road scholar trips to japan

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Japan tour: Tauck vs. Road Scholar

First-time visitors to Japan in late Fall 2020 considering approximately 14 day tours (with a few days on our own before and after.)

Looking for recommendations from folks who have experience with any of these specific tours and/or experience with Tauck or Road Scholar, in general.

Road Scholar: Cultural Highlights or Japanese History/Culture/Society tour

Tauck: Essence of Japan

While not a land tour, I did take a Rhine river cruise with Tauck. They are a top notch operation and really look out for their guests.

We have traveled several times with Tauck, but not to Japan (yet). Tauck is first class in every way, and you will have experiences that are several notches above those other tours might offer.

Tauck's customers are primary repeat customers or customers who have come to them word-of-mouth from other highly pleased customers. You will NOT be disappointed with Tauck.

We did a small group Gate One tour this summer and thought it was very good. It was 10 night tour (they call it a 12 day tour) and we added 3 more on either end of the tour to Tokyo and Kyoto. This is the tour: https://www.discovery-tours.com/small-groups/small-group/2020/small-groups-japan-12djp20.aspx .

This tour was well-run, with a great guide and a small group. It's thousands and thousands of dollars less expensive than the Road Scholar tour. It's shorter, but you can easily add your days onto Kyoto and Tokyo. Our extra nights hotel in Kyoto was the Solaria Nishitetsu. It's a fabulous hotel in a great neighborhood.

Two years ago I took Tauck’s Australia and New Zealand tour. Excellent ... with luxury accommodations, full services for schlepping luggage, private air flights between locations, outstanding guide and extra special activities. (A friend and I compared three companies and decided Tauck met our interests the best. Also, please know, I’ve taken three Rick Steves tours and they are my most favorite .... wish he did Asia!!) I’ve not taken a Road Scholar tour but friends have, and I believe they are very good too, tho not at the high end luxury level like Tauck. On a Tauck tour u do see all the sights, however, not much interaction with locals or local restaurants. Most included meals were at the hotels. (I took myself off to a grocery store one day in New Zealand to see what it was like. Lol) I am planning on taking a Tauck tour to either China or India in 2021. In the end tho I would think your choice of a tour company for a tour of Japan would mostly depend on itinerary. Which do u like best? Good luck with Japan plans!!!

I leave tomorrow for Tokyo and will join an Odysses Unlimited tour this weekend. It will be my third Odysses tour.

Tauck is highly rated and should be excellent, however it will be pricey.

We did Japan with a mix of do it yourself, local day tours, a three day tour from Tokyo to Kyoto and Nara and then a cruise that included five Japanese ports (cruise ended in Hong Kong).

We used Viator for the local tours as well as the three day tour to Kyoto and Nara. We were not disappointed.

This is truly a potato and apple comparison. Other than both being slight round. Two totally different programs, travel objectives and approaches. Road Scholar is the renamed version of Elderhostel. Are you familiar with Elderhostel? A low budget travel experience for seniors. Elderhostel/Road Scholar does an excellent job within its framework. Has great appeal for a travel segment that is willing to do a lot of their own work on tour. Tauck tours is at the other end of spectrum. The difference in price should give you some clue. On a Tauck tour everything is first class, five star accommodations, luggage handled for you, etc, etc. There is simply no way to compare the two. It would be unusual to find someone who has taken both a Tauck tour and a Road Scholar. My personal observation from when we hosted Elderhostel on our campus is that you probably will get great value for the dollar from Road Scholar but be treated more like royalty on the Tauck tour.

We took a Road Scholar tour of Japan in 2016. We like Road Scholar for the education aspect. We have done four Road Scholar tours and are scheduled to leave on another at the end of this month. The hotels and food in Japan were fine, no need for 5 stars accommodation. Japan is very clean and well-maintained. On Road Scholar tours, there is a group leader who handles the logistics and an instructor, plus local lecturers. We had a retired PhD history professor. When we were traveling on the bus, she answered questions during the journey - various topics ranging from education, housing, mental health to how we got into WW II. We saw a kabuki performance. Before the performance, a local lecturer explained the general aspects of kabuki - the stage, the music, the plot, etc. We had earphones describing the action on stage in English during the performance, which made everything more understandable. Another lecturer explained Noh theater, which was my favorite lecture. We had one dinner to interact with local Japanese. They spoke English. We went to museums to learn how prints and lacquer ware are made. For us, Tauck is too expensive, not our preference.

We had an excellent two week tour of Japan with Odysseys Unlimited. We also took the additional excursion to Hiroshima and Miyajima. The itinerary included more places and more days than other tours we looked at. Road Scholar doesn’t seem to use the excellent Japanese rail system which is a shame. They use buses and we will not take any tour with primarily buses. They loose the cultural aspect of trains in Japan, buying bento boxes for lunch, on time to the second, etc.Nice hotels. We added on independent time before in Tokyo and after the tour we returned to Kyoto for several days. We had learned how to use the train system and loved using it by ourselves too. We also used luggage forwarding, a wonderful service.

Oops...didn't see this thread when you posted in October because ..... I was on a Road Scholar tour, lolol!!

Someone above posted this: " Road Scholar is the renamed version of Elderhostel. Are you familiar with Elderhostel? A low budget travel experience for seniors. Elderhostel/Road Scholar does an excellent job within its framework. Has great appeal for a travel segment that is willing to do a lot of their own work on tour. "

I don't find this assessment to be true. I've done 11 Road Scholar tours and 11 Rick Steves tours. That might have been the MO when they started but it wasn't back when I did my first ElderHostel in 2009 and certainly not in the ones I've done since 2013. I'd say they are medium budget, hotels a little bit above the Rick Steves hotels altho on the tour I was on in October we stayed at the same hotel in Arles that Rick's tours uses. I've never had to do any work on my own for a Road Scholar tour. I DO it anyway just because I want to but it is not necessary. I also split from the group sometimes if there is something specific I want to see that is not on the agenda.

I have not traveled with Tauck but they are known as a higher price range tour.

I hope you've made your decision by now!

This doesn't answer your question but I need to agree with Pam about Road Scholar for overseas tours. We were in Cuba for two weeks with Road Scholar, staying in 4 and 5* hotels, bags ported, good meals (considering the restraints), two guides, etc. The overseas trips and cruises are comfortable but not luxurious. It’s inside the US that Road Scholar offers educational getaways in National Parks, campuses, retreat centers, etc. for low prices.

What did you decide CSB?

We returned 10 days ago from a fantastic trip to Japan. We combined a 10-day walking tour (Nakasendo Way plus Tokyo and Kyoto) with 3 extra days on our own in Kyoto and one night in Kyoto. The tour was with an adventure travel company, Mountain Travel Sobek, which we previously used for hiking in Patagonia. At $6300 each it was half the cost of the Tauck tour, and we felt it could have not been better. There were only7 of us with one Japanese guide from whom we learned so much about the culture, history, religion, architecture, etc. The lodging was in 4* Western-style hotels in Kyoto and Tokyo, and Japanese -style inns and ryokans for 5 nights in the mountains. (Meaning tatami rooms with futons on the floor). All the meals were amazing, with numerous dishes presented on little plates for each person, even in the little family-run mountain inn. I do not know how they do it.

Our guide arranged a number of very special experiences for us, including lunch at a “make your own sushi” restaurant; another lunch at a little soba restaurant where the head chef came out to sing to us at the end of the meal; sake-tasting at a local brewery in Nara; a night walk around illuminated temple grounds in Koyasan; visiting a tiny that made hand-cut wooden combs and another where we learned about making lacquerware and watched the master at work; ducking down a small unlit passageway in Ginza to see a secret shrine to Inari, the rice god, complete with talisman foxes, and a semi-private Shinto blessing ceremony at the Meiji shrine in Tokyo to ensure our safe travels homeward. None of these would have been possible in a larger group; certainly not a group of 20 or more (both Tauck and Road Scholar call a “small group” 24 people).

The timing of our trip (November 6-20) was excellent for fall foliage in the mountain areas, but a bit early for Kyoto when we were there for 6 days early in the trip.

Of the tours you have listed, I much prefer the Road Scholar History and Culture tour. At $8200 it is more expensive than what we did, but it includes more days and more stops. Although billed as 17 days, they include the day you fly to Japan, losing a day when you cross the Date Line. You actually meet the tour at the end of Day 2, and you depart after breakfast on Day 17, so it is really only 15 days. But most tour companies count the days this way, because it is the number of calendar days you are away from home.

Other things I like about this tour: they use the train and other public transport (unlike the ultralight HIghlights which as Suki points out uses a coach); they visit a village on the Nakasendo way, and provide at least a few nights (3 total) in Japanese-style ryokans or inns with a tatami rooms and futon on the floor, and the timing of the November trip will likely cover some fall color. I think you could have a good experience of Japan on this tour.

The Road Scholar Cultural Highlights tours appears to be designed for older, less mobile travelers, as they specifically say they avoid public transport, sleeping on futons, and dining with floor seating “as far as possible”. I think you will miss out by avoiding these quintessential Japanese experiences.

Which brings me to the Tauck tour, which I find over-the-top-expensive at $12,000 - $13,600 for a “13 day” tour (the latter price is for the “small group” of up to 24 people). That is roughly $1000 a day per person, and you are on your own for 4 of the dinners. Wha??? This tour appears to be all about the 5-star hotels——Hyatt, 4 Seasons, Sheraton Grand, etc., with a single night at a ryokan. In other words the only thing you will experience of a true Japanese hotel room is the Toto toilet with Washlet (build-in bidet function).

Sorry if that sounded harsh, but I think it would be a shame to miss out on the wonderful hospitality of the small inns and ryokans, and dining on floor cushions with a beautiful array of wonderful dishes.

A bit more: (I ran out of room).

You say you are planning to add a few extra days before and/or after the tour, and I highly encourage that. We flew into Toksy (our only option for direct flights) and I felt a bit intimidated, so we spent only one night there before catching the Shinkansen to Kyoto to spend 3 nights before meeting our tour. This was a good choice, as from what I have seen most tours do not include some of the more popular (and worthy) shrines and temples because they can be so crowded. A perfect example is the famous Fushimi Inari shrine, the #1 site to see in Kyoto.

https://kyoto.travel/en/shrine_temple/180

It can indeed be impossibly crowded, but we managed it by arriving before 8 am, and completing the walk to the top and back down, through 1000’s of vermillion Torii, before 10 am. When we arrived back at the shrine base area, it was so crowded we gave up on finding a bite to eat at the numerous food stalls, and jumped on the JR train to Kyoto station to admire the architecture and get an early lunch when the restaurants in The Cube opened at 11. It was a good call.

