Insider’s Japan

This well-crafted tour features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, engages us in local life, and takes you off the beaten path to the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa.

Insider’s Japan

This well-crafted tour features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, engages us in local life, and takes you off the beaten path to the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa.

Highlights

  • Stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan (inn) in Hakone and experience a multi-course Kaiseki dinner.
  • Visit the historic preserved towns of Takayama and Shirakawago, including attending a traditional tea ceremony and making washi paper.
  • Explore the gardens, temples, geisha districts, and museums in the castle town of Kanazawa.
  • Experience Kyoto to see its temples/shrines like Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, Fushimi Inari, and Nijo Castle, as well as a bamboo grove and craft museums.
This is an exclusive U-M departure operated by Odysseys Unlimited.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Tokyo, Japan
Day 2: Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo
Day 5: Tokyo | Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park | Hakone
Day 6: Hakone | Takayama
Day 7: Takayama
Day 8: Takayama | Shirakawago | Kanazawa
Day 9: Kanazawa
Day 10: Kanazawa | Kyoto
Day 11: Kyoto
Day 12: Kyoto
Day 13: Depart Kyoto for U.S.

Host

Judith Pennywell

Judith Pennywell

Director, International Center; Lecturer, Marsal Family School of Education

Fun fact

I am a member of the University Musical Society (UMS) Choral Union.

U-M Role

I’m the Director of the International Center (IC) which provides services, programming, and support for international students, scholars and employees and engages with students seeking opportunities to study, work or travel abroad. I teach an International Higher Education course in the Marsal Family School of Education.

Available to Book
Oct. 20-Nov. 1, 2025

Starting price

$8,284

Deposit per person

$500

Countries Visited

Japan

Activity Level

Medium
Oct. 20-Nov. 1, 2025

Starting price

$8,284
*Single supplement applies

Deposit per person

$500

Countries Visited

Japan

Activity Level

Medium
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