Places You'll See
Highlights
- Travel to some of Japan's most iconic destinations and learn about the history and culture of Japan.
- Demystify the legend of ‘Ninja,’ as you explore an authentic ninja house and uncover all of its tricks.
- View Japan’s oldest castle, Inuyama Castle, and one of only five castles to be designated the status of “National Treasure.”
- Enjoy a ropeway ride and enjoy views of Mount Fuji, and across Lake Kawaguchiko!
- Tour a thatched-roof house in UNESCO World Heritage site Shirakawa-go as your guide shares the history (and dramas) of Edo-era life in this remote mountain village.
- Try milling matcha yourself as you tour a matcha tea factory and learn about tea ceremony.
- Learn about Shintoism at Japan’s most sacred shrine, the Ise Grand Shrine (Ise-Jingu).
- Glimpse into the lives of the travelers on the Tokaido road as you stroll through the well-preserved post town of Seki Juku.
- Create your one ukiyoe (wood block) art piece and learn about traditional forms of Japanese art.
Description
Elevate your student group's Japan experience with our carefully curated educational tour itinerary. From historic landmarks to modern wonders, this itinerary delivers an immersive cultural journey for educators and students alike.
Day 1 TOKYO
How to Start Your Day
Tokyo is the perfect starting point for your journey, offering a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation that will captivate and inspire you from the moment you arrive. On your first day, your group will explore Tokyo's historic temples, bustling streets, and cutting-edge technology—providing an unforgettable introduction to the wonders of Japan.
1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya - All Year Round
This tour will give you the opportunity to experience both traditional culture and pop culture in Tokyo, combining two of the cities most famous and popular areas, Shinjuku and Shibuya. If you’re low on time, and want to experience two of Tokyo’s hot spots, this is the perfect tour for you. The tour will provide guests with a well balanced itinerary including a museum, a garden and park, shrines, famous landmarks and modern architecture.
How to End Your Day
Your tour ends at approximately 16.30pm in the centre of Tokyo in the vibrant area of Shibuya. This allows your group plenty of time to grab dinner and maybe check out the nearby Shibuya Sky Observation Deck as a nice evening activity. However, make sure to plan ahead and book tickets as they can sell out quickly!
Recommended Accommodation
Day 2 MOUNT FUJI
How to Start Your Day
On this tour you'll be headed to the world famous Mt Fuji, viewing it from Lake Kawaguchiko. Meet your guide outside of Shinjuku Bus Terminal to start your adventure to see an iconic mountain and have an amazing experience!
Mount Fuji Day Trip : Adventure around Lake Kawaguchiko / All year round
This tour has been designed to ensure customers will have opportunities to see Mount Fuji from many impressive locations around the Lake Kawaguchiko area. If you love nature and spending time outdoors, this tour is for you! The tour will provide guests with a well balanced itinerary including nature, shrines and temples, a museum and great photography opportunities. Lake Kawaguchiko is the biggest of the five lakes that surround Mount Fuji, and it is therefore the best to visit for a day trip to experience as much as possible. Your tour will begin travelling from Shinjuku Express Bus Station in Tokyo to Kawaguchiko station. From there, you will use the sightseeing bus with your tour guide to explore Lake Kawaguchiko!
Your first stop will be at Lake Kawaguchiko’s nature park where you can enjoy a relaxing walk through a flower garden as you take in fantastic views of Mount Fuji and some shopping at a local centre to pick up the perfect souvenir of your day. Next, we will visit a famous and beautiful shrine complex that provides a sense of peace and more fantastic views of Mount Fuji. You will then enjoy some culture at a local art museum famous for its artistic kimonos all displaying beautiful scenes from nature and the four seasons. Finally, you will then travel on to enjoy a ropeway experience so you can sit back and relax as you take in the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and its largest lake. It will then be time to head back to Kawaguchiko station and take the bus back to Tokyo.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour concludes in Tokyo, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach the next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will arrive back in Shinjuku at 19:45, allowing your group time to get on an evening bullet train ride to Nagoya. We recommend grabbing some ekiben (boxed train meals) to eat on the ride.
For travelers coming from Tokyo, it’s quick and easy to reach Nagoya from Tokyo Station using the Tokaido Shinkansen. Nagoya can be reached from Tokyo in 100 minutes / JPY10,560. There are frequent services running from Tokyo Station throughout the day.
Recommended Accommodation
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.
Check out our Nagoya destination page for more information on where to stay.
Day 3 INUYAMA
How to Start Your Day
Wake up in Nagoya and get ready for a day learning about a samurai's most important possession, a sword. Explore a town famous for crafting these beautiful, yet deadly, objects then spend the afternoon exploring Japan's oldest castle. The castle street is famous for selling all sorts of instagrammable foods, so be sure to bring some extra spending money for lunch!
