Overview
Take your ensemble on a thrilling performance tour through Japan. Your musicians will explore iconic landmarks including the Meiji Shrine, Himeji Castle, and various ornate temples and perform for international audiences in Kyoto and Tokyo.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Japan (Tokyo)
Day 2
Arrive in Tokyo
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 3
Rikugien Garden visit
One of Tokyo's most beautiful, Japanese style landscape gardens, Rikugien is quite a spacious garden with a central pond, islands, forested areas, man-made hills, and several teahouses. It takes about an hour to cover the garden's whole network of walks paths at a leisurely speed. Afterwards, enjoy tea at one of the teahouses.
Meiji Shrine visit
The Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. Emperor Meiji was the first emperor of modern Japan, born in 1852, and ascended to the throne in 1868 during the Meiji Restoration—a pivotal period when power shifted from the feudal Tokugawa government to the emperor. Exploring the history of this era can also help you understand the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, two deeply interwoven traditions in Japan.
Free Time in Harajuku and Omotesando
Harajuku’s Takeshita Street buzzes with trendy shops and crepe stands popular with Tokyo’s youth. Nearby Omotesando, often called Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées, caters to adults with luxury boutiques and stylish restaurants.
Roppongi District visit
Spend some time in the famous shopping streets of Roppongi Hills. In the midst of a depressed real estate market, some 15 years after the Japanese economy's bubble burst, Japan's leading developer Minoru Mori opened and succeeded with the Roppongi Hills Complex. While it is sprawling and somewhat unpredictable in its design, Roppongi Hills encourages wandering and exploration through a huge retail pot of gold that has helped bring the middle class back into central Tokyo.
Day 4
National Museum visit
Sensoji Temple visit
Explore the Sensoji Temple (also knows as Asakusa Kannon Temple) which is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, the centre of Shitamachi. It is said that in the year 628, two brothers fishes a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River. Even though they put the statue back in the river, it was returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was build there for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple.
Akihabara Electric Town visit
Visit Tokyo’s Akihabara district, the epicentre of electronic goods and otaku culture. Explore countless shops filled with anime, manga, and video games, making it a paradise for fans and tech lovers alike.
Tokyo Performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 5
Travel to Hakone via train
Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, located less than 62 miles from Tokyo. Famous for its hot springs, outdoor activities, natural beauty, and stunning views of nearby Mount Fuji, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations for both Japanese and international tourists seeking a break from Tokyo.
Day 6
Travel to Hiroshima via train
Hiroshima, a modern city on Japan’s Honshu Island, was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. Today, it has been rebuilt and is a thriving city.
Miyajima Park & Itsukushima shrine visit
Daishoin Temple visit
Day 7
Peace Memorial Park visit
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, located in the centre of Hiroshima City, was built near the hypocentre of the atomic bombing during World War II on August 6, 1945. The park houses several memorials and monuments, including the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.
Travel to Kyoto by train via Himeji
Himeji Castle visit
Day 8
Sanjusangen-do temple visit
It is the popular name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto which is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 and rebuilt a century later after the original structure had been destroyed in a fire.
Sanjusangen-do temple visit
It is the popular name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto which is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 and rebuilt a century later after the original structure had been destroyed in a fire.
Kyoto performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 9
Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion) visit
Nijo Temple visit
Nijo Temple was created to showcase the wealth and power of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Inside, it features painted screens that are regarded as Japanese masterpieces, designed to leave a lasting impression.
Ryoan-ji Temple visit
Explore the Ryoanji Temple containing the most famous rock garden in Japan.
Kyoto performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 10
Travel to Osaka
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions.
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Scenes from Japan
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.