20th Century Japan

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9 or 12 days

Tokyo, Yokohama, Hiroshima, Osaka, extension to South Korea

In the final days of World War II, Japan was the target of the world’s first atomic weapons. The bombing of Hiroshima—along with decades of militarization and imperialism—have shaped Japan and its shift from military to technological might. Immerse yourself in a country devoted to rewriting its legacy as one of the world’s leaders in international peacekeeping and technological innovation while exploring the imperialistic roots that led to these changes in national identity.

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the 20th Century Japan tour

Day 1: Fly overnight to Japan

Day 2: Tokyo

Meet your Tour Director at the airport

Day 3: Tokyo

Tour Tokyo with an expert local guide

Visit the Harajuku shopping district

Visit the Meiji Shinto Shrine

Take a walking tour of Shibuya

Explore the Asakusa Kannon Temple

Take a tour of Akihabara Electric Town

Day 4: Tokyo

Visit the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, a museum of historic Japanese buildings

Explore Tokyo on your own

Add this in-depth excursion:

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

Watch and learn as you participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony led by an expert. What type of tea is used? Do people still do traditional tea ceremonies? Discover the answers to these questions and more while enjoying a relaxing, centuries-old ritual.

Day 5: Tokyo • Yokohama • Hiroshima

Travel to Yokohama

Visit the top of the Sky Garden for 360 degree views of Yokohama and Tokyo

Tour Yamashita Park with your Tour Director

Visit the Hikawa Maru

Travel by bullet train to Hiroshima

Enjoy a traditional bento dinner

Day 6: Hiroshima

Tour Hiroshima with an expert local guide

Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Explore Hiroshima on your own

Day 7: Hiroshima

Tour the Mazda Museum (if closed groups tour the JMSDF Kure Museum)

Travel by ferry to Miyajima Island

Explore Miyajima Park

Visit the Itsukushima shrine

Day 8: Hiroshima • Osaka

Travel by bullet train to Osaka

Visit Osaka Castle

Belt your favorite jams in English or Japanese at Karaoke

Add this in-depth excursion:

Taiko Drum Lesson

Try your hand at making a thunderous beat with a taiko drum lesson! Learn the mythological origins while playing the same traditional drum patterns you’d hear in a local festival. Local experts will teach you through the proper techniques you need to play this powerful instrument.

Try some traditional Japanese street food for dinner

Day 9: Depart for home

Add 3 more days

Day 9: Osaka • Seoul

Fly to Seoul

View Seoul from the top of N Seoul Tower

Day 10: Seoul

Take a tour of Seoul

With your Tour Director, you will:

See the Blue House—the residence and office of the President of South Korea
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Participate in a Korean cooking class

Visit the Bukchon Hanok Village

Visit Hyundai Motor Studios (pending confirmation)

Day 11: Seoul

Add this in-depth excursion:

Korea Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

Take a full-day tour to Korea’s Demilitarized Zone (better known as the DMZ). This 150-mile long demarcated military area separates North and South Korea. Learn about Korea’s complicated internal struggle as you visit notable sites including the Third Tunnel—one of four tunnels underneath the border.

Day 12: Depart for home