Others we enjoyed in Kyoto before or after the most crowded times were Nijo Castle, the hike up Daimonji, and Yasaka Shrine in Gion (the neighborhood where we stayed). We visited Nishiki Market numerous times for various purposes and it was always crowded, but manageable. Since our hotel was close to the river, we enjoyed walking the path alongside, and sometimes discovered some new delights, such as the teen kids practicing some amazing jump rope skills (I wish I could post a video).

Basically, Japan is a very welcoming place and you will experience that if you venture off on your own.

I recently returned from the Odysses Unlimited tour of Japan and I recommend it. Excellent hotels, great food at included meals, good mixture of coaches and trains. Great mixture of included activities and free time.

I also took the Hiroshima extension.

I will suggest getting there a day or two early to get accustomed to the time difference.

I will probably go back but will do it next time on my own. Much easier than I thought it might be.

I was in Japan for 13 nights in October 2019, on my own without a tour. I'm still trying to write a trip report, but the short version is, Japan is no harder to see on your own than any other developed country. If you want a tour, you can of course take one, but don't feel you HAVE to because of language barriers or any other barriers - it's very easy to get information about sights, transit, hotels, etc. I'm already thinking of going back to see places I missed or need more time in.

One warning: Kyoto is now suffering from overtourism like Prague, Barcelona, Venice, Dubrovnik, etc. Be prepared for swarms of "selfie takers of all nations" at all major sights. Even going right at opening doesn't always help; at the Silver Pavillion, that was when school group after school group after school group was also visiting.

Whether going on your own or with a tour, look into visiting Nagasaki. Unlike Hiroshima, Nagasaki has a whole fascinating history quite independent of the atomic bomb. My sister insisted I go, and she was 100% right; my two nights there were sensational. Due to its location, it's easiest to fly in and/or out. Flights within Japan can be cheap if bought in advance (for me, the train from Osaka to Nagasaki would have been about $180, while the flight was about $80; flying was a bit shorter, end to end).

We plan to return to Japan independently too. The train system is very easy to use, great electronic signage with English.

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The Scoop: What to Know About Road Scholar

This nonprofit tour company has an inspiring educational focus..

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Part of what we do here at TourScoop is use our (human) travel expertise to vet tour companies so you have an easy way to get a bunch of trustworthy information all in one place. Today we’re digging into Road Scholar, a popular tour company that’s been around for nearly 50 years. Read on to find everything you need to know to confidently make the decision about whether it’s a good fit for you.

Road Scholar (previously known as Elderhostel) is a tour company with a difference: Since 1975 the company has been run as a nonprofit organization with an educational mission as its primary focus. That means a few things: since it’s a nonprofit, Road Scholar offers excellent value (tours aren’t priced for profit). I also like that it’s unusual among tour companies because it offers both financial aid and caregiver grants. And since it’s education-driven, the tour operator attracts a particularly curious and educated group of travelers, including many retired educators. 

Road Scholar’s 4,000 offerings include small group tours, grandparent-grandchild trips, cruises, private jet adventures, and tours focused on passions including birding, food and drink, and history.

TourScoop Takeaways: Road Scholar

• Continents Covered: 7
• Tour Size Average: Road Scholar’s small group programs max out at 24 travelers, but the company also runs larger programs with hundreds of participants who are then broken into small groups for activities. 
• Tour Types: Coach, ship, plane, train

How to Book

Road Scholar tours can be booked directly through Road Scholar ; here are all the ways you can contact the organization for information about trips.

Credibility Check

Road Scholar is a BBB accredited charity that meets the standards for charity accountability, and has a low complaint number and a high response-to-issues ratio. It has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Facebook . Tour-focused online travel agency TourStride past guests gives Road Scholar a 4.4 out of 5.

Tour Destinations

Road Scholar operates tours on seven continents and to nearly 100 countries. In the U.S., it offers itineraries to most states, and internationally, its most popular destinations include Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Italy. 

Road Scholar offers hundreds of programs on a variety of topics, with thousands of departures annually. Since it’s a nonprofit organization with an educational mission, everything it does is about learning, and it weaves in educational visits, lectures, and events into every trip.

On the website, you can filter trips by hobbies or what you want to learn about, from Military History to Native American Studies, Birding, Pickleball, or another topic. You can also filter the course catalog by activity level, from “Easy Going” to  “Outdoor: Challenging.”

Road Scholar also offers Adventures Afloat (cruises), skip-gen programs geared to grandparents and grandchildren traveling together, and virtual tours that range from one-hour lectures to multi-day online adventures. 

Tour Guides

As an education-focused tour organization, Road Scholar refers to its group leaders and instructors as faculty . Faculty members–many of whom have been working with Road Scholar for a decade or more–are local experts with years of experience in travel and academics. Group leaders receive initial training and receive yearly professional development to ensure they’re at the top of their game. 

In addition to faculty, tour participants meet a broad range of experts on tour, experts that range from shrimp boat captains to award-winning authors. 

Inclusions/Extras

Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive and have no optional extras or hidden expenses. The price of a tour includes: 

• Accommodations, 
• Experienced Group Leader
• Expert-led lectures and field trips
• Most meals (some meals during free time not included)
• Gratuities throughout the program, including group leader gratuities
• Road Scholar Assurance Plan   (24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during a program and insurance for emergency medical evacuation)

Flights to and from the tour are not included in base program prices, but Road Scholar will book flights for participants traveling internationally. Flights booked through Road Scholar also include complimentary airport transfers.

Typical Travelers

If you don’t count kids in the mix on the Grandparent and Family programs, the average age of a Road Scholar participant is 72. But trips generally include a wide range of older travelers from people in their 50s through 90s. About 30% of participants are solo travelers, and of that 30% about 85% are women traveling on their own. Road Scholar trips are generally reported to be very welcoming to solo travelers. 

Communication 

Once you’ve booked a tour with Road Scholar, the company sends regular emails leading up to trip departures. You can also access your trip information online: once you’re enrolled in a program, all trip information is accessible via your online account.

Road Scholar’s U.S.-based contact center (800-454-5768) is open 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday. Monday is the contact center’s busiest day, so to avoid long wait times, call midweek or at the end of the week if you can). Road Scholar has callback feature, which allows you to save your place in the queue without having to wait on the phone–a representative calls you back as soon as it’s your turn in line.

Loyalty Program

Because Road Scholar is a nonprofit organization, discounts are not offered, including for repeat travelers. But the company is dedicated to making travel affordable for more travelers, and offers financial aid and caregiver grants . 

Private Options

Groups made up of between 18 and 24 people can reserve private departures of existing itineraries with Road Scholar. If you organize a group of 20 or more, you can take advantage of group discounts or free travel for one person. 

Sustainability Efforts

Road Scholar offsets some of the carbon emissions created through travel on its programs. It invests in projects including rainforest preservation in Brazil, methane gas recapture in Florida, and reforestation in Kenya. The company also tries to use sustainability certified hotels, locally owned services, and restaurants that serve locally sourced meals whenever possible.  

Health and Safety Practices

Road Scholar has partners on the ground worldwide who monitor all areas visited by the company. If concerns arise, Road Scholar will find replacement content or cancel the program, depending on the severity and location of the issue.

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Charms of Northern Japan Tour     View Tours

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Visit the must see sites of japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people..

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

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Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

Group Tour | Deluxe Style

Charms of northern japan tour.

Sapporo - Otaru - Shiraoi - Noboribetsu - Lake Toya - Hakodate - Seikan Tunnel - Aomori - Towada - Morioka - Hiraizumi - Matsushima - Nikko

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Go beyond the typical Japan itinerary and expereince the stunning views and attractions of Tohoku and Hokkaido, all while traveling in comfort aboard private coach. Our Charms of Northern Japan Tours are great for those looking to escape the bustling cities and see a more quiet side of Japan. Enjoy the perks of an English-speaking guide at your side, as you visit highlights of the North, including Sapporo, Hakodate, and Nikko. Enjoy seasonal attractions during each itinerary, such as... View More

Go beyond the typical Japan itinerary and expereince the stunning views and attractions of Tohoku and Hokkaido, all while traveling in comfort aboard private coach. Our Charms of Northern Japan Tours are great for those looking to escape the bustling cities and see a more quiet side of Japan. Enjoy the perks of an English-speaking guide at your side, as you visit highlights of the North, including Sapporo, Hakodate, and Nikko. Enjoy seasonal attractions during each itinerary, such as the cherry blossoms of spring, the festivals and fireworks during summer, or the colorful autumn leaves of fall. In Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, you will visit Otaru, a small harbor city known for its food and crafts. You will have the chance to admire the beautifully crafted glassware and enjoy the soothing sounds of music boxes at the Music Box Museum. Your next stop will be the capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo. Visit an open air museum to learn more about the large cty and visit Nijo Market, a fresh food market where vendors sell some of the freshest seafood in Japan! In southwestern Hokkaido, you will have the opportunity to spend the night at Noboribetsu, a place renowned for its hot spring resorts. Enjoy a stay at a Japanese-style hotel, where you can relax in the therapeutic bath waters of the hotel's own onsen (hot spring). On your way to Hakodate, stop at Lake Toya, where you will take the Usuzan Ropeway up to the observation deck. Here, you can see the beautiful Lake Toya and Mt. Usu, an active volcano that last erupted in the year 2000. Once in the city of Hakodate, visit Goryokaku Pentagonal Fort, Japan's first Western style fortress. During the month of May, cherry blossoms decorate the surrounding park, or you can see the colors of autumn leaves in November. Travel on train through Seikan Undersea Tunnel, the longest railroad tunnel in the world that goes under water. During our summer itinerary, visit Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri, a spectacular summer festival where you can enjoy the large floats and the festive atmosphere. You will also visit Matsushima, famous for being one of the 'Three Most Beautiful Natural Sights in Japan'. Take a cruise around the bay, admiring the gorgeous scenery. In Nikko, explore the wonderfully ornate temples and shrines, such as Toshogu Shrine, where the famous carving of the “See no Evil, Hear no Evil and Speak no Evil” monkeys lies. Proceed to Kegon Waterfall, one of Japan's three most beautiful waterfalls with breathtaking views during our autumn itineraries. Depending on the time of your visit, our special seasonal itineraries offer several wonderful attrctions and expereinces. See beautiful lavender fields in summer, visit a cherry blossom festival at Tenshochi Park in spring, or enjoy stunning views in autumn. These tours also available in reverse versions (travel from Tokyo to Sapporo), for those wishing to arrive early and stay extra nights in Tokyo. Let All Japan Tours take care of your special trip to Northern Japan!

