2025 JAPAN BASKETBALL TOUR

Date: Summer 2025

Base Price: $3,995.00* + Taxes/Airline Surcharges

This is a fully customizable cultural experience with a flexible itinerary subject to change. A group meeting will be arranged to discuss and tailor the trip according to your specific preferences and needs. 

Add-ons available:

-Tokyo Addition – Hotel Upgrades – Bullet Train – Exotic Meals – Attractions

* Due to the customizable nature of the trip, the final price will vary depending on the destinations, transportation, excursions and other activities. Ask your local group leader for more information regarding your specific tours costs.

ARCE operates independently, without affiliation to any local groups, schools, or organizations, and sponsors all trips autonomously.

Step into a basketball adventure like no other as we journey through the heart of Japan! This tailor-made tour is designed for basketball enthusiasts, providing an extraordinary opportunity to play against local Japanese high school players while exploring the country’s rich cultural wonders. Delight in the vibrant cityscapes of Osaka, immerse yourself in the tranquility of Nara’s deer park, uncover the historical sites of Hiroshima, and be captivated by Fukuoka’s modern charm.

From savoring delicious cuisine to marveling at awe-inspiring landmarks, each moment will be filled with camaraderie and unforgettable experiences. Join our exhilarating group adventure and embrace a journey of discovery, friendship, and excitement as we create cherished memories together! Don’t miss this chance to make the most out of your travel experience in Japan!

2025 JAPAN SUMMER BASKETBALL TOUR

Date: Summer 2025

Base Price: $3,995.00* + Taxes/Airline Surcharges

This is a fully customizable cultural experience with a flexible itinerary subject to change. A group meeting will be arranged to discuss and tailor the trip according to your specific preferences and needs. 

Add-ons available:

-Tokyo Addition – Hotel Upgrades – Bullet Train – Exotic Meals – Attractions

* Due to the customizable nature of the trip, the final price will vary depending on the destinations, transportation, excursions and other activities. Ask your local group leader for more information regarding your specific tours costs.

ARCE operates independently, without affiliation to any local groups, schools, or organizations, and sponsors all trips autonomously.

 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • 14-Day Japan Tour with Basketball Emphasis

  • Play basketball with Japanese locals

  • Cultural immersion and exploration of captivating destinations

  • Visits to bustling cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka

  • Enriching school visit in Fukuyama with cultural activities

  • Experience the charm of Nara Deer Park and Heijo Palace Remains

  • Explore iconic landmarks like Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizudera

  • Enjoy leisurely walks around Hiroshima and Miyajima Island

  • Afternoon basketball sessions in Hiroshima and Miyajima Island

  • Free time to uncover Onomichi’s quaint allure and literary history

  • Immerse in Fukuoka’s ancient temples and modern delights

  • Explore tranquil Hakata Old Town and Nokonoshima Island Park

 

JAPAN BASKETBALL TOUR

Itinerary

Please note that this itinerary is flexible and might be adjusted based on your group’s specific needs and preferences. We create customized tours tailored to your group’s requirements. While this provides a general overview of your tour, we recommend reaching out to your local group leader for the most accurate and up-to-date details of your itinerary.

DAY 1 – Arrival

Upon reaching Narita International Airport, you’ll be provided transport and check in to your group’s accommodations, signaling the start of an unforgettable journey.

Prepare yourself for an exciting adventure filled with cultural immersion and exploration of captivating destinations. Get ready to make lasting memories and embark on an incredible travel experience with us!

DAY 2 – Osaka

In Osaka, a bustling port city known for modern architecture and delicious street food, we’ll explore the area near our hotel.

Optional activities include a tour of Shinsekai, an old neighborhood with a unique blend of New York and Paris influences, perfect for a delightful dinner.

For relaxation, you can opt for a visit to Osaka’s renowned Spa World, a vast hot spring complex with themed rooms, water slides, saunas, and more, promising a rejuvenating experience.

DAY 3 – School Visit & Basketball Day

Today’s highlight is an enriching visit to our sister school in Fukuyama, Japan. Experience the authentic daily life of Japanese students and immerse yourself in traditional activities like tea ceremony, judo, and cooking classes.

In the afternoon, get ready to hit the basketball courts as we join the high school basketball team for a practice session. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bond with local players and showcase your basketball skills in a friendly and competitive environment. Get ready for an unforgettable day of cultural exchange and sportsmanship!

DAY 4 – Nara Deer Park

The group will meet at Nara Station to explore Nara Park, known for its Deer Park. Lunch will be enjoyed at Nara Nagomi Kan, followed by a walk to Sarusawa Pond, visits to Tojaiji Nigatsudou and Ukimido.

Later, a train transfer will take the group to the Heijo Palace Remains for further exploration. The day concludes with dinner at Gusto Nara Sanjo and a drop-off at Nara Station.

DAY 5 – Kyoto

Kyoto, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, starts with a meet-up at the hotel lobby and a transfer to Kyoto Station from Shin Osaka Station.

The group will then explore the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine and head to Kiyomizudera. After a delicious lunch, they will visit Kiyomizudera once more and explore the charming streets of Ninenzaka before concluding the day with a drop-off at Kyoto Station.

DAY 6 – Hiroshima

Today’s travel takes us from Osaka to Hiroshima, with a stop at the magnificent Himeji Castle, renowned for its size and beauty. We’ll also visit Kokoen Garden, a collection of nine walled gardens reflecting Edo-period architecture.

