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Reasons to Choose Japan

The cultural heritage of mt. fuji, japanese cuisine, and much more; the spirit of omotenashi (hospitality).

Japan’s rich natural environments, from mountain forests to beaches and coastlines, offer all-new sights with the coming of each season. The country consists of eight major regions that each have their own distinct culture, traditions, and natural scenery. When selecting where you want to study in Japan, it would also be interesting to know about the regional uniqueness of each school’s location.

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CUSTOM GROUPS

You plan, with our help, where and when your group travels. create a custom itinerary personalized to you and your group's needs., student groups, with all japan tours, your students will experience the rich historical heritage of japan and its modern advancements., when considering meetings, incentive programs, conferences, and events for corporations and associations, look no further than all japan tours., special interest groups, we offer tours ideal for museum and garden lovers, art enthusiasts, collectors, religious groups, and other organizations..

Custom Group Travel

Student Groups

Private Journeys

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1-855-325-2726 (us/canada), 1-909-988-8885 (international), mon. - fri., 8:30am - 5:30pm (pst), (except national holidays), [email protected], high school and student group trips to japan.

Undeniably, no other travel destination excites students and teachers like Japan. It is the perfect student travel destination: diverse, safe, clean, and surprisingly affordable. Japan is known for being expensive, but that is a misconception based on the quality of Japan's food and housing. As in all countries, the type of accommodation and food you eat affect your budget. A student trip to Japan can be quite reasonable, comparable to trips to Europe and America.

Plan Your Japanese School Trips for Student and Teacher Groups

Why choose japan, diverse seasons and beautiful scenery.

Japan has four distinct seasons, each with its own characteristic beauty. In spring, flowers begin to bloom and the country is covered in cherry blossoms. In summer, the hot weather is perfect for water sports. Autumn brings scarlet and gold leaves and spectacular mountain views. In winter, there is snow in parts of Japan and residents ski and participate in winter sports. Whatever the weather, there are scenic landscapes to enjoy.

Coexistence of cutting edge technology and rich traditions

Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world, with cutting edge technology and engineering. At the same time, it is a treasure trove of traditional culture, architecture, and art, with 11 World Heritage Sites. Japan is also a force in popular culture, a leader in animation, fashion, and entertainment.

Developed transportation network

Japan's advanced transportation network makes traveling quick, convenient, and comfortable. The different regions of Japan are all connected by air, rail, or highway. For a thrilling adventure, students can ride a bullet train and experience what it means to be “faster than a speeding bullet.

Excellent choice of accommodations and food

Japan boasts a wide variety of accommodations, from traditional Japanese inns to five star hotels. One of the pleasures of visiting Japan is its rich culinary tradition. Although you can eat food from all over the world, you will find that Japanese cuisine is delicious and varied. Try authentic sushi and tempura, or, for the budget conscious, sample creative dishes like Japanese pancakes (Okonomiyaki) and rice and beef bowls (Gyudon). With such diversity in housing and food, there is something for every taste and budget.

Safe and comfortable holiday

Japan is a very safe country for students to visit since it has a low crime rate and advanced international communication and medical care. It is common for female students to walk around at night alone.

Friendly, English speaking people

As a part of their education, all Japanese students are required to study English. Although all locals have studied English for at least three years, most study upwards of six years. If you need information in Japan, you will have no problem being able to communicate in English. Some of the Japanese may be shy or may not be fluent, but they are hospitable people and eager to help.

Budget Travel

Although Japan has a reputation for being expensive, the variety of available accommodations and student discounts on transportation and sightseeing makes this destination affordable for even the most budget conscious tourist.

No other country interests students more than Japan. Renowned for its cleanliness, safety, and efficiency, Japan is the ideal destination for students. It has the added advantage of having a wide variety of accommodations and types of food, making it affordable on a student budget.

Choosing a Japan Tour Package for School Teachers and Students

Why travel with us.

All Japan Tours is the best way for students and teachers to experience Japan. We are the only Japan specialists in the US and have our own private bus. Our branch office in Japan is the largest and most respected tour operator in Japan, having served over 10,000 international students from elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. Although knowledge and experience are important when planning a trip, perhaps the most important reason to choose All Japan Tours is our dedication to our clients. Our Tokyo office has a bilingual staff with over 200 years of combined experience, ready to assist you at any time. We are constantly striving to improve our tours to give you the best travel experience possible and show you the many facets of Japan's fascinating history and culture.

Our Mission

All Japan Tours is dedicated to creating personalized tours for students and educators. We create an educational experience for each person that is unique and memorable. Our goal is to engage students, helping them develop skills and deepen their passion for learning beyond the classroom.

Our Services

Students educationl programs:

Set up cultural exchanges in local schools and universities, allowing students to attend classes, study Japanese, participate in club activities, and compete in sport matches

Plan home stay programs

Arrange lectures with professors at local universities

Coordinate lectures with embassy and ministry officials

Broad range of program customized to your thematic focus

Hotel and Ground Travel Logistics:

Price catered to student's budget

Professional bilingual tour guides

Wide range of accommodations - youth hostels, business hotels, western hotels, and Japanese ryokan

Coordinate sightseeing and cultural activities

Arrange customized programs and cultural events

Travel by motor coach; some itineraries may include trains or ferries. In many cities we also use public transportation. Arrange customized cultural experiences

Homestay in Japan  

The best ways to learn and adapt to local customs is to stay with a welcoming japanese family. experience japanese hospitality and improve your japanese conversational skills through various activities such as farming, logging, and cooking japanese style meals. take the off-beaten path of exploring japan's culture and its traditional lifestyle with a unique homestay experience..

Japan Band and Concert Tours  

All japan tours offers not only performances at unique venues all over japan including theme parks, city halls, and festive events, but also an educational experience provided through an authentic homestay while learning the traditions of the country from a local’s point of view. explore and learn about japan by private coach, while our seasoned tour guides educate you every step of the way., plan your trip.

With All Japan Tours, your students will experience the rich historical heritage of Japan and its modern advancements. The cultural diversity and natural beauty of the country will inspire your students, giving them an unforgettable traveling experience. We are proud of the cleanliness and safety of our country, and would like you to experience firsthand the different aspects of Japan, from its art and culture to its technology and landscape. Your students are sure to receive a warm, hospitable welcome. The most popular trip for schools is a two week educational/cultural tour. With twelve days in Japan (two days lost for traveling to and from Japan), students can explore historical and geographic sites while immersed in Japanese culture. School visits and short term home stays can be arranged. For teachers, we can also customize cultural and educational exchange programs where educators get an in depth view of the Japanese educational system. We can arrange school visits and meetings with local educators and administrators. During your visit, you will experience Japanese culture with visits to “must see” sights and cultural events like festivals and tea ceremonies. We also offer tours for other professionals like doctors and architects, where we arrange conferences between you and local professionals and professional bureaus. These tours are highly personalized and can be customized to any time frame your group would like.

Our Japan Custom Group Travel Inquiry Form is designed to give us a clear picture of your interests and preferences, so that we may better understand your travel preferences and interests, and create the ideal Japan vacation for your group.

Reviews for Our Custom Group Travel

  5.0 stars based on 28 REVIEWS

1   2   3   4   5   6   >>   see all

Custom Group Tour - Japanese Design: Study Tour

5/29/2023 - 6/9/2023 / 2023-05-29   

I hired All Japan Tours to organize the art tour which I curated. We worked on it for two years as this was a complicated trip with a lot of different locations, strict schedule, private viewing, and everything had to be on the highest level of hotels and food. The job that Kiyoshi and his team have done is exceptional. It was so well organized that everything was on time. They are flexible, detail oriented, and lovely to work with.

