Japan: History, Culture, and Society from Kyoto to Tokyo

This trip takes us to the old capital of Kyoto, the megalopolis of Tokyo, and, very much off-the-beaten-track, to central Japan and the Nakasendo Way, an ancient highway in the beautiful Kiso Valley. This is a fully guided trip suitable for anyone who can walk for more than three to four hours in comfort. In general, the route is gently undulating but also includes some short, steeper climbs.

After delving into the fascinating history and elegant culture found in Kyoto, we explore one of the old highways of Japan, the Nakasendo, or “road through the central mountains.” Once a main thoroughfare of feudal Japan, today the Nakasendo provides a delightful excursion through scenic countryside.

En route, we delve into Japan’s elegant culture; its history, especially when the samurai were at the height of their power; and modern life both in Japan’s cities and countryside. We stay in atmospheric, traditional inns; enjoy a wide variety of Japanese cuisine; and make friends with the Japanese, some of the politest and friendliest people on earth.

Sights include exquisite temples and gardens in historic Kyoto, the bright lights of cosmopolitan Tokyo, and quiet, pretty villages in secluded valleys. We experience the Japanese way of life including sleeping on futons, bathing in wooden baths, and eating while sitting on tatami mat floors. We learn why the Nakasendo Way existed and about Tokugawa Ieyasu, the great shogun leader who established a dynasty that ruled Japan for over 260 years. We also learn to sing traditional folk songs and visit a school. Of course, each day also provides opportunities to learn some Japanese. Other highlights include singing karaoke and exploring Tokyo’s Harajuku, which has long been at the centre of Japanese youth culture.

Cost:

12-17 students = $6,400 per student
17-18 students = $6,150 per student

Deposit: $2,000

The above prices include:

• all meals as outlined in the daily itinerary (first and final days adjust based on flight times)
• all activities and entry fees while accompanied by your tour leader
• all accommodation, including nights in traditional Japanese inns (rooms are twins, triples, or small groups for students)

Trips are NOT on a first come-first served basis. If more students are interested in participating than can be accommodated, students will be selected at random. Any student who is not selected will have their deposit refunded. If the trip minimum of 12 is not met, the trip may be cancelled, and all deposits will be refunded. The maximum number of students for this trip is 18.

You will need to register by Friday, October 16, 2026, to be eligible to participate.

To register:

1. Visit the Educational Travel Adventures (ETA) website at: https://www.etadventures.com/. Click the green text in the top section of the screen that says “Customer Login.”
2. Next, you will be prompted to enter your trip code which is berkeleyperu26.
3. On the next screen, choose the option to “Access Account.” You will be prompted to create an account using your email address or your personal Google account.
4. If you have previously created an account with ETA, you may sign into your existing account to make a reservation and you will not need to create a new account.
5. Once you are into your account, select “Add a New Trip,” and then enter berkeleyperu26.
6. You should see the trip details at this point. Select “Make a New Reservation” and complete ALL fields.