Note: This Online Tour is avairable from Japan, and held in Japanese.
When it comes to sightseeing in Washington D.C., the most common activity is exploring the memorials, museums, and government facilities scattered along the approximately 2.2-mile (about 3.6 kilometers) stretch of the National Mall. Joining a half-day or full-day tour is a popular choice to visit iconic attractions like the White House and the Lincoln Memorial, but when you actually go on the tour, the weather or season can significantly affect the expected views, and some government facilities may not be accessible.
That’s where online tours come in handy. By participating in an online tour before or after your visit to Washington D.C., you can get a sense of the city’s atmosphere and see photos of places you might not have been able to access otherwise.
Discover the “Now” of Washington D.C. with an Online Academy
Online tours have gained attention as a “new form of travel,” and you can find online tours for visiting Washington D.C. sold as an “Online Academy.”
The tours are organized by Suma Travel, based in the suburbs of Washington D.C., and you can participate through authorized agents from Japan.
In the Online Academy, in addition to the usual tour of the National Mall and its surrounding areas, you’ll also be introduced to the Udvar-Hazy Center located adjacent to Dulles Airport.
The tours use electric scooters, a popular means of transportation in Washington D.C., where there are no regulations like those in Japan that require a license. This allows tourists to easily use them without any special requirements.
Moreover, the camera used in the tour provides a first-person perspective, giving you a immersive experience of the present-day Washington D.C.
The tour starts from the west side of the United States Capitol, goes through Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, then passes by the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, the south side of the Reflecting Pool to the Lincoln Memorial, and continues to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. After that, you cross the Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River to reach Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
Returning to Washington D.C., you will catch a distant view of the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial, and then head towards the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
While the usual city sightseeing ends here, the Online Academy takes you further to the Udvar-Hazy Center adjacent to Dulles Airport, where they provide detailed explanations of the highlights of the displayed aircraft.
The Best of Washington D.C. with the Convenience of Online Academy
The greatest advantage of traditional city sightseeing is the opportunity to experience Washington D.C. firsthand and feel its atmosphere. However, there are drawbacks such as the time and money required for transportation to the destination, between different attractions, and accommodation.
In this regard, the Online Academy offers significant time and cost savings since there is no need for physical travel.
Additionally, you can participate from anywhere on Earth, regardless of the location and season. The organizers can also choose the best time to deliver the tour without being bound by seasons or weather conditions. For example, they can stream videos on sunny days, showcasing the attractions with seasonal photos that would be impossible to experience on an actual tour. This adds to the immersive experience that online tours provide.
A New and Casual Travel Style
Exploring attractions and enjoying local cuisine on your own two feet is the essence of travel. However, online tours that allow you to experience the ambiance of the destination before or after your actual trip provide a new travel style that enhances your enjoyment of the destination.
For those visiting Washington D.C. for the first time, participating in an online tour before the trip can help you feel more familiar with the charms of the city. For those who have been there multiple times, joining an online tour after the trip can bring the destination closer to your heart.
