×
Registration only open to NCTA grantees.
Use code NCTA5 to save 5% until Feb. 18.

$4398 $4179

Available: 1 space

Secure your place on this program with a non-refundable $350 lifetime deposit. Final payment is due 90 days before the program's start date.

    Waiting List

    Sorry, this program is full. Please provide your information below so that we can add you to our waiting list.

     







       



      • Hotels: Standard Class

      • Optional Single Room: + $549

      • Physical Rating: Average

      • 07/10/2027 - 07/20/2027

      • Max Participants: 15

      • 11 Days / 10 Nights

      Overview

      Wander off the beaten path away from Japan’s big cities and popular sites with this 11-day tour that takes you to destinations that are often overlooked. Visit the treasured castle of Matsumoto and learn about Tokugawa culture, explore the quaint city of Hagi by bicycle, and settle in at a community homestay to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. Of course, there’s time before and after to explore Tokyo and Kyoto, making this trip a well-rounded glimpse into Japan’s past and present. Visit Japan with us, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

      This is a program for travelers selected by the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA), funded by the Freeman Foundation. If participants selected by the NCTA wish to bring along a guest, they must first check with the NCTA.

      What's Included:
      • Modern Tokyo walking tour
      • Zenkoji Temple visit
      • Jigokudani Monkey Park visit
      • Matsumoto Castle visit
      • Hagi Community Homestay
      • Hagi cycling tour
      • Tottori sand dunes visit
      • Tottori fish market visit
      • Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine visit
      • Traditional Paper-Making Lesson
      • Japan Rail (JR) pass (7 days)
      • G Adventures tour leader throughout
      • 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners – allow $450-665 USD for meals not included
      • Hotels (8 nts), homestay (2 nts, multi-share).
      • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities by Bus, bullet train, local train, bicycle, walking
      What's Not Included:
      • International air travel
      • Incidentals
      • Travel health and cancellation insurance
      • Applicable visas
      • Tips or gratuities
      • Beverages
      • Meals not mentioned in itinerary
      • Optional tours and admissions
      • Airport transfers
      • Single/private accommodation (add-on available)

      Itinerary Download PDF

      Day 1: Tokyo Arrive in Tokyo by 3:00 p.m. Meet your group for a welcome meeting around 5–6 p.m.

      Arrive in Tokyo by 3:00 p.m. to ensure you are able to attend the welcome meeting. There are no planned activities before the welcome meeting, but the tour leader must collect everyone's passports during the meeting to pick up your JR rail passes.

      The nearest airport is Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) (HND), which is much closer to central Tokyo (~30-45 minutes). Narita International Airport (NRT) is farther from the city (~60-90 minutes) but often offers more international flight options and sometimes cheaper fares.

      Consider arriving 1-2 days early to explore the city (e.g., to see Sensō-ji Temple or Tokyo Tower), adjust to the time zone, and buffer against flight delays. We can request extra hotel nights for you before the program begins.

      Hotel Check-in and Welcome Meeting
      Hotel check-in is normally between 2–3 p.m. Check with reception for the exact time and location of the group welcome meeting, around 5-6 p.m. It is very important that you attend this meeting so that your tour leader can collect your passport and pick up your rail pass. If you're running late, send a message in the group WhatsApp or call the emergency number on your trip voucher so that your tour leader is made aware.

      After the meeting, you might choose to get dinner at a nearby restaurant with your traveling companions and your tour leader to further get to know one another.

      • Joining Instructions
      • From Narita International Airport (NRT)
      • Train - JR Narita Express: (¥2,770 | ~60min) Direct train to Shinjuku Station. Exit at the south exit and walk 8 minutes to the hotel. Note: There's an underground passageway connecting the station to the hotel (open 06:00-22:45), but it can be difficult to find.
      • Train - Keisei Skyliner: (¥2,770 | ~50min) Take the Keisei Skyliner to Keisei-Nippori Station (~40 min), then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station (~8 min).
      • Limousine Bus: (¥3,200 | ~2-2.5hrs) Boards at Terminal 1, bus stop #10, and drops off at the hotel entrance.
      • From Haneda International Airport
      • Train: (¥700 | ~30min) Take the Keikyu Airport Line to Hamamatsucho Station (~23 min), then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station (~5 min). Exit at the south exit and walk 8 minutes to the hotel. Note: There's an underground passageway connecting the station to the hotel (open 06:00-22:45), but it can be difficult to find.
      • Limousine Bus: (¥1,300 | ~60-80min) Boards at Terminal 3, bus stop #4, and drops off at the hotel entrance. Purchase tickets at vending machines near the bus stop.
      • Pre-Booked Transfer Shuttle: If you purchased a transfer with us, a G Adventures representative will meet you outside the luggage hall with a sign displaying your name. Transfer time is ~2 hours from Narita or ~1.5 hours from Haneda. If you're not met or cannot make contact, call the emergency number on your trip voucher. Luggage limit: 2 suitcases per person.