Japan Custom Group Tour

5/21/2023 - 5/30/2023 / 2023-05-21   

If you want one of the best tours of your life go with All Japan Tours and ask for Miss Kim. We went for our honeymoon and Miss Kim made it unforgettable. We experienced more than we could have imagined and she was exceptionally helpful and informative. Japan is the most beautiful place we have seen in our lives, and when we got home we missed both the country and Miss Kim. Thank you for all that you have done. We hope to come back again! You really made our honeymoon memorable.

Mr. DiSano and Ms. Urquiza

Custom Group Tour

5/11/2023 - 5/24/2023 / 2023-05-11   

The guide and bus driver were exceptional.

Everything about the tour was amazing! Our guide Miharu was a very big part of making the tour so fantastic. Her knowledge, guidance, assistance, storytelling, friendliness -- I can go on and on, and especially her humor and comedic skills had us all laughing and wanting more. She never failed to have an answer to our questions. Driver Harada-san was also so accommodating and pleasant to have as our driver -- he had the softest hands! I loved all the "hand on" activities - doing bonsai, woodcarving, making kamaboko, making tatami, dancing. It was also so special that Miharu was able to have the beautiful Japanese singer fly in just to entertain us on the bus. That was so special and I'm sure something that is not done for all tours.

Ms. Kawaguchi

Our tour was carefully curated to meet the diverse interests of our group. We had a group of family and friends, many who have traveled to Japan together several times before with a different company. AJT was by far superior in the sites and experiences they provided. The local tour guide was informative and funny and took the extra steps to make sure our tour would be memorable. We will definitely use AJT for our next trip. Thank you

Mr. Takasugi

Educational tours & school trips to Japan

Our tour packages are a perfect mix of education and cultural activities, allowing you to discover all that Tokyo has to offer, as well as traditional Japanese arts, such as the tea ceremony or learning how to play Taiko, Japanese drums.

Get in Touch

Group trips to Japan

We organize trips to Japan with one goal in mind: offering the best possible Japanese experience and providing a painless organization process to teachers, institutions and organizations.

Our educational and cultural tours are a balanced combination of language learning and activities, in a safe, international environment. We work closely with you, the trip organizer, to create fully customizable solutions that fits your needs. Our tour packages allow you to discover the secrets of a traditional tea ceremony, test your sushi making skills, sing your favourite songs at Karaoke, learn how to play traditional taiko drums and enjoy many other unique activities as well as starting or developing your journey to learn Japanese.

We take care of everything

With our highly-vetted and trusted partners, we take the stress out of organizing your trip to Japan. We take care of the cultural activities, language schools, accommodation and more, so you can just enjoy the experience.

100% customizable tours and bespoke trips

After seven years running successful trips in Japan, we know that one solution doesn’t fit all, that’s why our bespoke tours can be customized and tailored to your requirements. Whether you are organizing a trip for students, employees, or for family, we’ll make sure you have an ultimate break in Japan. Our wide range of activities mean that no matter what you’re looking for we can build a tour package perfect for you.

Our qualified tour leaders have extensive experience in dealing with diverse groups and always go the extra mile to make sure you have an unforgettable experience.

Local staff and support

We have our own highly knowledgable, multilingual, local staff who act as your guide, translator, and general support for your trip, ensuring you have the best possible experience.

Age is just a number! We have organized trips for travelers from 15 – 55, so get in touch to see how we can help.

What students say about our service?

Spring Course

Nicole’s Story (Australian)

It was really fun, I loved trying a variety of Japanese foods and hanging out with our tour guide. The school and staff super helpful, I’d attend again for sure.

Summer Course

Thomas’s Story (British)

The Summer Course was my first introduction to Japan and it did not disappoint. From the moment I was welcomed at the airport to leaving the dorm for the last time, I had the most fun I have had in a long time. Getting to experience Japan with new people who became fast friends was incredible.

Youth Japan

Alex’s Story (American)

Because of the program, I plan on applying to Japanese university next year because of how much I enjoyed living in Japan and how much I want to return.

Winter Course

Anthony’s Story (British)

It was a very enjoyable experience. The events held by Studytrip.com were amazing and I made some great friendships with other on the course. It was a great experience that I would recommend anyone who wanted to visit Japan to try. It was fairly priced, the staff were great and the events were amazing.

About our tour leaders

Jose (Japan)

I originally came to Tokyo pursuing my passion of the Japanese language and culture. After studying in Japan for 4 years, I started working as Study Trip’s Tour Leader. Through my work, I aim to show people the many reasons why I fell in love with this country, making sure they enjoy their time to the fullest, and engage in a cultural exchange that will enrich everyone’s experience abroad. In my many years as a Tour Guide I have been able to meet a lot of amazing people and help them have the time of their life while in Tokyo.

Students chose our trips

Available courses, customer satisfaction, international offices, photos from our previous study trips.

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Why choosing Japan?

Japan is one of the most advanced countries in the world, but it’s still strongly linked to its traditional roots. Exploring this country you will get on a journey through time, nature, technology, history and future. Discovering a culture so different from the rest of the world will allow students to expand their horizons, and get a deeper knowledge of the world and its diversity.

Japan offers all type of cuisines from all around the world, as long as its specialities, such as sushi, tempura, okonimyaki, ramen, etc. Contrary to what people think, many Japanese restaurants offer lunch and dinner for less than 1,000 yen (10$), so you can easily enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the budget.

Transportations

Japanese public transport is famous for being clean, punctual and a lot less complicated than it seems. Taking the train to school is a sure way to learn how to navigate your way around the city.

Japan is a great choice for a school trip, being that it’s famous for being one of the safest countries in the world. That’s why Japanese parents are able to allow their children to be independent from a young age and even takes themselves to school as early as 4 years old.

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Japan School Trips & Student Tours

Japan – the land of the rising sun plays host to home spectacular landscapes and stunning destinations ranging from rolling hills, flat farmlands, towering mountains to majestic grand temples, serene shrines and Japan’s Edo-period buildings. Interestingly, there is a limitless number of things to do, see and experience in sprawling megacenter Tokyo, which is a truly inspirational experience for students of all subject backgrounds.

Educational School Trip  is proud of as a reputable tour company developing wonderful student tours to Japan. We specially tailor-made Japan student tours to serve all your student’s needs and your learning objectives. Coming to Japan, students will have ample opportunity to encounter a myriad of custom, deep history, ancient culture in Japan, explore amazing things in the bustling streets of Tokyo, join in state-of-the-art bullet trains and cherish the hospitality of Japanese people. These educational tours definitely will leave students with once-in-a-lifetime experience and meaningful lessons. Let’s Japan school trip awake your student’s travel sense.

Geography Japan School Trip – 14 Days

A Glance of Japan Rugby School Tour – 8 days

Science and Discovery Japan School Trip – 7 Days

Active Japan School Trip – 10 Days

Taste of Japan School Trip – 6 Days

Experience Japan School Trip – 9 Days

Reasons to Choose Japan School Trip for students

Cultural and historical immersion

Marvelous natural sights

High- tech World experience

Safe and secure destination.

Best Places to Visit in Japan School Trips

The capital city of tokyo.

Marvellous Okinawa

The ancient kyoto, charming nara.

