AACI’s Fascinating Japan – In depth!
May 3-19, 2026
Osaka – Kobe – Hiroshima – Nara – Kyoto – Mount Fuji – Hakone – Tokyo – Nikko
Japan – More than any other country has managed to integrate ancient traditions and leading-edge technology harmoniously into their daily lives, with a perfect mix of new and old. In this excellent tour to Japan, you will not miss anything a first-time visitor to Japan should see.
Japan consists of four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. There are another thousand smaller islands all lying to the east of the Asian mainland in the northwest of the Pacific Ocean. This archipelago curves across 3000 km, linking Russian’s Sakhalin Island in the north to Taiwan in the south. We will visit the biggest Island: Honshu, the most culturally significant of these islands.
AACI’s in-depth trip entails the best that Japan has to offer. You’ll enjoy colorful mix of large cities like Tokyo and Osaka, the historically significant ancient shrines and temples of Kyoto and Nara, the testament to peace of Hiroshima, the natural beauty of Hakone, the thermally heated valley of Owakudani and much, much more.
Program
Day 01 – Monday, May 4, 2026
Arrival (Kansai Airport) and the city of Osaka Arrive at Kansai International Airport, built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay. After arrival procedures, we will transfer ot the city of Osaka and upon arrival visit the iconic Umeda Sky Building, an architectual marvel offering panoramic views of the city. We will then enjoy time in the lively Dotonbori area, filled with colorful signs, canals, and the energy of modern Osaka.
In the late afternoon, we will continue to the port city of kobe. After checking in to our hotel, we will enjoy dinner at Chabab Kobe and overnight in Kobe
Transfer to Kobe for Dinner and Overnight.
Day 02 – Tuesday, May 5, 2026 – Kobe City Touring
Today we will explore the highlights of Kobe, a beautiful port city surrounded by mountains and sea. We begin with a scenic ride on the Nunobiki Ropeway, ascending above the city to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Kobe and its surrounding landscape.
We continue to the Kitano district, famous for its preserved foreign residences from the Meiji period and stop at the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial, commemorating the devastating 1995 earthquake and the city’s remarkable recovery.
We return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner at Chabad Kobe and overnight in Kobe.
Day 03 – Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Kobe – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Kobe
This morning, we will board the Shinkansen, the famous Japanese bullet train, which will ‘fly’ us westward to the city of Hiroshima. From there, we will cross by ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and admire the world-famous floating torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine, standing majestically in the sea.
We then continue to the Peace Park and Peace Museum in Hiroshima, where the tragedy of the atomic bomb is commemorated in a powerful and uniquely Japanese way.
After a moving and meaningful visit, we return by Shinkansen to Kobe for dinner at Chabad and overnight.
Day 04, Thursday, May 7, 2026 – Kobe – Kyoto – Golden Pavilion – Arashiyama – Nishiki
After Tefilla and breakfast, we depart Kobe and drive to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. We will begin with a visit to the Golden Temple (Kinkaku-ji), one of the most iconic images of Japan.
We continue to the scenic Arashiyama district, including Tenryu-ji Temple and the beautiful Bamboo Forest. Lunch will be served on a traditional Japanese boat (Yakatabune) in Arashiyama.
In the afternoon, we will explore the famous Nishiki Market and Kyoto’s traditional shopping arcades. Dinner at Chabad Kyoto and overnight in Kyoto.
Day 05 – Kyoto – Hiashiyama area, Kiyomizu Dera, Sanjusangendo – Kodaiji
This morning, after a short drive, we will visit Hiashiyama area, Kiyomizu Dera, Sannenzaka. From here we will enjoy a tea ceremony in Kodaiji, an important part of the refined Japanese culture. Our next Japanese experience will be a Kimona celebration dressing in traditional costumes. We will then walk to Sanjusangendo, a Buddhist temple with thousands of statues.
Back to the hotel to get ready for Shabbat and Shabbat dinner at Chabad with overnight in Kyoto.
Day 05 – Friday, May 8, 2026 , Kyoto – Higashiyama – Tea Ceremony – Kimono Experience – Shabbat
This morning, we will visit the beautiful Higashiyama area, including Kiyomizu-dera and the historic streets of Sannenzaka. From here, we will enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at Kodaiji, an important element of refined Japanese culture.
We will then visit Sanjusangendo, a magnificent Buddhist hall containing hundreds of life-sized statues.
Return to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat. Shabbat dinner at Chabad and overnight in Kyoto.
Day 06 – Shabbat, May 9, 2026 – Kyoto
We will enjoy Shabbat meals at Chabad and take a walking tour in the vicinity, including visits to the majestic Heian Shrine and the peaceful Nanzenji Temple complex. After Shabbat, there will be an optional visit to the Pontocho area.
Overnight in Kyoto.
Day 07 – Sunday, May 10, 2026, Kyoto – Seki – Yaotsu – Tokyo
After Tefilla and breakfast, we will travel to Kyoto Station and board the Shinkansen toward Gifu-Hashima. From there, we continue by coach to the town of Seki, renowned for its tradition of sword-making. We will visit a local sword museum and see a demonstration of this ancient craft.
We continue to Yaotsu, the birthplace of Chiune Sugihara, the sole Japanese Righteous Among the Nations who saved thousands of Jews by issuing life-saving visas during the Holocaust. We will visit his memorial and learn his inspiring story.