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Samurai Swords and Japan's Oldest Castle / All Year Round
Embark on a captivating tour from Nagoya to explore the oldest castle in Japan, a National Treasure teahouse, a "city of swords," and the charms of Central Japan. Learn about the craftsmanship involved in creating a samurai sword. Meet a bladesmith and learn how to properly sharpen a kitchen knife. Stroll along the streets of Inuyama where you can indulge a wide array of street food and find locally crafted souvenirs. Discover the well-preserved Inuyama Castle—a National Treasure and historically significant stronghold of the Oda clan. Wish for good fortune in a shrine legend to grant wishes. Sip matcha tea in a garden designed by one of Japan’s pioneers of tea ceremony. Journey to Central Japan and experience its pristine rivers, skilled craftsmen, and historic towns as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide on this full-day tour from Nagoya.
How to End Your Day
After your tour concludes, you'll have some free time to explore the vibrant city of Nagoya at your own pace. We highly recommend staying near the Nagoya Station area, offering convenient access to transportation and easy access to a variety of attractions, dining options, and shopping experiences, ensuring that your time in Nagoya is both enjoyable and hassle-free.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 4 NISHIO
How to Start Your Day
Yesterday was dedicated to history, but today is dedicated to the arts—at least the art of tea ceremony. Get your group ready to learn all about matcha and test their own artistic skills in making a tradition Japanese tea dessert.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Matcha, Confections, and Traditions in Nishio / All Year Round
Step away from the hustle of modern Japan and into a world where centuries-old traditions meet unparalleled craftsmanship. As you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide from Nagoya on this full-day tour, you will have the rare opportunity to explore the birthplace of premium matcha, experience the art of creating delicate Japanese confections, and immerse yourself in the cultural traditions that makes this region truly unique.
This isn’t just a sightseeing tour; it’s a deep dive into the production and cultural significance of one of Japan’s most beloved exports—matcha green tea. From crafting your own tea ceremony sweets to a behind the scenes look at the production of premium quality matcha, this tour will take you deeper into one of Japan’s most treasured traditions than ever before. Whether you’re a tea connoisseur, a culinary enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, this is an opportunity to experience Japan in a way that few ever do—through the flavors, sights, and stories that make the country so uniquely captivating.
How to End Your Day
Your tour will conclude back at Nagoya station around 4:30 P.M., providing plenty of time for dining or shopping. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or directions to some of the city's shopping districts.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 5 SHIRAKAWAGO & TAKAYAMA
How to Start Your Day
Get ready to escape to the countryside and learn about life in rural Japan. Today your group will be traveling to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawago and the picturesque village of Takayama.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go / All Year Round
Day Tour
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- TakayamaNagoyaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
¥24,900
Hidden deep within the mountains of Central Japan, the historic towns of Hida-Takayama and Shirakawa-go provide an excellent retreat into the scenic countryside and an authentic example of life during Edo-era Japan.
Wander the charming streets of Takayama’s old town, where history comes alive, and taste local delicacies including premium wagyu beef. Experience the enchantment of Shirakawa-go and delve into the village’s traditional way of life with the unique chance to enter one of these picturesque homes.
Step into the past and savor the views of the Japanese countryside as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide on this full-day tour from Nagoya.
How to End Your Day
Your tour will conveniently conclude back in Nagoya, making it easy for your group to remain in the same hotel. We recommend checking out the numerous shops and restaurants inside Nagoya Station in the evening.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 6 ISE
How to Start Your Day
Today your group will learn about Shintoism, Japan's native religion, while touring the nation's most sacred shrine. Be sure to pack your cameras as you will also be heading to one of Japan's most picturesque shrines on the coast of Ise Bay.
1- Day Tour from Nagoya: Ise’s Sacred Shrines and Captivating Coastlines / All Year Round
Located not far from Nagoya, Ise is blessed with abundant natural beauty, from towering cypress groves to indented coastlines and mountains painted in colorful foliage. The region is also home to Japan’s most sacred shrine, Ise-Jingu. Touring these sacred grounds is a special opportunity to understand the heart and soul of the Japanese people.
On our 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Ise’s Sacred Shrines and Captivating Coastlines you'll marvel at the natural beauty of the region and refresh your body and soul with spiritual experiences and delicious cuisine as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide from Nagoya on this full-day tour.
How to End Your Day
After your tour concludes, you'll have some free time to explore the vibrant city of Nagoya at your own pace. We highly recommend staying near the Nagoya Station area, offering convenient access to transportation and easy access to a variety of attractions, dining options, and shopping experiences, ensuring that your time in Nagoya is both enjoyable and hassle-free.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 7 KOKA
How to Start Your Day
Gear up for a fun day learning all about the facts (and fiction) surrounding one of Japan's most iconic figures, ninja. Your group will even be able to test their own skills throwing ninja stars!
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Myths and Mystery of Ninja and the Tokaido Road / All Year Round
There are few historical organizations shrouded in as many myths, legends, and misconceptions as ninjas. This tour not only gives insight into the daily lives of ninja but also takes you along the most important route of Edo-era Japan, the Tokaido road, as you are led by an experienced English-speaking guide on this full-day tour from Nagoya. Travel to the home of one of the most powerful ninja clans in Japan and step foot into the past as your guide leads you through real-life locations in search of the "real ninja."
