokyo Airport, Departure