(Courtesy of Gil Travel) This year marked the first-ever Pesach in the East program, hosted in the heart of Tokyo at the elegant Hilton Shinjuku. With 175 participants from around the world, the program coincided with Japan’s breathtaking sakura (cherry blossom) season, offering a stunning natural backdrop to an already extraordinary Yom Tov.

The atmosphere was one of warmth, friendship and deep connection, with a true sense of community and family felt by all who attended.

Guests were treated to world-class cuisine, thanks to a collaboration between a gourmet chef team from Israel and the Hilton’s executive Japanese culinary staff, resulting in elegant dining and lavish kiddushes. The program featured captivating day tours—including Mount Fuji and the immersive TeamLab Planets—as well as dynamic cultural experiences such as a live samurai warrior sword show and a powerful Taiko Japanese drum performance. Hands-on workshops like sumi-e ink painting and Kintsugi, engaging lectures and mindfulness meditation in a forest setting made for a rich and balanced schedule.

Evening kumzitses and a Japanese comedy night brought joy and connection to every corner of the experience. Martial arts lectures and classes, as well as discussions about Japan’s Jewish history helped make the program truly a “Japan” Pesach program, and not just a program in Japan.

Personal milestones were also celebrated together—birthdays and other special occasions of the guests were marked with warmth and joy, enhancing the feeling of being one big family. With an incredible kids’ program, inspired learning, unforgettable entertainment and a community spirit like no other, Pesach in the East 2025 was truly one for the books.

Stay tuned for next year—bigger, better, and even more unforgettable! Visit giltravel.com/pesach to sign up for updates and more info.