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• Travel to the must-see sites of Hokkaido and Tohoku, including Nikko and Matsushima.
• Designed for travelers who want to explore beyond the typical Japan sites and see more nature.
• Enjoy two nights at Japanese-style accommodations, where you can experience bathing in hot springs (onsen).
• Take an undersea train tunnel to cross the Tsugaru Channel between the islands of Hokkaido and Honshu.
• Witness Kegon Waterfall, one of the three most beautiful falls in Japan.
• Explore Nijo Market, where Hokkaido's famous fresh seafood can be found.
• Chances to see cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, wisteria, baby blue eye flowers, or Tohoku’s 3 Great Summer Festivals.
• Departure dates in spring, summer, and fall with reverse versions available.

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Group Tour | Deluxe           Book Now & Save $100

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9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3798.00

Nikko / Matsushima / Hiraizumi / Morioka / Towada / Aomori / Seikan Tunnel / Hakodate / Lake Toya / Noboribetsu / Shiraoi / Otaru / Sapporo

The must see sights of tohoku & hokkaido...plus fall foliage in autumn..

Sapporo / Otaru / Shiraoi / Noboribetsu / Lake Toya / Hakodate / Seikan Tunnel / Aomori / Towada / Morioka / Hiraizumi / Matsushima / Nikko

The must see sights of hokkaido ＆tohoku...plus fall foliage in autumn..

9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3898.00

Ashikaga / Nikko / Matsushima / Hiraizumi / Kitakami / Morioka / Seikan Tunnel / Hakodate / Lake Toya / Noboribetsu / Shiraoi / Otaru / Sapporo

The must see sights of tohoku & hokkaido...plus cherry blossoms & wisteria in spring..

Sapporo / Otaru / Shiraoi / Noboribetsu / Lake Toya / Hakodate / Seikan Tunnel / Morioka / Hiraizumi / Matsushima / Nikko / Hitachi Seaside Park

The must see sights of hokkaido & tohoku with spring cherry blossoms and baby blue eye flowers at hitachi seaside park..

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The Ultimate Japanese Road Trips

Editorial Manager

Taking a road trip across Japan is a unique experience. The country has a rapid and efficient train network servicing all of the major cities, so head for those really tricky-to-reach destinations to justify your trip. Here’s our guide to getting behind the wheel and discovering the best Japan has to offer.

The rail system in Japan is so good, most visitors opt for public transport to get around, and we’re big fans of it, too. The fast, efficient, clean and safe option makes getting around a simple pleasure. But there are still some remote areas where four wheels are best – with stunning scenery and comfortable roads to enjoy en route.

Things to know before your road trip

Driving in Japan is a surprisingly straightforward affair, and hiring a car is just as easy, too. Foreigners looking to hire a vehicle will need to have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP), but this is becoming a basic requirement in most countries now.

Typically all cars are graded by size and put into classes. The Kei (light) option is fine for city commuting and short jaunts, but you wouldn’t really want to tackle any of the expressways in these economic vehicles. The Standard Class will suit most road-trip requirements; if you have the time, you could even plan longer routes that take more than a month, as packing your luggage into the boot won’t be a problem. Green vehicles are increasingly popular here, too, while for the ultimate show-offs there are luxury and sports options. And if you’re travelling as a family or in a larger group, how about a minivan?

The most important thing is to know what to expect. Mountain trails are very different to coastal routes, and the right car can make the experience more enjoyable. Speed limits are relatively low in Japan, and as such many Japanese drivers tend to take their time, even on the expressways.

A couple of other things to note. If you’re planning to cover any great distance, you will almost inevitably use a toll road. So check out expressway passes and ETC cards that can save you money and time. Finally, most vehicles come with satnav as standard – but be sure it’s set to your language before starting off.

The best road trips in Japan

So you’ve sorted out your vehicle and are all set, but where to go? Here are some of our top picks.

Roller Coaster Road, Hokkaido

The breathtaking northernmost island in Japan is worth driving around for a few days. Sapporo, the capital, hosts an annual snow festival and has previously hosted the Winter Olympics. The best feature for drivers, however, is the undulating carriageway in Furano, which has earned the nickname of the Roller Coaster Road. A road trip and theme-park ride all in one go!

Kyoto to Tsunoshima

The starting point here is Kyoto , one of Japan’s most popular cultural destinations where you can enjoy a few relaxing nights before hitting the road. Tsunoshima, a remote island in the Japan Sea and part of the Yamaguchi prefecture, is the perfect destination for a short road trip from Kyoto, as the approach from the mainland is a spectacular bridge over the ocean.

Osaka to Chiba

You have to be a fan of urban driving for this one – and potential traffic jams – but if you time it right, you’ll get a fantastic driving experience though the tunnels of Tokyo. Hit the capital after dark, when the Bayshore Route of the Shuto Expressway becomes a futuristic playground. The route, known as the Wangan, takes you around Tokyo Bay through long tunnels and over bridges. The rest of the route isn’t as exciting, but it is a scenic way to cut through Tokyo to the underrated Chiba.

Mount Fuji to Mount Aso

Mount Fuji is so popular, it’s relatively easy to get to by rail or road, but the ultimate destination is Mount Aso, the country’s most active volcano, on Kyushu, Japan’s third largest island. The road here is picturesque, and there’s little to worry about in terms of volcanic activity, so you can relax and enjoy the ride. For the best views of Mount Fuji, take the Mikuni Pass, although it might be a slight detour at the start of your trip.

Hakone Hill Turnpike, Kanagawa

Let your inner boy racer takeover on this hill climb through the trees in Hakone. Just north of Tokyo, this area, known as a geopark, has plenty of hot springs to enjoy and calming ryokans to stay in. On your way you might end up driving through turnpikes. The roads here are usually quiet, so you won’t be expected to drift round corners as your tyres light up, but it’s still a thrill.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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10 road trips that will show you the best of Japan

Mar 28, 2024 • 7 min read

Hitting the road in Japan lets you take in spectacular landscapes, like those around volcanic Mt Aso in Kyūshū © grandspy_photos / Shutterstock

Want to see the best of Japan ? We suggest hitting the road.

Whether you’re swerving along the asphalt in the wild and expansive north, skirting the towering bluffs and wave-battered coasts of western Honshū , or winding through the archipelago of the Inland Sea, you can’t beat the freedom of being behind the wheel.

And as an island nation with nearly three-quarters of its terrain covered by mountains, Japan knows how to deliver epic scenic drives.

Buckle up: here’s the list of our 10 favorite road trips in Japan.

1. The Seto Inland Sea along the Shimanami Kaidō

Best road trip for scenic island-hopping via suspension bridges   Onomichi – Imabari; 70km (43 miles), allow one day

A popular cycling and scenic driving route, the Shimanami Kaidō traces lazy “S” shapes along the Seto Inland Sea via wind-whipped suspension bridges and island villages lost in time.

Drivers who move at a leisurely pace will be rewarded with watercolor views of the Inland Sea haze silhouetting the many humpbacked islands that dot its expanse. 

Detour: For a detour you won’t forget, check out Kōsan-ji , a singularly kitschy temple on the island of Ikuchi-jima. This garish religious monument fuses a litany of architectural styles, from Italian marble foundations to ancient Chinese iconography. 

2. Coast-to-coast Hokkaidō

Best road trip for gorgeous northern countryside Rausu – Hakodate; 700km (435 miles), 3–4 days

Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaidō  is a driver’s dream: vast, untamed, sparsely populated and veined with quality roads (though they’re best avoided during winter’s copious snows).

The recommended coast-to-coast drive traverses over 400 miles (644km) of open road, from the UNESCO-recognized Shiretoko Peninsula in the east to the old colonial port town of Hakodate in the west. 

Given the wealth of natural scenery and worthwhile diversions, this is a worth savoring slowly savored,: the 17-mile (27km) pencil-straight “Road to Heaven” highway  (天に続く道); the calderas and primeval forests of Akan-Mashū National Park; the “Roller Coaster Rd,” which zigzags almost vertically through the pastoral farmlands of Biei; and Sapporo , a lively entertainment hub and the largest metropolis north of Tokyo . 

3. Shikoku’s 88 temples pilgrimage 

Best road trip for meditative magic, secret surf spots and solitude Naruto – Sanuki; 1200km (745 miles), two weeks

It may seem antithetical to embark upon a pilgrimage on four wheels. Yet with 88 individual temples to discover along 1200 kilometers of terrain on the Shikoku henro (pilgrimage) – dedicated to the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kōbō Daishi – you’re going to want all the help you can get. 

We recommend entering from Kōbe along the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge (its main span is 2km /1.25 miles): you’ll have jaw-dropping sea-to-coast vistas.

The temple route traverses all four of Shikoku’s prefectures, passes through its most bustling port cities, and encourages plenty of stops for bucolic forest walks, onsen soaks and short temple sojourns.

Local tip: If you get lost, keep your eyes peeled for pilgrims in white clothes and carrying bamboo walk sticks along the roadsides.

4. Izu Peninsula to Hakone

Best road trip for variety, from sea level to Mt Fuji highs Minamiizu – Hakone; 115km (71 miles), 1–2 days

The epic route from the Izu Peninsula to Hakone is a favorite among driving enthusiasts.

From the Izu Peninsula ’s southern tip, the coastal highway passes through Shimoda, a surfers’ haunt and historic port town, and Higashiizu, whose “Moon Road” – so called for dreamy view of waxing moons that trace a beam of light across the Pacific – supposedly imbues any witness with a divine energy.

Further north, the road hugs the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone , from which you’ll get scintillating views of Mt Fuji on a clear day. 

