Insider’s Japan

It’s a land of delicate art and bustling commerce, of rich traditions and dizzying modernity; a jumble of sights, sounds, and tastes that for visitors are truly foreign – and truly fascinating. This well-crafted tour features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, engages us in local life, and takes us off the beaten path to the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa.

Insider’s Japan

It’s a land of delicate art and bustling commerce, of rich traditions and dizzying modernity; a jumble of sights, sounds, and tastes that for visitors are truly foreign – and truly fascinating. This well-crafted tour features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, engages us in local life, and takes us off the beaten path to the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa.

Highlights

  • See Tokyo’s important sites, including the Imperial Palace District and gardens, the Meiji Shrine, and the Tokyo National Museum and visit the gallery of a preeminent calligrapher and observe her as she works
  • Marvel at views of iconic Mt. Fuji and take a cruise on scenic Ashi Lake at Mt. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park then spend a night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, enjoying a Japanese-style Kaiseki dinner
  • Tour a sake brewery, sample this national beverage and learn about the unique traditional brewing methods, attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and take a hands-on cooking class with a local chef
  • Explore culturally rich Kanazawa, including the renowned Kenrokuen Garden and the Higashi Chayagai teahouse and geisha area, and tour a gold leaf museum and Kutani Kosen Kiln, where artists fashion the prized pottery
  • See Kyoto’s lakeside Temple of the Golden Pavilion, tour the extravagant Nijo-jo Castle, where shoguns once resided; the important Buddhist temple, Sanjyusangendo Hall; and the Fushimi Inara Shrine with its many red torii gates
This is an exclusive U-M departure operated by Odysseys Unlimited.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Tokyo, Japan
Day 2: Arrive in 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 the U.S.

Host

Alexa Walczak

Travel Program Coordinator

Fun fact

In college I taught English for a summer in China. I taught students from 1st grade to 11th grade. My students were amazing and I learned so much!

U-M Role

I am the Travel Program Coordinator with Michigan Alumni Travel. I work with our hosts, operators, and of course our travelers, to ensure they have a great experience. My background is in various parts of International Education, such as Study Abroad, Study Abroad Advising, International Admissions, International Program Management, and TESOL.

Trip Experience

I have family that lives in Japan, so Japanese culture is a part of my life, but I have never traveled there. I have traveled to Asia many times, but I am so excited to join you in experiencing Japan. I look forward to visiting Hakone and staying in a Ryokan most of all! Also I love Kawaii (culture of cuteness in Japan) and Nintendo as well, so I can’t wait to spend time in Tokyo.

Waitlist Only
Oct. 30–Nov. 11, 2024

Starting price

$7,284

Deposit per person

$500

Countries Visited

Japan

Activity Level

Medium
Oct. 30–Nov. 11, 2024

Starting price

$7,284
*Single supplement applies

Deposit per person

$500

Countries Visited

Japan

Activity Level

Medium
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