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Japanese Language and culture
Japan 14 days Tokyo to Kyoto
What better way to experience the Land of the Rising Sun than by learning to speak its language? If you're the kind of traveler who likes to
immerse yourself in the place you visit, and learn a little something along the way, this Japanese language-learning adventure is the trip for
you. Japanese has a reputation for being a difficult language to learn. It's true that the language uses three different scripts and has about
2,000 Chinese characters, which makes reading a bit of a challenge, but pronunciation and grammar are actually surprisingly simple. Most
importantly, speaking the local language is a huge advantage in Japan, where although many people study English for years, few feel
comfortable speaking it with strangers.
On this trip, you'll not only encounter the best of Japan's sights, tastes, and experiences, but will also master basic conversational
Japanese and have a lot of fun doing it! Not only do we want to help you learn to travel in Japan and strike up conversations on the road, but
we also aim to introduce you the culture and history of this fascinating and hospitable nation. The trip is escorted by an experienced group
leader and a qualified Japanese language instructor, and includes daily language lessons and loads of on-the-spot opportunities to
practice your language skills.
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Days 1-2 Tokyo
Tokyo is at once sparkling with neon lights and steeped in tradition. You'll meet your fellow travellers, Japanese
teacher, and group leader at our hotel in the Ueno district of this amazing city tonight. After a group meeting and a
lesson on how to order food in Japan, we'll head out to dinner where you can put your skills to use right away.
Remember how to say "gyoza, please?" No worries if you don't; your leader and instructor are there to support you
in your ordering endeavors.
The following day, after a one-hour morning language lesson in leafy Ueno Park, where we cover the basics of
asking for directions in Japanese, the morning is free for you to explore this fascinating city. You'll have time to stroll
through the famous shopping district of Ginza, and possibly catch a kabuki performance at the nearby theatre. Or,
why not head to historic Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, stroll through the Imperial Palace gardens, or check out teen
fashion on display in Harajuku? The day is yours and your leader and instructor are happy to help you plan your
time.
In the evening of Day 2, we'll catch a train out of Tokyo and travel through the countryside to the small temple town of
Nikko.
Day 3 Nikko
Nikko has been a sacred site since the middle of the 8th century and the shrines and temples dotted throughout the
area are inspiring evidence of the city's glory. We'll visit Toshu-gu Shrine, the resting place of the first Tokugawa
shogun, Ieyasu. Toshu-gu shrine houses the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the warlord who controlled all of
Japan and whose shogunate lasted 250 years. In sharp contrast to the traditional minimalist architecture
commonly used in shrines throughout Japan, every corner of this monument is covered in intricate gold-leaf and
lacquerwork, paintings and patterns.
Our cozy inn in Nikko has private facilities, a shared hot spring bath (onsen) and is located next to the river. We start
our day here by learning about the history of Japan during the Tokugawa reign, and we'll learn how to introduce
ourselves in Japanese before we head to the temples this morning. The afternoon is free for you to explore the
town, or head into the hills to do some hiking in the surrounding mountains.
Days 4-5 Hakone
Leaving Nikko, we hop aboard a local train (approx. 1 hour), a bullet train (approx. 1 hour), another bullet train
(approx. 30 minutes), and finally catch a bus to reach Hakone.
In the hot spring region of Hakone, we take a boat across Lake Ashinoko followed by a picturesque cable car
journey over the surrounding mountains. On the way, we may be lucky to get a glimpse of Mt Fuji looming in the
distance. Fuji is a shy mountain, though, so getting a glimpse is not guaranteed. However, the lake and its
surroundings offer plenty of stunning panoramas.
For those who are adventurous, a bath in an outdoor onsen (hot spring bath) is a real highlight. Although there are
separate baths for males and females, remember that no clothes or swimming costumes are allowed in the hot
springs - so it's time to shed those inhibitions!