Finish this road trip in style on the Hakone Skyline, a famously twisty  tōge (mountain road) that served as an inspiration for the Hollywood movie  The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (though the actual mountain drift-race scenes in the film were shot in LA).

Local tip: The driftway is one of 30-plus “Melody Roads” in Japan – the name derives from the tactile grooves that produce a range of notes as they send vibrations up through your car.

5. Kyūshū: Mt Aso to Cape Sata 

Best road trip for soaking up subtropical volcanic vibes Mt. Aso – Cape Sata; 322km (200 miles), 2–3 days

Drive through the rolling grasslands of Kumamoto to find Japan’s largest caldera and active volcano, Mt Aso. The Aso Panorama Line offers the best course, weaving along the caldera’s outer rim and perpetually casting its gaze toward the belching volcano in the middle. 

From Aso, head south along the spine of Kyūshū  toward the most southern tip of Japan’s four main islands, Cape Sata.

Planning tip: Before you arrive at the observatory pinned to the Pacific coast, consider a night at one of the many onsen towns en route, or an overnight stay in the laid-back subtropical city of Kagoshima  to enjoy some black pork, sweet-potato shōchū (distilled liquor) and views of volcano Sakurajima seemingly floating on the bay.

6. The Noto Peninsula drive

Best road trip for dramatic coastal seascapes Takaoka – Kanazawa; 236km (147 miles), 1–2 days

From the picture-perfect sunrise of Amaharashi Beach to the bracing coastline of Ishikawa Prefecture, this road trip will take you past some of Japan’s finest coastal scenery.

The route centers around Noto, a dark, rugged peninsula that’s home to solemn shrines and dramatic seascapes. In west Noto, you’ll also find the Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces tumbling down toward the sea, and the port city of Wajima, with its 1000-year-old morning market.

Finish the journey in Kanazawa , a former samurai stronghold and custodian of Japan’s traditional arts and crafts.

Planning tip: The city is home to a number of enlightening museums, including the impressive 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art .

7. Coastal Wakayama

Best road trip for  onsen , sacred trails and a castle Wakayama City – Shingu; 180km (112 miles), allow one day

Wakayama Prefecture sits on the bulbous Kii Peninsula south of the Osaka–Kyoto conurbation and is the gateway to the misty forests of the Kumano Kodō pilgrimage trail. 

The 100-mile (160km) coastal road skirts Wakayama’s 16th-century feudal castle and the onsen (hot spring) resort town of Shirahama, where evening suns set behind the moon-shaped hole of Engetsu-tō Island.

The toothy rock features and soaring cliffs of Kushimoto in the south will both vie for your attention. The route culminates in Shingu on the Mie Prefecture border, where Kamikura-jinja shrine marks the spot upon which Japan’s Shinto gods are said to have first descended to the earth. 

8. Central Western Japan: Shimane to Kyōtango

Best road trip for cool geology, chill coastline and an ancient shrine Iino-Ura – Ine; 355km (22o miles), 2–3 days

The scenic drive from Iino-Ura (Shimane) to Ine (Kyōtango) snakes between dense forests and a sparsely populated coastline.

Along the way, you’ll hit Izumo, home to one of Japan’s oldest shrines ( Izumo Taisha ), the sparkling bay of Lake Shinji in Matsue City, and Japan’s only large dune system at Tottori’s San’in Kaigan Geopark. 

In the Kyōtango region, rolling hills and crystal-blue waters set the scene for your final destination: Ine, a picture-book village famed for its funaya (fishing boat houses) built on stilts above the waterline.

Best road trip for exploring rural backroads Fukushima City – Aomori City; 335km (208 miles), 2–3 days

Tōhoku , a region whose name means “northeast,” is webbed with immaculate roads that carve through its national parks, virgin forests, and towns and cities still recovering from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. 

The journey from Fukushima to Aomori swerves past the green-coated islets of Matsushima Bay – whose beauty is said to have put the 17th-century father of Japan’s haiku poetry, Matsuo Bashō, at a loss for words – and the foamy seascapes and knobbly sea stacks of the 1000km-long (621km) Michinoku Coastal Trail.

Detour: Top detours include the winding road to the large volcanic crater lake at Mt Zaō in Miyagi Prefecture, and the road circumnavigating Aomori’s pristine Lake Towada, whose serene waters you can paddle by kayak.

10. Tsushima

Best road trip for remote historic sites and isolated beauty Cape Tsutsu – Kankoku Observatory; 70km (43 miles), 1–2 days

Limited access to public transport and an abundance of lush coastal scenery make Tsushima perfect for exploring on a road trip.

This small island – off Japan’s west coast, in the middle of the Korea Strait – provided the backdrop for the critically acclaimed 2020 PlayStation game Ghost of Tsushima . 

Though only 43 miles (70km) north-to-south, Tsushima brims with natural and manmade wonders: the Kaneda Fortress ruins, the lonely Watatsumi Shrine, islet-littered Asō Bay and the Korean-style Kankoku Observatory on the island’s northern tip.

(On a clear day, you can see  Busan in South Korea  in the distance.) Day hikers can summit one of Tsushima’s forested peaks, while its rivers and beaches offer plenty of inviting spots to relax along your island drive.

This article was first published Apr 19, 2021 and updated Mar 28, 2024.

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Embark On Grandparent & Family Adventures With This Company’s Educational Trips

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It’s no secret that international travel is on the rise. What may be surprising, however, is that the number of grandparents traveling internationally with their grandkids is also surging.

Indeed, Road Scholar, which offers educational trips for adults, notes that enrollment in its 2023 international Grandparent Adventure programs has nearly rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. On the other hand, enrollment in its 2023 domestic Grandparent Adventure programs lags behind, at just over half of the company’s pre-pandemic numbers.

“The appetite for global exploration is stronger than ever,” Maeve Hartney, Road Scholar’s chief program officer, told TravelAwaits in a statement. “Our participants have shown us that they’re really ready to get out there and explore the world again this year, and their grandkids are just as eager to travel abroad with them.”

To accommodate that demand, Road Scholar has announced it’s adding more international trips to its 2024 Grandparent and Family programs.

That includes grandparent and grandkid trips to Germany, Copenhagen, and the Amalfi Coast. Grandparent and Family Programs for grandparents, their kids, and their grandkids include trips to Alaska and the Barrier Islands. Both Grandparent and Family Programs will soon be offered in Panama as well.

For 2023, Road Scholar expanded its program by adding Grandparent and Family Adventures to Japan, Australia, Greece, Idaho Whitewater Rafting, Hawaii, Virginia’s Chincoteague Bay, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Sailing the Maine Coast, Puerto Rico, San Juan Islands, San Diego, and STEM Kansas to its offerings.

How The Program Works

Road Scholar has been offering a program for grandparents and their grandkids — or families of grandparents, their kids, and their grandkids — to travel together since 1985.

“Looking for a special way to spend time with your grandchild?” Road Scholar asks .

“Share the best of the great outdoors with them as you snorkel in coral reefs, go whitewater rafting, or learn about animals at a zoo. You can even share their love for STEM projects as you learn about robots or even rockets!” Road Scholar continues. “Each learning adventure is created with your grandchild’s age and learning level in mind, allowing you both to have fun, learn, and make new friends. Together, you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime!”

You can choose from several adventures tailored to suit grandkids’ ages, or by interest, such as STEM, animals and wildlife, city discoveries, active outdoor adventures, and nature and environment.

Another approach is to choose a trip based on destination, including those in France, Florida, North America, national parks, and locations around the world.

What Grandparents Think Of The Program

Cindy and Jim Horner took their two grandsons on an African safari with Road Scholar in 2022, and this year, they traveled to Iceland with their two granddaughters.

“We have chosen to take our grandchildren on international trips to expose them to different geographical settings, cultures, and standards of living,” Cindy Horner said, according to Road Scholar. “It’s our hope that they return with a broadened understanding of the world.”

Meanwhile, Jean McMillan has taken three of her grandchildren on Road Scholar adventures. Her grandkids chose international trips, with her encouragement.

“I would have taken them on any of the trips,” McMillan said, according to Road Scholar. “I encouraged them to dream big so we could share memories of big adventures we had together.”

For more about traveling with grandkids, or kids and grandkids, be sure to read our Family Vacations content, including:

• Our Writers’ 8 Favorite Places To Travel With Their Grandkids In The U.S.
• 10 Perfect Multigenerational Trips To Experience This Summer
• 17 Tips For Planning The Perfect Multigenerational Trip

Jim Fulcher has been a writer and editor his entire career. In addition to writing, he also enjoys traveling--particularly in an RV. Over the course of numerous trips, Jim has driven an RV through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. His favorite national park is Yellowstone, which he has visited three times.

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Are you seeking an extraordinary travel experience that combines adventure, learning, and camaraderie? Look no further than Road Scholar Trips 2023, where knowledge meets exploration and unforgettable memories are created. In this article, we will delve into the world of Road Scholar and discover the exciting opportunities that await you in 2023.

What is Road Scholar?

Road Scholar, founded in 1975 as “Elderhostel,” is an educational travel organization dedicated to offering older adults affordable and immersive learning adventures. Over time, its offerings have expanded to welcome people of all ages and backgrounds who share a passion for exploration and a hunger for knowledge. With a diverse array of trips, Road Scholar provides enriching experiences that foster camaraderie and intellectual growth for all participants.

Why Choose Road Scholar Trips?

• In-Depth Learning: Road Scholar Trips transcend the typical vacation experience, offering intellectually stimulating journeys that delve into the rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonders at each destination. With the guidance of expert instructors and knowledgeable local guides, participants embark on immersive learning adventures, gaining profound insights into the places they visit. This educational approach ensures that every trip becomes a transformative experience, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around us.
• Small Group Setting: Unlike large tour groups that can feel impersonal, Road Scholar trips maintain a small group setting, typically around 10 to 24 participants. This allows for more personalized attention from instructors, a sense of camaraderie among travelers, and the opportunity to form lasting friendships.

• Diverse Destinations: Road Scholar offers a vast array of destinations, both domestic and international, providing travelers with an extensive selection of options. Whether you dream of exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, tracing the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, or immersing yourself in the artistic splendor of Florence, Road Scholar has a trip for you.
• All-Inclusive Packages: Let Road Scholar shoulder the burden of planning and organizing when you embark on one of their exceptional trips. With all-inclusive packages, you can leave your worries behind as accommodation, meals, in-trip transportation, and a diverse array of activities are seamlessly arranged for you. This thoughtful approach ensures a stress-free and budget-friendly travel experience, allowing you to focus solely on immersing yourself in the enriching adventures that await you.

