Highlights 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, Thursday November 21: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday November 22: Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan as well as its largest city. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin to explore this dazzling and energetic city, which offers an intriguing blend of the ancient and modern worlds. (D)

Day 3, Saturday November 23: Tokyo

Kick-start the day with a guided sightseeing tour, beginning at the resplendent Imperial Palace Plaza, then visit the Tokyo SkyTree Tower, one of the world's highest towers at 2,080 feet tall, the culturally significant Asakusa Kannon Temple. Have time for lunch on your own, then visit Meiji Jingu and the trendy Harajuku street. This afternoon, attend a 5:00 pm English Mass at the Franciscan Chapel Center. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday November 24: Mt Fuji Area

Depart Tokyo for the Mount Fuji area. Remember to pack an overnight bag as your main luggage will be transferred to Kyoto. You'll get a closer look at the still-active volcano; the highest point in Japan at 12,389 feet and one of the country's three revered holy mountains when you visit Mount Fuji's breathtaking Kawaguchiko 5th Station, the base point from which most hikers start their ascent to the summit. Enjoy a scenic Lake Ashi boat cruise followed by a round-trip ride on the nearby Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, an aerial tram that offers spectacular views as it takes you to the summit of imposing Mount Komagatake. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday November 25: Kyoto

This morning, depart on the high-speed bullet train to Kyoto. See the breathtaking Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a mountainside structure that offers stunning views of the city. Then have time for lunch on your own, then have time to explore the Gion district with your Tour Manager. Check into your next hotel and have dinner together. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday November 26: Kyoto

This morning visit the shimmering Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple with two floors covered in gold leaf. Then you will have an exchange program at a local high school. Here you'll have the chance to exchange with local students and participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, a fixture in the country's culture. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday November 27: Osaka

This morning visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, a Shinto temple famous for its more than 5,000 vibrant orange toriis, or symbolic gateways. This afternoon, travel to nearby Nara, once the imperial capital of Japan and home to some of the country's most culturally significant attractions. Begin your sightseeing tour with a visit to the magnificent Todaiji Temple, considered one of the world's largest wooden structures. Then explore serene Nara Park, noted for its free-roaming deer as well as some of the country's oldest Buddhist temples, before seeing Kasuga Shrine, famous for its hundreds of lovely lanterns donated by worshippers. Continue to Osaka where you will check into your next hotel (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday November 28: Osaka

After breakfast this morning, transfer to high speed rail station where you will board the high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima. You'll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to explore a verdant expanse dedicated to promoting peace. Built to commemorate the destructive atomic bomb dropped over Hiroshima in 1945, the park houses the Peace Memorial Museum, which you'll visit, and see a selection of monuments that commemorate those lost in the explosion. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner along Dotonbori, a famous food street in Osaka known for its traditional Japanese pancakes, okonomiyaki. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday November 29: Departure

This morning, visit Osaka Castle, a stunning historic landmark in Osaka, Japan, known for its impressive architecture and beautiful surrounding gardens. It offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's feudal past, with a museum inside that showcases the rich history of the region. Then spend some time at Shinsaibashi to pick up some last minute souvenirs before you transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)