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

Bond Brandon 1000x800

Brandon Bond

Mental Health & Well-Being Student Advocate

U-M Role

Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Brandon Bond is a passionate advocate for mental health and holistic well-being. As the Mental Health & Well-Being Student Advocate in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan, Brandon spearheads college-wide strategic planning and intervention implementation efforts for public mental health and systemic well-being support needs. His work supports students from a range of underrepresented backgrounds, including students with disabilities, first-generation students, and LGBTQIA+ students.

Trip Experience

I’m incredibly excited for this trip and to meet everyone! In addition to connecting with you all, As someone with a global mental health and well-being background, I’m eager to learn more about the Japanese concept of ikigai, particularly in how it relates to practices for longevity and happiness. As a UM undergrad, I took a course on Asian food and drink, and I’ve also done a few Asian street food cooking classes for fun. So, I’m really looking forward to exploring the food scene and getting an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine!

Waitlist Only
Sept. 29-Oct. 11, 2025

Starting price

$8,284

Deposit per person

$500

Countries Visited

Japan

Activity Level

Medium
Sept. 29-Oct. 11, 2025

Starting price

$8,284
*Single supplement applies

Deposit per person

$500

Countries Visited

Japan

Activity Level

Medium
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