Insider's Japan II 2026 - Cal Alumni Association

Insider’s Japan II 2026

September 03 - 15, 2026

Length: 13 days

Region(s): Asia & the Pacific

Activity Level: Activity indicator paw

Type: Land, Small Group Tours

It’s a land of delicate art and bustling commerce, of rich traditions and dizzying modernity; a jumble of sights, sounds, and tastes that for visitors are truly foreign – and truly fascinating. This well-crafted tour features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, engages us in local life, and takes us off the beaten path to the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa.

Operated by Odysseys Unlimited

Tour Highlights

During a three-night stay, see Tokyo’s important sites, including the Imperial Palace District and gardens, the Meiji Shrine, and the Tokyo National Museum.
Visit the gallery of a preeminent calligrapher and observe her as she works.
Marvel at views of iconic Mt. Fuji and take a cruise on scenic Ashi Lake at Mt. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
Spend a night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, enjoying a Japanese-style Kaiseki dinner.
Stroll along the streets of historic Takayama with its attractive old-style buildings dating to the Edo Period (1600–1868).
Visit Takayama’s lovely riverside morning market.
Attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and take a hands-on cooking class with a local chef.
Tour a sake brewery, sampling this national beverage and learning about the unique traditional brewing methods.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawago Gassho-zukuri Village, featuring the unique Gassho architectural style.
Explore culturally rich Kanazawa, including renowned Kenrokuen Garden and the Higashi Chayagai teahouse and geisha area.
Tour a gold leaf museum and Kutani Kosen Kiln, where artists fashion the prized pottery.
Experience Kyoto, a city that embodies Japan’s rich culture and complex history.
See Kyoto’s lakeside Temple of the Golden Pavilion, one of Japan’s most famous buildings.
Visit the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts.
Tour extravagant Nijo-jo Castle, where shoguns once resided; the important Buddhist temple, Sanjyusangendo Hall; and the Fushimi Inara Shrine with its many red torii gates.
Discover Hiroshima, the modern, cosmopolitan city reborn from the atomic destruction of World War II, on an optional 3-day/2-night post-tour extension.

If you would like to view a digital copy of this trip’s brochure, please click on the words “Digital Brochure” under Additional Resources (follows directly below Itinerary at a Glance) on this webpage.

* Cal lecturer’s participation cannot be guaranteed and is contingent upon a minimum number of paying travelers.

Activity Level 3

What to expect: These trips feature long touring days with travel via motor coach, ship, zodiac, all-terrain vehicle, or train. Travelers are required to board transportation without assistance as well as stand and walk over uneven terrain for extended periods of time. Some tours may include optional higher-intensity activities and travel at higher altitudes with steep ascents and descents. Outings last four to six hours most days.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk four to six miles, or 6,900–9,200 steps, each day.