Our family run guesthouse in Hakone is located in a quiet part of town and has shared facilities and a lovely outdoor
onsen. The staff have been hosting international travelers for years, and are always willing to help you practice your
language skills. During our time in Hakone, we'll learn how to use Japanese verbs to construct such useful
sentences as "I saw Mt Fuji and then I took a bath".
Days 6-7 Takayama
Traveling by Shinkansen (bullet train) is an absolute buzz as we reach speeds of up to 270 km per hour! Needless
to say, we get to Takayama very quickly (approx. 4 hours).
Takayama is famous for its traditional inns, sake breweries and the Hida Folk Village. We visit the outdoor museum
of the Hida Folk Village which aims to preserve the traditional architecture of the area and has a collection of
farmhouses we can explore. There is free time here to explore the many folk art galleries, local markets, museums
or just to wander the streets of this delightful little town nestled amongst the Japanese Alps, as well as pop in to
one of the many sake breweries to taste their products. We visit the 600-year-old morning market as well, to try out
some of the unusual local specialties that farm women put out on sale from 6:00am every morning.
Our stunning ryokan in Takayama has an irori hearth, included meals and is located within walking distance of the
old town. Before we head out to see the morning market and the folk village, we'll have a special language lesson
were we'll learn all about Japanese food. You'll learn the names of all the weird and wonderful mountain
vegetables on offer in Takayama, learn a bit about how food is prepared here, and, finally, get your sake vocabulary
up to scratch before you head out to the breweries.
Days 8-10 Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a bustling metropolis with a tragic history (approx. 5 hours from Takayama by train). It's also one of the
most friendly cities in Japan, and opportunities to meet and chat with people abound in this bright city. If you're up
for the challenge, we'll take a few hours to go on a Japanese-language scavenger hunt in Hiroshima. Get your
dictionaries out!
We also have free time here to visit the ruins of the A-Bomb Dome building, one of 11 structures left partially
standing after the nuclear bomb blast on 6th August 1945, left as a horrifying reminder of the destruction of nuclear
war. Around its perimeter is the peace park with monuments and a museum dedicated to Hiroshima and
international peace. Alternatively, you can spend an afternoon at the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous
'floating' Torii Gate and the grand Itsukushima-jinja Shrine - be sure to watch out for inquisitive and eternally hungry
deer that roam the streets of the island.
Days 11-14 Kyoto
We travel on to Kyoto via Himeji-jo Castle, a sight to behold. Built in 1580, this 5-storey castle is not only a fantastic
example of amazing architecture, but a great insight into ancient life in Japan. From Hiroshima to Himeji-jo, the
journey takes approx. 1 hour, and then it's a further 1 hour on to Kyoto.
Once in Kyoto there is just so much to do - this ancient city boasts over 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens! The
magnificent gold-plated Kinkaku-ji Temple should not be missed, nor should the chance to join in a Tea Ceremony
class (optional). Kyoto is also a great place to get 'lost' in - walk the streets and soak up the wonderful atmosphere.
The city's lively nightlife provides plenty of options for our final evening. There is so much to do in and around Kyoto
you might choose to extend your stay here.
By now, you should be comfortable ordering food, asking for directions, introducing yourself, and having basic
conversations in Japanese. Before we head out to dive into the beauty of Kyoto, we'll have another language lesson
in which we'll practice these basic skills and review what we've learnt on the trip.
There are no activities planned for day 14 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the
hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
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Departure Dates
Departures to suit
your itinerary, please
contact us for more
information
Trip code
JLT
Group size
min 4, max 12
Meals included
2 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Important notes
1. All travellers must
arrive with a 14-day
Japan Rail (JR) pass.
Please arrange this
through your travel
agent.
2. Some
accommodation has
shared bathroom
facilities
Transport
Bus, bullet train, tram,
express train, ferry,
cable car, walking
Accommodation
traditional inns (12
nts), hotel (1 nt)
more information and
booking
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