Join us on our inaugural journey to the Land of the Rising Sun as we explore the singular culture of Japan, a true world apart from the West. Begin in the bustling city of Tokyo before traveling by bullet train to Kanazawa, one of the best preserved castle towns of the Edo Period. See Hiroshima and the Atomic Dome and Peace Park before traveling by bullet train to Kyoto, where we will visit with acclaimed author Pico Iyer. In Koyasan enjoy a walking tour of Mt. Koya and an overnight stay at a monastery. Continue on to Nara before ending in the lively metropolis of Osaka. With our world class guide by our side, we’ll learn about traditional Japanese crafts, experience unique cultural ceremonies, and hear from journalists, politicians and leaders in the arts about both current critical issues and millennium-old traditions. These fascinating individuals will help us gain insight into this richly provocative, and often enigmatic country.

Highlights:

• Attend a pre-departure call with Roland Nozomu Kelts, a Japanese-American writer, editor and scholar, and a visiting professor at Waseda University in Tokyo. 
• Meet with Mr. Noah Sneider, Tokyo Bureau Chief for the Economist who covers Japanese politics, business, society, and culture.
• Experience Japan’s renowned transportation systems – travel by bullet train and subways in and between cities and towns. 
• Visit Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, scenic and secluded mountain villages famous for their traditional architecture and designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Spend time with celebrated author Pico Iyer (schedule permitting).
• Overnight at a traditional monastery and learn about monastic traditions.
• Hear from staff at the Buraku Liberation and Human Rights Research Institute, who will discuss discrimination against this caste-like minority of ethnic Japanese. 
• See the itinerary for complete details.

Questions? Contact us via the form at the bottom of this page or call us at 212-209-5401.

100% of the proceeds from our travel programs support The Nation’s journalism.

The Nation purchases carbon offsets to cover the emissions generated by our travel program in order to help mitigate effects on the climate.