About

Japan: Tradition and Innovation

Immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of this fascinating country.

October 6 –20, 2025
SOLD OUT

Contact us at [email protected] or at 212 –209 –5401 to be added to the waitlist.

Trip Details

Trip Dates

October 6-20, 2025
SOLD OUT

Contact us at [email protected] or at 212-209-5401 to be added to the waitlist.

Cost

FROM $9,560

Join us on a special 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. 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:

Join a pre-departure call and attend two presentations in Tokyo with Roland Nozomu Kelts, a Japanese-American author, editor, scholar, and a visiting professor at Waseda University in Tokyo.
Meet with Lully Miura, an author and political scientist, who will talk about some of the most pressing issues facing Japan today.
Experience Japan’s renowned transportation systems as we travel by bullet train.
Visit Gokayama, a scenic and secluded mountain village famous for its traditional architecture and designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
Overnight at a traditional monastery and learn about monastic traditions.
Hear from staff at the Asia-Pacific Human Rights Information Center, Osaka, who will discuss on the marginalized communities in Japan.
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.

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The Nation purchases carbon offsets to mitigate the effects of our travel program on the environment.

Past Traveler Testimonials

“I have been very fortunate to have traveled a few times with The Nation. The schedules are ambitious the pace unrelenting.. i would have it no other way.... “ Elden B.

“A tour is only as good as: 1) the destination(s) 2) the fellow travelers 3) the guide. Japan is simply amazing! Our fellow travelers were amazing! Mari our guide was simply SUPERB!!” Elden B.

“Although this (monastery stay) was a big departure from the comforts of our other accommodations, this cultural experience was a highlight of our journey in Japan.” Richard and Cheri S.

“We have never had a better tour guide (Mari). Japan is a complicated place for travelers like us.” Henry S.

“Overall I thought it was a great tour. I liked the variety of transportation, the size of the group, and the diversity of experiences.” Mary Ann M.

“The trip was really amazing! Group dynamics were terrific.” Petra B.

“The other participants were wonderful people.” Celia J.

“As an introductory tour for Japan we found it very satisfying, and the group members interesting and very friendly.” Robert and Valerie M.