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Medicine and Society in Japan

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Dates
19 May
30 May
2025

Japan is a blend of gracious tradition, exquisite ritual and hyper modernity. Experience different facets of this exceptional country, seeing the culture, society and history of Japan through the prism of your own profession. This tour is run in association with the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM).

This tour includes visits to some of Japan’s most beautiful gardens at a magnificent time of year. See Japan’s traditional art and crafts as well as experiencing its latest technology. Explore one of its most imposing castles and the ancient capital of Kyoto, alongside chic Ginza in Tokyo and the vibrant Namba district of Osaka. Experience lesser-known Japan, including the samurai and geisha quarters of Kanazawa, Miyajima Island in the Inland Sea, the waterways of Tokyo and the laneways of Kyoto.

There are a range of professional visits, meetings, talks and a dinner, providing real insight into medicine and society in Japan. The majority of these visits have been organised via Japanese members of the Royal Society of Medicine. There is an optional 2-night extension prior to the tour, visiting spectacular Mount Fuji by rail.

There will also be informal meetings and dinners with members throughout the tour. The tour is accompanied by an expert tour leader and a highly experienced Japanese national guide. This tour has broad appeal and partners are very welcome.

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per person
Price (room to yourself)
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Reference:
JPN0525-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Professional
Profession
Medicine
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Nights
11
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Countries
1
Tour grade
Moderate
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Tokyo
Monday
,
19
May
Arrive in Tokyo, a vast city encompassing a multitude of distinctive personalities, and transfer to the hotel before dinner with the group.
2
Tokyo
Tuesday
,
20
May
Visit the the historic Asakusa neighbourhood and Senso-ji Temple. Cruise through canals to central Tokyo. Visit the National Cancer Centre. Walk across Hamarikyu Gardens. Return to the hotel to freshen up before a welcome dinner.
3
Tokyo
Wednesday
,
21
May
Visit Jikei University School of Medicine, the only medical school founded during the Meiji era that followed the principles of British medicine. The school was founded by Kanehiro Takaki, who studied at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Take a tour of the hospital and learn about its history and its current work. Visit fashionable Harajuku,the Woodblock Print Museum and the Nezu Museum and gardens.
4
Tokyo / Kanazawa
Thursday
,
22
May
Board one of Japan’s sleekly efficient bullet trains and travel to a slower, more traditional part of Japan - Kanazawa. Visit the samurai quarter, including the old pharmacy, a samurai house and gardens and the Yuzen Silk Centre.
5
Kanazawa
Friday
,
23
May
Visit the great classical Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful traditional gardens, and its romantic ruined castle. Visit the geisha quarter (Higashichaya Old Town) including the Ochaya Bunkakan Sake House, Kaikaro Geisha House, a gold leaf house and the Gold Museum.
6
Kanazawa / Hiroshima
Saturday
,
24
May
Take the train to Hiroshima, arriving in the afternoon. Transfer to the hotel and settle in before a local dinner.
7
Hiroshima
Sunday
,
25
May
Take a cruise on the Inland Sea past the vivid red Torii Shrine, which denotes that the entire island of Miyajima is sacred. Explore the island, which is covered in virgin forest, as felling trees is forbidden on the island - as is giving birth or dying. Return to the hotel and at leisure. Optional oyster dinner in the evening.
8
Hiroshima
Monday
,
26
May
Visit the Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (RIRBM). Talk: “The clinical radiation effects of the atomic bomb used in Hiroshima and nuclear power plant accident in Fukushima." Local okonomiyaki lunch. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima. Return to the hotel and at leisure.
9
Hiroshima / Kobe
Tuesday
,
27
May
Train to Kobe via a visit to Himeji Castle. Continue to Kobe and visit the Carpentry Museum. Transfer to the hotel before enjoying a local dinner.
10
Kobe / Kyoto / Kobe
Wednesday
,
28
May
Visit Kyoto, including the Golden Pavilion and its beautiful gardens and Nijo Castle. Visit Fushimi Inari and walk a section of the famous Tofukuji Walk through the vermillion gates. Optional Kobe Beef dinner in the evening.
11
Kobe
Thursday
,
29
May
Full day at leisure with options to explore Kobe, visit Osaka or return to Kyoto. Farewell dinner.
12
Kobe
Friday
,
30
May
Depart hotel after breakfast.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

This tour includes visits to some of Japan’s most beautiful gardens at a magnificent time of year. See Japan’s traditional art and crafts as well as experiencing its latest technology.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Samurai and geisha quarters
Kanazawa

Explore the samurai and geisha quarters in Kanazawa.

Hidden urban garden
Tokyo

See a hidden urban garden in the designer area of Tokyo.

Jikei University School of Medicine
Tokyo

Visit Jikei University School of Medicine, the only medical school founded during the Meiji era that followed the principles of British medicine.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

Get more out of it

Extend your holiday

Pre-tour

Tokyo
17 - 19 May 2025

Take the Romance car, an Odakyu limited express train with specially built carriages with large viewing windows, to Fuji. Upon arrival take a cable car to Lake Ashi for wonderful views of Mount Fuji before returning to Tokyo.

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Active
Level 4

Longer and fuller days. More walking and longer distances require more energy, good fitness, and mobility.

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Your expert companions

Tour leaders

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Ask us anything

If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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02072239485
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