Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Travel through centuries of Japanese history alongside your students on this journey through Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Kyoto. Your students will visit ancient landmarks, including the Meiji Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple, and experience contemporary wonders, including wandering through the Harajuku district and catching the famed bullet train to Kyoto. Your group will also visit a local school, participate in an authentic tea ceremony, and reflect on the lasting impact of WWII in Hiroshima.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Japan (Tokyo)
Day 2
Arrive in Tokyo
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 3
Tokyo guided sightseeing tour
Tokyo is a city of contrasts, where neon lights mix with tranquil temples and cutting-edge technology blends with age-old traditions. With your local guide, start at Senso-ji Temple, where incense smoke is believed to heal. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, honoring Emperor Meiji and his empress, then explore the vibrant Harajuku District, famed for bold fashion and youth culture.
Shibuya Crossing
Akihabara Electric Town visit
Visit Tokyo’s Akihabara district, the epicenter of electronic goods and otaku culture. Explore countless shops filled with anime, manga, and video games, making it a paradise for fans and tech lovers alike.
Day 4
Tokyo Tower visit
Diver City Tokyo visit
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation visit
Japanese school visit
Visit a Japanese school to meet local students, practice Japanese, and experience how school life in Japan differs from home. Please note that visits may not be possible on certain dates when schools are not in session.
Day 5
Travel to Kanazawa via bullet train
Kanazawa guided sightseeing tour
Tour Kanazawa, capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture and famed for its 17th-century architecture. Stroll through the Nagamachi Quarter, the city’s former samurai district, where you’ll step inside Nomura House, a beautifully restored samurai residence. Conclude with a walk in Kenrokuen Park, celebrated as one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens.
Day 6
Travel to Kyoto by train
Arashiyama District visit
Discover Kyoto’s scenic Arashiyama District, a place of natural beauty and cultural treasures. Stroll across the iconic Togetsu-kyo Bridge with its mountain backdrop, then wander through the towering Bamboo Grove, one of Japan’s most photographed spots. Conclude with a visit to Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Zen gardens and historic significance.
Day 7
Travel to Hiroshima via bullet train
Hiroshima guided excursion
Tour Hiroshima, a city that endured unimaginable destruction and has since experienced an inspiring rebirth. At Peace Memorial Park, visit the Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome, preserved as a reminder of the devastation of 1945. The park and museum stand as symbols of peace and memorials to those lost. Conclude with a visit to Shukkei-en Garden, a serene 17th-century retreat.
Okonomiyaki dinner
Travel to Kyoto by bullet train
Day 8
Kyoto guided sightseeing tour
With its 2,000 temples and shrines, Kyoto remains one of Japan’s best-preserved imperial cities. Visit Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, its upper floors gleaming with gold leaf above a reflective pond. Continue to Sanjusangendo Temple, home to 1,000 statues of the Thousand Armed Kannon, and to Kiyomizu Temple, perched on wooden terraces with sweeping views. Conclude with a walk along Ninen Zaka, a historic street lined with shops and teahouses.
Participate in a tea ceremony
Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion) visit
Nishiki Market visit
Spend time exploring “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” the city’s most famous and sprawling market street.
Day 9
Travel to Osaka
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Japan
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.