PROGRAMS
SUNNYVALE TO JAPAN GROUP TOUR (FALL 2026)
The Sunnyvale to Japan group tour for adults and families is typically two weeks long, originating in Tokyo and terminating with a 3-day stay in our sister city of Iizuka where an optional homestay awaits. These trips often include hot springs (onsen), overnight stays at traditional inns (ryokans), fall scenery, World Heritage sites, and cultural experiences. Trip price includes roundtrip airfare from SFO, tourist-level accommodation, guided English tours, bullet train ride, air travel within Japan, and a homestay experience with the local community in Iizuka. Join us to experience Japan during one of the most beautiful seasons!
Dates: November 3-16, 2026
May Pricing: $5,975
The application for the 2026 Sunnyvale to Japan Group Tour is now closed.
For a preview of the trip details, check out our 2026 Group Tour Information Packet (PDF)
If you are a U.S. citizen you will not need a visa, however if you are a citizen of another country, please research whether a visa is required (you are responsible for obtaining the visa). You can check to see if you need a visa at: Ministry of Foreign Affiars of Japan - Visa
If you are interested, please fill out this interest form. For more details about the tour, we strongly encourage you to check back in January, 2027!
Questions: aep@sunnyvalesistercity.org
| Itinerary Highlights | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 11/3 | Departure from the Bay Area | |
| Day 2 | 11/4 | Arrive Tokyo; Mt. Fuji viewing bus tour | |
| Day 3 | 11/5 | Free time in Tokyo | |
| Day 4 | 11/6 | Bullet train to Nagoya; Ise | |
| Day 5 | 11/7 | Sightseeing: Ise-shima area | |
| Day 6-7 | 11/8-9 | Kumano-Kodo; Local sushi-making | |
| Day 8 | 11/10 | Fudarakusan-ji, Namba Yasaka Shrine, Osaka | |
| Day 9-10 | 11/11-12 | Free time in Osaka; Optional Nara tour | |
| Day 11 | 11/13 | Fukuoka; Sumo or ramen factory tour; Iizuka | |
| Day 12-13 | 11/14-15 | Iizuka homestay | |
| Day 14 | 11/16 | Yufuin; Depart Oita to SFO via Tokyo | |
| *Interary subject to change | |||
LIVELIHOOD EXCHANGE PROGRAM
The Adult Exchange Program allows adults from both Iizuka and Sunnyvale to swap short homestays, enrich lives, and strengthen the ties between the Sunnyvale and Iizuka communities. Working with The Iizuka Friendship Network, a local volunteer community organization, SSCA will find exchange partners with similar livelihood interests who are willing to both host and travel in this unique program.
If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please read our AEP information packet:
If you'd like to apply, please fill out our online application. Applications are ongoing and will be valid for 9 months.
For more information or questions, please contact us at: AEP@sunnyvalesistercity.org