Cultures of Japan Past and Present

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Friday March 12: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday March 13: Osaka

Welcome to Osaka. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin to explore this vibrant and energetic city, known for its fascinating mix of historic landmarks, iconic street food scene, and modern urban flair. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner along Dotonbori, a famous food street in Osaka that’s famed for its traditional Japanese pancakes, okonomiyaki. (D)

Day 3, Sunday March 14: Kyoto

Discover the highlights of Osaka today via Japan’s state-of-the-art public transportation network. Your first visit is to Osaka Castle, a historic attraction in a lush urban park that contrasts sharply with its skyscraper neighbors. Then explore the unique and lively Kuromon Ichiba Market, a foodie's delight that offers an amazing and exotic array of Japanese culinary specialties and is one of the oldest and most well-known fresh food markets in the world. In the afternoon, board your coach bus and travel to Nara, once the imperial capital of Japan and home to some of the country's most culturally significant attractions. You’ll see the magnificent Todaiji Temple, considered one of the world's largest wooden structures, and explore serene Nara Park, noted for its free-roaming deer as well as some of the country's oldest Buddhist temples. Continue to Kyoto in time for dinner. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday March 15: Kyoto

Discover Kyoto with a sightseeing tour that visits the breathtaking Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a mountainside structure offering stunning views of the city. Then visit the shimmering Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen Buddhist temple with two floors covered in gold leaf. Finally, marvel at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, a Shinto temple famous for its more than 5,000 vibrant orange toriis, or symbolic gateways. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 16: Kyoto

This morning discover the Gion District, Kyoto’s traditional entertainment quarter where you may spot geisha (or geiko, as they’re called in Kyoto) as you’re admiring the neighborhood's exquisitely preserved wooden architecture. You will have the chance to learn about geisha culture as you don traditional Japanese kimonos and explore the history and culture of these respected artistic entertainers and their iconic outfits. Then enjoy exploring this area of the city and taking photos while dressed the part. Tonight’s Dine Your Way dinner provides a stipend that allows you to break into smaller groups and select the local restaurants and cuisine you’d most like to try, our treat. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday March 17: Tokyo

Travel at speeds of up to 200 mph as you journey to Tokyo aboard the unique Japan Rail Shinkansen bullet train. Upon arrival, visit Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple with traditional architecture. Afterward, enjoy a stroll down nearby Nakamise Street, the city's historic shopping avenue—dating back to the 1500s—and a center for souvenirs and traditional Japanese street food. This afternoon, learn about the art and ancient traditions of Japan's national sport during a sumo wrestling workshop including a demonstration and the opportunity for cultural exchange with professional sumo wrestlers. Then tonight’s highlight is another Dine Your Way dinner, providing a stipend that allows you to break into smaller groups and select the local restaurants and cuisine you’d most like to try, our treat. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 18: Tokyo

Kick-start the day with a sightseeing tour of Tokyo via public transportation. Begin with a visit to Meiji Shrine, which honors the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Continue to the trendy Harajuku neighborhood, known for its quirky fashion, youth culture, and colorful sweets. Then experience the world’s busiest pedestrian scramble, Shibuya Crossing, in Tokyo’s high-energy entertainment district. After tonight’s final dinner together, warm up your vocal cords and have fun the way the locals do with a karaoke evening! (B,D)

Day 8, Friday March 19: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)