Golden Route Japan School Trip

Tokyo, Kyoto &
Hiroshima, Japan

10 days (7 days also available)

Starting from £2,500

Starting from €2,880

Starting from $3,050

Speak to a specialist

For an educational tour in Japan that takes in the very best of Japanese history and culture, there’s no better way to travel than down the Tokaido Road. Known globally today as the Golden Route, our school tour follows the most travelled route in the Edo Period, which connected Tokyo to Kyoto.

Our Golden Route Japan school trip takes in the country’s bustling capital and historic Kyoto, stopping en route in the beautiful Hakone and the sobering Hiroshima. Along the way, students take part in immersive hands-on workshops, learn to prepare sushi, explore Japanese history, and grow their understanding of Japanese culture. You can find our full 10-day Golden Route Japan school trip below.

Short on time? Take a read of our 7-day Golden Route Japan school trip, which still combines the best of Tokyo and Kyoto with an insightful trip to Hiroshima.

You can find all of our amazing school trips to Japan here.

*Prices based on groups of 20 students and 2 free teachers, not including flights.

What's included?

✓ Local tour guide in each city
✓ All accommodation costs
✓ Full board meals for the entire trip
✓ All transportation costs, including airport pick-up and drop-off
✓ All activities listed in the itinerary

✓ 1 free teacher per 10 paying students
✓ 24-hour emergency contact support during the trip
✓ Detailed pre-departure summary & briefing
✓ Full financial failure protection
✓ Public liability insurance
✓ Our trips are fully risk-assessed

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo

Touch down in Tokyo, where your Golden Route Japan school trip begins! An enthusiastic Adventure Leader will be waiting in arrivals to assist with the transfer to your accommodation. Check in, unpack, then meet them for a trip briefing. Here, they’ll explain the next 10 days of travel, give tips on adjusting to the culture, and provide safety advice.

Then it’s off for the first glimpse of the city skyline. Get a view unlike any other with a visit to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Day 2: Tokyo

Take in the best of the city today with a private half-day tour of Tokyo! Get up-close-and-personal with Japanese culture as you see the sights with a qualified local guide on board the private bus.
Visit the beautiful Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his wife who, in the early 20th century, began Japan’s transformation from a feudal to a modern society. Then move onto the Harajuku district, Tokyo’s cultural epicentre, to see Pokémon, punks, goths and fashionistas. Anything goes in Harajuku!
Pay a visit to the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world – Shibuya Crossing. It’s arguably one of the most iconic sites in Tokyo!

Create a new signature dish in a sushi-making class with a nationally-accredited instructor. Experience hands-on training and learn to create beautiful sushi with traditional utensils!
Walk through the district of Asakusa, where an atmosphere of ancient Tokyo survives. Discover streets lined with traditional craft shops and street food stalls,and pay a visit to Sensoji Temple. This beautiful complex is one of Tokyo’s most popular Buddhist temples!
Get to grips with a key part of Japanese culture and learn the history of kimono. With the assistance of friendly volunteers, try on some of this beautiful attire.
Take a trip to Akihabara, nicknamed Japan’s ‘Electric Town’ thanks to its post-war industry. Today, it’s a hub for anime and manga lovers, and is home to Japan’s most famous J-pop group, AKB48.

Day 4: Hakone

Escape the bustling city and embark on a day trip to Hakone. Take in breathtaking views of iconic Mount Fuji, as you ascend the volcanic alley of Owakudani by cable car. In much of the area around Mount Hakone you will see sulphur vents and hot springs created by the volcanic eruption 3,000 years ago!
Enjoy some time after your decent in the picturesque town nestled in the stunning Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park to see how people outside of the major cities really live.
Today, you’ll transfer to your next destination by bullet train: Kyoto!

Day 5: Kyoto

Visit the district of Arashiyama, on the Western outskirts of Kyoto. Navigate through lush bamboo forests, before starting the 30-minute climb up to Arashiyama Monkey Park. At the top, feed mischevious monkeys or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the city below.
While there, move on to the Tenryu-ji Temple. It’s the most important of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples, but the gardens are the real showstopper. Designed in the 14th century, they’ve survived fires and wars which damaged the buildings, and have been in pristine conditions for centuries.
Get another hands-on slice of Japanese cultural history with a traditional tea ceremony. Listen and discover Zen with a nationally qualified tea master, who’ll take you through the historical practices.
Stroll down the bustling Hanamikoji Dori, which runs from Sanjo Dori in the north to Kenninji Temple in the south. Take in the stunning architecture, temples, and shrines, along with arts venues like the Gion Koubu Utamai Neriwa.

