Art History in 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 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday March 2: Tokyo

Welcome to Japan! Arrive in the bustling, neon city of Tokyo. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel for an arrival briefing and dinner. (D)

Day 3, Sunday March 3: Tokyo

This morning, visit Matsuchiyama Shoten Temple, it is part of the Senso-ji temple. This temple is unique for its special offerings of Japanese Radish which symbolize harmony in life. This afternoon, visit Ghibli Museum, which showcase the work of the Japanese animation studio Ghibli. Enjoy dinner together tonight. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday March 4: Atami

This morning pack an overnight bag for your time in Atami. Depart for the Hakone area where you'll visit the MOA Museum where you will get to see Ogata Korin's screen and the Atami Trick Art Museum. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 5: Kyoto

This morning, have additional time to explore at your own pace. Then travel at speeds of up to 200 mph as you journey to Kyoto aboard Shinkansen, the Japan Rail bullet train. Arrive in the former Japanese imperial capital of Kyoto. Today you'lll experience traditional Japanese tea ceremony, a fixture in Japanese culture. Then explore the Gion District and have dinner together. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday March 6: Kyoto

Visit Ryoan-ji, a Zen stone garden and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later visit Kiyomizu Temple and Sanjusangendo Hall, noted for its 1,001 images of Goddess Mercy and the Fushimi Inari Shrine. This evening is free for you to discover one of Kyoto's many temples or gardens. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 7: Osaka

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Nara, home to some of the country's oldest Buddhist temples. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and the bronze lanterns of Kasuga Shrine. See the freely roaming deer, considered messengers of the gods, in Nara Park, and the great temple of Todaiji, noted for being the oldest wooden building in the world. Continue to Osaka for a sushi-making class for dinner! (B,D)

Day 8, Friday March 8: Osaka

Discover Osaka today, the second largest city in Japan. Visit Osaka Castle and Umeda Sky Building. This afternoon, enjoy free time at Dotonbori where you'll have the chance to explore this world-famous food district. Then visit Osaka Castle followed by time to explore Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street before your final dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday March 9: Departure

This morning, check out of your hotel and have time to visit Shinsaibashi-suji, one of the oldest shopping streets in Osaka, for some last minute souvenirs before transferring to the airport for your return flight to the USA. (B)