Discover Japan’s Rich History and Culture: A Student-Friendly Itinerary Around Japan
Planning an educational trip to Japan? Our comprehensive itinerary is designed to engage student groups, with must-see destinations, hands-on learning, and unforgettable cultural immersion.
HIGHLIGHTS
— Tour Japan’s most sacred shrine, the Ise Grand Shrine (Ise-Jingu) and learn about Shintoism.
— Enjoy a ropeway ride and enjoy views of Mount Fuji, and across Lake Kawaguchiko!
— View Japan’s oldest castle, Inuyama Castle, and one of only five castles to be designated the status of “National Treasure.”
— Learn about the techniques behind crafting a Japanese sword, then test your own skills in sharpening a Japanese kitchen knife.
— Demystify the legend of the ‘Koka Ninja,’ as you explore an authentic ninja house and uncover all of its tricks.
— Glimpse into the lives of the Toyota family as we tour the Taisho-era home of Sasuke Toyoda and several other well-preserved estates.
AVAILABILITY: All year round
SUMMARY
A captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation, this itinerary offers an unforgettable travel experience. The itinerary starts in Japan’s vibrant capital, Tokyo, and includes a trip to Mt. Fuji before continuing on to Nagoya.
Located in the heart of the country, the Nagoya region serves as a gateway to some of Japan’s most remarkable destinations and will serve as your homebase for the next four days of the tour. This area, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and unique attractions, promises an educational and immersive journey for student groups and educators.
After learning about all things samurai, shinto, and ninja in Nagoya, your trip continues on to Kyoto for two full days of sightseeing—ensuring you visit all of the city’s most iconic sights. The tour concludes with a day in Osaka before saying goodbye to your guides.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Tokyo / Hotel: Tokyo
Experience both traditional culture and pop culture in Tokyo in a guided tour of Shinjuku and Shibuya.
Enjoy the skyscrapers, bright signs and high energy—and look out for Godzilla—as your guide leads you through the modern streets of Tokyo. Then feel the juxtaposition of Tokyo’s quiet shrines and historical museums. Your guide will help explain how the funky streets of Harajuku and the tranquil gardens of Shinjuku’s pocket parks combined to shape modern Japanese society today. Plus there will be plenty of opportunities for photos along the way!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya : The Best of Both | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Yotsuya-Sanchome Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
Day 2: Mt. Fuji / Hotel: Nagoya
On your second day of the trip, your group will have the chance to view Japan’s most famous and iconic landmark, Mt. Fuji. Your guide will lead you around Lake Kawaguchiko’s best (and sometimes hidden) locations to ensure you have the opportunity to see the majestic mountain from many impressive locations. This tour will also take you to a museum dedicated to kimono. Your group will learn about this traditional form of Japanese clothing and see the impressive works of a famous Japanese silk dyer. At the end of this tour, your group will continue on to the city of Nagoya for the next leg of your journey.
1 Day Tour
| Mount Fuji Day Trip : Adventure around Lake Kawaguchiko | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 07:50 – 19:45 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Shinjuku Bus Terminal |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥15,500 |
Day 3: Inuyama / Hotel: Nagoya
The third day of this itinerary is dedicated to all things samurai. Nagoya, with its central location, is the metaphorical heart of Japan’s samurai past. Your guide will provide you with a brief introduction to the history of the region before leading you through a museum dedicated to a samurai’s most important possession, their sword.
Your group will learn all about the art of forging a sword, and how the region has transitioned from sword smithing into one of the world’s premiere kitchen knife manufacturing centers.
Later in the day, your group will have the chance to enter Japan’s oldest castle, Inuyama—one of only five castles to be designated the status of “National Treasure.” You will also have the chance to taste matcha and Japanese sweets and learn about the art of the tea ceremony in a tranquil Japanese garden designed by a samurai turned tea master.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Samurai Swords and Japan’s Oldest Castle | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 9:00-16:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥21,900 ~ |
| Child Rate | ¥14,000 ~ |
Day 4: Nagoya / Hotel: Nagoya
Building on your group’s knowledge of Nagoya as “the Heart of Japan,” day four of your journey will focus on Nagoya’s transition from a city of samurai to Japan’s center of industry.
Your guide will take your group into several historical estates and private gardens of titans of industry such as Toyota, Noritake, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to name a few. Marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace and relax while gazing at a garden designed for a daimyo.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Guided Garden Walk through Nagoya’s Castle, Gardens, and Historic Estates | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 9:00 – 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Day 5: Ise / Hotel: Nagoya
Learn about Japan’s main religion, Shintoism, on a day trip to Ise Grand Shrine. The Ise Grand Shrine, located near Nagoya, is one of the most revered and sacred Shinto shrines in Japan. Ise Shrine holds immense cultural and religious significance for the Japanese people. It is believed to be the spiritual home of the Imperial Family and is closely associated with the nation’s mythological origins.