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour concludes in Nagoya, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach the next destination.
How to End Your Day
After your tour returns to Nagoya Station, we recommend heading to Kyoto and checking into a hotel there for next two evenings. From Nagoya, the fastest services take only 35-minutes / JPY5170 to reach Kyoto. There are numerous services each day, making the trip easily adaptable to your groups schedule.
Recommended Accommodation
The area in and around this large, modern station is worth allowing time for as it boasts some fantastic restaurants, shopping and plenty of hotels. It’s one of the most convenient places to stay in the city, allowing visitors to disembark the Shinkansen and quickly check-into their hotel and drop-off their luggage with all popular tourist sites accessible using bus or train services from the station.
Day 8 KYOTO
How to Start Your Day
Wake up in Kyoto, the most historic city in the country, attracting millions of visitors each year. A city of huge cultural importance, Kyoto boasts some of Japan's most impressive temples, shrines and gardens along with many excellent museum, galleries, shopping and dining.
1-Day Walking Tour : Traversing Kyoto's Scenic West - Arashiyama to Kinkakuji / All Year Round
Experience the enchanting beauty of Kyoto with a tour to Arashiyama and Kinkakuji. Begin your journey in Arashiyama, where you can stroll through the famous Bamboo Grove, visit the serene Tenryuji Temple, and enjoy the scenic views from the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. After immersing yourself in the natural splendor of Arashiyama, continue to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion. Marvel at the pavilion's stunning reflection in the surrounding pond and explore the meticulously maintained gardens. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and architectural beauty, providing a memorable glimpse into Kyoto's cultural heritage.
How to End Your Day
We will return to JR Kyoto Station to end the tour around 5 P.M., however, if you would like to spend the rest of your day in the city centre, please your guide know at any time.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 9 KYOTO
How to Start Your Day
Today is the day your group will get to tour the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha. Famous for its thousands of ‘torii’, the famous gates lead visitors into the forest of Mount Inari, a sacred mountain in Shinto belief. Be sure to bring your cameras to capture this beautiful shrine for yourself.
Kyoto Heritage Path - From Fushimi Inari's Mystery to Kiyomizu Temple Majesty / All Year Round
Discover the essence of Kyoto with a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Gion district, and Kiyomizudera. Begin at Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates leading up Mount Inari, creating a mystical and unforgettable path. Next, immerse yourself in the traditional charm of Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district, where you can wander through quaint streets lined with teahouses and possibly catch a glimpse of geiko and maiko. Conclude your journey at Kiyomizudera, a historic temple perched on a hillside, offering breathtaking views of Kyoto from its wooden terrace and featuring the renowned Otowa Waterfall.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour concludes in Kyoto, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach the next destination.
How to End Your Day
You are welcome to remain in your hotel in Kyoto for the evening, but considering tomorrow's 9:00 A.M. meeting time at Shin-Osaka Station, it might be more convenient to spend the night in Osaka.
Reaching Osaka from Kyoto is quick and easy as both are stops on the Tokaido Shinkansen running from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station, including stops at Kyoto and Nagoya among others. The fastest services on the Tokaido Shinkansen line will get you from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station in just 13 minutes / JPY1440. Alternatively, the JR Special Rapid service bound for Nagahama from Kyoto Station takes just under 28-minutes / JPY570 to reach Osaka Station (rather than Shin-Osaka Station).
Recommended Accommodation
As Japan’s third largest city, Osaka is a huge metropolis with a big reputation. A city of shopping, eating and nightlife, Osaka is a bit more brash than Tokyo and a lot less refined than Kyoto. The Shin-Osaka station area is probably the most convenient location to stay in the city as Shin-Osaka Station is the meeting point for tomorrow's tour.
Day 10 OSAKA
How to Start Your Day
Explore the vibrant city of Osaka with its own unique personality. Then learn about the traditional Japanese art form, ukiyoe, or woodblock printing. This tour is provides a wonderful way to wrap up your groups time in Japan and create a one-of-a-kind souvenir to remember their trip by.
1-Day walking tour in Osaka：Castle, temples and Ukiyoe / All Year Round
Begin your journey in Osaka with our specially curated tour, perfect for first-time visitors. This introductory tour includes a visit to the historic Osaka Castle, where you can explore Japan's feudal past and marvel at the impressive architecture. Next, experience the tranquillity of Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples. To cap off your day, enjoy a unique Ukiyo-e experience, delving into the traditional art of Japanese woodblock printing. This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Osaka, combining history, culture, and a hands-on artistic activity, making it an ideal start for any visitor.
How to End Your Day
That's it for you 10 day educational adventure across Japan. From here, you are welcome to spend some free days to do some more shopping and exploring on your own, or head to some of Japan's other amazing locations such as Hiroshima, Nara, or Sapporo.
Recommended Accommodation
For those returning home from the Kansai Airport, take the Limited Express Haruka service bound for Osaka. The train includes both reserved and non-reserved seating and takes just under 50-minutes / JPY2910 (res.) and JPY2380 (non-res.) to reach Shin-Osaka Station.
