QUOTE
Japan’s Cultural Tour: From Tokyo Thrills to Kyoto Tranquility
Westmount Collegiate | Natasha Popiel
Embark on an Unforgettable Journey Through the Land of the Rising Sun
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan with Evolve Tours, where students and parents alike will discover the rich tapestry of Japanese culture. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, this adventure offers a perfect blend of education and exploration. Dive into sumo wrestling, savor authentic sushi, and marvel at iconic landmarks such as Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Museum. With expert guidance and immersive experiences, this Evolve Tour is your passport to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun, as recommended by Lonely Planet.
Activities & Attractions
- Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation: Explore cutting-edge technology and interactive exhibits.
- teamLab Borderless: An interactive digital art museum with immersive installations.
- Odaiba Seaside Park: Enjoy the beach area and views of Tokyo Bay.
- Edo-Tokyo Museum: Learn about Tokyo’s history from the Edo period to modern times.
- Sensoji-Temple and Nakamise area: Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple and shop in the traditional market street.
- Harajuku: Explore the trendy district known for its colorful street art and youth fashion.
- Sky Tree: Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from the observation deck.
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Learn about the history and impact of the atomic bombing.
- Shukkeien Garden: Stroll through the scenic Japanese garden.
- Traditional Japanese arts performance: Experience local cultural arts.
- Kendo lesson: Learn the basics of Japanese martial arts at Numata High School.
- Itsukushima Shrine: Visit the iconic floating torii gate.
- Hiroshima Castle: Explore the historic castle and its grounds.
- Himeji Castle: Tour Japan’s most spectacular castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Kyoto International Manga Museum: Explore manga culture and history.
- Kinkakuji Temple: Visit the famous Golden Pavilion.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walk through the serene bamboo forest.
- Tea ceremony (Matcha time): Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Walk through the thousands of red torii gates.
- Gion District cultural tour: Discover the historic geisha district of Kyoto.
- Osaka Aquarium: Discover marine life in one of Japan’s largest aquariums.
- Instant Ramen Museum: Learn about the history of instant ramen and make your own.
- Osaka Castle: Explore the historic castle and its surrounding park.
Trip Details
Accommodations
- Nightly accommodations at centrally located, student friendly hotels (3 star minimum)
- Triple accommodation for students
- Single accommodation for chaperones
- All hotels provide non-smoking rooms without sofa beds or connecting rooms.
- All hotels without swimming pools
Meals
- Breakfast and dinner included daily
- Students will have some time to purchase lunches, snacks other meals as needed
Transportation
- Return Coach Airfare from Toronto to Japan
- Public transportation in Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto
- Private Bus as necessary
- Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Additional Personnel
One English speaking tour guide throughout the tour
Exclusives
- Creative Trip programming and leadership activities
- Pre and Post Trip Curriculum
- Forever Green by Evolve Tours- Carbon Offset this whole trip (ask for details)
Insurance
- Included- Manulife Travel Insurance: Medical, baggage, cancellation and trip interruption coverage.
Package Price is based on
- Prices subject to availability and change until contract signed
- Total Package price may vary if number of paying customers changes
- Tips for drivers and guides are appreciated
- Happy with what you see? Sign a 2-year contract with Evolve and pay the same rate for two years. Ask us for more information. *Based on same group size
Itinerary
Day 1:
Travel to Japan
Flight to Tokyo
Day 2:
Arrive in Japan
4:40 PM: Arrive in Tokyo, meet Evolve Tour Director, board private coach bus.
7:00 PM: Check-in at hotel.
7:30 PM: Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
9:00 PM: Rest.
Day 3:
Tokyo
9:00 AM: Departure to Odaiba (coach bus).
10:00 AM: Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation: Explore cutting-edge technology and interactive exhibits.
12:00 PM: Lunch in Odaiba (walking).
1:00 PM: teamLab Borderless: An interactive digital art museum with immersive installations.
3:30 PM: Guided tour of the Imperial Palace.
5:00 PM: Return to hotel (coach bus).
7:00 PM: Group dinner at a restaurant (walking).
8:30 PM: Return to hotel (walking).
Day 4:
Tokyo
7:00 AM: Breakfast.
8:30 AM: Departure to Ryogoku station (train).
9:00 AM: Edo-Tokyo Museum: Learn about Tokyo’s history from the Edo period to modern times.
11:00 AM: Departure to Asakusa (train).
