Japan – Cultural Odyssey

Arrive at the Tokyo airport and join your Discover Corps guide and fellow travelers. Jet off to your hotel, Apa Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower to drop off your luggage before your next stop. Atop the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, marvel at the sweeping views of Tokyo. Enjoy traditional gyundon, steamed rice topped with beef and onions simmered in sake and soy sauce, for dinner before a free night to relax and prepare for the rest of the journey ahead. (D) 

This morning we’ll stroll around the Sumo District, Ryogoku, visit the Sumo Museum and hopefully spot sumo wrestlers training (note: the museum has frequent closures. Alternative activity will be a visit to the

Shibuya Observation Deck). We’ll learn about Buddhism at the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, before observing the chaos of the Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.

After lunch we’ll wander through the forest to the serene Meiji Shrine, before checking out the strange street fashion and bright colors of Harajuku. (B,L,D) 

An early start sees us visiting the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market before a sushi-making class with a master chef – followed by a delicious lunch! Afterwards, visit Tokyo's Ghibli animation museum. In the afternoon we’ll relax in the spacious lawns, meandering paths and tranquil scenery of Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo’s largest parks, which comes alive with cherry blossoms in early April. (B,L) 

Today we visit the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and enjoy views of Mt.Fuji, an iconic volcano that has come to symbolize Japan. Take a seriesof cars and mountain railways through the park before descending fora boat ride on scenic Ashi Lake. In the afternoon, enjoy an optionalvisit to an onsen, or Japanese hot spring*. Tonight we stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. (B) 

Zooming across the country on a bullet train, we arrive at the ancient city of Kyoto. A meditationi class with a Zen Buddhist monk will guide you towards inner peace, beofre a traditional tea cremoney. We then visit the iconic Golden Pavillion, a spectacular gilded temple which reflects off the surface of a surrounding lake before traying your hand at calligraphy, an ancient Japanese art, in a personal workshop. (BLD) 

The morning will be spent outside of the city in the quaint town of Wazuka. Known for its association with Japanese tea culture, go behindthe-scenes to learn from the locals more about what it takes to produce Japanese tea and why this is so important to Japanese culture. Experience a tea ceremony, tea tastings, and learn how to master the art of latte art. Spend your evening getting creative with a calligraphy lesson in a private workshop. (B,L)

Navigate on a rickshaw through the lush bamboo forests to Arashiyama Monkey Park, home to mischievous Japanese macaques and panoramic views of Kyoto. Afterwards, take a short walk to the Zen Tenryu-Ji Temple before a Samurai and Ninja experience. Learn about Ninja culture and learn to throw Japanese throwing stars. In the evening, enjoy a memorable Farewell Dinner together. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, you’ll board an airport limousine bus to Osaka or Kansai airport to fly home. For anyone looking to depart from Tokyo, a bullet train supplement can be purchased. (B)