Discover Japan Beyond the Postcards
Original & Alternative Programme
Extend your convention experience with a journey to dive deep into the Japanese culture and spirit. Explore sites of peace and resilience, witness traditional artistry, and experience iconic cultural landmarks.
Whether you are a seasoned professional, an emerging tourist guide, or an accompanying guest, you will find moments that challenge, uplift, and connect you – with ideas, with people, and with places. This is more than a conference: it’s a living experience designed by guides, for guides – with the quality, detail, and spirit that defines our profession.
❗Update: Alternative Programme Added
Thanks to everybody’s interest in exploring Japan our original Post-Programme sold out much faster than expected!
We’ve therefore created a new, exclusive itinerary with exciting destinations and experiences.
Don’t miss your chance to extend your journey through Japan with us.
Simply add “Alternative Post-Programme” when you register to book your spot.
Head of Tours & Transportation
Friday - 13th February
Original & Alternative Programme
Nagasaki: Japan’s First Cosmopolitan City
Nagasaki: Japan’s First Cosmopolitan City
Depart for Nagasaki after the Closing Ceremony
Visit the Atomic Bomb Museum and Ground-Zero to bear witness to history, exploring the museum’s powerful permanent exhibit featuring photographs taken immediately after the atomic bombing, alongside artifacts that survived the explosion.
Enjoy a Communication Dinner at the hotel, designed to offer a unique opportunity to communicate and connect with local residents.
Overnight in Nagasaki
! For a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, visits to Nagasaki’s sites will be staggered over the two days. While everyone will have the opportunity to see everything described here, the actual order on the day may vary.
Included Highlights:
- Scenic drive through Kyushu’s mountainous landscapes.
- Guided tour of the Atomic Bomb Museum and Ground-Zero
- Light lunch on the bus
- Dinner with local delicacies at the hotel
Saturday - 14th February
Original & Alternative Programme
Nagasaki: The Legacy Project
Continue your exploration of historic Nagasaki by visiting the Nagasaki Peace Park, a powerful symbol of world peace erected after the tragic atomic bomb explosion in 1945. Reflect before the majestic Peace Statue, admire monuments gifted by 17 nations, and find solace by its beautiful fountain.
Let’s donate the paper cranes folded by participants of the 2026 WFTGA convention to the Nagasaki Peace Park, participating in the Legacy Project to signify a collective wish for peace from tourist guides worldwide.
Step back in time at historic Dejima, Nagasaki’s fascinating fan-shaped artificial island built by local merchants under the Shogun and discover what was once Japan’s only gateway to the world and home to the Dutch East India Company.
Discover the Twenty Six Martyrs Museum, dedicated to the perpetual memory of those who sacrificed their lives for faith and journey through the history of Christianity in Japan.
Immerse yourself in Nagasaki’s unique international past at Glover Garden, an open-air museum from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Nagasaki Port with Mount Inasa, a landmark of Nagasaki City.
! For a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, visits to Nagasaki’s sites will be staggered over the two days. While everyone will have the opportunity to see everything described here, the actual order on the day may vary.
Overnight in Nagasaki
Enjoy the exciting Nagasaki night life bustling with preparations for the upcoming Lantern Festival at your leisure.
Included Highlights:
- Legacy Project
- Guided tour of Nagasaki Peace Park, Dejima museum, Glover Garden, and Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum
- Traditional Japanese lunch with local delicacies
What is the Legacy Project?
In Nagasaki, the Legacy Project at the Peace Park is a meaningful initiative where visitors can contribute to the city’s message of peace. It specifically involves the donation of paper cranes (senbazuru), often folded by individuals or groups from around the world, as a symbol of hope and a wish for a nuclear-free world. These cranes are displayed at the Children’s Peace Monument, inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young victim of the atomic bombing who folded cranes in hope of recovery. Participating in this programme allows visitors to tangibly join in Nagasaki’s enduring plea for global peace.
Sunday - 15th February
✨ Alternative Programme
Okawa & Yanagawa: Timeless Crafts & Samurai Heritage
Immerse yourself in the authentic traditions of Kyushu with a journey to Okawa and Yanagawa. You’ll experience centuries-old local arts firsthand like the intricate Kumiko woodworking that forms delicate patterns without a single nail.
Next, you’ll discover the rich samurai history of Yanagawa a city that enchants with its winding water ways.
We will introduce you to Fukuoka’s serene and authentic side, offering a peaceful escape and a deeper connection to Japan’s rural heart.
Specific highlights to be announced!
Original Programme (sold out)
Saga: The Global Legacy of Arita Porcelain
Explore Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain, which became highly revered for its beauty in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries and is still produced to this day.