      Accommodation: Shinjuku Washington Hotel (or similar)
      * To confirm the hotel that your group will be using, please reach out to us or check your service voucher.

      Your tour leader will lead the group on a walking tour of eclectic modern Tokyo from the hub of Shinjuku to Shibuya through to Harajuku.

      Start with a birds-eye view of the city from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (opt to return this evening for a nighttime view!). Visit the beautiful Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. Then see the famous scramble crossing in Shibuya—automobile traffic is stopped from all sides, and pedestrians scramble across the intersection in every direction, with as many as 3,000 people crossing at one time!

      The rest of the day is free to explore more of the city.

      Accommodation: Shinjuku Washington Hotel (or similar)

      Today we board a bullet train and journey to Nagano, located in the Japanese Alps and host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics.

      After arriving in Nagano, we will take a public bus to visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild snow monkeys can be seen bathing in the natural hot springs. The pool where most of the monkeys soak is man-made, fed by the hot springs. Along the walking paths up to the pools, other monkeys tend to stop and watch visitors curiously. The beautiful walk through the forest from the bus stop to the hot springs takes about 30–45 minutes.

      Approximate travel time: 3 hrs by bullet train
      Accommodation: Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel (or similar)

      Today, we travel by local train for a day trip to quaint Matsumoto, where we will visit one of Japan's most treasured castles. Amazingly, Matsumoto Castle still retains its original wooden interior and stone exterior. Explore this castle where 16th-century Samurai once roamed before venturing out with the group to wander Matsumoto's ancient streets or dine in a traditional storehouse.

      We then return to Nagano and visit the Buddhist temple of Zenkō-ji, one of the last remaining pilgrimage sites in Japan. Built in the 7th century, the city of Nagano grew around the temple. The first Buddha image in Japan, brought from Korea in 522 AD, is known as a hibutsu, or ‘secret Buddha,’ because it is kept completely hidden from the public eye. The temple laws prohibit the statue from being shown to anyone, including the chief priest of the temple.

      Approximate travel time: 3-4 hrs round trip by local train
      Accommodation: Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel (or similar)

      Today we travel to Otsu in Shiga prefecture, located on the banks of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake. Settle in and relax with a stroll (or bike ride) around this picturesque lake before heading out to enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen for dinner. Your time in lovely Otsu will be brief.

      Approximate travel time: 4.5 hrs by train
      Accommodation: Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel (or similar)
      Meals included: Dinner

      Grab a quick breakfast before a long travel day. Please note that before leaving Ōtsu, you'll need to prepare your day pack/overnight bag for a two-night stay in Hagi, as your main luggage will be sent ahead to Tottori. Remember to include comfortable clothing for a cycling excursion and two nights at the homestay. Also, grab a bento box from Lawson's or FamilyMart to eat during the train journey.

      In the late afternoon, arrive in the quaint city of Hagi, a former castle town that boasts feudal architecture. Take part in a welcome ceremony with the local residents—your host families! Get to know a local family during your community homestay in Hagi. In recent years, due to the rapidly aging population and limited income opportunities in many of the rural areas of Japan, young people and other community members have had to leave Hagi to make a living in larger cities, like Osaka and Tokyo. Learn about local history and customs from your host family, and enjoy a home-cooked meal with them.

      Approximate travel time: 6.5 hrs by train
      Accommodation: Homestay in Hagi (or similar)
      Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

      Explore rural Hagi on a guided morning cycle through town. Enjoy the slow pace of life as you pedal past the city's Tokugawa-era architecture, and cycle along the Japanese Sea. Opt to jump in and go for a quick swim. Your clothes will dry off as you cycle back to the visitor center.

      Afterward, you will have free time to try some local cuisine and wander the narrow streets or visit some of the beautiful old residences that are open to the public. In the late afternoon, return to your homestay and enjoy dinner with your host family.