Best seasons for Japan students tours

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8 reasons to go on a Study Trip in Japan

Do you want to go to Japan to study, but not sure if it’s for you? Applying for a language course and making the move to Japan can be a bit intimidating, especially if you haven’t been to the country before, but what about taking a study trip in Japan?

The best idea would be to go on a trial visit before deciding if you’d like to study in Japan long-term. With our Study Trip Japan itineraries, you’ll experience studying Japanese, in Japan, while also getting to take part in a variety of unique cultural activities.

Here are 8 reasons why you should go on a Study Trip in Japan .

1. Meet new people while traveling alone

You won’t have to worry about being on your own when you go on a Study Trip in Japan. Even if you sign up for a Study Trip by yourself, you’ll be joined by other travelers who share the same passion for Japan . You’ll study together, as well as learn more about the culture together, and you’ll probably share some common interests too! Meeting people while traveling alone has never been easier than with a study trip in Japan.

2. Make friends from all over the world

We have participants from all over the world joining our Study Trips. Whether it’s bonding over karaoke , solving problems together at an escape room , or sharing a picnic under the cherry blossoms , you’ll surely make friends while on a Study Trip in Japan.

3. Intensive Japanese course for all levels

Throughout the duration of your study trip in Japan, you’ll be part of an intensive Japanese language course that’s adapted to your language level. 

If you’ve already studied some Japanese, then it’s a great opportunity to brush up on your knowledge and improve your skills. If you have no previous experience with Japanese, a Study Trip can be the perfect way to start learning basic Japanese. 

Most of our partner schools have Japanese lessons in the morning, leaving the afternoon and evening open for activities and free time to go out exploring and practicing what you’ve learned in class.

All levels of Japanese are welcome, but to get the best experience we recommend learning some hiragana and katakana before you go. There’s also a special Study Trip for those aiming to take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test  (JLPT) in Japan.

4. Experience traditional Japanese activities

One of the most appealing things about Japan is the blend of traditional culture and modern life. Age-old traditions are a big part of everyday life in modern-day Japan. By going on a Study Trip in Japan you get the opportunity to experience various traditional activities that you might not get to try otherwise. 

Depending on what trip you choose, you’ll get the chance to try out a traditional tea ceremony, sushi 寿司 and/or wagashi 和菓子(traditional sweets) making, traditional Japanese tie-dyeing ( shibori 絞り) wearing a yukata 浴衣, and more.

5. Get a crash course in a different culture

On your Study Trip in Japan, you’ll get to experience Japanese culture and everyday life in a short amount of time. By immersing yourself in life in Japan, speaking the language, and encountering different parts of the Japanese culture and society, you’ll get a deeper understanding and knowledge about Japan . 

Add to the fun cultural activities you’ll get to do and you’ll be brimming with knowledge about Japanese culture by the time you leave!

6. Try out living abroad, without the stress of moving

Maybe you want to try living abroad in Japan, but haven’t yet decided if Japan is right for you. Or you don’t want to wait until you have enough time to go on a longer language course. Or maybe 2-5 weeks in Japan would be the perfect amount of time for you.  

Moving to another country , especially one far from home, can be a stressful and difficult decision. By joining us on a shorter trip, you can try out life in Japan while also studying – a great option if you’re still unsure if it would be the right decision for you.

We offer trips where you stay with a  host family , share a dormitory room, or live in a private or shared accommodation . Our Study Trips in Japan range between 12 and 29 days.

7. Add something unique to your resume

A study trip in Japan will give you valuable life experience , which is highly sought after by a future employer. Meeting, and studying together with people from all over the world helps you develop your people skills. Trying to make yourself understood in a completely different country, in a foreign language, is great for your communication and problem-solving skills. By experiencing living in an unfamiliar culture you’ll get a better understanding of differences and diversities. Going to live abroad is, for many, a daunting adventure. In other words, by doing educational travel to Japan, you’ll show courage and determination.

Our partner schools provide an attendance certificate at the end of your course, which you can put in your resume. In conclusion, there are a lot of benefits to studying abroad and it’s something many companies value.

8. Go! Go! Nihon takes care of everything on your study trip in Japan

Leave the planning and booking to us! We will take care of all the activities, tours, accommodation, Japanese classes, and even your SIM card. All you need to do is book and pay for the trip that you want and sort out your flights. 

Any questions or concerns? Our team is here to help you . Ask us your questions about the trip and Japan, and don’t hesitate to come to us with any issues while you’re in the country.

If you’re contemplating a short trip to Japan, but you’re worried about the language barrier, check out our online beginner Japanese crash course . This two-week course teaches you the basics of the language and useful phrases to help you get by on your visit. For more information and to sign up, visit our website .

Find the best Study Trip for you by visiting our website .

For inspiration and more information about living and studying in Japan, please follow our Go! Go! Nihon blog .

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Promotion of Educational Travel to Japan

• ABOUT JAPAN EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL
• arrow_right WHY JAPAN?
• arrow_right Traditional culture
• arrow_right Modern culture
• arrow_right Natural environment
• arrow_right Japanese food
• arrow_right Sports
• arrow_right Made in Japan
• arrow_right Crisis management
• arrow_right Social systems and infrastructure
• arrow_right Peace and friendship
• arrow_right SCHOOL IN JAPAN
• arrow_right JAPANESE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
• arrow_right SCHOOL LIFE IN JAPAN
• arrow_right PLAN YOUR TRIP
• arrow_right SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
• arrow_right SCHOOL EXCHANGES
• arrow_right TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL ONLINE SCHOOL EXCHANGE
• arrow_right IN-PERSON EXCHANGES
• arrow_right ONLINE EXCHANGES
• arrow_right VISITOR'S VOICES

highlight PLAN YOUR TRIP

In order to plan your study trip to Japan, you can begin here by firstly learning basic information and fun facts of this country and its unique culture. For the planners and guests of school trip, all the important details to help coordinate an inspiring trip in Japan can be found here.

Located in East Asia, Japan is an island nation that lies on the West Pacific Ocean. With an area of 377,973.89km 2 , it is the 62nd largest country in the world. Japan has a population of 123.22 million people, the world's 11th highest, and its GDP of 4.941 trillion US dollars ranks as the 3rd largest in the world (based on Feb. 2021 data).

info Basic Information

Highlight travel tips, location_city safety.

Japan is one of the world's safest countries for travelers. Its strong law enforcement agencies, stable political environment and stable economy allow Japan to top the peaceful country index in Asia.

local_drink Health and Hygiene

The tap water is safe for drinking, and there is also easy accesses to bottled water. The food safety in Japan is of the highest standard as well.

local_hospital Medical System

The advanced medical system in Japan provides high-quality service. On an occasion of emergency, you can call 119 for an ambulance, and emergency care is available 24/7 at most general hospitals. If you need regular assistance from a doctor, visit a clinic, general hospital or other medical institution and ask for help at reception. For medication requiring no prescription, simple treatments and medical supplies, you can go to one of the many drugstores and consult the pharmacists or registered clerks if necessary. More information on medical services in multiple languages can be found at the link below. Guide for when you are feeling ill (JNTO) open_in_new

train Domestic Transportation

The public transportation network in Japan is well-developed and can take you to almost all popular destinations and attractions quickly and safely. The high-speed railways (shinkansen/bullet train) and highways cover nearly the whole of Japan, connecting major cities. The railway and highway bus services allow tourists to easily travel even long distances around the country. You will be pleased by their smooth trips, their precise schedules, quality operations and reasonable fares. In addition, these country-wide transport networks link to the local railways and metro systems in many cities. By using an IC card you can ride and transfer between railways and metro systems simply with no need to buy a ticket every time. It's simple!

