About the Journey

Discover the spiritual and historical richness of western Japan on this Princeton-exclusive journey featuring Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Okayama, and Kyoto.

Begin in Osaka, the bustling hub of the Kansai region, and immerse yourself in its neon lights, energetic streets, and iconic food scene. From there, walk the serene paths of Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue.

Set off by Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima and visit the moving Peace Memorial Park and Museum dedicated to the victims of the world’s first atomic bomb attack. Take a ferry ride to the sacred Miyajima Island, exploring its scenic setting, free-roaming deer, and striking orange torii gate that appears to float at high tide.

Travel next to Okayama for a visit to Koraku-en, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, before continuing to Kyoto. Enjoy three full days to explore the unparalleled cultural treasures of Japan’s former capital, including the picturesque Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion, the Philosopher’s Path, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the unique gardens and temples of the hillside town of Ohara.

Throughout the adventure, enjoy hands-on activities, cultural demonstrations, and the opportunity to savor an array of unique flavors, from open-air food stall fare to exquisite kaiseki meals and a Zen Buddhist vegetarian lunch. For those wishing to continue the adventure, a post-tour extension to Kanazawa will be offered.

Accommodation

Imperial Hotel Osaka Osaka
The Imperial Hotel Osaka is a modern, luxury property overlooking the picturesque Okawa River and offering elegant, comfortable guest rooms. Amenities include a fitness center with pool and sauna, a variety of restaurants and bar lounges featuring French, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine, and a confectionery shop.

Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel Hiroshima
The centrally located Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel is just a one-minute walk to the JR Hiroshima Station, offering easy access to shopping, restaurants, and the Shinkansen bullet train. Enjoy spacious guestrooms and amenities including four onsite restaurants, a swimming pool, spa, and fitness center.

Westin Miyako Kyoto Kyoto
This mountain-retreat hotel opened in 1890 and is situated in Higashiyama, one Kyoto’s best-preserved historic districts. The hotel grounds feature a variety of traditional gardens designed by renowned landscape architects, a bird-watching trail, and an expansive Japanese onsen with natural hot spring baths. Additional amenities include a variety of onsite restaurants and bar, spa, fitness center, and pool.

Is This Trip Right for Me?

Every destination and every Princeton Journeys travel program is unique. Refer to the information below to help you decide if this is the right journey for you:

• Walking: To participate safely in this tour, you should be able to comfortably walk three miles per day through cities, gardens, temples, shrines, and historic districts. Some sites have limited accessibility, with few elevators or handrails. There is no strenuous hiking.
• Transportation: This trip moves between three different cities, with transport from one destination to the next via train or shinkansen high-speed train. Ride times range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Travel for daily excursions will often be by air-conditioned motorcoach, and your excursion to Miyajima Island will be by ferry ride.
• Food: This immersive program offers many opportunities to try local cuisine, ranging from traditional multi-course kaiseki meals to local specialties such as okinomiyaki. We strive to offer a variety of dishes throughout the program, and most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if communicated in advance. However, an openness to trying new and unfamiliar foods is a must on this journey.
• Footwear: Sightseeing on this tour offers many chances to go inside beautiful temples and shrines. For these visits, it is required to remove your shoes. You should plan for footwear that can be easily removed and put back on and may wish to keep “temple socks” in your day bag.
• Accommodations: The three hotels on this tour offer comfortable, western-style rooms with amenities similar to upscale hotels in the United States. Your Kyoto hotel offers the chance to experience a traditional Japanese onsen.
• Group Size: This program is exclusive to Princeton Journeys and limited to 30 participants. Your study leader, Bryan Lowe, will travel with you for the duration of the program and deliver lectures in a small-group setting.
• Extension: The post-tour Kanazawa extension is operated by Criterion Travel and will not be staffed by a Princeton study leader or host.

Reservations

Please register online or contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.