Day 6: Kyoto

Explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a major Shinto complex on Mount Inari. Follow beautiful walking trails into the wooded forest at the base of the mountain, all lined with almost 10,000 bright red torii gates!
Students get another hands-on insight into Japanese traditional culture with an immersive craft workshop. Japanese culture is famed for its beautiful crafts – be it origami, tea-making, hand-weaving, tie dye, or calligraphy – and a class allows students to understand their cultural importance first-hand.
Today, transfer by shinkansen between Kyoto and the final destination on the Golden Route Japan school trip – Hiroshima.

Day 7: Hiroshima

Pay a reflective visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where students will learn about Japan’s tragic past with the atomic bomb – and the city’s subsequent recovery and pacific mission.
Listen to a peace talk by an A-bomb legacy successor, in which they’ll discuss the lived experiences of A-bomb survivors, talk about the reality of the atomic bombing, and outline their desires for peace.
Back in the city, discover Hiroshima’s vibrant retail scene and explore the many uniquely charming shopping districts.

Day 8: Miyajima Island

Spend your day on the beautiful Miyajima island today. Here, tame deer accompany explorers as they wander past stunning shrines, beautiful beaches, towering mountains and thundering waterfalls. Get a glimpse of the UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine and it’s large torii gate that appears to float on the water – a sight ranked as one of Japan’s best views.
For a truly remarkable view of the island, take the ropeway to the summit of the mountains. If you’re feeling brave, take the two-hour hike back down to sea level!
Today it’s time for a spot of trivia! Students can take control of their own learning and design fun trivia games, with questions related to their trip. For some extra difficult questions, try pairing students up with Group Leaders!

Day 9: Hiroshima & Tokyo

Discover Hiroshima’s rich history with a visit to Hiroshima Castle. Originally built in the 16th century, the castle has been beautifully reconstructued. It now serves as a captivating museum which showcases artefacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that explain the region’s feudal era history.
Transfer back to Tokyo on the bullet train, and check in for a final night’s accommodation.
Today, students, teachers and Adventure Leaders come together for a reflection session. Through discussion, listening and guided thought, participants can process their experiences, digest new ideas, and consider what they’ve learned about Japan.

Day 10: Farewell

Sadly, today marks the end of your Golden Route Japan school trip! Transfer back to the airport, ready to head home.

7-day Itinerary

Short on time? We’ve got you covered! Our 7-day Golden Route Japan school trip itinerary covers the best of Tokyo and Kyoto, and pays an important visit to Hiroshima too.

*Prices from £2,170.

Day 1: Tokyo

Touch down in Tokyo, where your Golden Route Japan school trip begins! An enthusiastic Adventure Leader will be waiting in arrivals to assist with the transfer to your accommodation. Check in, unpack, then meet them for a trip briefing. Here, they’ll explain the next 7 days of travel, give tips on adjusting to the culture, and provide safety advice.

Then it’s off for the first glimpse of the city skyline. Get a view unlike any other with a visit to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Day 2: Tokyo

Take in the best of the city today with a private half-day tour of Tokyo! Get up-close-and-personal with Japanese culture as you see the sights with a qualified local guide on board the private bus.
Visit the beautiful Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his wife who, in the early 20th century, began Japan’s transformation from a feudal to a modern society. Then move onto the Harajuku district, Tokyo’s cultural epicentre, to see Pokémon, punks, goths and fashionistas. Anything goes in Harajuku!
Hop aboard the Sumida River Cruise for a breathtaking view of the Tokyo skyline.