      Accommodation: Homestay in Hagi (or similar)
      Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

      This morning, you'll bid farewell to your host families after enjoying breakfast together. Later, travel to Miho-misumi by train, taking in scenic views along the way. In Miho-misumi, learn the art of making "washi," a UNESCO-recognized traditional Japanese paper, and take home your handmade washi as a memento. Then, board another train to the seaside town of Tottori, where you’ll end the day.

      Approximate travel time: 6 hrs total by train
      Accommodation: New Otani Tottori (or similar)
      Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

      Located along the coast of the Sea of Japan, the Tottori Sand Dunes (or "Tottori Sakyu") were formed thousands of years ago when sand was washed away from a nearby river. This morning, we'll walk along the dunes and climb one to take in scenic views of the coastline.

      Afterward, take a bus to Tottori's harbor fish market, home to fresh seafood and some of Japan's best crab. Walk among the stalls and watch the locals in action. Opt to try a tasty dish in the market's restaurant section.

      In the late afternoon, travel to Kyoto, the traditional heart of Japan.

      Approximate travel time: 3 hrs by train
      Accommodation: Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya (or similar)

      We will start off the day with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Walk under the thousands of iconic torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area. If you're up for a challenge, hike all the way to the very top!

      Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples, including some of the most magnificent in the country, dating back centuries. Use your free time to continue exploring—the city also boasts museums, castles, and traditional gardens—or opt to visit neighboring Nara or Osaka.

      Accommodation: Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya (or similar)

      There are no planned activities today, so you may depart Kyoto at any time. Kyoto does not have its own airport, but the closest airport to Kyoto is Osaka International (Itami) Airport (ITM).

      For travellers flying out of Kansai International Airport (KIX), note that taxis can be quite expensive in the late hours. Other options include:

      1. By train - departing from Kyoto station, the limited express "Haruka" Train goes directly to the airport. The last train to the airport leaves Kyoto station at 20:30.
      2. By bus - departing from Kyoto station, with several stops along the way. The last bus to the airport leaves Kyoto station at 22:10.

      Timetable Reference: http://www.hyperdia.com

      We highly recommend extending your stay in Kyoto by at least one day or more to allow more time to explore this incredible city and/or take day trips to Osaka and Hiroshima (by Shinkansen). You may book post-trip accommodation at your hotel in Kyoto through us.

      Please note that check-out time from the hotel is usually mid-morning, but luggage storage services are available at the reception desk.

      Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO programs in the same school year and receive a discount! GEEO will give you 10% off the lesser-value program(s) (up to 3 programs per year).

      If you would like to extend your time abroad but don't see another GEEO program that interests you, let us know. We can work with you to find a trip from our tour operator’s much larger catalog. Their tours are open to the general public and not designed specifically for educators, but we can still offer you and your travel companions a discounted educator price on any additional tours that you book.

      *Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

      Trip Details

      Important

      Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the program information on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that travelers who review the full trip details are happier with their experiences.

      Trip Notes & Expectations

      ACCOMMODATION
      Our program fees are based on double-occupancy accommodation (see "Single Travelers" below if you do not have a travel companion and would be interested in a private room). Our accommodations are chosen to provide a safe, conveniently located place to sleep. While you may be pleasantly surprised, please don't expect luxury, as we prioritize keeping our programs affordable. Japan is has one of the densest populations in the world, so space is at a premium, and hotel rooms can be quite small!
      LUGGAGE
      You will carry your own luggage throughout this trip, including 10-30 minute walks through train stations, up stairs, and in all weather. Keep weight between 10-15kg (22-30lb). We highly recommend using a backpack or small rolling bag plus day pack (large suitcases are not recommended). Size Restrictions: All luggage must be under 160cm total dimensions (height + width + depth). Exceeding this incurs 1,000 JPY fees per train journey; over 251cm is prohibited. If bringing two bags, both must meet the 160cm limit. Overnight Separation: Japan's luggage forwarding service will transport your main bag between some destinations, leaving you without it for ~24 hours. Pack an overnight bag accordingly. Forwarding services may occasionally experience delays. *You must handle all luggage unassisted and store it safely on trains/buses.*
      ACTIVITY LEVEL & PACE
      This program is rated "Average" in terms of physical demand, as it includes quite a bit of walking and light hiking. Make sure you stay hydrated and opt out of activities if you are exhausted. Make sure you have thoroughly read the itinerary and can handle the group activities, which sometimes include extensive walking or light hiking with your daypacks. Meals can sometimes be far apart, so we recommend always carrying snacks with you.
      TRANSPORTATION
      We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Sometimes you will have full days of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. The transportation will often be an adventure in itself.
      JAPAN RAIL PASS
      Your program fee includes a Japan Rail Pass, which provides unlimited travel on most of Japan's extensive JR train network, including the bullet trains (shinkansen). The pass is only available to foreign travelers, so if you are a Japanese citizen/resident or traveling on a student/business visa, please let us know as you will not be eligible for the Rail Pass.
      TATTOOS
      Tattoos are not common or widely accepted in Japan. There is no cause for concern, but do your best to cover your tattoos when possible and note that you may not be permitted to enter public spas or onsens (hot springs).
      LANGUAGE
      Travel in Japan is easy, clean, fast and efficient, however, please be aware that English is still not widely spoken. However, a lot of patience, a sense of humor, and respect for the local culture goes a long way in any Japan and will greatly enrich your experience.
      GROUP LEADER
      All GEEO programs are led by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO), whose role is to take the hassle out of travel and help you get the most from your trip. They’ll share information about the places you visit, suggest activities and restaurants, and introduce you to our local friends. While not traditional guides, CEOs have broad knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and daily life. On some excursions, local guides are used for deeper insight.

