Experience Japan

10 or 13 days

Osaka, Kyoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Tokyo, extension to Seoul | JAM

Japan is a nation of contrasts—neon lights pulse and hum next to centuries-old temples, Shinto monks share sidewalks with anime cosplayers, and Zen meditation is practised in the same parks that friends take selfies in. It may sound chaotic, but Japan has spent thousands of years perfecting the balance between maintaining ancient practices, and instilling a culture of innovation. Make custom sticker photos in a purikura booth one day, and participate in a traditional Kyotoite tea ceremony another. Take a pleasant walk through the sprawling gardens of Kanazawa Castle, followed by a bullet train ride to the bustling electric streets of Tokyo. You can even unwind from the beeping, buzzing techno-wonderland of Akihabara Electric Town with an optional karaoke night. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable journey that’s as educational as it is exhilarating—experience Japan.

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Experience Japan tour

Day 1: Fly overnight to Japan

Day 2: Osaka

Meet your Tour Director at your destination

Day 3: Osaka | Kyoto

Visit Osaka Castle

Travel to Kyoto

Tour Fushimi Inari Shrine

Take a walking tour of Nishiki Market and the Pontocho district with your Tour Director

Stop for a photo along the banks of the Kamogawa River

Day 4: Kyoto

Tour Kyoto with an expert local guide

Visit the Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple

Visit Kiyomizudera Temple

Sample green tea ice cream

Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony

Day 5: Kyoto | Takayama

Travel to Takayama

Enjoy a Zen meditation experience

Day 6: Takayama | Kanazawa

Visit the Takayama morning market

Travel to Kanazawa via Shirakawa-go

Stop to learn about Shirakawa-go's traditional architecture

Explore Kanazawa in small supervised groups

Day 7: Kanazawa

Visit Kanazawa Castle

Explore Kenroku-en Garden

Participate in a gold-leaf chopstick activity

Day 8: Kanazawa | Tokyo

Travel by bullet train to Tokyo

Tour Tokyo with an expert local guide

Visit the Meiji Shinto Shrine

Walking Tour in Harajuku Shopping District

Discover the world of Japanese gaming culture with a visit to a local arcade

Take a walking tour of Shibuya

Day 9: Tokyo

Take a tour of Akihabara Electric Town

Add this in-depth excursion:

Karaoke

A trip to Japan wouldn’t be complete without an evening of singing your favorite songs with friends in a karaoke lounge. Belt your favorite jams, or just clap along with friends as you unwind and have a wonderful, relaxing evening.

Enjoy an evening reflection in Asakusa

Take a tour of Asakusa Kannon Temple

Day 10: Depart for home

Add 3 more days

Day 10: Tokyo • Seoul

Fly to Seoul

Ascend the Seoul Tower

Day 11: Seoul

Take a tour of Seoul

With your Tour Director, you will:

See the Blue House—the residence and office of the President of South Korea
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you’ll witness a guard-changing ceremony

Participate in a Korean cooking class

Visit the Bukchon Hanok Village

Visit Hyundai Motor Studios

Day 12: Seoul

Add this in-depth excursion:

Korea Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

Take a full-day tour to Korea’s Demilitarized Zone (better known as the DMZ). This 150-mile long demarcated military area separates North and South Korea. Learn about Korea’s complicated internal struggle as you visit notable sites including the Third Tunnel—one of four tunnels underneath the border.

Day 13: Depart for home

See what an EF tour is really like

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Your experience includes

This all-inclusive global experience gives students the chance to explore the world–all at an unbeatable value.

Airfare & transportation

Personalized Learning Support

Full-time Tour Director

Expert Local Guides

Continuous Support

Worldwide Presence

Pricing that makes travel possible

Includes airfare, hotels, meals, full-time Tour Director, and more.

Payment options

We believe every student should have the opportunity to travel, which is why we let our travellers choose how they want to manage their payments. Enrol in our Automatic Payment Plan with just $199 to start, make fixed and low monthly payments through FlexPay, receive invoices and make your payments in less frequent instalments, or pay upfront in full.

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