wb_sunny Climate

Most of areas of Japan falls within warm and cool temperate zones of relatively high humidity climate. Japan is a perfect destination for immersing oneself in nature and enjoying the beauty of its four distinct seasons. The sight of flowering sakura (cherry blossoms) in spring is a particular favorite of tourists, as are summer festivals where you can eat shaved ice to help you cool down in the hot nights of summer. Autumn is the season of maple leaves with their fall shades of yellow and red creating spectacular scenery. And, of course, there is winter which best time for enjoying skiing on Japan's world-class snow and warm yourself with a shabu shabu hot pot. On average, the month of January is the coldest, while August is the hottest month of the year. The rainy season of Japan falls within the period June to July.

directions_run Natural Disasters

Situated on the Circum-Pacific Seismic Belt and near the subtropical zone, Japan is well-known for natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons. Due to plate tectonics, Japan was geologically formed as a mountainous country with volcanic eruption and tsunami taking place sometimes. Learning the lessons of its past natural calamities, Japan has developed a highly organized and efficient system of precautions, education, relief and risk management. Despite the inevitable loss brought by these acts of nature, Japan takes advantage of its naturally occurring landscapes and experience in coping with disasters to continue to reestablish tourism and local economies afterwards, and to continue to develop state-of-the-art technologies to mitigate loss and protect people.

star Muslim travelers

Recently, the number of Muslim travelers visiting Japan has been growing year by year. The number of Muslim-friendly halal-accredited restaurants and other facilities as well as mosques in Japan have also been increasing. The tourism policies have also been adjusted in response to the needs of the expanding Japanese Muslim community as well as Muslim tourists. In general, Japan is religion-tolerant and is striving to build a Muslim-friendly environment to meet the standards of Halal tourism. Currently, Japan has no specialized agency for halal accreditation, but Muslim-friendly resources and information can be found at Japan Welcome Guide for Muslim Travelers , Japan Guide for Muslim Visitors , Halal Gourmet Japan, and Halal Expo Japan.

Let's see how to coordinate the perfect educational travel plan for your students. For planning educational travel and school exchange events during the trip, go to our School Exchange page to get ideas.

Travel Guide

Personalize your educational travel with the travel guide to the key information for getting around in Japan. Start by picking travel dates, locations and places to stay.

event When to visit

Get to know the distinct climate and seasons in Japan to plan your visit dates.

January is the coldest month of a year. The weather is often windy and dry. From January 1, New Year, through the beginning of this month, most of schools, public services and many private sector businesses are closed for New Year Holidays.

It's still cold and sometimes snowy in February. Plum blossoms can be seen in certain areas. Generally, February is the period when students take entrance exams for high school and college.

The spring is approaching, and cherry blossoms begin to bloom in most regions from mid to late March. From the end of March, students have a Spring break that lasts until the beginning of April.

It is spring and the season of flowering wisteria. Every year, schools start their new academic year at the beginning of April.

The average temperature rises to a pleasant 15-20 degrees Celsius, but sometimes it is cool so travelers should bring light coats or jackets. At the beginning of May, there is a seven- to ten-day public holiday called "Golden Week".

The early summer season of June is warm and famous for being the hydrangea flower season. It becomes more humid as the rainy season starts in June.

Entering summer, the weather heats up, and sometimes there are typhoons. Many festivals (matsuri) are held in summer.

The weather of most of the regions remains hot and humid. Occasionally, there are a few typhoons from June to September (the main typhoon season). Most of Japanese students are on summer vacation in August, and around the mid August, there is a seven- to ten-day vacation.

The season turns into autumn in September. During daytime, the weather is mostly mild and comfortable, but during the nighttime it is best to have jackets to keep warm.

As mid-autumn comes, maple leaves gradually turn orange and red hues. It's generally cool and comfortable in October and that makes this month a hot season for tourists.

It becomes colder, and some regions in Japan may start to see frost and light snow. November is the month that winter sports resorts start to open to guests.

It gradually becomes cold in December, and some areas snow is to be expected. Over the year-end and New Year period many people, government services and organizations tend to take a break of about one week.

info Destinations

Haven't decided where to visit and stay? Take a look at the guide to ten regions in Japan.

Embrace and explore the wide green fields of Hokkaido. The unpolluted environment offers the chance to get close to nature, a soothing experience for the travelers' mind. With a variety of outdoor activity options, you can stretch your limbs and try some challenging physical exercise surrounded by nature such as cycling, canoeing, hiking and rafting. In winter, Hokkaido treats the visitors with the world-class winter sports venues and resorts. Come to enjoy skiing, dog-sledding and snowboarding in the snow season! arrow_right ITINERARIES: Enjoy the abundant nature and delicious food of Hokkaido

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The Tohoku area includes six prefectures of the mixed culturalscape consisting of rich historical sites, rural and suburban settlements, and magnificent natural landscapes. Gradually recovering from the disastrous earthquake in 2011, the area has become a popular destination for international tourists in the recent years with its quality produce, its varying landforms and views, in August, the spectacular festival, Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, and Hiraizumi listed on UNESCO World Heritage, in Iwate. Don't forget to taste sweet cherries in Yamagata and juicy peaches in Fukushima. arrow_right ITINERARIES: Learn about the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami, and experience traditional customs and festivals

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The Kanto area is where the megacity Tokyo is located. In addition to the amazing experience of night views and shuttling through the hustle and bustle of this metropolis, the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Nikko just two to three hours away is definitely worth a visit. Around Tokyo, there are prefectures with historical treasures and hot springs, such as Gunma and Saitama. To explore the region's diverse marine, international trading and immigrant culture, visit Yokohama, the port city of Kanto famous for its fusion lifestyle and food. arrow_right ITINERARIES: Follow the renowned “Golden Route” in Japan

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Hokuriku Shinetsu

Boasting the beautiful Northwestern coastline of the main island and the mountains of the "Japan Alps", the Hokuriku Shinetsu area has nurtured the rich culture consisting of delicacies, exquisite crafts and a lifestyle balanced between the nature and human activity. Besides enjoying the best of fresh seafood, sake and fruits in the country, it is worth an artistic trip to Kanazawa, the cultural capital of the area to learn about traditional crafts and contemporary designs. In addition, Niigata and Nagano are two of the best locations in Japan for winter sports. arrow_right ITINERARIES: Deepen the exchange with Japanese people, and learn about social system and rice agriculture in Japan

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The Tokai area is renowned as the home of Mt. Fuji. Around this icon of Japan, there are resorts of hot springs and natural splendors, such as Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes area. Feel like immersing yourself in history and culture? Visit the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and visit Isejingu Shrine, one of the most time-honored Shinto shrines of Japan. For those tea lovers, don't miss the green tea plantations in Shizuoka. arrow_right ITINERARIES: Deepen the exchange with Japanese people, and learn about social system and rice agriculture in Japan arrow_right ITINERARIES: Follow the renowned “Golden Route” in Japan