In the late afternoon, we will board the Shinkansen once again and continue to Tokyo. Dinner at Chabad House and overnight in Tokyo.
Day 08 – Monday, May 11, 2026, Tokyo – Mount Fuji – Hakone – Tokyo
Today we travel to the Mount Fuji region and the Five Lakes area. We will visit the Kubota Ichiku Museum, dedicated to the revival of ancient silk-dyeing techniques. We will then walk through Oishi Park, with breathtaking views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting).
From there, we continue to Hakone, where we will visit the famous open-air sculpture museum and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings. We will return to Tokyo in the evening for dinner at Chabad and overnight in Tokyo.
Day 09 – Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Tokyo – Kanuma – Nikko Region
After breakfast, we travel to Kanuma, where we will take part in traditional Japanese cultural workshops, including a soba noodle-making experience and a traditional Japanese woodcraft workshop (Kumiko).
We will also visit the Four Seasons Bamboo Forest and enjoy a visit to a local sake brewery to learn about the art of Japanese rice wine production. In the evening, we will arrive in Nikko for dinner and 
overnight in Nikko.
Day 10 – Wednesday, May 13, 2026 – Tochigi – Nikko – Kanuma
Today we will enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Kinugawa River, followed by a visit to the Oya History Museum, an impressive underground stone quarry, and the giant stone-carved Kannon statue at Oya Temple.
We will take part in a Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) workshop, where we will learn the delicate art of Japanese dessert making. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Nikko.
Day 11 – Thursday, May 14, 2026, Nikko – Lake Chuzenji – Tokyo
This morning, we visit the magnificent Toshogu Shrine, the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. We continue to Lake Chuzenji and admire the stunning Kegon Waterfall, considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan.
In the evening, we return to Tokyo and enjoy a Yakatabune night cruise on Tokyo Bay, complete with a traditional boat, dinner, and Geisha performance. Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 12 – Friday, May 15, 2026, – Tokyo – City Highlights – Shabbat Preparation
Today we enjoy some of Tokyo’s most famous highlights: Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Market, a ride on the Monorail to Odaiba, and time at the waterfront with lunch in the area. We will also visit the TeamLab digital art museum, a fascinating immersive experience.
Return to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat, followed by Shabbat dinner at Chabad and overnight in Tokyo.
Day 13 – Shabbat, May 16, 2026, Tokyo
We enjoy Shabbat meals at Chabad and take a walking tour in the area, including Happoen Garden. After Havdalah, we will head to the famous Shibuya district to experience the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing and vibrant nightlife.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 14 – Sunday, May 17, 2026, Tokyo – Culture & Markets
After breakfast, we visit the Meiji Shrine, walk through Yoyogi Park, Omotesando and Harajuku. We continue to Ueno Park, including entrance to the Tokyo National Museum. We then make our way to the glamorous Ginza district for shopping and exploration.
Farewell dinner at Chabad and overnight in Tokyo.
Day 15 – Monday, May 18, 2026, Tokyo – Departure
Before departure, we enjoy a Taiko (Japanese drumming) activity in Aoyama, followed by a final visit to the Asakusa district, including Nakamise Street and Kappabashi.
We then transfer to Narita Airport, saying farewell to an incredible journey through Japan and flying safely back home.
| Price without flights: $9,590 per person in a double room for AACI members $11,900 single person in a room Flights from Israel will be quoted upon registration. |
$80/NIS300 pp addition for non AACI member or join AACI
| Flight details (not included in the above price): Arrival Departure flight: EY 594 (Etihad) Sunday, May 3, 2026: Departing Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv at 14:50. Arrival in Abu Dhabi, UAE: 19:05 Connecting flight: EY 814 (Etihad) Sunday, May 3, 2026: Departing Abu Dhabi, (UAE) at 21:15 Arrival Monday, May 4, 2026, in Osaka, Japan: 11:45 Return Departure flight: EY 801 (Etihad) Monday, May 18, 2026: Departing Narita (Tokyo), at 17:40. |
Included in the price for this tour:
-
4 Bullet train journeys- 14 nights in four/five-star hotels
- Kosher full board including provision to make sandwiches for lunch.
- Sightseeing, activities, and attractions as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips
- Local tour guide, fluent in English and Japanese
- AACI Escort
- Whispers
- Wi-Fi on bus
Multiple cultural specialty workshops- Tips
*Please note the rate of exchange used for this tour is subject to change if there are currency fluctuations
Not included in the price:
- Flights
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Any items not mentioned in the above itinerary.
Terms of payment:
- $1000 registration fee-non refundable
- Full payment due February 15, 2026
Cancellation:
- February 16th-March 31st-40% cancellation fee
- April 2nd-April 10th-75% cancellation fee
- April 11th-Departure-100% cancellation fee
Travel insurance is obligatory and should cover illness, luggage & cancellation. It can be purchased through your insurance agent, your Kupat Holim or Diesenhaus Tours.
Please note; This trip requires (in some cases) strenuous walking , climbing stairs and small hills on uneven or dirt paths. Each participant must be able to do the forementioned independently and be able to keep up a normal walking pace within the group. If you cannot do this or are unsure about your capabilities, you must contact us before registration.
For further details please email: info@aaci.org.il or call 02-5661181 ext. 205