Road Scholar Trips 2023 Highlights

As we look forward to the upcoming year, Road Scholar has some exciting trips planned for 2023. Let’s explore some of the top highlights:

• Cultural Immersion in Kyoto, Japan: Delve into the heart of Japanese culture as you explore the historic city of Kyoto. Participate in traditional tea ceremonies, witness the breathtaking cherry blossoms, and visit ancient temples with experienced local guides.
• Safari Adventure in Serengeti, Tanzania: Experience the wonders of the African savanna on a thrilling safari adventure in Serengeti National Park. Witness the Great Migration of wildebeests, spot the Big Five, and learn about the conservation efforts protecting these magnificent creatures.

• Historical Exploration in Athens, Greece: Embark on an extraordinary journey in Athens, Greece, to unearth the origins of Western civilization. Wander in the footsteps of ancient philosophers atop the iconic Acropolis, marveling at its timeless grandeur. Uncover the treasures of the National Archaeological Museum, where history comes alive through mesmerizing artifacts. And to complete your cultural immersion, indulge in the delectable delights of authentic Greek cuisine, a true gastronomic experience.
• Art and Architecture in Barcelona, Spain: Step into the kaleidoscope of colors and creativity that is Barcelona, a living canvas of art and architectural wonders. Get lost in the spellbinding world of Antoni Gaudí as you stand in wonder beneath the soaring spires of the Sagrada Família. Unravel the enigmatic genius of Pablo Picasso at the eponymous museum, delving deep into the mind and soul of the maestro through his extraordinary works. Barcelona beckons with a symphony of artistry and inspiration that will leave you breathless.
• Wildlife Encounters in the Galápagos Islands: Embark on a journey to the Galápagos Islands, where Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution came to life. Snorkel with sea turtles, encounter playful sea lions, and observe unique species found nowhere else on Earth.

How to Prepare for a Road Scholar Trip?

Preparing for these trips is an essential part of ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to get ready for your adventure:

• Fitness Level Assessment: Some Road Scholar trips involve moderate physical activity, such as walking tours and hikes. Assess your fitness level and choose a trip that aligns with your capabilities.
• Travel Documents and Insurance: Ensure your passport and any necessary visas are up-to-date for international trips. Additionally, consider travel insurance to protect your investment and provide peace of mind during your journey.

• Pack Light, Pack Smart: Follow the packing list provided by Road Scholar, and be mindful of the climate and activities at your destination. Pack comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear to make the most of your experience.

4. Stay Informed: Read up on the history, culture, and attractions of your destination to enrich your understanding and appreciation during the trip.

Get ready to seize the opportunities that Road Scholar Trips 2023 holds for adventure, learning, and camaraderie. Whether you’re a seasoned Road Scholar traveler or a first-time explorer, the experiences awaiting you are boundless. Embark on a unique and enriching educational journey that promises personal growth and new friendships. With Road Scholar, the world becomes your classroom, and each trip is an opportunity for discovery. Don’t delay; book your journey today and embrace the educational adventure of a lifetime!

Q1. What is the meaning of Road Scholar? Ans: Road Scholar is an educational travel organization that offers immersive learning adventures for people of all ages. Q2. Are these organization cruises expensive? Ans: The cost of Road Scholar cruises varies depending on the destination, cruise duration, and inclusions, but they generally offer good value for the comprehensive educational experiences they provide. Q3. Is travel insurance recommended for these Trips? Ans: Road Scholar highly recommends travel insurance to protect your investment and provide peace of mind during your journey. Travel insurance can help cover unexpected events, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost baggage. Q4. Can I travel solo on Road Scholar Trips? Ans: Yes, solo travelers are welcome on Road Scholar Trips. In fact, many participants join the trips individually, creating a diverse and inclusive community of learners and explorers. Q5. Is there any pre-trip preparation required for Road Scholar Trips? Ans: Some Road Scholar Trips may have recommended pre-trip readings or preparation materials to enhance the learning experience. Participants are advised to review the trip materials provided by Road Scholar and prepare accordingly for their upcoming journey.

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1,508 Trips match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

Explore Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

• Ride the ferry to Madeline Island (the only inhabited island in the chain) to explore Big Bay State Park with its pristine barrier beach and boardwalk
• Delve into the history of shipwrecks near the Apostle Island in an expert presentation by the retired director of the Lake Superior Maritime Visitors Center
• Hear some great tales of how the locals survived in the early years in this beautiful but sometimes harsh environment

50 plus, Education / Learning

On the Home Front in Vicksburg, Key to the Confederacy

• In Jackson, learn how “Chimneyville” was burned four times by Federal troops in the 1860s, and visit the old capitol and The Oaks, two of only a few buildings to survive the fires
• Discuss the Vicksburg military campaign in antebellum Cedar Grove, built in 1840 and home to original furnishings and remnants of the siege, including a Union cannon ball embedded in the wall
• Explore the Vicksburg National Military Park, one of the largest such parks in the nation, highlighted by a field trip to the U

Independent Venice: Power and Beauty

Venetian Lagoon, Venice

• An exceptional opportunity to visit St
• Mark’s Basilica at night, when its beauty can be experienced without crowds
• Cristina Gregorin, author of “Venice Master Artisans,” gives you a fascinating look at traditional Venetian crafts including Carnival masks
• Revel in a Vivaldi concert performed on prestigious original instruments by the chamber music ensemble Interpreti Veneziani

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning

Italian Extravaganza: Rome, Florence and Venice at their Finest

Borghese Gallery, Colosseum, Forum, Rome, Sistine Chapel, Venice

• Enjoy two hour private visit to the Sistine Chapel and an evening concert in Venice
• Reserved entrance times to major museums: the Colosseum, the Borghese Gallery, the Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David, the Doge’s Palace in Venice and more
• Savor a vineyard lunch in Chianti in the Tuscan countryside

Spring Training Baseball with the Boston Red Sox

• Attend up to four practice games with a chance to see your favorite Red Sox players
• Meet with baseball experts, retired players and umpires as you discuss the rules, regulations, heroes and legends
• Explore baseball’s early beginnings, including the history of the former Negro League in the early 1880s

City Walks: Exploring Stockholm’s Neighborhoods

• At the Östermalm Saluhallarna (food halls), an expert in Swedish cuisine guides a tasting of local specialties such as

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Ultimate Opera: Two Productions at the Met

New York, York

• Attend two performances of notable operas, and take a field trip to explore Lincoln Center
• Enjoy presentations by professionals such as singers, an opera director, conductor, chorus master or historian (as available)
• Study selections from great operas, and enjoy a private demonstration-performance with an outstanding professional singer

Beyond Red Square: An In-Depth Exploration of Western Russia

Armory Museum, Kos, Moscow, St. Petersburg

• Discover historic architecture and authentic culture in Russia’s Golden Ring towns
• Ride an overnight train from Moscow to St
• Petersburg in the grand tradition of Russian travel
• Enjoy a traditional meal in a Russian family’s private “dacha” outside St

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10 Must-See Destinations on Road Scholar Trips in 2024

By knbbs-sharer.

Are you looking for some new and exciting travel destinations for your next adventure? Look no further than Road Scholar trips in 2024! These unique and educational trips offer a wide range of experiences, from cultural immersion to outdoor activities. Here are ten must-see destinations to add to your itinerary:

1. Iceland: Discover the natural wonders of this stunning country, from the Northern Lights to geothermal pools.

2. Machu Picchu, Peru: This ancient Incan city is a marvel of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Explore the history and beauty of this quaint coastal town, famous for its lighthouses and seafood.

4. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: Home to an incredible array of wildlife and natural wonders, this destination will leave you in awe.

5. Tuscany, Italy: Experience the charm and romance of Italy’s wine country with its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.

6. Patagonia, Chile: Hike among glaciers, visit vibrant cities, and witness some of the world’s most stunning scenery.

7. Japan: From tranquil gardens to bustling cities, Japan offers a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern culture.

8. Cuba: Explore a country that has remained largely untouched by modern influences and enjoy vibrant music, art, and cuisine.

9. Canadian Rockies: Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, lakes, and forests of western Canada.

10. Morocco: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this North African country, known for its stunning architecture and bustling markets.

No matter which destination you choose, a Road Scholar trip is the perfect way to experience the world’s wonders while learning and making new friends along the way. Don’t miss out on these unforgettable adventures in 2024!

(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

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DC/Dox Film Festival Unveils Second Annual Lineup (EXCLUSIVE)

By Addie Morfoot

Addie Morfoot

Contributor

• DC/Dox Film Festival Unveils Second Annual Lineup (EXCLUSIVE) 14 hours ago
• Ina Fichman, Oscar-Nominated Producer of ‘Fire of Love,’ Talks the Future of Hot Docs 21 hours ago
• How ‘Black Box Diaries’ Director Shiori Ito Set Out to Change How Japanese Society Deals With Sexual Assault 1 day ago

DC/Dox has unveiled the lineup for its second annual edition, which takes place in Washington, D.C., from June 13-16. The documentary festival will kick things off with “ Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story ,” the Warner Bros. Discovery film that premiered at Sundance earlier this year.

Popular on Variety

In April, Sitney revealed that Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui’s “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” was one of four docus that would make up DC/Dox’s Signature Screenings section. The remaining three docus in the program are: Lana Wilson’s “Look Into My Eyes” (DC/Dox Centerpiece film), Dawn Porter’s “Luther: Never Too Much” (DC/Dox Spotlight film), and Sally Aitkin’s “Every Little Thing” (DC/Dox Closing Night film). Each docu premiered at Sundance 2024.

“These four signature films capture important aspects of our human experience: resilience in the face of adversity, the beauty found in small acts of kindness, the power of art and music to unite people in our shared humanity, and the universal desire to find higher meaning in our lives,” said Sitney.