Upon reaching Hiroshima, we’ll find a modern city that bears historical significance due to the atomic bomb’s devastation during World War II. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Genbaku Dome, Shukkei-en garden, and Hiroshima Castle are some of the key landmarks to explore.

The day concludes with leisurely walks around Hiroshima to soak in the city’s atmosphere.

DAY 7 – Hiroshima & Afternoon Basketball

In Hiroshima, we’ll start our day by departing from Youth House and heading to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where we’ll explore over 60 monuments, including the Cenotaph, Children’s Monument, Memorial Mound, and Atomic Bomb Dome.

Next, we’ll visit Honkawa Elementary School and its Peace Museum. Afterward, we’ll have lunch at Okonomiyagi Mura and return to Peace Park to visit the Hypocenter and Rest House. Finally, we’ll head to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum for peace study and then depart for Fukuyama.

AFTERNOON: BASKETBALL

DAY 8 – Miyajima Island & Afternoon Basketball

Miyajima Island, renowned for its floating torii gate and picturesque landscapes. The group departs from Youth House to Funairi-Machi Street Car station, then travels to JR Yokogawa Station and continues to JR Miyajima-guchi.

From there, they take the JR Ferry to Miyajima Ferry Terminal, where they visit the Shrine and enjoy lunch by the Aquarium. Later, the group heads to Miyajima Ropeway station to ascend Mt. Misen for breathtaking views of the Setouchi Inland sea and islands.

After exploring, they return to Miyajima Ferry Station, and finally, they make their way back to Youth House in Hiroshima.

AFTERNOON: BASKETBALL

DAY 9 – Matsuyama

The city is known for its hot springs (onsen), among the oldest in Japan, and is home to the Dōgo Onsen Honkan, a Meiji Period wooden public bathhouse dating from 1894. A second favorite tourist spot is Matsuyama Castle. Eight of the eighty-eight temples in the Shikoku Pilgrimage are in Matsuyama.

DAY 10 – Onomichi

Onomichi, a picturesque port city, is known for its charming old-fashioned streets and hillside temples. Today, your group is free to soak in its unique ambiance.

You could journey through the renowned Temple Walk, a path connecting 25 historic temples, or take a scenic bike ride along the Shimanami Kaido route. Perhaps you’d prefer to discover local flavors at the Onomichi Market. It’s an open day for you to uncover Onomichi’s quaint allure.

DAY 11 – Onomichi

As your group ventures into the second day in Onomichi, more captivating experiences await. Consider starting the day with a relaxing stroll down the vintage shopping street of Hondori, brimming with local crafts and specialty food items.

For those in your group with a love for literature, the Museum of Literature would be a compelling visit, showcasing the city’s rich literary history. A ferry ride to the serene Mukaishima Island can offer a refreshing change of pace, where the natural beauty of the citrus groves and warm beaches await.

DAY 12 – Fukuoka

The vibrant city of Fukuoka is famous for its ancient temples and modern shopping streets, and today, your group will have a full day to immerse yourselves in its charm.

You might want to explore the serene grounds of Ohori Park, sample delectable street food at yatai stalls, or delve into history at the Fukuoka Castle ruins. The day is yours to discover Fukuoka’s treasures.

DAY 13 – Fukuoka

On your second day in Fukuoka, the city continues to invite your group for further exploration. Start your day at the tranquil Hakata Old Town, home to Kushida Shrine, a place steeped in tradition and serenity.

Wander through the vibrant stalls of Hakata Machiya Folk Museum where local artisans showcase their craft. If your group is fond of nature, a visit to Nokonoshima Island Park offers stunning seasonal flowers and breathtaking views of Hakata Bay. This day is another chance for your group to fully engage with the delights that Fukuoka has to offer.

Day 14 – Departure

As your group prepares to bid farewell to this memorable journey, it’s time to reflect on the diverse experiences we’ve shared. From the bustling streets of Osaka and the serene deer park in Nara to the historic monuments in Hiroshima and the enchanting old-world charm of Onomichi, we’ve dived deep into the heart of Japan.

Our trip allowed us to immerse ourselves in cultural wonders, iconic landmarks, and natural beauty, leaving us with precious memories to cherish. As we part ways, let’s carry these experiences with us, remembering not just the places we visited but also the connections we made. Even though our journey ends here, the memories we’ve created will accompany us, enriching our lives in ways we can’t even imagine right now.

SIGN UP TODAY

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience! Secure your spot now as reservation slots are quickly being filled. Start your booking process today by simply completing the application below. We eagerly await the opportunity to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for you.

HOW TO SIGN UP

To officially reserve your spot, we will need you to fill out and sign the official application and release form above and get your application to your group leader with your deposit.  However, we can get your reservation started with the following easy steps.

*The tour date and itinerary are tentative.  Your local group contact will have more information on the exact details of your tour.

FILL OUT THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Start by simply filling out your online application.  NOTE: It may take up to 24 hours to process your application and receive your invoice.

PAY YOUR DEPOSIT VIA ONLINE BANK TRANSFER (FREE)

We now accept free online Bank Transfer payments to avoid pesky credit card fees.  Simply fill out the online application, and we will send an invoice to you within 24 hours after we process your application.

PAY YOUR DEPOSIT VIA CHECK (FREE)

Pay your reservation deposit via check.  Please make out any checks to "ARCE" and give them to your group leader.

Have questions?  Need support?

Contact us and we will be happy to assist you.