The science of nature: Japan
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24 September 2025 - 11 days
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Embark on an unforgettable journey exploring Japan’s natural wonders, from exploring contrasting landscapes, from the serene beauty of forests to the iconic Mount Fuji, lush national parks to the tropical beaches of Okinawa.
Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Japan stands at the forefront of integrating science and nature. Learn how Japan is leading the way in integrating science with natural preservation, including developing innovative environmental technologies, researching climate change and wildlife conservation. Japan provides an unparalleled environment for exploration, conservation, and discovery.
Begin with serene forests that exude tranquility and spiritual harmony, then journey to the majestic slopes of Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic symbol of natural beauty. Explore lush national parks teeming with vibrant flora and fauna, and bask in the tropical paradise of Okinawa’s pristine beaches and coral-rich waters.
A burgeoning centre for technology and countless areas of spectacular natural beauty, Japan is a must-see destination for science and nature lovers. On this 11-day journey, take in the bustling cities of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Okinawa. Travel from a buzzing metropolis to snow-capped mountains; from hot springs to pristine white sandy beaches.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
DAY 1: TOKYO ARRIVAL
Welcome to Japan! You will be met on arrival by the tour leader and transferred to your hotel for early check-in.
In the afternoon, join a guide city tour of Tokyo. Firstly, visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Drive down Omotesando, a broad tree lined shopping avenue home to some of the world’s top fashion brands. Continue to the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, which stands at 238 meters. Head up to the observation deck where on a clear day you can even see as far as Mt Fuji. The tower also houses the excellent Mori Art Museum.
In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner introducing Rowan Hooper from ×îÐÂÂ鶹ÊÓƵ, as well as your local guide.
DAY 2: MIRAIKAN MUSEUM OF EMERGING SCIENCE
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, simply known as the Miraikan, is a museum created by Japan's Science and Technology Agency. Some of the highlights of the museum include real-time displays of data from a huge array of seismometres across Japan, which show that the country is gently vibrating. Also see Asimo - the Honda robot, who is one of the star attractions along with the model Maglev train. After time to explore the museum at leisure, head to the watch a 30-minute movie at 4D Dome Theatre.
Enjoy the rest of the day to explore Tokyo at your own leisure.
DAY 3: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE
Meet with your guide and depart for the National Museum of Nature and Science with hands-on physics and robotics sessions, an impressive collection of taxidermy animals and a 360-degree virtual theatre relocated from the Aich Expo.
Your evening meal will be in a local sushi restaurant.
DAY 4: TOKYO TO HAKONE
Walk to Shinjuku Station and take the two hour express train service to Hakone. As you transfer to Owakudani, you will start to smell sulphur in the air, coming from the active volcano. The walking trails around Owakudani lead to steam vents and bubbling pools and the eggs sold locally are boiled in the volcano's natural hot springs and are said to prolong life by seven years.
Continue your journey via cable car heading towards Togendai, where you will board a pirate boat to Hakonekomachi. Both are ports on the shores of Lake Ashi, an enormous volcanic crater created by an eruption 3,000 years ago.
DAY 5: HAKONE TO KYOTO
In the morning take another bullet train to Kyoto. Visit Nijo Castle, built by the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate as the Kyoto residence of the Shogun and its stunning gardens.
Finish the day with a visit to Nishiki Market. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, Nishiki is a narrow shopping street lined with more than 100 shops, selling fresh seafood and vegetables, pickles, Japanese sweets and sushi.
DAY 6: KYOTO CITY TOUR
The first stop on the guided tour is Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama. Ranked among Kyoto's five great Zen temples Tenryuji is the largest and most impressive temple in Arashiyama and is ranked by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
On the way to Nonomiya shrine your path will lead you through Arashiyama’s famous bamboo groves, which are unlike any other place in Japan. The bamboo has been used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes and mats for centuries. Nonomiya shrine is a Shinto shrine where in ancient times, unmarried imperial princesses stayed for a year or more to purify themselves. The shrine is referenced in numerous works of literature, most notably in the world’s first novel; The Tale of Genji.
After lunch, travel on to Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, which was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun. After the death of Shogun Yoshimitsu it became a Buddhist Temple at his request, and is now one of Kyoto’s most famous temples, with its top two floors completely covered in gold-leaf.
In the evening, you will enjoy a sumptuous Japanese dinner in the private room of a traditional restaurant with an hour of private Maiko or Geisha entertainment consisting of conversation and dancing accompanied by the shamisen (Japanese stringed instrument).
You will also have a chance to ask questions about the Geisha and their world. This is a special night of food, drink, traditional entertainment and great photo opportunities.
DAY 7: KYOTO
After all that, you deserve a rest day to enjoy this wonderful city at your own pace. You can easily visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha shinto shrine or Yasaka pagoda, or travel to visit the Nara Deer Park which is nearby.
DAY 8: OSAKA TO OKINAWA
Depart Kyoto and transfer to the airport for your flight to Naha.
Okinawa is a group of islands located in the southernmost part of Japan, known for its beautiful clear blue waters, coral reefs, vibrant marine life, rich culture, and unique history. The region has its own distinct culture, language (Okinawan or Uchinaguchi), and traditions, which differ from those of mainland Japan.
On arrival, transfer to Gyokusendo Cave which is the longest of the many caves in the south of Okinawa Island with a total length of five kilometers. The cave features spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. You will then check in to your hotel in Naha.
DAY 9: OKINAWA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, BUSENA MARINE PARK AND HIGASHI-SON FUREAI HIRUGI PARK
Depart Naha in the morning and travel to the Okinawa Institute of Science and technology for a tour of their extension campus.
Continue to the Busena Marine Park to embark on your glass-bottom boat cruise where you can witness tropical fish swimming among beautiful coral, and an underwater observatory. The only facility of its kind in Okinawa, this tower offers a 360-degree view of the sea five meters deep. Learn about the marine parks coral replanting project.
Free time for those that want to visit the underwater observatory.
In the afternoon, visit the Higashi-son Fureai Hirugi Park, the gateway to the Yanbaru region in the northern part of the main island where you will explore the rare ecosystems, unique wildlife, and beautiful landscapes found in Yambaru National Park. Journey through lush hirugi mangrove forests, a designated National Monument that gives the park its name.
DAY 10: YANBARU NATIONAL PARK
Covering much of the northernmost end of Okinawa is the designated natural World Heritage site of Yanbaru National Park, with its expanses of subtropical evergreen forest covering almost 80% of its 136 square kilometer area, punctuated by mountain peaks and crisscrossed with hiking trails. The area is home to some 1,250 plant and tree species as well as fauna unique to the island, including the Yanbaru long-armed scarab beetle, Japan’s largest beetle species.
In the evening return to Naha for a farewell meal with the group.
DAY 11: NAHA DEPARTURE
After breakfast, there will be a group transfer to the airport. Alternatively, we can arrange for you to stay on for a few more nights to enjoy Okinawa.