Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

April 1–13, 2027
Optional Japanese Alps Post-Tour: April 13–16, 2027
Tour Operator: Orbridge
Price per person begins at $9,795 for the main tour
Optional Japanese Alps post-tour program begins at $2,995 per person

Overview

From the legends of mighty ancient emperors to the 21st century glamour of gliding through majestic landscapes on a bullet train, Japan is a land of contrasts — a nation where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony. 

This exclusive 13-day expedition to Japan showcases the nation’s history, culture and contemporary evolution, from Osaka to Imperial Kyoto and on to Hakone at the foot of Mount Fiji, concluding in the capital city of Tokyo. 

With luxury accommodations, authentic local cuisine and experiential excursions, it’s the ultimate way to experience the heart and soul of Japan. You’ll marvel at UNESCO sites and iconic temples, try your hand at making sushi, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, observe deer roaming freely in Nara Park, stroll through historical Imperial Palace East Gardens and behold a modern metropolis from the top of Tokyo Tower. 

Other highlights include a round-trip bullet train ride between Kyoto and Hiroshima with reflective visits to key sites and memorials that reveal Hiroshima’s place in history. 

You’ll travel in good company, at the ideal time of year, with fellow learners, Principia trip scholar Dr. Peter van Lidth de Jeude (C’04), and a dedicated Principia host guiding your journey.

Highlights

Osaka: Noh Theater Experience • Guided Osaka Castle tour • Independent time to explore Dotonbori's entertainment district • Visit Nara Park—renowned for its free-roaming wild deer • Guided tour of Tōdai-ji Buddhist temple complex

Kyoto: Guided touring of UNESCO-listed sites including Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji temples and former imperial Nijo-jo Castle • Peruse the Museum of Crafts and Design • See the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine • Partake in an interactive sushi making experience • Day trip to Hiroshima including Peace Memorial Park and Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome • Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Hakone: Wander the open-air museum and sculpture park • Cruise scenic Lake Ashi • Embark upon the Owakudani Ropeway cable car for breathtaking views over volcanic Owakudani valley • Embrace the panoramic vista at Oishi Park

Tokyo: Ascend Tokyo Tower—the tallest in Japan • Meander through the historical Imperial Palace East Gardens • Guided panoramic tours through the Shibuya and Asakusa districts • Peruse the comprehensive collection of artwork and cultural objects at the Tokyo National Museum

Activity Level: Active

Tour days tend to be long and include many full-day excursions via various modes of transportation, flow at a brisk pace and may include extended travel days with morning and/or evening activities. Excursions may require standing and walking to city centers where motor coaches are prohibited, along with extended periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces including cobblestones and paths and/or trails that may be gravel, sand, dirt or other unpaved surface. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct variations in altitude and/or temperature. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited. There may be opportunities to stay on the bus if rest is needed.

• Guests should be easily able to walk a minimum of 10,000 steps (or 4-5 miles) per day.
• Due to local restrictions, the guest drop-off point is typically a 15-minute +/- walk to the entrance of various sites. Guests must be able to walk at a steady, moderate pace for 15 or more minutes on gravel or inclined pathways.
• Many sites have historic stone stairs. Guests should be able to climb and descend 40-50 stairs at a time that may be uneven.
• The Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine has upwards of 400 stairs to ascend to the top.
• Some included meals feature Japanese-style seating where guests will dine at a low table, sitting on the floor with room to extend legs comfortably in a sunken alcove beneath the table. Guests must be able to lower to the floor and rise without assistance as well as sit for a full meal without back support.
• In Hakone the accommodations feature traditional Japanese-style bed frames. Guests must be able to get in and out of a bed that is low to the floor.

Trip Includes

• 11 nights accommodations at 4- and 5-star properties
• 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 5 dinners including special welcome and farewell dinners
• All excursions described in the itinerary including admission and fees
• Bullet train rail fare between Kyoto, Hiroshima and Hakone
• Academic insight from a Principia Lifelong Learning trip scholar 
• Attentive support from a Principia Lifelong Learning host
• Optional Christian Science church services
• Expert guidance by an Orbridge Travel Director and English-speaking local guides
• Transfer and excursion transportation aboard air-conditioned motor coaches
• Gratuities for Orbridge Travel Director, local guides, attendants and wait staff for included meals
• Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times

Optional Post-Tour
Japanese Alps

Extend your journey with a scenic and cultural retreat into the tranquil beauty of the Japanese Alps. Discover forested mountains, crystal-clear lakes and ornate shrines tucked among towering cedars. Immerse yourself in the refined elegance of imperial landmarks and centuries-old spiritual sites surrounded by Nikko National Park's dramatic natural splendor and rejuvenating, mineral-rich hot springs.

Post-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

Activity Level: Active

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

What's Included

• Round-trip motor coach transportation between Tokyo and Nikko
• 2 nights accommodations in Nikko and 1 night accommodations in Tokyo
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
• Admission to all sites listed in the 4-day itinerary
• Touring by an English-speaking guide
• Gratuities for Orbridge Travel Director, local guides, porters, attendants and wait staff for included meals
• Airport transfers for guests departing during the suggested times