Six feature docus will make their world premieres at DC/Dox: They are: AJ Schnack’s “Majority Rules,” about Alaska’s decision to use ranked-choice voting; Ross Kauffman’s “Wild Wild Space” an exploration of private companies jostling for dominance in space; Catherine Gund’s “Paint Me a Road Out of Here,” about Faith Ringgold’s painting “For the Women’s House”; Bridget Hunnicutt’s “Breaking the West,” about a Russian oligarch’s ambitions in the West; Alexandra Shiva and Lindsey Megrue’s observational portrait of a psychiatric unit for young adults titled “One South: Portrait of a Psyche Ward”; and Asako Gladsjo’s “The Calling, which follows a group of medical students in the Bronx.

DC/Dox will also screen the North American premieres of Peter Middleton’s “Apollo Thirteen: Survival,” which chronicles the almost disastrous NASA mission, and Chad Freidrichs’ “The Cinema Within” about the art and science of film editing. Jeremy Xido’s “The Bones,” an examination of the high-stakes world of dinosaur bone trading, will make its U.S. premiere at the fest. The doc premiered in March at CPH:Dox.

“With this second edition, DC/Dox continues to provide a festival experience that can only be found in the nation’s capital,” says DC/Dox co-founder Jamie Shor. “This festival allows filmmakers the unique opportunity to connect with an audience that can be influencers and amplifiers of their work, as well as appreciators.”

DC/Dox 2024 PROGRAM

Signature Screenings

Signature Screenings Opening Night Screening: Thursday, June 13

SUPER/MAN:THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY: DIRS Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui. PRODS Lizzie Gillett, Robert Ford, and Ian Bonhôte. United Kingdom, USA. The story of Christopher Reeve is an astonishing rise from unknown actor to iconic movie star, marked by his definitive portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman. After becoming a quadriplegic he became a passionate advocate for disability rights, all while continuing his career in cinema, and dedicating himself to his beloved family. Courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery. Spotlight Screening: Friday, June 14

LUTHER: NEVER TOO MUCH: DIR Dawn Porter. PRODS Trish D. Chetty, Ged Doherty, Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner, and Leah Smith. USA. Using a wealth of rarely seen archives, the virtuoso vocalist Luther Vandross tells his own story with assistance from his closest friends including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson, and Roberta Flack. Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing. Centerpiece Screening: Saturday, June 15

LOOK INTO MY EYES: DIR Lana Wilson. PRODS Kyle Martin and Lana Wilson. USA. A group of New York City psychics conduct deeply intimate readings for their clients, revealing a kaleidoscope of loneliness, connection, and healing. Courtesy of A24. Closing Night Screening: Sunday, June 16 EVERY LITTLE THING: DIR Sally Aitken. PRODS Bettina Dalton, Oli Harbottle, and Anna Godas. Australia. Amid the glamor of Hollywood, Los Angeles, a woman finds herself on a transformative journey as she nurtures wounded hummingbirds, unraveling a visually captivating and magical tale of love, fragility, healing, and the delicate beauty in tiny acts of greatness. Courtesy of Wildbear Entertainment, Dogwoof, and HHMI Tangled Bank Studios.

Features 1-800-ON-HER-OWN: DIR Dana Flor. PROD Amy Hobby. USA. 1-800-ON-HER-OWN follows groundbreaking indie musician/feminist Ani DiFranco, founder of the first “woman-run non-corporate queer-happy” label, Righteous Babe Records, on a wild road trip from her punk-folk past to her life today as an activist, mother and rock star. Throughout, Ani remains resolutely true to herself, no matter the cost. ADMISSIONS GRANTED: DIRS Hao Wu and Miao Wang. PRODS Hao Wu and Miao Wang. USA. In a landmark Supreme Court case pitting Asian American plaintiffs against Harvard University, activists on both sides wrestle with hard truths about race and equality, as the fate of affirmative action hangs in the balance. Courtesy of MSNBC Films. AIN’T NO BACK TO A MERRY-GO-ROUND: DIR Ilana Trachtman. PROD Ilana Trachtman. USA. Five Howard University students rode a segregated carousel outside Washington, DC in 1960, igniting the first organized interracial civil rights protest in US history. This is the untold story of the Jews they marched with, Nazis they provoked, Congressmen they inspired, and Civil Rights leaders they became. Screening as part of DC/FRAME. AMERICA’S BURNING: DIR David Smick. PROD Ian Michaels. USA. America’s Burning explores the country’s divide through the lens of the U.S. economy and examines the big question — could an economic civil war take us all down? AND SO IT BEGINS: DIR Ramona S. Diaz. PROD Ramona S. Diaz. USA. Amidst the traditional pomp and circumstance of Filipino elections, a quirky people’s movement rises to defend the nation against deepening threats to truth and democracy. In a collective act of joy as a form of resistance, hope flickers against the backdrop of increasing autocracy. ANTIDOTE: DIR James Jones. PROD James Jones. United Kingdom. A deeply immersive and urgent film that reveals the cost of standing up to Vladimir Putin and daring to tell the truth about modern Russia. APOLLO THIRTEEN: SURVIVAL: DIR Peter Middleton. PRODS Hugh Davies and Clive Patterson. USA. In April 1970, NASA faced the greatest crisis in its history: three astronauts were halfway to the moon on a spacecraft that had suffered a catastrophic explosion. With access to NASA’s complete audiovisual archives, APOLLO THIRTEEN: SURVIVAL tells the story of a space mission like no other. North American Premiere. Courtesy of Netflix. THE BITTER PILL: DIR Clay Tweel. PRODS Tim Grant, Shannon E. Riggs, and Mary Rohlich. USA. A small-town lawyer takes on a 500 billion-dollar sector of the pharmaceutical industry to aid his community in its recovery from the opioid epidemic. BLACK BOX DIARIES: DIR Shiori Ito. PRODS Eric Nyari, Hanna Aqvilin, and Shiori Ito. Japan, United Kingdom, USA. Young journalist Shiori Ito embarks on a courageous investigation of her own sexual assault in an improbable attempt to prosecute her high-profile offender. Her quest becomes a landmark case in Japan, exposing the country’s outdated judicial and societal systems. Courtesy of Dogwoof. BLACK TABLE: DIRS John Antonio James and Bill Mack. PRODS Katie Taber, John Antonio James, Bill Mack. USA. For Black students at an elite college during the early days of the culture wars, the most important lessons didn’t happen inside the classroom. THE BONES: DIR Jeremy Xido. PROD Ina Fichman. Canada, Germany. Traversing the globe, paleontologists are on a quest to unearth dinosaur fossils that may hold the key to save humanity from extinction. It’s a race against time before the bones disappear into the hands of fossil dealers, who stand to make millions by selling them on the open market. US Premiere. Courtesy of Dogwoof. BREAKING THE WEST: DIR Bridget Hunnicutt. PRODS Bridget Hunnicutt, Mike Gehman, Eddie Stafford. USA. A Russian oligarch’s dream of becoming a pop star is derailed, as he is accused of influencing the 2016 US presidential election. World Premiere. Screening as part of DC/FRAME. THE CALLING: DIR Asako Gladsjo. PROD Tanya Blake. USA. Over the course of a year, a diverse group of medical students at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx learn what it takes to become doctors serving one of America’s most underserved communities. World Premiere. Courtesy of HHMI Tangled Bank Studios. CHAMPIONS OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY: DIR Ben Sturgulewski. PRODS Katie Stjernholm and Baktash Ahadi. USA. In the peaks of Afghanistan, villagers from rival ethnic groups build makeshift skis and convene for a thrilling mountain race that requires incredible camaraderie and resilience – lessons they must call upon when they experience the collapse of their country to the Taliban. THE CINEMA WITHIN: DIR Chad Freidrichs. PRODS Chad Freidrichs and Jaime Freidrichs. USA. Film editor Walter Murch, film scholar David Bordwell, and a group of psychologists suggest that film editing is profoundly “natural,” but in remote Turkish mountains, a budding researcher – alongside people who have never seen films – puts this deepest of cinematic ideas to the test. North American Premiere.

DAUGHTERS: DIRS Angela Patton and Natalie Rae. PRODS Natalie Rae, Lisa Mazzotta, Justin Benoliel, James Cunningham, Mindy Goldberg, Sam Bisbee, Kathryn Everett, and Laura Choi Raycroft. USA. Four young girls prepare for a special Daddy-Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers as part of a unique fatherhood program in a Washington, DC jail. Courtesy of Netflix.

DRIVER: DIR Nesa Azimi. PRODS Nesa Azimi, Nicolas Borel, and Ines Hofmann Kanna. USA. After losing everything, Desiree Wood takes a second lease on life as a long-haul truck driver. Alongside an irreverent group of women drivers, she fights for a life on the road.

EMERGENT CITY: DIRS Kelly Anderson and Jay Arthur Sterrenberg. PRODS Brenda Avila-Hanna, Kelly Anderson. USA. As rents and sea levels rise, Brooklyn residents confronting a new real estate development navigate a tangled web of power, money and politics.

THE FIRST CLASS: Lee Hirsh. PRODS. Robert Fernandez, Lee Hirsch. USA. A rousing documentary that immerses viewers into the lives of the very first students and teachers at Memphis’s Crosstown High.

HOLLYWOODGATE: DIR Ibrahim Nash’at. PRODS Talal Derki, Odessa Rae, and Shane Boris. Germany. When the United States withdrew from Afghanistan, the Taliban retook control of the ravaged country and immediately found an American base loaded with weaponry. Unprecedented and audacious, director Ibrahim Nash’at’s HOLLYWOODGATE spends a year inside Afghanistan following the Taliban as they take possession of the cache America left behind—and transform from a fundamentalist militia into a heavily armed military regime.

INHERITANCE: DIRS Matt Moyer and Amy Toensing. PRODS Matt Moyer and Amy Toensing. USA. Filmed over 11 years, INHERITANCE follows Curtis, a young boy, as he grows up in rural Appalachia in a family and community surrounded by substance use disorder and poverty. Can Curtis break the cycle of addiction that has plagued his family for generations?

INTERCEPTED: DIR Oksana Karpovych. PRODS Rocío B. Fuentes, Pauline Tran Van Lieu, Lucie Rego, Darya Bassel, and Olha Beskhmelnytsina. Canada, France, Ukraine. Quiet scenes of everyday life for Ukrainians since the full-scale invasion play out in stark contrast with intercepted phone conversations between Russian soldiers and their families, creating a stunning tension between sound and image.