      PROGRAM DETAILS

      Single Travelers
      Traveling solo? You’re in good company—about half of our participants do the same. Shared room by default. The program fee covers one person in a twin room. We’ll pair you with a roommate of the same gender if you don’t have a travel companion. Want a private room? Most trips offer a “My Own Room” (single-supplement) upgrade. Check the price in the Extra Services section, then email travel@geeo.org to reserve it. You pay the single-supplement only if you request it.
      Emergency Contacts
      If you need urgent help during your trip, call the local G Adventures office first. If no one answers, leave a detailed message with your name and contact information so they can return your call as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS: G Adventures Local Office (Japan) During office hours, Mon-Fri 9:30-18:00 Local Time From outside Japan: 1st contact +81 3-6823-2336 (2nd contact +81 80 6779 1851) From within Japan: 1st contact 03-6823-2336 (2nd contact +81 80 6779 1851) After office hours emergency number Primary phone: +81 80 6779 1851 (from within Japan: 080 6779 1851) If you are unable for any reason to contact the local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with the 24-hour Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
      Packing List
      See our blog post of staff-recommended gear to help you pack for your upcoming travels. You must be able to carry your own luggage—up stairs, on and off of transport, and during 15 to 20 minute walks. Bring one small or medium backpack or rolling bag (22-30lb) and one daypack for daily items. Space is limited on transportation, so oversized bags cannot travel.
      Suggested ItemsOPTIONALDOCUMENTS
      • Rain jacket, poncho, or umbrella (typhoon season is winding down, but occasional storms can still occur)
      • Personal clothing for mild to hot weather – we recommend packing 8-9 days of outfits so you only have to do laundry once
      • Light fleece (for flight over)
      • Comfortable walking shoes
      • Daypack
      • Sunblock
      • Sunglasses
      • Sun hat
      • Watch or alarm clock (or use your phone)
      • Toiletries
      • Camera (or use your phone)
      • First-aid kit, including: lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
      • Travel pillow
      • Light-weight silk sleep sheet
      • Money belt
      • Water bottle
      • Electrolyte drink mix packets
      • Phone/tablet for internet – hotels have WiFi
      • Chargers for electronic, as well as converters/adapters, if needed
      • AirTags or Tile trackers
      • Packing cubes
      • Flip-flops/sandals
      • Portable/rechargeable misting fan
      • Small cooling towel
      • Swimwear (the hotels do not have pools, but you may have an opportunity to swim in the Japan Sea at Hagi)
      • Earplugs
      • Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can also buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy
      • Ziplock bags
      • Reading/writing material
      • Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
      • Passport (with photocopies)
      • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
      • Travel insurance ID card
      • Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
      • USD/EUR cash
      • Credit/debit card
      • G Adventures vouchers
      *Laundry: Laundry services are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. You can also use a local laundromat, if necessary. We recommend packing enough clothes so you don't have to do laundry.
      Passports and Visas
      Travelers are responsible for securing all required travel documents and meeting the entry requirements for every country on their itinerary, including applicable transit/layover countries. PASSPORT All travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip dates with enough blank pages for stamps. Need to apply or renew? Start here. ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS Visa rules change frequently—always verify the latest requirements on the U.S. State Department Country Information Pages. Non-U.S. passport holders should verify requirements with your country's official government resources. Use the tool below to see entry requirements for your specific itinerary. Entry information below is provided by Sherpa, a third-party service and trusted G Adventures partner. You must search each of your destination countries separately; “Add connection” solely searches transit visa requirements. Additional fees apply if you choose to purchase any services through Sherpa.
      Money Exchange
      The local currency is Japan is the yen (¥ JPY). For current exchange rates, visit: www.xe.com. 7-Eleven Convenience stores are ubiquitous throughout Japan, and nearly every one has an ATM where you can withdraw the local currency. We do, however, recommend that you bring at least $200 USD in cash for emergency use or in case you have trouble with the ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but you may be charged an international transaction fee; ask your financial institution about their international fees. Please note that if you are carrying U.S. dollars, the bills should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and dated recently.
      Tipping
      Tipping is not practiced in Japan. Leaving money at restaurants, in taxis, etc. will simply cause confusion! However, at the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, a tip would be appreciated. The amount is entirely your personal preference, but as a guideline, $5 USD or around ¥725 JPY per person per day would be appropriate.
      Vaccinations
      GEEO cannot provide any medical advice, so it is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. We recommend contacting Passport Health, which has travel clinics located throughout the United States. You can also check the CDC's recommended vaccinations for your destination. Please take this seriously!
      Flights
      This program begins in Tokyo and ends in Kyoto. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Tokyo and aim to arrive no later than mid-afternoon for the 6 p.m. Day-1 welcome meeting. Consider arriving a day or two early to buffer flight delays and see more of Tokyo. You can depart from Kyoto any time on the final day of the program. The two nearest airports to Kyoto are Kansai Airport (KIX) and Itami Airport (ITM). You can also transfer back to Tokyo on the bullet train or book an affordable one-way flight from KIX/ITM to NRT/HND.
      Plugs and Converters
      Japan's outlets use Type A plugs and 100 V electricity.To use your electronics safely, you’ll need to consider: 1. Adapter (plug shape) Adapts your U.S. plug to fit Japanese sockets. Japan uses the same plug design, however, the outlets only accommodate two-pronged plugs, so if you have a device with a grounding plug, you will need a 3-prong to 2-prong plug adapter. See our recommended all-in-one travel adapter in our Gear Recommendations post. 2. Converter / transformer (voltage) Converts Japan's 100 V to be compatible with U.S. 120 V. Most new devices (phones and laptops) can handle the different voltage rates, but some devices only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check what you need: Look on your device's plug or power brick. “Input: 100-240V” works worldwide—you only need a plug adapter. Any range narrower (e.g., "110-120V" or “Input: 120V”) means you need an adapter and a voltage converter to avoid damage. Converters are inexpensive and available online or in travel stores.
      Weather
      Japan is hot, humid and rainy during June and July. Be prepared for the heat with a handheld fan (even better if it has a mist function), a sunhat (better to stay cool than look cool), and a cooling towel. Be sure to drink plenty of water; vending machines are ubiquitous in Japan, and Pocari Sweat is a great option for staying hydrated.