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Kansai is the cultural and religious capital of Japan with castles that have survived the centuries, spiritual Zen gardens, and many culturally important ancient temples and shrines. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and majesty of the religious and historical sites in Kyoto, Nara and Wakayama. If you are a fan of history or architecture, don't miss the most well-preserved of all Japan's castles Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture that represents the glory of samurai culture and Japanese traditional craftsmanship. Just an one to two-hour's trip by train from the sites above, Osaka and Kobe are gourmet paradises with nice ambience thanks in part to their photogenic night views. arrow_right ITINERARIES: Follow the renowned “Golden Route” in Japan

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Located in the west of the main island, the Chugoku area is the bridge to the island regions of Kyushu and Shikoku. The most famous tourist attraction in Chugoku may be the famous "floating" Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture. In Hiroshima, There is an Atomic Bomb Dome the UNESCO World Heritage listed. In Tottori and Shimane, there are rural landscapes, and Shimane's Izumo Taisha Shrine is worth a visit as the sacred place that is believed to be the gathering venue of all the gods of Japanese Shinto religion. In addition to the ancient shrines, you can learn about the modern history of Japan and "Meiji Reforms," the modernization movement of the country in the 19th century, at various historical sites in Yamaguchi. The one of the regions most popular attractions with foreign visitors is the Mizuki Shigeru Museum and yokai (monster and spirit) statues of Kitaro Road in Tottori. arrow_right ITINERARIES: A peace study tour to Nagasaki and Hiroshima: Contemplating peace

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Shikoku is the smallest among the four main islands of Japan, but is definitely the most vibrant with its abundant resources in nature and culture. Take a rail tour to enjoy the views of Seto Inland Sea coastline, and if you happen to visit Shikoku in summer, you may plan an island hopping journey to appreciate artworks of the Setouchi Triennale. Don't forget to taste the udon noodles of world-fame produced in Kagawa and visit one of the Japan's oldest hot springs, Dogo Onsen with its history of over a thousand years of use. In Kotohira, see Japan's oldest working kabuki theatre and try climbing the thousand steps of Konpira-san Shrine.

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Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands, has warm and comfortable weather nearly all year round. There are two historical port cities in Kyushu, Nagasaki and Mojiko, and both have fusion styles of food, architecture and communities as they were the earliest gateways to Japan, open to international trade, travel and immigrants. Visit Kumamoto and Kagoshima to view the magnificent volcanic landscapes and experience a hot sand bath. Don't miss the famous Kumamoto Castle, and be sure to add Oita, known as "the prefecture of hot springs," to your traveler's bucket list! arrow_right ITINERARIES: A peace study tour to Nagasaki and Hiroshima: Contemplating peace

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As the southernmost part of Japan's long island chain, Okinawa is a prefecture of subtropical climate and a resort for beaches and water sports. Come to explore the historical sites and restored Shuri Castle of the former Ryukyu Kingdom. Dive into the sea to visit the marine world of colorful coral reefs and undersea aquatic life. Whale-watching and dragon boat races are the exclusive and fun events that you can join in to enjoy the coastline and sea world of Okinawa. Do you know that karate originated in Okinawa? Come to learn more about it!

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hotel Accommodation

From hotels to homestays, different styles of accommodation are open to the students on educational travel. See the introductions to the recommended accommodation options.

Hotel / Inn

The inns run by the large hotel chains are the easiest and most common choices for the tourists traveling to Japan. Most of the inns have sufficient and large rooms and space to accommodate groups and for group activities. The clean environment, great locations, easy access to booking and stable quality of service are the main reasons for these inns to become international travelers' favorites.

Japanese Hotel "Ryokan"

Feel like experiencing Japanese culture during your stay at a hotel? Japanese hotels, called "ryokan" in Japanese, offer not only great experience in accommodation, but their service and culture are steeped in Japanese-style and traditional conventions as well. At a Japanese hotel, you may stay in an antique Japanese house and enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine. Some traditional Japanese hotels even have their own hot spring and offer Japanese bathrobes to their guests.

Homestays may be a best way to get closer to and learn from Japanese lifestyle. Instead of staying at hotels, you may interact and make friends with the locals while learning first hand about everyday Japanese life by spending a few nights with a Japanese family. It's also a valuable opportunity to exchange and stimulate conversations between cultures.

Farmstays allows people to stay with host families in farming and fishing villages and have an experience distinctly different from staying at hotels in urban areas. Staying in the countryside or seaside town, you have the access to the abundant surrounding nature, and a chance for an unforgettable experience meeting the local communities involved in forestry, fishing and farming. In some cases you may even get a little taste of their worklives by trying your hand at harvesting food, tending livestock, or other chores.

chrome_reader_mode Educational Programs

The educational travel can be theme specific, focused on culture, history, nature, food, sports or any other theme you would like.

Helpful Links

See here to access to more tourist resources and information about transportation all over Japan.

JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE open_in_new

The official tourism website of Japan by Japan National Tourism Organization.

Japan Tourism Agency open_in_new

The official website of the Japan Tourism Agency.

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Study Tour to Japan

KKC Fellowship Program for North American Social Studies Teachers

The KKC Study Tour to Japan is full of opportunities to:

-Interact with Japanese students, -Exchange views with Japanese school teachers, -Discuss with scholars and experts on Japanese society, -Meet business leaders, and -Enjoy traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.

Keizai Koho Center offers the KKC Study Tour to Japan for North American Middle and High School Teachers in cooperation with the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS). The 2019 KKC fellows visited Japan from 24th June to 2nd July.

Voices of Past Participants

Japan: A Place of Mindfulness

Leah Bouas, 2019 KKC Fellow

Development of a Sister-School Relationship with Japan

Patrick Whelan, 2012 KKC Fellow

The Power of KKC Fellowship Study Tours

Mike Raymer, 2009 KKC Fellow Executive Director, Georgia Council on Economic Education

Author of Every Student’s Dream: The International School for the Arts

William Smyth, 1993 KKC Fellow

Program Reports

• KKC Study Tour to Japan 2023
• KKC Study Tour to Japan 2022
• KKC Online Study Tour to Japan 2021
• KKC Fellowship Program Online Meeting 2020
• KKC Study Tour to Japan 2019
• KKC Study Tour to Japan 2018
• KKC Study Tour to Japan 2017
• KKC Study Tour to Japan 2016

Lesson Plans

• 2023 Lesson Plans
• 2021 Lesson Plans
• 2019 Lesson Plans
• Best Lesson Plan of 2019
• 2018 Lesson Plans
• Best Lesson Plan of 2018
• 2017 Lesson Plans
• Best Lesson Plan of 2017
• 2016 Lesson Plans
• Best Lesson Plan of 2016
• How to Apply
• KKC Study Tour to Japan 2024 
• 2024 Brochure

KKC Fellowship Program Newsletter

• Newsletter (August, 2023)
• Newsletter (February, 2023)
• Newsletter (November, 2022)
• Newsletter (December, 2021)
• Newsletter (December, 2020)
• Newsletter (June, 2020)
• Newsletter (November, 2019)
• Newsletter (January, 2019)
• Newsletter (August, 2018)
• Newsletter (November, 2017)
• Newsletter (July, 2017)
• Newsletter (November, 2016)

Trip Insight

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Customer Testimonies

My guide was an excellent tour guide and was very informative – I learnt a lot, she is also a lovely person and it was fun chatting to her. I really enjoyed the attractions I saw as I don’t think I would have visited them otherwise and they gave me a great insight into Japanese traditions and history.

It was an extremely enjoyable way to see the city. I saw many things I might not have seen otherwise. The guide was very knowledgeable and clearly cares a lot about and is proud of Fukuoka.

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Katie Anderson's Japan Study Trip

Embark on the learning experience of your life.