Your guide will lead your group through the unique customs and etiquette expected of visitors at this sacred shrine. After touring the shrine, your group will have plenty of time to shop and taste the local cuisine at a nearby shopping street. The day will conclude with a stop at one of Japan’s most photographed shrines along the stunning coast of Ise Bay.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Ise’s Sacred Shrines and Captivating Coastlines | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 9:00~18:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥19,900 |
Day 6: Koka / Hotel: Kyoto
Nestled in the mountainous region of Shiga Prefecture, Koka Ninja Village offers an immersive experience into the fascinating world of ninjas. This historic village was once a secret training ground for the covert Koga ninja clan, renowned for their stealth, espionage, and combat techniques.
But Koka Ninja Village isn’t just about observing—it’s an interactive experience. Your group will get the chance to participate in hands-on workshops where you can learn the art of shuriken (throwing star) throwing, just like a true ninja.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Myths and Mystery of Ninja and the Tokaido Road | |
| Period | all year round |
| Time | 9:00-17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥12,900 |
Day 7: Kyoto / Hotel: Kyoto
Today is dedicated to seeing some of Japan’s most iconic locations. Stroll through the shaded oasis of Arashiyama bamboo grove, marvel at the gilded glory of Kinkakuji—the golden temple, and learn about Zen Buddhism at the most famous rock garden in Japan (and perhaps the world). But the day is not all about sightseeing. Your group will also have the unique opportunity to participate in a hands-on traditional Japanese art experience—koboshi. Learn about these traditional Japanese dolls—dating back to the 14th century—and their history as a good luck charm, then make them for yourself.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Walking Tour : Traversing Kyoto’s Scenic West – Arashiyama to Kinkakuji | |
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| Period | All year round |
| Time | 09:00-17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Kyoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
Day 8: Kyoto / Hotel: Kyoto
Your group’s journey of Kyoto’s most famous locations continues with stops to the famed orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, the mysterious Gion geisha district, and Kyoto’s crown jewel, Kyomizu temple.
1 Day Tour
| Kyoto Heritage Path – From Fushimi Inari’s Mystery to Kiyomizu Temple Majesty | |
| Period | All year round |
| Time | 09:00-17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Kyoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
Day 9: Osaka / Hotel: Osaka
Discover why Osaka is known as “Japan’s kitchen” as your guide leads your group though Kuromon Market with its 150 stores selling fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, and more. Learn about Japanese cuisine and sample dishes you may never have seen before.
Once you’ve had your fill, your group will head to the famous Dotonbori region of Osaka to learn about Ukiyoe. Your guide will explain the history and cultural relevance of this artform before your group tries their hands at creating ukiyoe art for themselves.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day walking tour in Osaka：Castle, temples and Ukiyoe | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | Shin-Osaka Station / Osaka Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥18,000 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,500 |
HOW TO BOOK
If this itinerary sounds interesting to you, please contact us via the booking inquiry button.
PRIVATE TOURS AND CHARTERS
PRIVATE CHARTERS
If you are looking for transportation to/from major destinations, our company is happy to help! Our buses and vehicles are suitable for single travelers, couples, families and groups of up to 45 people. Click the button below to browse some of our popular charters and to inquire directly.
PRIVATE TOURS
In addition to providing transportation, we can also accommodate your tour needs by providing guides with the itinerary of your choice. If there are tours that you want us to conduct or if you want to adjust our current tours to your needs, feel free to contact us. There are a number of private tours already on our website that allow you to enjoy our tours without the stress of having to worry about other guests, so check those out, too. Click on the button below to make an inquiry.
WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING NAGOYA
As one of Japan’s largest cities, Nagoya has a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s preferences and budget.
The area immediately around Nagoya Station has many large hotels—ranging from high-end to budget—including some inside the station itself.
Located a short subway ride away from Nagoya station, the Sakae area of Nagoya is the city’s main shopping and entertainment district. As such the area has many great options for travelers looking to enjoy the city’s fine dining or nightlife.
For travelers looking for a more traditional stay, Nagoya and the surrounding areas also have many traditional ‘ryokan’ to choose from.
Most hotels are located in and around Nagano Station and nearby Sakae Station while travelers with early or late flights out of Chubu Centrair might consider staying around the airport. Our ‘Best Places to Stay in Nagoya’ page provides information about each of those areas including links to accommodation listings.