LOVE MACHINA: DIR Peter Sillen. PRODS Brendan Doyle and Peter Sillen. USA. LOVE MACHINA follows Bina48, a humanoid AI, commissioned in 2007 by Martine & Bina Rothblatt. An early sketch of potential digital consciousness, Bina48 is our vehicle to explore the Rothblatts’ futurist ideas and their quest to be in love forever.

MADE IN ETHIOPIA: DIRS Xinyan Yu and Max Duncan. PRODS Tamara Dawit, Xinyan Yu, and Max Duncan. Canada, Ethiopia, USA, United Kingdom. When a massive Chinese factory complex attempts a high-stakes expansion in rural Ethiopia, three women in search of prosperity have their faith in industrialization tested to the limit. Courtesy of Dogwoof.

MEDIHA: DIR Hasan Oswald. PRODS Hasan Oswald, Annelise Mecca, Fahrinisa Campana, Alexander Spiess, and Stephen Nemeth. USA. Mediha, a teenage Yazidi girl who has recently returned from ISIS captivity, turns her camera on herself to process her trauma. She confronts her past through personal video-diaries, reclaiming her voice and stepping bravely towards the future. Courtesy of The Film Collaborative.

NEW WAVE: Elizabeth Ai. PRODS. Rachel Sine, Elizabeth Ai. USA. Mile-high hair. Synthesized music. Underground parties. Elizabeth Ai was on a mission to excavate an untold story of rebellious punks in the chaotic world of 80s Vietnamese new wave until she rediscovered a hidden past. Courtesy of The Film Collaborative.

OMAR AND CEDRIC: IF THIS EVER GETS WEIRD: DIR Nicolas Jack Davies. PRODS. Germany. Whittled down from hundreds of hours of footage shot by Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala, this film offers an all-access pass to the masterminds behind the Grammy award-winning band, The Mars Volta. Courtesy of Autlook Filmsales.

ONE SOUTH: PORTRAIT OF A PSYCH UNIT: DIRS Alexandra Shiva and Lindsey Megrue. PROD Matt Gottesfeld. USA. A deeply intimate, two-part observational portrait of an inpatient psychiatric unit in Queens, NY that specializes in treating young adults in acute crisis. World Premiere. Courtesy of HBO Documentary Films.

PAINT ME A ROAD OUT OF HERE: DIR Catherine Gund. PROD Tanya Selvaratnam. USA. Featuring artists Faith Ringgold and Mary Baxter, PAINT ME A ROAD OUT OF HERE uncovers the whitewashed history of Faith’s masterpiece For the Women’s House and follows its 50-year journey from Rikers Island to the Brooklyn Museum in a heartbreaking, funny, and true parable for a world without mass incarceration. World Premiere.

A PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY: DIR Rachel Elizabeth Seed. PRODS Kirsten Johnson, Maida Lynn, Hinda Gilbert, and Robina Riccitiello. USA. A PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY is an intimate, genre-bending portrait of a daughter’s attempt to piece together a portrait of her mother, an avant-garde journalist and a woman she never knew. Uncovering the vast archive Sheila Turner Seed produced, including lost interviews with iconic photographers Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gordon Parks, Cecil Beaton, Bruce Davidson, Lisette Model, and others, the film explores memory, legacy, and stories left untold. Courtesy of The Film Collaborative.

PORCELAIN WAR: DIRS Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev. PRODS Aniela Sidorska, Paula DuPre’ Pesmen, Camilla Mazzaferro, and Olivia Ahnemann. USA. Under roaring fighter jets, Ukrainian artists Slava, Anya, and Andrey choose to stay behind. Defiantly finding beauty amid destruction, they show that although it’s easy to make people afraid, it’s hard to destroy their passion for living.

PRECONCEIVED: DIRS Sabrine Keane and Kate Dumke. PRODS Heather Keane, Maggie Contreras, and Sabrine Keane. USA. PRECONCEIVED explores the pervasive presence of crisis pregnancy centers throughout the US, and their role in furthering the anti-abortion movement. Courtesy of The Film Collaborative.

THE RIDE AHEAD: DIRS Dan Habib and Samuel Habib. PROD Erica Lupinacci. USA. Samuel Habib is a typical 21-year-old, itching to move out, start a career and find love. But no one tells you how to be an adult, let alone an adult with a disability. Can a community of disability activists help him follow his dreams?

SABBATH QUEEN: DIR Sandi DuBowski. PROD Sandi DuBowski. USA. Filmed over 21 years, SABBATH QUEEN follows Amichai Lau-Lavie, descendent of 38 generations of rabbis, from drag-queen rebel to rabbi, as he radically reinvents religion and ritual, challenges patriarchy and supremacy, and stands up for peace.

SECRET MALL APARTMENT: DIR Jeremy Workman. PROD Jeremy Workman. USA. In 2003, eight young Rhode Islanders created a secret apartment in a hidden space inside the Providence Place Mall and lived in it for four years, filming along the way. More than a wild prank, the secret apartment became a meaningful place for everyone involved.

SHAKING IT UP: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF LIZ CARPENTER: DIRS Abby Ginzberg and Christy Carpenter. PRODS Abby Ginzberg and Christy Carpenter. USA. Over her 89 years, Liz Carpenter was often front and center where history was unfolding, leaving her own indelible mark on some of the most vivid moments and movements that shaped the twentieth century. As journalist, vice-presidential advisor, White House official, author, humorist, and feminist leader she blazed important trails.

SKYWALKERS: A LOVE STORY: DIRS Jeff Zimbalist and Maria Bukhonina. PRODS Jeff Zimbalist, Maria Bukhonina, Chris Smith, and Tamir Ardon. USA. To save their careers and their relationships, a daredevil couple journeys across the globe to illegally climb the world’s last super skyscraper and perform a life-or-death acrobatic stunt on the spire. Courtesy of Netflix.

SOUNDTRACK TO A COUP D’ETAT: DIR Johan Grimonprez. PRODS Daan Milius and Rémi Grellety. France. Jazz and decolonization are entwined in this historical rollercoaster that rewrites the Cold War episode that led musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach to crash the UN Security Council in protest against the murder of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba.

STORY & PICTURES BY: DIR Joanna Rudnick. PRODS Joanna Rudnick, Tim Horsburgh, and Korelan Matteson. USA. This is a story about the boundary pushers who shape souls and give children strange dreams; picture book creators who are changing the narrative for the next generation, even when their own lives are not fairytales.

SUGARCANE: DIRS Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie. PRODS Emily Kassie and Kellen Quinn. USA, Canada. An investigation into abuse and missing children at an Indian residential school ignites a reckoning on the nearby Sugarcane Reserve. Courtesy of National Geographic Documentary Films.

UNION: DIRS Brett Story and Stephen Maing. PRODS Brett Story, Stephen Maing, Samantha Curley, Mars Verrone, and Martin Dicicco. USA. The Amazon Labor Union (ALU)—a group of current and former Amazon workers in New York City’s Staten Island—takes on one of the world’s largest and most powerful companies in the fight to unionize. Courtesy of The Film Collaborative.

WAR GAME: DIRS Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber. PRODS Todd Lubin, Jesse Moss, Jack Turner, Mark DiCristofaro, Jessica Grimshaw, and Nick Shumaker. USA. A bipartisan group of U.S. defense, intelligence, and elected policymakers spanning five presidential administrations participate in an unscripted role-play exercise, set on January 6, 2025, in which they confront a political coup backed by rogue members of the U.S. military, in the wake of a contested presidential election.

WILD WILD SPACE: DIR Ross Kauffman. PRODS Jaye Callahan, Ashlee Vance, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank, Adam McKay, Todd Schulman, Christopher Collins, Lydia Tenaglia, and Craig H. Shepherd. USA. Less than one hundred miles above our heads is where some of the most valuable real estate in the universe lives: Low Earth Orbit. This is an extraterrestrial land grab, a galactic Wild West where the cowboys are visionaries, tinkerers, and capitalists dead set on owning the future. WILD WILD SPACE delivers the audience into this critical and unknown world. World Premiere. Courtesy of HBO Documentary Films.

14 PAINTINGS: DIR Dongnan Chen. PRODS Jiaqing Lin, Chongjun Li, Dongnan Chen, Jisong Li, and Heying Chen. China. A field study of fourteen paintings from China’s Dafen village, as the government rebrands the copy-painting district as a hub for original art.

51ST STATE: DIR Hannah Rosenzweig. PRODS List Rubin and Ray Whitehouse. USA. 51ST STATE explores the emerging national issue of DC statehood from the personal perspective of one of DC’s most vibrant Gen Z leaders – set against the overlooked cultural backdrop of our capital city and a deep yet virtually unknown crack in our democracy. World Premiere. Screening as part of DC/FRAME.

ANYUKA: DIR Maya Erdelyi. PROD Marga Varea. USA. A story of a marvelous and tragic life as told across three generations.

BEEN THERE: DIR Corina Schwingruber Ilić. PROD Stella Händler. Switzerland. Weekend trips, city breaks, a detour into nature or around the world, tourists become invaders in search of the best pictures.

THE BIG WAIT: DIR Yannick Jamey. PRODS Lucy Pijnenburg and Yannick Jamey. Australia. In a remote desert town in Australia, population two, a couple manages an emergency airport and keeps vacant cottages in pristine condition, waiting for visitors who never seem to arrive.

BOB’S FUNERAL: DIR Jack Dunphy. PROD Jordan Tetewsky. USA. Searching for the root of generational trauma, the director takes a camera into his estranged grandfather’s funeral.

A BORDER BETWEEN US: DIR Riad Arfin. PROD Charlotte Hailstone. United Kingdom. How does a couple with roots in two different countries find a place to make home? North American Premiere.

THE CALLERS: DIR Lindsey Dryden. PRODS Colleen Cassingham, Samantha Steele, Lindsey Dryden. USA. Anonymous documentary testimony from the UK’s oldest queer support line is blended with imagined creative scenes to tell the stories of those who have sought help from it in times of need.

CAN I HUG YOU?: DIR Elahe Esmaili. PROD Hossein Behboudi Rad. Iran, United Kingdom. In the Iranian city of Qom, restrictions are imposed on women in the name of “sexual safety.” Hossein grew up in this context, but as a young boy he found himself victimized, left to carry this secret into adulthood. Now, with the help of his wife Elahe, he is confronting his trauma. North American Premiere.

