Japan lies off the East Coast of the Asian Continent and consists of four major islands and more than 6,800 smaller islands.
Blessed with stunning landscapes, beautiful mountains, rivers, lakes and trees, Japan is one of the most developed industrial nations in the world and is well known for its cutting edge technology. Co-existing with this modernity is a rich history and cultural tradition. With its beautiful countryside, futuristic technology, unique culture and arts, Japan is an excellent destination for schools.
All of our arrangements are flexible and STS are happy to quote you for any variations you may choose.
Sample Itinerary - 8 DAY JAPAN DISCOVERY TOUR
Day 1
Tokyo
Depart London for your overnight flight to Tokyo Narita International Airport
Day 2
Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel. Tokyo is the capital city of Japan with a population of about 12 million and is the political, economical and cultural heart of the nation. The city is many faceted with towering skyscrapers, traditional streets and facades, elegant gardens & temples, neon lights and amusements! Afternoon guided sightseeing tour of Tokyo. Visit the Tokyo Tower (333m); on fine days you can see Mt Fuji. Visit the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (closed Tuesdays). Here you can participate in demonstrations and experience cutting edge technology. Evening dinner and overnight Tokyo.
Day 3
Tokyo
Depart your hotel after breakfast for a guided sightseeing tour of Tokyo. Visit Kaminarimon, Asakusa. The red lantern is the centrepiece of the gate of Sensofi, the oldest temple in Tokyo (built in 628). It stands at the entrance to Nakamise Dori, a well preserved local street with traditional restaurants and shops. Continue to the Sumo Hall, Ryogoku and visit the Sumo Hall, Ryogoku and visit the Sumo Museum (closed weekends). At the Edo-Tokyo Museum, Ryogoku (closed mondays) displays guide you through 400 years of history. Evening dinner and overnight Tokyo.
Day 4
Tokyo to Hiroshima
After breakfast check out of your Tokyo hotel and take the high speed bullet train to Hiroshima (approx. 4hrs). Arrive Hiroshima and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Evening dinner and overnight Hiroshima.
Day 5
Hiroshima
Depart after breakfast for a tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum, a moving and inspiring journey through the experiences of Hiroshima's people after the atomic bomb attack in 1945. The gardens around the Museum have many statues and monuments. See the Atomic Bomb Dome, the symbol of the city and the only building left standing after the explosion. Half an hour from the city is the Itsukushima Shrine, on the Island of Miyajima. Evening dinner and overnight Hiroshima.
Day 6
Hiroshima to Kyoto
Depart after breakfast. Take the bullet train to Kyoto (approx. 2hrs). Arrive in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan with its cobbled streets and elaborate gardens and Shrines. Traditional arts and craft still thrive here. See the Kinkakuji, originally built in 1397, but completely rebuilt in 1955 following its destruction by fire. The gilded building is surrounded by picturesque gardens. Also visit Kiyomizudera, dating from 798. The main hall with its imposing verandah was built without nails and hangs over the temple gardens. Evening dinner and overnight Kyoto.
Day 7
Kyoto to Tokyo
After breakfast morning visit to Kyoto Handicraft Centre. Optional (not included), activities, craft classes or dressing as a Geisha. Afternoon bullet train to Tokyo (2 1/2 hrs). Evening dinner and overnight Tokyo.
Day 8
Depart after breakfast, transfer to Tokyo airport to connect with your return flight to London. You will arrive the same day.
Ginza, Tokyo, School Trip to Japan
Sample Itinerary - 8 DAY JAPAN DISCOVERY TOUR