If you’re ready invest in your leadership impact and take your understanding of organizational excellence and lean management to the next level, there’s no experience like immersing yourself in the Japanese kaizen mindset and culture on Katie Anderson’s Japan Study Trips.

You get a curated, insider access to diverse companies and unique cultural experiences that will revitalize your energy and deepen your knowledge of what it takes to create a successful culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and customer focus. 

Spend a week in Japan with internationally recognized leadership consultant Katie Anderson, former Toyota leader Isao Yoshino and other Japanese executives, and an amazing group of like-minded leaders from around the world.

Your learning experience is more than an incredible week in Japan. Each program includes pre- and post-trip learning, collaboration, and follow-up to ensure that you are making the most impact in your work and organization from your investment in your leadership.

Don’t miss out on the learning experience of a lifetime! Invest in your leadership impact today.

Testimonials

Upcoming trip dates & details .

November 10-16, 2024 : NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS

Exciting update: Mark Graban, author of “the mistakes that make us” and host of the Leanblog podcast will be joining the november program!

MAY 12-18, 2024 – SOLD OUT

Reach out to learn more, submit an application, & make your payment to secure your spot! Trips fill up far in advance, so don’t wait to apply now if a learning trip to Japan is on your bucket list!

What’s Included and Itinerary:

Details including what’s included in the program fee and a sample itinerary can be found  here .  

Each program is customized and exact program varies by trip date. Check out the October 2023 program summary  as an example of the learning themes and experiences.

Scroll to the bottom of this page too for more information about the focus of your learning and experience!

Who is the Japan Study Trip for?

This program is designed for leaders those responsible for organizational change and creating high-performing cultures, including:

• Senior executives and leaders
• Operations managers and HR/OD leaders
• Lean, Agile, DevOps, and operational excellence practitioners
• Internal or external consultants looking to more deeply understand how they can influence change
• Learning enthusiasts interested in the origins of the Toyota Way and Lean practices and Japanese culture.

Listen to Patrick and Shawn Talk About Their Experiences

Focus on people, culture, and leadership.

Led by Katie Anderson , internationally recognized leadership consultant, speaker and bestselling author of Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: Lessons from Toyota Leader Isao Yoshino on a Lifetime of Continuous Learning , executive Japan Study Trip is a high-value opportunity to go see and learn from successful leaders and companies in the birthplace the Toyota Production System. 

Talk with these leaders and see with your own eyes on the floors of their companies how they have developed cultures of respect, customer service, and continuous improvement , how they have applied process innovations and lean production principles , and how they develop people in order to develop excellent products and services.

The primary focus of this experience is PEOPLE and CULTURE,  from frontline engagement to senior leaders setting a clear vision and modeling the way, creating a culture of continuous improvement and customer service is all about respect for people and humanity.

Every step of the week, you will discover how Japanese organizations across diverse industries are delivering greater value to customers through service excellence and product delivery , while developing and engaging their people in continuous daily improvement.

Be prepared for an intense and fun week of learning, filled with site visits, facilitated discussions, and conversations with Japanese business leaders including Isao Yoshino, plus plenty of great Japanese food and cultural experiences along the way!

You will come away from this week with a deeper appreciation of the concepts of operational excellence, lean thinking, customer service, and continuous improvement, and tangible takeaways for how you can use them to deliver better value to your customers, engage your team, and improve your own leadership capabilities to create greater impact.

KATIE ANDERSON

I am excited to share my deep knowledge of Japan, leadership, and learning cultures with you!

I had the incredible opportunity to live in Japan for 18 months in 2015 & 2016 and used this time with intention to learn more deeply about Japanese culture, language, and management system practices that Japanese leaders use to develop cultures of continuous improvement and customer service.

You will benefit from my insider knowledge of Japan and the relationships I’ve cultivated since 2015.

Since moving back to the United States in 2016, (pandemic travel limitations aside) I spend 4-6 weeks in Japan each year to lead Japan Study Trips and build relationships, discover new learning experiences, and enrich my own knowledge of Japanese culture, so that I can offer you the best learning tour possible.

I started writing a blog in 2015 way to share insights as a Lean practitioner living in Japan and from my conversations with Toyota leader Isao Yoshino, which sparked the idea that became the award-winning book  Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: Lessons from Toyota Leader Isao Yoshino on a Lifetime of Continuous Learning.

Check out my posts about Japan to learn about past Japan Study Trip experiences, company site visits, Japanese leadership, conversations with Isao Yoshino, and more!

I look forward to hosting you on this special program of learning, culture, and connection!

More about me >>

Embark on the learning journey of a lifetime!

Your experience includes.

We will visit multiple Japanese companies and organizations during the program, to walk through their processes and talk with their leaders about their management philosophies and approaches to continuous improvement, strategy deployment, and people development. 

While each study tour agenda varies, your experience will likely include some of the following experiences:

• Visit an elementary school to interact with school children and learn how fundamental concepts of community and regret of waste (“mottainai”) are valued
• See the connection between top-down (strategy set by leaders through hoshin kanri) and bottom-up (daily kaizen improvements by the front-line) through leadership behaviors and visual management systems
• Experience the  connection between Toyota and their suppliers  through pull-systems and just-in-time delivery
• Visualize how lean production principles such as rapid-changeover (SMED), mistake-proofing, pull, kanban, 5S, one-piece flow, water spiders, standard work, level-loading, and visual management are practiced
• Witness the precision and customer service of the Japanese railway system that is world-famous for its “7-minute miracle” train turnover
• Discover how the   town of Ashikaga  has leveraged 5S and other Lean principles as their method to revitalizing industry AND the human spirit in over 150+ organizations
• Talk with a  female executive of a manufacturing company  about her experiences as a female leader in a traditionally male dominated business culture – as well as developing a culture of innovation, joy, and engagement in a factory environment
• And more still to be developed on the  itinerary

You will have unique access to Mr. Isao Yoshino , a retired 40-year Toyota executive who is the subject of Katie Anderson’s internationally bestselling book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: Lessons from Toyota Leader Isao Yoshino on a Lifetime of Continuous Learning .

Mr. Yoshino helped teach the Toyota Way principles to leaders at the NUMMI plant, was John Shook’s first manager at Toyota (and was Shook’s model for the manager character “Sanderson” in the book Managing to Learn), and held critical roles in developing Toyota’s people-centered learning culture. Mr. Yoshino will impart his vast knowledge of Toyota management, hoshin kanri, and people development with you through formal lectures and discussion throughout the the program.

Not only will Mr. Yoshino provide some formal lectures and facilitated group discussions, you’ll be able to spend time with Mr. Yoshino in private conversation at meals, on the bus, and at the site visits. This level of access to Mr. Yoshino is not available on any other learning program in Japan!

Learn from Japanese CEOs and senior executives through lectures and discussions. During the program, you will have the opportunity to talk directly with Japanese leaders, and to “go to gemba” with them to see their company’s operations.

