Experience Japan
Japan is an island-nation of contrasts.
Neon lights pulse and shine on century-old temples, monks walk alongside anime cosplayers, and Zen meditation is practiced in the same parks that people take selfies. It may sound chaotic, but Japan has perfected the balance of ancient and modern. A better understanding of Buddhism and Shinto, higher truth, or just a measure of inner peace await you on this meditative journey through the tranquil side of Japanese culture.
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Day 1: Fly overnight to Japan
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Day 2: Osaka
Meet your Tour Director at the airport -
Day 3: Osaka • Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto
Tour Kyoto with an expert local guide
Visit the Golden Pavilion
Visit Kiyomizu TempleTour Fushimi Inari Shrine
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Day 4: Kyoto
Visit the Kyoto International Manga Museum
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion:
Osaka
Discover the truth of the Japanese saying “dress into ruin in Kyoto, eat into ruin in Osaka” on this excursion to Osaka. Taste the flavors of Osaka in Dōtonbori, an area best known for its to-die-for street food scene. Then relax and see the other beauties of Osaka on your river cruise through the heart of the city.
Sample traditional Kyoto snacks with your Tour Director
Enjoy an evening reflection on the banks of the Kamo River
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Day 5: Kyoto • Takayama
Travel to Takayama
Enjoy a Zen meditation experience
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Day 6: Takayama • Kanazawa
Visit the Takayama morning market
Travel to Kanazawa
Visit the Minkaen Outdoor Museum
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Day 7: Kanazawa
Visit Kanazawa Castle
Explore Kenroku-en Garden
Participate in a gold-leaf chopstick activity
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Day 8: Tokyo
Travel by bullet train to Tokyo
Tour the Imperial Palace Plaza
Visit the Meiji Shinto ShrineVisit the Harajuku shopping districtExplore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion:
Karaoke
A trip to Japan wouldn’t be complete without an evening of singing your favorite songs with friends in a karaoke lounge. Belt your favorite jams, or just clap along with friends as you unwind and have a wonderful, relaxing evening.
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Day 9: Tokyo
Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
Take a tour of Akihabara
Participate in a scavenger hunt
Visit Asakusa Temple
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Day 10: Depart for home
Add 3 more days
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Day 10: Tokyo • Nagasaki
Travel to Nagasaki
Visit the Nagasaki Peace Park and Museum
Reflect on your travels and learn how to fold a paper crane
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Day 11: Nagasaki
Tour Nagasaki with an expert local guide
Visit Glover Garden and Peace Park
Visit Dejima Museum
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Day 12: Nagasaki • Tokyo
Fly to Tokyo
Participate in a calligraphy activity
Explore the Shibuya district of Tokyo
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Day 13: Depart for home
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Day 1: Fly overnight to Japan
-
Day 2: Osaka
Meet your Tour Director at the airport -
Day 3: Osaka • Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto
Tour Kyoto with an expert local guide
Visit the Golden Pavilion
Visit Kiyomizu TempleTour Fushimi Inari Shrine
-
Day 4: Kyoto
Visit the Kyoto International Manga Museum
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion:
Osaka
Discover the truth of the Japanese saying “dress into ruin in Kyoto, eat into ruin in Osaka” on this excursion to Osaka. Taste the flavors of Osaka in Dōtonbori, an area best known for its to-die-for street food scene. Then relax and see the other beauties of Osaka on your river cruise through the heart of the city.
Sample traditional Kyoto snacks with your Tour Director
Enjoy an evening reflection on the banks of the Kamo River
-
Day 5: Kyoto • Takayama
Travel to Takayama
Enjoy a Zen meditation experience
-
Day 6: Takayama • Kanazawa
Visit the Takayama morning market
Travel to Kanazawa
Visit the Minkaen Outdoor Museum
-
Day 7: Kanazawa
Visit Kanazawa Castle
Explore Kenroku-en Garden
Participate in a gold-leaf chopstick activity
-
Day 8: Tokyo
Travel by bullet train to Tokyo
Tour the Imperial Palace Plaza
Visit the Meiji Shinto ShrineVisit the Harajuku shopping districtExplore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursion:
Karaoke
A trip to Japan wouldn’t be complete without an evening of singing your favorite songs with friends in a karaoke lounge. Belt your favorite jams, or just clap along with friends as you unwind and have a wonderful, relaxing evening.
-
Day 9: Tokyo
Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
Take a tour of Akihabara
Participate in a scavenger hunt
Visit Asakusa Temple
-
Day 10: Depart for home
Add 3 more days
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Day 10: Tokyo • Nagasaki
Travel to Nagasaki
Visit the Nagasaki Peace Park and Museum
Reflect on your travels and learn how to fold a paper crane
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Day 11: Nagasaki
Tour Nagasaki with an expert local guide
Visit Glover Garden and Peace Park
Visit Dejima Museum
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Day 12: Nagasaki • Tokyo
Fly to Tokyo
Participate in a calligraphy activity
Explore the Shibuya district of Tokyo
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Day 13: Depart for home
Refer a friend or colleague to EF and we’ll thank you with $1,000. Learn more
Your experience includes
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Airfare & transportation
Round-trip flights on major carriers; comfortable motorcoach; bullet train
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Hotels
8 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms (11 with extension)
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Regional-style meals
Breakfast and dinner daily
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Guided sightseeing
2 sightseeing tours led by expert, licensed local guides; 1 walking tour
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Entrances
Golden Pavilion; Kiyomizu Temple; International Manga Museum; Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Open Air Museum; Kanazawa castle; Gold-leaf chopstick activity; with extension: Glover Garden; Dejima Port
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Full-time Tour Director
Your culturally connected Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics.
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Expert Local Guides
Your expert local guides are natural historians, adding cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours.
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Continuous Support
Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour.
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Worldwide Presence
EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we're there too.
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24-hour Emergency Service
Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team.
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Peace of Mind Program
Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances. Learn more about your flexible options at eftours.com/peaceofmind.
Guaranteed lowest price
Price is valid for students under the age of 20 at the time of travel that room in triples and quads. Minimum participation is required. Change and cancellation fees of up to the total price will apply. Applicable airline baggage fees are not included and can be found at www.eftours.com/baggage. Program price is valid today only.