Harvard Westlake Tour of Japan

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 19: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Saturday March 20: Osaka

Arrive in Osaka and meet your Tour Manager at the airport. Transfer to your hotel and check-in before enjoying a welcome dinner this evening. (D)

Day 3, Sunday March 21: Osaka

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your daywith an orientation tour of Osaka. Delve into the city's past by visiting Osaka Castle to learn about its pivotal history. Next, you will explore the vibrant culinary atmosphere of Kuromon Ichiba Market and the extensive shopping district of Shinsaibashisuji. Immerse yourself in Osaka’s legendary food culture at Dotonbori. This evening, you'll have a performance at a local jazz club! Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant following the performance. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday March 22: Osaka

This morning, head to the train station where you'll take a bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival in Hiroshima, visit The Peace Memorial Park and The A-Bomb Dome, the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on August 6th, 1945. Enjoy an early dinner of the local speciality, Okonomiyaki. Return to Osaka this evening. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 23: Kyoto

After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and depart for Kyoto. Upon arrival, visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji): A stunning Zen temple whose top two stories are completely covered in gold leaf, beautifully reflected in its surrounding mirror pond. Afterwards, you'll get to participate in a Tea Ceremony: A serene, traditional Japanese ritual involving the ceremonial preparation and mindful drinking of powdered green tea (matcha), embodying grace and tranquility. Check into your hotel. You'll receive cashback to purchase dinner this evening. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday March 24: Kyoto

Start your day with a visit to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its massive wooden stage built without nails, offering commanding views over Kyoto and housing the sacred Otowa Waterfall. This afternoon, you'll have a joint concert along with a local ensemble! Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 25: Tokyo

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and prepare an overnight bag while your main luggage is transferred separately to Tokyo. Walk to the station and board the bullet train to Tokyo, an unforgettable journey through Japan’s landscape. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday March 26: Tokyo

Following breakfast at the hotel, you'll have an orientation tour of Tokyo. Stroll down the cutting-edge fashion neighborhood of Harajuku and visit the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, the largest wholesale fish market in Tokyo! This afternoon, you'll have your third performance of the tour at a senior center or community center. Dinner will be in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday March 27: Tokyo

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the day with a Taiko drum workshop, learning the art of traditional drumming under the guidance of a Taiko master as you try your hand at both the powerful nagado-daiko and the crisp shime-daiko. This afternoon, explore the old-world charm of Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise market. Today, you'll have your final performance of the tour, a joint concert with a local ensemble. Enjoy a farewell to celebrate your successful tour! (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday March 28: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)