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Japan/South Korea

Land of the Rising Sun: A Circumnavigation of Japan

Program No. 24833RJ
Experience Japan by sea, with a bonus day in South Korea, and discover the blend of tradition and innovation, geography and climate that makes the Land of the Rising Sun wholly unique.

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At a Glance

Have you dreamed of discovering of Japan by water? On a voyage unlike any other, experience the diverse regions of Japan, each home to unique cultures, traditions, landscapes and cuisines. Beginning and ending in Tokyo, circumnavigate the four main islands, stopping to spend one day in South Korea. Journey south to the warm climate of Shikoku, home to Kochi Castle, one of only 12 left in Japan. Along the way, enjoy onboard lectures by expert instructors as you discover lively urban centers, ancient roots and iconic landscapes.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 2 miles per day, occasionally more, on terrain varying from city streets to unpaved, uneven trails.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Explore the diverse culture and natural splendor of Aomori City, the northernmost city on Japan’s main island, including Japan's most active volcano, Sakurajima.
  • Discover Tokyo's Imperial Palace and the Tokyo National Museum.
  • Enjoy Hakodate City Tropical Botanical Garden, a large pyramidal greenhouse paradise home to 3,000 plants of about 300 species, which is also famous for its unusual outdoor onsen, where you can spot monkeys taking a relaxing bath in the hot springs from December to May.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Eleni Petroutsou
Eleni Petroutsou was born in Athens and has always been intrigued by the wider world. In school, she learned English, Italian, German, and some Spanish. After studying archaeology and history at university, she graduated from the State School of Tour Guides. Her three-plus decades of experience as a group leader have taken her to Asia, the Middle East and beyond. She says leading Road Scholar programs gives her “the opportunity to share my knowledge with well-traveled, educated, polite and interesting people!”

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Eleni Petroutsou
Eleni Petroutsou View biography
Eleni Petroutsou was born in Athens and has always been intrigued by the wider world. In school, she learned English, Italian, German, and some Spanish. After studying archaeology and history at university, she graduated from the State School of Tour Guides. Her three-plus decades of experience as a group leader have taken her to Asia, the Middle East and beyond. She says leading Road Scholar programs gives her “the opportunity to share my knowledge with well-traveled, educated, polite and interesting people!”
Profile Image of Christopher Chapman
Christopher Chapman View biography
Dr. Kit Chapman is a science historian and adventurer who has traveled extensively throughout Japan and lived in South Korea. An avid enthusiast of Japanese history, particularly the Sengoku period, Dr. Chapman is also a fan of modern Japanese cinema including the films of Akira Kurosawa and Studio Ghibli. He has a Ph.D. in the history of science, focused on the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and has visited the particle accelerators at RIKEN, based just outside Tokyo, where Japanese scientists are currently attempting to create new building blocks of the universe.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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