Examples of Japanese leaders included in our tours include:

• Mr. Isao Yoshino – 40+ year Toyota leader (Japan + U.S.) and John Shook’s first manager
• Mr. Ritsuo Shingo – former Toyota executive, including President of Toyota Hino Motors (China)
• Mr. Masamoto Amezawa – former Toyota executive, including President of Toyota Kentucky
• Mr. Hiroshi Tsukakoshi – founder and Chairman of Ina Foods (the company motto is “Happiness is our purpose” ) and author of Tree Ring Management
• Mr. Teruo Yabe – former President of Tessei (Shinkansen cleaning company)
• Mrs. Noriko Ogura – COO and SVP of Ogura Metal
• Mr. Yoshinori Kikuchi – President of Kikuchi Gears or another Ashikaga-based company leader
• Dr. Satoru Komatsumoto, President of Ashikaga Red Cross Hospital
• Mr. Umemura – Chairman and founder of Mifune, Tier-2 supplier to Toyota
• Ms. Toshiko Kawanami – Human Resources Consultant

Katie Anderson, Japan Lean Study Trip organizer, will be facilitate discussions throughout the program to deepen your learning experiences.

Katie will share her insights from living in Japan for 18 months and subsequent trips to Japan, as well as as a leadership coach and consultant who has worked with thousands of leaders around the world to develop learning cultures.

We will discuss the challenges that “typical Japanese” companies have in implementing Lean, and how and why  Lean isn’t inherently Japanese but rather a management system  that has drawn on the best of both Western and Japanese practices.

Mami Takeda, Japan Lean Study Trip coordinator and interpreter, will also provide additional commentary about Japanese culture, kaizen, and Lean thinking as practiced in Japan.

Enjoy authentic, excellent Japanese food and culture as we travel through Tokyo, Nagoya and Ashikaga.

Breakfast and lunch is included during the program, as well as a welcome dinner and celebration dinner!

During the program, we will include opportunities for other cultural and sightseeing experiences that might include:

• Visiting the “daruma temple” in the town where most daruma dolls are produced in Japan
• Enjoying Japanese hospitality in a ryokan – relax in the onsen, sing karaoke, and wear a yukata (cotton robe)
• Experiencing the high tech service of a  “Lean sushi” restaurant
• Tasting sake at a local sake brewery or enjoying wisteria (“fuji”) flavored ice cream at a world-famous flower park
• Interacting with local school children during their lunchtime at school

Choose to enrich your week with other experiences not included in the formal program

Optional group dinners are a great opportunity to enjoy conversations with other passionate Lean practitioners from around the world, or choose to take the evenings off to explore on your own.

You will also have the opportunity to participate in optional experiences during the week that could include (depends on interest and availability):

• Early morning walks to local temples and shrines
• Morning jog along the Sumida river or Tokyo Castle
• Evening out in Toyko

Consider extending your visit to Japan

Extend your stay and witness the  Grand Sumo tournament  (held in May in Tokyo), visit famous temples and shrines, take part in a food tour, or experience Tokyo nightlife. We can provide suggestions for sightseeing and special experiences in Tokyo.

Add-on additional learning opportunities

We have developed the program to provide you with access to experiences that you could not get on your own. We highly recommend a visit to the  Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology in Nagoya. If the museum is not included on our itinerary due to other site visits, we highly recommend a visit on Sunday before our program officially starts.

Visit the  Japan Study Trip Testimonials  page to read detailed quotes and watch video interviews from past trip participants.

Past Trip Highlights

See photos & highlights from past study trips.

May 2019 |  May 2018 | Oct 2023

* Your position is only confirmed after your application has been approved and your payment has been received.

Concepts We'll Explore

Respect for People Understand more deeply what respect for people (“hitozukuri” or the art of developing people) means in Japan and how “respect for people” became one of the two pillars of the Toyota Way codified in 2001. Respect for people is the uniting theme across all the organizations we will visit.

Craftsmanship Observe how respect for craftsmanship (“monozukuri” or the art of making things) is pervasive in the Japanese culture. Learn how the teacher (sensei) and apprentice (deshi) relationship is essential to developing skills – and developing people.

Learning Understand how respect for learning and reflection is fundamental to Toyota’s success. Discover how Japanese children learn through visiting a local elementary school.

Precision and Kata Ride on the Shinkansen (bullet train) between Nagoya and Tokyo and be awed by the Japanese focus on precision. This deliberate focus on precision can be seen in the kata (routines) in everyday life, from tea ceremonies to how business cards are exchanged. Learn how precision is an important part of standard work and continuous improvement.

Regret of Waste Appreciate how the concept of “mottainai” (regret for waste) is a deeply held Japanese cultural value, taught at an early age to children, and how elimination of waste is an essential component of the Toyota Production System and Lean thinking.

Continuous Improvement Learn how continuous improvement (“kaizen”), the second pillar of the Toyota Way, is incorporated into the daily work of every employee, and the leader’s role in supporting daily improvement. Kaizen is not a “project”, but rather the small ideas that make the organization work a little bit better every day.

Creativity See, through multiple site visits and observations of daily life, how Lean principles support and encourage people’s creativity for improvement – and how concepts of joy and fun can be brought into business and factory environments.

Community Hear how organizations use Lean concepts to improve their business operations and how their mindsets are focused on doing good for their broader community. Learn how one town in Japan has used Lean practices as a strategy to revitalize their community.

Hospitality and Customer Service Experience the Japanese concept of “omotenashi” (the Japanese term for hospitality and customer service) in everyday interactions. Understand how the concept of service is linked with kaizen to demonstrate respect for customers – and employees.

Organization and Cleanliness Be amazed at the organization, tidiness, and cleanliness of Tokyo and other Japanese cities. Learn how respect for organization facilitates Lean practices such as 5S, but in no way ensures that 5S is easy!

DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS TRANSFORMATIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITY!

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Japan Study Tour

Sample study tours.

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The Japan Study Tour is offered in even-numbered years and, while the itinerary varies from trip to trip, participants can look forward to an astonishing array of authentic experiences in Tokyo, Nikko, and Nagano.

Highlights:

Highlights of past tours include:

• visits to major companies such as Canon and Mitsubishi Fuso ;
• an afternoon of sumo at the Kokugikan and an evening baseball game at the Meiji Jingu Stadium ;
• participation in a tea ceremony at the Oka Tei Japanese-style house;
• a day at the historic Sanja Matsuri festival in Asakusa;
• exchange events with students at Waseda University and Kyoto Sangyo University ;
• hiking to see snow monkeys and soba noodle making with students from Nagano Prefectural College ;
• exploration of the shrines and temples of Nikko , Kyoto , and Nara ;
• and so much more!
• Undergraduate students can earn three credits in INTL BUS 3283 (Japanese Business & Society), JAPAN 3210 (Japanese Culture & Society), or HONORS 4900 (Independent Study in Honors; Honors College permission required)
• Graduate students can earn three credits in INTL BUS 5289 (International Business Strategies).
• A non-credit option is available for community members who wish to take part in the tour without receiving academic credit.

Student Experiences:

Shawn: "This whole experience has been unforgettable, impactful, just magical..."

Brittany: "After being in Japan a little more than two weeks, I've grown to love this country more than I thought possible."

Emily: "Something I learned is that I should not be afraid to try to use the Japanese that I know. It stuns the person you are talking to and also shows them that you are actually trying to learn their language and they really appreciate that!"

Molly: "The trip was incredibly important to me educationally, regarding my major and life goals, but also for me personally."

Amy: "All of the company visits have been helpful for me as I get to closer to graduation and start job hunting to see the different options."

Harper: "It was seriously one of the best experiences I have ever had. It was like standing in their shoes and their culture and just absorbing everything. This trip was spectacular and I would do it again in a heartbeat because the professors were magnificent, the students were willing to put themselves out there, and Japan was just beyond expectation. I expected Tokyo to be New York City, but it was most definitely not. It was utopia."