CHRISTMAS, EVERY DAY: DIR Faye Tsakas. PRODS Enrique Pedraza Botero, Rowan Ings, Lauren Howell, and Faye Tsakas. USA. From their rural Alabama home, two preteen girls market fashion and beauty products to thousands of online fans.

CONTRACTIONS: DIR Lynne Sachs. PRODS Emily Berisso and Laura Goodman. USA. Intimate confessions, paired with experimental choreography outside a woman’s clinic in Memphis, offer a glimpse into the end of safe and legal abortion access in the US. Plays with companion audio piece, WE CONTINUE TO SPEAK, featuring recordings of the participants and producers of CONTRACTIONS as they vocalize their reactions to the reduction of women’s bodily autonomy in the United States.

EAT FLOWERS: DIR River Autumn Finlay. PRODS Cig Harvey and Sashka Rothchild. USA. When a dear friend is forced into isolation with a rare form of leukemia, artist Cig Harvey sets out to fill her sterile world with beauty and magic.

FAMILIA: DIRS Picho García and Gabriela Pena. PRODS Gabriela Pena and Picho García. Chile. The dual nature of social media is revealed when a young man tries to get an appealing profile picture, while the family WhatsApp chat is sharing the last days of the grandfather’s life

FRANK: DIR David Gauvey Herbert. PRODS Lance Oppenheim, Abigail Rowe, and Nate Hurtsellers. USA. At 99 years old, Frank Lucianna is America’s oldest practicing attorney. Now, he’s preparing for his final criminal trial.

HELLO STRANGER: DIR Amélie Hardy. PRODS Sarah Mannering and Fanny Drew. Canada. Between loads of laundry at the corner laundromat, Cooper shares the tumultuous story of her gender reassignment journey.

HINDSIGHT: DIR Max Rykov. PRODS Anna Rykova and Igor Rykov. Ukraine, USA. A visual meditation on the memories of two young Ukrainians emerging from the fall of the Iron Curtain, Hindsight looks at the fragility of our roots, the impermanence of our cultures, and the transience of our freedom through the lens of a VHS camera in the late 1990s. Screening as part of DC/FRAME.

HOLD THE LINE: DIR Daniel Lombroso. PROD Devon Blackwell. USA. When the largest Protestant organization in the U.S. decides to purge women in leadership positions, one prominent female pastor fights back. East Coast Premiere. Courtesy of The New Yorker.

I AM THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: DIR Frank Eli Martin. PRODS Sophie Outhwaite and Solomon Golding. United Kingdom. A visionary devotion to the Virgin Mary in rural Ireland reveals the hushed secrets that exist beneath the surface of the country’s Catholic institutions.

IN DUE SEASON: DIR Ashley O’Shay. PROD Cherrelle Swain. USA. Despite the Obama-era push for expansion under the Affordable Care Act, ten states—mainly in the South—opted out, leaving many low-income families without healthcare coverage. IN DUE SEASON introduces us to three individuals caught in this gap. World Premiere.

INSTRUMENTS OF A BEATING HEART: DIR Ema Ryan Yamazaki. PROD Eric Nyari. Japan. As first-grader Ayame traverses the ups and downs of music auditions and performances, lessons of sacrifice and resilience in the Japanese education system are revealed. World Premiere. Courtesy of The New York Times Op-Docs.

JE M’APPELLE MARIIA: DIR Juho Reinikainen. PRODS Hedi NIkzad, Aalto University, and ELO Film School Finland. Finland. Ukrainian Mother and daughter Liubov and Mariia start on a European journey toward Mariia’s big dream of visiting Paris and studying in France.

THE LEGACY OF LEE’S FLOWER SHOP: DIR Kamilah Thurmon. PRODS Rick Lee, Stacie Lee, and Kristie Lee. USA. Lee’s Flower and Card Shop, the oldest Black-owned flower shop in Washington, DC, has planted seeds of wisdom and perseverance in the District since 1945. Screening as part of DC/FRAME.

MY DEAD DAD: DIRS Abby Ellis and Erik Osterholm. PRODS Omar Mullick, Michael Simkin, and Erik Osterholm. USA. With a cult-like following at the New York Times, Christopher Gray throws his family for a posthumous loop when he requests that his body be defleshed and his skeleton preserved for permanent display—a request his daughter strictly abides, but not before a last father-daughter road trip along the way.

ON THE BATTLEFIELD: DIRS Theresa Delsoin, Lisa Marie Malloy, J.P. Sniadecki, and Ray Whitaker. PRODS Rachel Burns, Karin Chien, Judson Childs, Theresa Delsoin, Clarence Dossie, Wynne Hannan, Lisa Marie Malloy, J.P. Sniadecki, and Ray Whitaker. USA. In the Southern Illinois region of Little Egypt, a sound recordist walks through the fields where once stood Pyramid Courts – the housing projects that formed the heart of the Black community of his hometown, Cairo.

ONE STORY AT A TIME: CELESTE LECESNE: DIRS Eva Tenuto and Natalia Iyudin. PROD Kashka Glowacka. USA. Celeste Lecesne candidly shares how he escaped the confines of homophobia by sharing his truth with the world in an off-broadway solo-show that becomes an Academy Award-winning film and ultimately inspires The Trevor Project, the largest suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQIA+ youth.

THE ONLY GIRL IN THE ORCHESTRA: DIR Molly O’Brien. PRODS Lisa Remington and Molly O’Brien. USA. Orin O’Brien never wanted the spotlight, but when Leonard Bernstein made her the first female musician hired by the NY Philharmonic, it was inevitable. Exploring Orin’s remarkable career, we discover the key to life: “You don’t mind playing second fiddle.”

PENN F—ING STATION: DIR Claire Read. PRODS Nora DeLigter and Claire Read. USA. In NYC, the debate over how to fix Penn Station erupts between the city’s power brokers and residents. But what’s at stake is not just a transit hub; it’s the future of the city. World Premiere.

PUBLIC DEFENDER: DIR Andrea Kalin. PRODS Andrea Kalin, Ethan Oser, Kate Woodsome, Liz Gilbert Cohen, and Janice Engel. USA. What happens when a liberal public defender represents right-wing January 6th rioters? PUBLIC DEFENDER takes on America’s epidemic of division and misinformation with humanity and comic relief, modeling how to restore trust and accountability one relationship at a time. Screening as part of DC/FRAME.

THE PUZZLE PALACE: DIRS Jenny Schweitzer Bell and Brian Bell. PRODS Brian Bell, Jenny Schweitzer Bell, Justin Lacob, Kenny Laubbacher, and Bryn Mooser. USA. Amassing the world’s largest puzzle collection is a labor of love for one inseparable couple.

THE QUILTERS: DIR Jenifer McShane. PROD Jenifer McShane. USA. A quilting group inside a maximum security prison is an unlikely setting where incarcerated men create personalized quilts for local foster children. Through this process and the relationships formed, we witness the power of art to restore an individual’s view of themselves and others. World Premiere.

SEAT 31: ZOOEY ZEPHYR: DIR Kimberly Reed. PRODS Kimberly Reed and Robin Honan. USA. After Zooey Zephyr’s expulsion from the Montana House of Representatives for defending transgender medical care, she made a nearby bench her “office.” Director Kimberly Reed’s intimate camera transforms this shocking political moment into a portrait of trans and queer joy.

THE SOUND OF THE WIND: DIR Maria Pankova. PROD Sophia Carr-Gomm. United Kingdom. Yuliia has become a refugee in Scotland due to the war in Ukraine. She is fighting for the future of her children while trying to maintain her relationship with her husband, who is on the frontline.

THE TEST: DIRS Claudia Myers and Laura Waters Hinson. PROD Heather Brumley. USA. A Ghanaian maintenance worker at a Virginia retirement community dreams of becoming an American citizen to provide a better life for his family. With their future at stake, he enlists the help of two elderly residents to prepare for the biggest test of his life: the US Citizenship exam. Screening as part of DC/FRAME.

TO BE DESTROYED: DIR Arthur Bradford. PRODS Jennifer Ollman and Katie Taber. USA. Author Dave Eggers travels to Rapid City, SD after learning that five books, including his novel, The Circle, were removed from local high school shelves and designated “to be destroyed”. Courtesy of MSNBC Films.

TO BE INVISIBLE: DIR Myah Overstreet. PRODS Myah Overstreet, Devon Blackwell, Melissa Fajardo, Jennifer Redfearn, and Jason Spingarn-Koff. USA. For over three years, Alexis and Kellie have been fighting to get their children back. With the assistance of a former social worker turned parent advocate, these mothers are battling to reunite with their children, who were removed from their homes by the children’s welfare service.

UNTIL HE’S BACK: DIR Jacqueline Baylon. PROD Jacqueline Baylon. USA. After learning that his son, Yahya, has died at sea trying to get to Spain, Ahmed Tchiche must find a way to bring his remains back home to Morocco so he and his family can have a proper goodbye.

WE EXIST IN MEMORY: DIR Darian Woehr. PROD Hailey Sadler. USA. How do you rebuild home from nothing but memories? Through the candid conversations between a grandmother and grandchild living in refuge, we witness the complexity of raising a new generation in displacement.

WEEKEND VISITS: DIR Pete Quandt. PRODS Hannah Whisenant and Garson Ormiston. USA. Jessi, an incarcerated mother at a rural Virginia prison, gets the rare experience of an extended visitation with her sweet and hyperactive 9-year-old, Ryleigh.

WINDING PATH: DIRS Ross Kauffman and Alexandra Lazarowich. PROD Robin Honan. USA. Eastern Shoshone medical student Jenna Murray spent summers on the Wind River Indian Reservation helping her grandfather any way she could. When he suddenly dies, she must find a way to heal before realizing her dream of a life in medicine.

WOULDN’T MAKE IT ANY OTHER WAY: DIR Hao Zhou. PRODS Tyler Hill, Merrill Sterritt, and Carlo Velayo. USA. Having built a colorful queer life in Iowa, an aspiring costume designer visits their island homeland of Guam to make costumes for a children’s theater while reconnecting with distanced parents.

YOU CAN’T SHRINK LOVE: DIR Veena Rao. PROD Veena Rao. USA. An artist gives life in miniature to the memories of our most beloved companions.

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