Discovery Program

Japanese Language and Culture, Lifelong Learning and Cultural Exchange.

yamasa.org / ace / discovery / destinations

Discovery - Tour Destinations/Itineraries

The tours are designed to introduce you to both traditional and modern Japan. As tour group sizes are generally small, we are able to take you to places "off the track" - parts of Japan that visitors rarely see. Even in well known areas such as Kyoto, there are sites which few Japanese know about. You will be able to see parts of Japan few people have the opportunity to. The links below connect you directly to yamasa.org's multimedia Japan Travel Guide called "Destinations". The destinations are listed in alphabetical order.

If you would prefer to browse through chronologically - click here and then on the tour dates.

Spring tour destinations:

Spring is the perhaps the best season to visit Japan. The climate is perfect, rainfall is low and clear skies common. The cherry blossom trees are in full bloom from late March and Spring festivals abound. We will still encounter some snow in the high country, particularly when we visit Komagane, and the mountains are particularly beautiful as wild flowers emerge from the snow thaw. Class sizes at this time are small - its an excellent time to study as well.
Click here for Spring destinations.
Summer tour destinations:

Spend your summer in Japan and experience the liveliest season of the year. In Okazaki you will be able to enjoy many local events and festivals, surf at Toyohashi and carry the Mikoshi. We also climb Mt. Fuji and hike in Kamikochi, enjoy riverside dining and nightlife in Kyoto, cool off at Goza Beach and Tenryu Gorge and explore the World heritage listed Shirakawa-go.
Click here for Summer destinations.
Autumn tour destinations:

After the heat of the summer has passed, leaves slowly fade to the brilliant reds and golds of autumn, cool winds come from the north and snow gradually returns to the Alps. As always, the Japanese consider this as good an excuse as any to spend long, cool evenings outside drinking under the reddened canopy of leaves. We shoot the rapids of the Kisogawa river and see Cormorant fishing. Visit a Japanese sake brewery and hike along the old Nakasando route between Magome and Tsumago. Average class sizes at this time are very small - so its an excellent time to study as well.
Click here for Autumn destinations.
Winter tour destinations:

Winter! We head to the alps and ski at Hakuba - down the same slalom runs used in the 1998 Olympics, or guide a snowboard into the halfpipe. Walk through the ice caves of Narusawa and step back in time at Uji. We soak in outside onsen baths, party in the Gion district of Kyoto, make Washi at Obara and more. Ring in the New Year at a local temple or join us later in the winter at the ancient fire festival at Takisanji temple. Winter is a cool time to visit Okazaki. The climate is mild and snowfalls are light. Enjoy!
Click here for Winter destinations.
Shortcuts/Useful Links
Introduction
Tour Destinations/Itineraries
Program Schedule
Photo Album
Fees and Expenses
If you ever have any questions, please feel free to contact us at Admissions