      Historical Monthly Weather Averages

      Tokyo

      Loading...

      Nagano

      Loading...

      Otsu

      Loading...

      Tottori

      Loading...

      Hagi

      Loading...

      Kyoto

      Loading...
      Average High
      Average Low
      Rainfall
      Advice from Past Participants
      "Make sure everyone understands there is no van to shuttle you from place to place or even to the train stations if they are near enough to the hotel. It is important to have luggage that you can manage. Some people with large suitcases had a difficult time maneuvering them on the trains and finding space to store them. You can usually take a taxi if you need to, but the cost is not covered." "All the hotels had shampoo body soap, conditioner, and hair dryers. You will have to move your luggage a lot in the metro and to/from train stations."

      Extras & Costs

      EXTRA SERVICES TO PRE-BOOK
      Send us an email if you would like to pre-book any of the extra services listed below for your program. Space and availability are limited, and pricing is not guaranteed until booked. *Extra services are non-refundable within 30 days of your program's start date. *Airport transfers require Day 1 arrival/final day departure or pre/post hotel nights booked through GEEO. *Costs will be added to your final balance.
      Private/Single Room $549 (3 left)
      Pre-trip Hotel (per night) Hotel En Michi - Single: $90, Twin/Double: $110
      Post-trip Hotel (per night) Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya - Single: $80, Twin/Double: $105
      Airport Transfers Airport transfers not available for this program. See itinerary Day 1 for transportation options.