Create a new signature dish in a sushi-making class with a nationally-accredited instructor. Experience hands-on training and learn to create beautiful sushi with traditional utensils!
Walk through the district of Asakusa, where an atmosphere of ancient Tokyo survives. Discover streets lined with traditional craft shops and street food stalls,and pay a visit to Sensoji Temple. This beautiful complex is one of Tokyo’s most popular Buddhist temples!
Get to grips with a key part of Japanese culture and learn the history of kimono. With the assistance of friendly volunteers, try on some of this beautiful attire.
Take a trip to Akihabara, nicknamed Japan’s ‘Electric Town’ thanks to its post-war industry. Today, it’s a hub for anime and manga lovers, and is home to Japan’s most famous J-pop group, AKB48.

Day 4: Kyoto

Today, you’ll transfer to your next destination by bullet train: Kyoto!
Visit the district of Arashiyama, on the Western outskirts of Kyoto. Navigate through lush bamboo forests, before starting the 30-minute climb up to Arashiyama Monkey Park. At the top, feed mischevious monkeys or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the city below.
While there, move on to the Tenryu-ji Temple. It’s the most important of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples, but the gardens are the real showstopper. Designed in the 14th century, they’ve survived fires and wars which damaged the buildings, and have been in pristine conditions for centuries.
Stroll down the bustling Hanamikoji Dori, which runs from Sanjo Dori in the north to Kenninji Temple in the south. Take in the stunning architecture, temples, and shrines, along with arts venues like the Gion Koubu Utamai Neriwa.

Day 5: Kyoto

Explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a major Shinto complex on Mount Inari. Follow beautiful walking trails into the wooded forest at the base of the mountain, all lined with almost 10,000 bright red torii gates!
Students get another hands-on insight into Japanese traditional culture with an immersive craft workshop. Japanese culture is famed for its beautiful crafts – be it origami, tea-making, hand-weaving, tie dye, or calligraphy – and a class allows students to understand their cultural importance first-hand.
Today, transfer by shinkansen between Kyoto and the next destination on our Golden Route Japan school trip – Hiroshima.

Day 6: Hiroshima/Osaka

Pay a reflective visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where students will learn about Japan’s tragic past with the atomic bomb – and the city’s subsequent recovery and pacific mission.
Transfer to Osaka, the final destination on the tour – where you’ll fly from tomorrow. Once checked into the accommodation, come together for a reflection session. Through discussion, listening and guided thought, participants can process their experiences, digest new ideas, and consider what they’ve learned about Japan.

Day 7: Farewell

Sadly, today marks the end of your Golden Route Japan school trip! Transfer back to the airport, ready to head home.

Map

Learning Outcomes

Get a hands-on understanding of Japanese traditions through workshops and immersive classes.

Learn about Japan’s important place in global history through reflective visits to Hiroshima.

Understand more of Japan’s rich cultural heritage through visits to historical and religious sites.

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Speak to a specialist

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Tokyo, Kyoto & Hiroshima, Japan

10 days (7 days also available)

Starting from £2,500

Starting from €2,880

Starting from $3,050

For an educational tour in Japan that takes in the very best of Japanese history and culture, there’s no better way to travel than down the Tokaido Road. Known globally today as the Golden Route, our school tour follows the most travelled route in the Edo Period, which connected Tokyo to Kyoto.

Short on time? Take a read of our 7-day Golden Route Japan school trip, which still combines the best of Tokyo and Kyoto with an insightful trip to Hiroshima.

What's included?

Day 1: Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo

Day 3: Tokyo

Day 4: Hakone

Day 5: Kyoto

Day 6: Kyoto

Day 7: Hiroshima

Day 8: Miyajima Island

Day 9: Hiroshima & Tokyo

Day 10: Farewell

Short on time? We’ve got you covered! Our 7-day Golden Route Japan school trip itinerary covers the best of Tokyo and Kyoto, and pays an important visit to Hiroshima too.

Day 1: Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo

Day 3: Tokyo

Day 4: Kyoto

Day 5: Kyoto

Day 6: Hiroshima/Osaka

Day 7: Farewell

Learning Outcomes

Get a hands-on understanding of Japanese traditions through workshops and immersive classes.

Learn about Japan’s important place in global history through reflective visits to Hiroshima.

Understand more of Japan’s rich cultural heritage through visits to historical and religious sites.

Speak to a specialist

Tokyo, Kyoto &
Hiroshima, Japan