How to Apply:

For more information or to apply, please visit UMSL Study Abroad or contact Professor Amy Michael at [email protected] .

Japan Local Government Centre (JLGC) : London

Japan local government centre is the london office of the council of local authorities for international relations (clair), which was established in 1988, japan study tour, projects and activities.

FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE & TOKYO 14-20 January 2024

( applications now closed )

Tsurugajo Castle

Outline of the Japan Study Tour 2024

This year’s tour is hosted by Fukushima Prefecture, on the theme of “ Reconstruction and Recovery”

Full Theme Title:  Reconstruction and Recovery from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster – Industry, Produce and Cooperation.  

Theme Description:

The Great East Japan Earthquake of September 2011 and the incident at TEPCO’s Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant caused great damage in Fukushima Prefecture and the process of recovery continues. More than 12 years have passed since the earthquake, and a variety of reconstruction projects are proceeding in different parts of the prefecture.  

Industry – In the coastal areas of Fukushima Prefecture, forced to evacuate due to the damage caused by the tsunami and the nuclear power plant accident, researchers and businesses from home and abroad have now gathered at a base established to create new industries. The following is an introduction to the new attractions of Fukushima Prefecture, where much future development is expected.  

Candidate sites: Fukushima Robot Test Field, Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field, others TBC.* 

Produce: In June 2022, import restrictions on Japanese food products were abolished in the UK. Promoting the quality of local produce is an important measure for the prefecture, such as publicising food safety and security domestically and internationally, and the prefecture has actively promoted the attractiveness of food at every opportunity. The participants will be introduced to these efforts and will be able to fully enjoy the culinary attractions that can only be experienced in the local area.  

Candidate sites: local sake breweries, strawberry farms, agricultural centres, and others TBC.*

Cooperation: The Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear power plant accident caused a sudden drop in tourism and private-sector exchanges, but various initiatives have led to a recovery through international cooperation projects, including inbound tourism. In particular, the city of Motomiya in the prefecture has been active in youth exchange with the UK since the earthquake. The British Garden was established in the Motomiya when Prince William visited Japan, while a Fukushima Garden was built in The Royal Borough of Chelsea and Kensington.  The city was also host for sporting events as part of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. School exchanges are continuing, with junior high school students coming and going between Japan and the UK. The participants will be able to visit the British Garden with the opportunity to discuss experiences of living in the prefecture with the students who have visited the UK.  

Candidate sites: Motomiya City (British Garden), exchange with students, others TBC.*

JLGC London each year invites senior executives in local government and staff working in the public sector within the jurisdiction of the countries covered by our office (the UK, Republic of Ireland and other countries within Northern Europe) to Japan for a week-long tour and series of seminars and workshops: to exchange best practice, opinions and information on the current state and issues of local autonomy, and to deepen understanding of each other’s local autonomy systems.

JLGC ’ s annual Japan Study Tour will next be hosted by Fukushima  Prefecture , in 202 4 after an orientation into local government at our  head office CLAIR Tokyo in the capital and site visits to various facilities run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (details TBC ), the city government for one of the world ’ s largest metropolises.  

The Fukushima  Prefecture segment of the tour will help participants learn how Japanese cities of varying scale improve local services through a devolved local government system. Participants will see a broad spectrum of best practice and local government strategies including urban renewal, environmental protection and supporting local businesses and communities .

JLGC invites applicants from senior-level staff of UK and Northern European local government and public sector organisations to join this seven-day tour to see how Japan tackles challenges for the future.

Successful applicants will be asked to attend an orientation meeting at JLGC London offices (also potentially online) in December (TBC).

The Tour schedule details are tentative and will be updated on this page – Follow @jlgclondon on Twitter for updates on these details.  

*Full site visit details and the confirmed schedule are expected at the end of August

For more information, for any questions about eligibility or to request the application form and outline document to be sent as an attachment, please email  “ JST 202 4   Fu kushima ” in the subject bar to  [email protected] .  

JST 2024 Participant Application Form (PDF)

JST 2024 Participant Application Form (Word)

CLAIR – Fair Processing Notice

Schools We Work With

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VS Oceania offers quality, education-centric exchange programs, specialising in student exchange and study tour programs

Staying with a host family provides Japanese students a rare opportunity to experience the Australian way of life

Value Learning

Each visiting student benefits from being exposed to a different culture, new opportunities and new learning experiences.

Welcome to VS Oceania

Vs oceania offers quality, education-centric exchange programs. we specialise in facilitating student exchange and study tour programs for japanese students, and coordinating homestay families ..

Each visiting student benefits from being exposed to a different culture, where they are presented with new opportunities to appreciate new learning experiences as a student in an Australian school. In addition they will have many opportunities to form new friendships that could last a lifetime.

VS Oceania have trained support staff that cater for the students' needs at any time during their stay in Australia. We make all necessary arrangements for each student in a visiting group to be allocated to a host Australian family prior to their arrival.

We also organise tours to Japan for Australian students. We are an accredited travel agency and can arrange ALL your domestic and international travel - CLICK HERE to make a travel booking enquiry .

We look forward to assisting you with your education experience click here to contact us ..

VS Oceania is an educational services provider that offers quality, education-centric exchange programs. We specialise in facilitating student exchange and study tour programs for Japanese students, where our responsibilities include liaising and coordinating with the host schools and homestay families prior to the student's arrival.

Our team comprises of people that genuinely care about the students that come to visit Australia, and our primary goal is to help ensure that their study tour experience is a pleasant and memorable one.

Staying with a host family provides the students a rare opportunity to experience the Australian way of life from a different cultural perspective. Feedback from participating Australian families shows that they find hosting a study tour student is a mutually beneficial experience. 

We also organise tours to Japan for Australian students. We are an accredited travel agency and can arrange ALL your domestic and international travel - CLICK HERE to make a travel booking enquiry .

Please browse our Gallery and watch video Testimonials from Australian schools. For more information, click through to About Us , Study Tours , Host Families , or CLICK HERE to contact us .

We look forward to assisting you with your education or travel experience!

What Our Clients Say

The value to the japanese students and our students is amazing, and for the families who host the japanese students, the experience is equally valuable. we see a marked changed in students when they have participated in the exchange program. it's an incredibly wonderful exercise., penrith anglican college, office info.

Suite 23/33 Waterloo Road, North Ryde NSW 2113

Phone: +(612) 9889 4366

Fax: +(612) 9887 3254, email: this email address is being protected from spambots. you need javascript enabled to view it. document.getelementbyid('cloak7676b24b696ff0a4fadd6da019ed1b83').innerhtml = ''; var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; var addy7676b24b696ff0a4fadd6da019ed1b83 = 'admin' + '@'; addy7676b24b696ff0a4fadd6da019ed1b83 = addy7676b24b696ff0a4fadd6da019ed1b83 + 'vsoceania' + '.' + 'com'; var addy_text7676b24b696ff0a4fadd6da019ed1b83 = 'admin' + '@' + 'vsoceania' + '.' + 'com';document.getelementbyid('cloak7676b24b696ff0a4fadd6da019ed1b83').innerhtml += ' '+addy_text7676b24b696ff0a4fadd6da019ed1b83+' ';.

Phone: +(612) 9889 4366 Fax: +(612) 9887 3254

Need a travel booking?

We can book all your flights, hotels, cruises, car hire and insurance!

CLICK HERE TO ENQUIRE

Penrith Anglican College Barry Roots (Headmaster)

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