11:30 AM: Group lunch in Asakusa area (walking).
12:30 PM: Sensoji-Temple and Nakamise area: Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple and shop in the traditional market street.
2:30 PM: Departure to Harajuku (train).
3:30 PM: Harajuku: Explore the trendy district known for its colorful street art and youth fashion.
6:30 PM: Dinner at a restaurant (train).
7:30 PM: Sky Tree: Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from the observation deck.
9:00 PM: Return to hotel (train).
Day 5:
Hiroshima
7:00 AM: Breakfast.
8:00 AM: Departure, bus to Tokyo station.
Buy lunch box at Tokyo station
11:00 AM: Bullet train to Hiroshima.
2:00 PM: Arrive in Hiroshima, use private coach bus (store luggage on bus).
3:30 PM: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Learn about the history and impact of the atomic bombing.
5:00 PM: Shukkeien Garden: Stroll through the scenic Japanese garden.
5:30 PM: Check-in at hotel (coach bus).
6:30 PM: Dinner (Japanese Curry) (walking).
8:00 PM: Traditional Japanese arts performance: Experience local cultural arts.
9:30 PM: Return to hotel (walking).
Day 6:
Hiroshima
7:00 AM: Breakfast.
9:00 AM: Meet at hotel lobby (walking).
9:20 AM: Departure to Numata High School for Kendo lesson (coach bus): Learn the basics of Japanese martial arts.
12:00 PM: Lunch at Miyajima service area (walking).
10-minute ferry ride to Miyajima, and walk approximately 10 minutes to the shrine
1:30 PM: Itsukushima Shrine: Visit the iconic floating torii gate.
10-minute ferry ride to train station
3:30 PM: Return to Hiroshima (train).
4:00 PM: Hiroshima Castle: Explore the historic castle and its grounds.
6:00 PM: Dinner and evening exploration (walking).
7:00 PM: Watch a Japanese sporting event (Baseball) as a group (local train).
9:30 PM: Return to hotel (local train).
Day 7:
Himeji
7:00 AM: Breakfast.
8:30 AM: Departure to Himeji (high-speed train).
9:50 AM: Himeji Castle: Tour Japan’s most spectacular castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
12:00 PM: Lunch at Himeji Castle grounds (walking).
2:00 PM: Departure to Kyoto (high-speed train).
3:30 PM: Check-in at hotel.
4:00 PM: Kyoto International Manga Museum: Explore manga culture and history.
5:30 PM: Group Cooking Workshop and dinner (walking).
8:30 PM: Return to hotel (walking).
Day 8:
Kyoto
7:00 AM: Breakfast.
8:10 AM: Departure to Kinkakuji Temple (bus): Visit the famous Golden Pavilion.
10:00 AM: Departure to Arashiyama (train).
11:00 AM: Lunch in Arashiyama (walking).
12:00 PM: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walk through the serene bamboo forest.
1:30 PM: Tea ceremony (Matcha time): Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
3:00 PM: Departure to Fushimi Inari Shrine (train).
3:30 PM: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine: Walk through the thousands of red torii gates.
5:30 PM: Departure to Gion District for a cultural tour (train).
6:30 PM: Dinner at a traditional restaurant (walking).
8:00 PM: Visit Kyoto Station Rooftop for an unparalleled view of the city.
9:00 PM: Return to hotel (train).
Day 9:
Kyoto
7:00 AM: Breakfast.
8:00 AM: Departure to Osaka (train).
9:30 AM: Instant Ramen Museum: Learn about the history of instant ramen and make your own.
12:00 PM: Lunch around the area (walking).
1:30 PM: Osaka Castle: Explore the historic castle and its surrounding park.
3:00 PM: Osaka Aquarium: Discover marine life in one of Japan’s largest aquariums.
6:00 PM: Dinner at Okonomiyaki restaurant (walking).
8:00 PM: Visit Nakanoshima Park: Enjoy a relaxing evening walk in this beautiful riverside park with stunning views of the illuminated cityscape.
9:00 PM: Return to hotel (train).
Day 10:
Arrive Home
7:00 AM: Breakfast.
8:00 AM: Departure to Osaka Itami Airport (coach bus).
11:00 AM: Flight to Tokyo.
1:00 PM: Arrive in Tokyo.
5:00 PM: Departure from Tokyo to Toronto
Arrive in Toronto. End trip