Visit the Kyushu Ceramic Museum to delve into the fascinating world of porcelain, its unique history and the amazing Shibata collection.
Stroll along the atmospheric Tonbai Wall Paths, uniquely constructed from broken ceramics, and visit Touzan Shrine to see its torii-gate and other objects made from porcelain.
Travel to the city of Karatsu and admire the beautiful Pine Grove and Karatsu Castle from the bus window.
Overnight in Karatsu
Included Highlights of the Original Programme:
- Guided tour of Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Izumiyama Quarry, Touzan shrine and the Tonbai Wall Path
- Time to go shopping for Arita Porcelain
- Lunch with local delicacies
- A beautiful view of the dense Pine Forest and the crystal-clear sea in Karatsu which are ripe with legend
- Dinner with local delicacies
Monday - 16th February
✨ Alternative Programme
Ukiha & Yame: The Fruit Kingdom & Land of Tea
Ukiha & Yame: The Fruit Kingdom & Land of Tea
Your journey through the picturesque landscapes of Fukuoka Prefecture continues to Ukiha, a town famously known as the “Fruit Kingdom.” Here, clear waters and abundant sunlight allow for the year-round cultivation of a wide variety of high-quality fruits. Especially its strawberries are renowned throughout the country.
Nearby, the town of Yame is synonymous with exquisite green tea, and you’ll have a chance to taste and learn about this unique local culture.
Specific highlights to be announced!
Original Programme (sold out)Hiroshima: A Place of Reflection and Resilience
Depart from Karatsu by coach for Fukuoka
Board the Shinkansen at Fukuoka’s Hakata Station, and enjoy a classic Japanese railway lunch box (Ekiben) as you begin your journey.
Travel from Hiroshima Station to Miyajima Island, a sacred World Heritage Site famous for its iconic “floating” torii-gate of Itsukushima Shrine and its serene natural beauty.
Return to Hiroshima city to visit the Peace Memorial Park, a powerful testament to the city’s resilience, the horrors of war and the importance of peace.
Explore the park’s significant landmarks, from the moving Children’s Peace Monument to the Victims Memorial Cenotaph, culminating in a visit to the striking Atomic Bomb Dome, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spend the evening in Hiroshima downtown at your leisure
Overnight in Hiroshima
Included Highlights of the Original Programme:
- One-hour ride on world’s top class bullet train, Nozomi
- 10-minute ferry ride to Miyajima Island with a breath taking view of its giant floating torii-gate
- Itsukushima Shrine, a beautiful red Shinto shrine built in the middle of the sea
- Another World Heritage Site in Hiroshima, Atomic Bomb Dome
- A truly profound and emotional journey coming from the world’s last city to endure an atomic bombing, Nagasaki, to the world’s first, Hiroshima.
Tuesday - 17th Feb
Original & Alternative Programme
Kyoto: Where Ancient History Captivates the World
Our journey culminates with a trip to Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto.
Together we’ll discover magnificent landmarks, including the towering pagoda of Tō-ji Temple.
Enjoy the refined atmosphere of Kyoto unique in all of Japan.
Together we’ll discover magnificent landmarks, including the towering pagoda of Tō-ji Temple.
Conclude your journey with a farewell gathering, bringing all participants together to celebrate this incredible experience.
Included Highlights of the Original Programme:
- The unforgettable Rokuonji Kinkakuji and its dramatic history
- One thousand Buddha statues at Sanju-sangen-do. You might even find one statue which looks like you.
- Memorable farewell gathering
Specific Highlights of the Alternative Programme to be announced!
Both Post-Programmes end in Kyoto between 4 and 5 p.m. If you’re planning on flying home that same day we recommend booking a late-night flight as the closest airports are in Osaka.
Included Services:
- Accommodation: 4 nights at hand-picked hotels
- Transportation: All inclusive until the Programme concludes in Kyoto
- Guided Tours: Expert English-speaking guides at each destination
- Meals: Daily breakfast and lunch, 2 dinners incl. the Communication Dinner in Nagasaki
- Entrance Fees: All admission fees to the places included on the itinerary.
- Legacy Project in Nagasaki Peace Park
Extend your Tour in Kyoto or to Tokyo
Those who plan to explore Kyoto and other incredible places in Japan, either on your own or with a little assistance from us, we have some resources that might be helpful!
If you’d like us to help you find accommodation in Kyoto after the Post-Programme ends, please feel free to apply through this form:
Or, if you prefer to organize your stay and excursions within Japan before and after the Convention on your own, we will offer you some tours starting 15th July