QUOTE
Japan’s Cultural Tour: From Tokyo Thrills to Kyoto Tranquility
Tall Pines School | Belinda Tait
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.
- 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.
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Learn about the history and impact of the atomic bombing.
- Traditional Japanese arts performance: Experience local cultural arts.
- Kendo lesson: Learn the basics of Japanese martial arts.
- Itsukushima Shrine: Visit the iconic floating torii gate.
- 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.
Trip Details
Accommodations
- Nightly accommodations at centrally located, student friendly hotels (3 star minimum)
- Triple accommodation for students
- All hotels provide non-smoking rooms without sofa beds or connecting rooms.
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
- $130 -Optional 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: March 10, 2025
Travel to Japan
Flight to Tokyo
Day 2: March 11, 2025
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: March 12, 2025
Tokyo
10:00 AM: Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation.
12:00 PM: Lunch in Odaiba (walking).
1:30 PM: Water bus to Asakusa, visit Sensoji Temple, and explore Nakamise Market.
6:00 PM: Group dinner in Asakusa (walking).
7:30 PM: Return to hotel by train.
Day 4: March 13, 2025
Tokyo
7:00 AM: Breakfast.
8:30 AM: Depart to Azabudai (train).
9:00 AM: teamLab Borderless immersive digital art experience.
11:30 AM: Travel to Harajuku.
12:30 PM: Group lunch in Harajuku.
2:00 PM: Explore Harajuku, including cat street to Shibuya.
6:00 PM: Dinner near Shibuya or Shinjuku.
8:00 PM: Tokyo Metropolitan Building for panoramic views.
9:00 PM: Return to hotel.
Day 5: March 14, 2025
Hiroshima
7:00 AM: Breakfast.
8:00 AM: Train to Shinagawa (main luggage sent to Kyoto).
9:00 AM: Bullet train to Hiroshima.
1:00 PM: Arrive in Hiroshima.
1:30 PM: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
3:30 PM: Talk by A-bomb Legacy Successors.
5:00 PM: Check-in at hotel.
6:30 PM: Dinner – local specialty Okonomiyaki.
8:00 PM: Traditional Japanese arts performance (to be confirmed).
9:30 PM: Return to hotel.
Day 6: March 15, 2025
Hiroshima
7:00 AM: Breakfast.
9:00 AM: Kendo lesson (transport by coach).
12:00 PM: Lunch around ferry service area.
1:30 PM: Ferry to Miyajima, visit Itsukushima Shrine, and hike Mount Misen.
4:30 PM: Return to Hiroshima.
6:00 PM: Dinner and evening exploration.
8:30 PM: Return to hotel.
Day 7: March 16, 2025
Himeji
7:00 AM: Breakfast.
8:30 AM: Depart to Himeji (high-speed train).
9:50 AM: Tour Himeji Castle.
12:00 PM: Lunch around Himeji Castle.
2:00 PM: Travel to Kyoto.
3:30 PM: Check-in at hotel.
4:00 PM: Visit Kyoto International Manga Museum.
5:30 PM: Group cooking workshop and dinner
8:30 PM: Return to hotel.
Day 8: March 17, 2025
Kyoto
7:00 AM: Breakfast.
8:10 AM: Visit Kinkakuji Temple (bus).
10:00 AM: Depart to Arashiyama (train).
11:00 AM: Lunch in Arashiyama.
12:00 PM: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove walk.
1:30 PM: Traditional tea ceremony.
3:00 PM: Fushimi Inari Shrine visit.
5:30 PM: Cultural tour of Gion District.
6:30 PM: Dinner at a traditional restaurant.
8:00 PM: Kyoto Station Rooftop views.
9:00 PM: Return to hotel.
Day 9: March 18, 2025
Nara
7:00 AM: Breakfast.
8:00 AM: Departure to Nara (train).
9:30 AM: Explore deer park and visit the temple.
12:00 PM: Lunch around the area (walking).
1:30 PM: Visit Naramachi area.
3:00 PM: Edo jidai toys museum with a local guide’s explanation and interactive experience with traditional toys.
6:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant (walking).
Day 10: March 19, 2025
Arrive Home
7:00 AM: Breakfast.
8:00 AM: Departure to Tokyo.
1:00 PM: Arrive in Tokyo.
5:00 PM: Departure from Tokyo to Toronto.
Arrive in Toronto: End of trip.