      Optional On-Site Activities

      The following optional activities are booked and paid for locally. Prices shown are the most recent figures from participants and G Adventures. Use them as budgeting estimates only—actual costs may vary. If you arrive early or extend your stay, check out our curated list of Viator tours for additional activity ideas.

      • Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit: 1,000 JPY

        Entry to the shrine is free. Entry to the Treasure House is 500yen, and the Inner Garden is an additional 500yen.

      • Ginza Shopping: varies

        The Ginza district is Tokyo’s equivalent to Fifth Avenue in New York City. Window shop at Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, then check out the latest electronics at the Sony showroom or Apple store. Visit the Wako department store with its historic clock tower, housed in a building that dates back to 1894. If you are there on a weekend, head to Ginza’s main street where pedestrians rule without Tokyo’s traffic.

      • Imperial Palace East Gardens: Free

        The Imperial Palace in Tokyo’s city center is home to Japan’s Emperor and Empress. It is surrounded by a moat and three gardens, all open to the public. Stroll throughout the grounds and discover the original stone wall that surrounded the palace back in the 17th-19th centuries, during the days when samurai warriors defended the ruler. Visit the nearby Sannomaru Shozokan (Museum of the Imperial Collections) and see exquisite kimonos and Japanese paintings.

      • Ueno Park: Free

        As Japan's most popular city park, Ueno is known for its museums and cherry blossoms. Stroll the pathways, admire the thousands of trees (including approximately 800 Somei-yoshino cherry trees), look for lotus on the pond, or opt to visit the temples and museums (entrance fees).

      • Sensō-ji Temple Visit:

        Explore Sensō-ji Temple, a colourful Buddhist temple and the oldest temple in the entire city. Leading up to the temple the street is lined with shops selling yummy food and great souvenirs.

      • Gion Walk:

        Walk through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Visit shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain.

      • Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit: 600 JPY

        Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both.

      • Kiyomizu Temple Visit: 400 JPY

        Visit the Kiyomizu Temple, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto and part of Kyoto's UNESCO listed sights. Originally built in 798, the current structures were built in 1633 without the use of a single nail.

      • Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit: 500 JPY

        Explore Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion, named for the temple’s top two floors that are covered in gold leaf. The temple is surrounded by trees and sits on a reflective pond, making this must-see in Kyoto a perfect place for photos. While the temple can be busy, there are gardens around the area to explore once you’ve had enough of the view.

      • Zen Gardens of Ryōan-ji: 500 JPY

        The Ryōan-ji garden is one of the best examples of kare-sansui, or dry landscape, a type of Zen garden. Fifteen large rocks are placed within a sea of white pebbles raked into linear patterns to facilitate meditation. Stand on the platform to get the best view from above. Stroll the grounds around the Ryoan-ji Temple and along the Kyoyo-chi pond.

      • Karaoke: 10-20 USD

        Book a karaoke room with your travel companions (rate charged by the hour or half hour). In the private rooms, called karaoke boxes, you can belt it out without feeling self-conscious about singing in front of strangers.

      Estimated Trip Costs

      Free-time activities aren’t included in the program fee. Use the prices below as ballpark figures to decide which options fit your budget.
      • GEEO Program Fee: See our price in the top right corner
      • Optional Activities: $100-400 USD
      • International Airfare from the United States: Roughly $1,000-1,600 USD If you require assistance searching for international flights, we would be happy to help you.
      • Airport Transfers: $20 to $100.
      • Insurance: $30-200 USD Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as an add-on.
      • Tipping: We recommend around $50 USD for your G Adventures tour leader.
      • Meals not listed in the itinerary: $450-665 USD
      • Laundry, Drinks, Mobile Data, etc.: Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
      • Souvenirs: Variable—at your personal discretion
      • Vaccines: Variable—please consult with your primary care provider
      • Non-Educator Donation: $100 USD (suggested donation) This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.
      Book Any G Adventures Trip Through GEEO

      Book any G Adventures program through GEEO, or transfer your existing booking over to us and receive:

      Non-educators welcome! Your booking supports our 501(c)(3) mission.

      Contact us: travel@geeo.org | 1-877-600-0105

      Anyone can travel with GEEO!

      GEEO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and our mission is to help teachers travel by offering private educator-focused group trips—but we also partner with G Adventures to offer trips worldwide for anyone, not just educators.

      When you book through GEEO, you receive:

      Your booking supports our mission!

      To get started, contact us:
      travel@geeo.org | 1-877-600-0105