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School Trips / Asia / Japan

Japan

Nepal

School Trips To Japan

Take your students on a journey through time and innovation with a school trip to Japan. From the ancient temples of Kyoto to the high-tech marvels of Tokyo, Japan offers a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. Whether exploring samurai history, participating in a tea ceremony, or witnessing cutting-edge technology, every experience immerses students in the country’s fascinating culture.

Points of Interest

  • Tokyo

  • Kyoto

  • Osaka

  • Hiroshima

  • Takayama

  • Kanazawa

  • Nara

  • Miyajima Island

With a history spanning thousands of years, Japan has evolved from feudal shogunates to a global leader in innovation. Today, it stands as a testament to resilience, artistry, and progress, offering a truly unique learning experience.

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Trip Itinerary

Itinerary 01

  • Itinerary 01

  • Itinerary 02

  • Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo – First Taste of Japan

    Stepping into Tokyo, we find ourselves immersed in a city where centuries-old traditions meet cutting-edge innovation. After settling in, we dive into Japan’s vibrant street food scene at Ameya-Yokocho Market, sampling yakitori skewers, takoyaki (octopus balls), and fluffy melon pan. A visit to Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest intersection, gives us a first glimpse of Tokyo’s energy before we gather for a welcome dinner. At a local izakaya, we indulge in a variety of small plates—karaage (Japanese fried chicken), edamame, and sashimi—while discussing the culinary journey ahead.

  • Day 2: Sushi-Making & Exploring Asakusa

    The morning begins at Toyosu Fish Market, the heart of Tokyo’s seafood industry. We witness expert vendors slicing massive tuna before heading to a traditional sushi academy for a sushi-making workshop. Guided by a skilled itamae (sushi chef), we learn the delicate techniques of preparing nigiri and maki rolls. In the afternoon, we explore Asakusa, home to Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Walking along Nakamise Street, we sample taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean paste) before an evening ramen tasting tour, where we compare styles from shoyu (soy sauce-based) to rich tonkotsu (pork broth).

  • Day 3: Kyoto – Kaiseki & Tea Ceremony

    A high-speed shinkansen (bullet train) whisks us to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. Our first stop is Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto’s Kitchen," where we taste tsukemono (Japanese pickles), yuba (tofu skin), and Kyoto-style wagashi (traditional sweets). In the afternoon, we visit a historic teahouse for a traditional tea ceremony. Under the guidance of a tea master, we learn the meditative art of preparing matcha, gaining insight into Japanese hospitality. The day culminates with an elegant kaiseki dinner, a multi-course meal showcasing Kyoto’s refined culinary techniques.

  • Day 4: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Shojin Ryori

    We begin our day in the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where towering stalks create an ethereal atmosphere. At Tenryu-ji Temple, we participate in a shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) experience, savoring dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients, emphasizing simplicity and mindfulness. An afternoon stroll through the historic streets of Gion introduces us to Kyoto’s geisha culture, before we try yatsuhashi, Kyoto’s famous cinnamon-flavored sweets.

  • Day 5: Osaka – The Street Food Capital

    A short train ride takes us to Osaka, Japan’s lively culinary powerhouse. We begin at Kuromon Market, tasting freshly grilled scallops, skewered wagyu beef, and tamagoyaki (rolled omelet). In the evening, we explore Dotonbori, Osaka’s neon-lit entertainment district. A hands-on okonomiyaki cooking class teaches us how to make this savory Japanese pancake, while a stop at a takoyaki stand lets us perfect our flipping skills.

  • Day 6: Hiroshima – Okonomiyaki & Reflection

    In Hiroshima, we visit the Peace Memorial Park, a poignant reminder of resilience and hope. After reflecting at the A-Bomb Dome, we board a ferry to Miyajima Island, home to the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Lunch is Hiroshima’s famous layered okonomiyaki, distinct from Osaka’s version. We watch skilled chefs layer cabbage, noodles, and batter on a hot griddle, perfecting this local specialty. A peaceful hike to Mount Misen offers panoramic views before we return to Hiroshima for the night.

  • Day 7: Takayama – Farm-to-Table Traditions

    Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and rich culinary traditions. We begin at the Miyagawa Morning Market, sampling freshly made gohei mochi (grilled rice cakes with sweet soy sauce). A Hida beef tasting follows, where we enjoy Japan’s prized marbled beef, cooked to perfection. In the afternoon, a local farmer leads us through a soba noodle-making workshop, where we knead, roll, and cut buckwheat noodles before enjoying them with a warm dipping sauce.

  • Day 8: Kanazawa – Seafood & Samurai History

    We travel to Kanazawa, home to one of Japan’s most vibrant seafood markets. At Omicho Market, we sample delicate kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) featuring uni (sea urchin), toro (fatty tuna), and ikura (salmon roe). An afternoon visit to Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes, is followed by a tour of the Nagamachi Samurai District, where we learn about the culinary heritage of Japan’s warrior class. Dinner features Kaga cuisine, known for its emphasis on local seafood and mountain vegetables.

  • Day 9: Return to Tokyo – Ramen & Izakaya Hopping

    Back in Tokyo, we explore Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho, a nostalgic alley lined with small izakayas. A local guide leads us through an izakaya-hopping experience, where we enjoy grilled yakitori, karaage, and oden (Japanese hot pot). The evening ends with a visit to a ramen museum, where we learn about regional variations and enjoy a final bowl of Japan’s most beloved comfort food.

  • Day 10: Departing with a Taste of Japan

    On our final morning, we reflect on our journey through Japan’s rich culinary landscape. Whether it was mastering sushi, savoring Kyoto’s kaiseki, or experiencing Osaka’s lively street food scene, we leave with a deep appreciation for the country’s flavors, traditions, and hospitality. As we board our flight home, we carry with us the warmth of Japan’s people, the mastery behind its cuisine, and memories of a journey that engaged all the senses.

  • Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo – Entering the Heart of Japan

    We arrive in Tokyo, a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with futuristic innovation. After meeting our guides, we take in the bustling energy of Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection. A short walk leads us to Meiji Shrine, an oasis of tranquility nestled within the city. As night falls, we explore Shinjuku’s neon-lit streets, immersing ourselves in the lively atmosphere of Tokyo’s entertainment district. A welcome dinner introduces us to Japanese cuisine, featuring tempura, sushi, and miso soup, as we prepare for the journey ahead.

  • Day 2: Tokyo – Culture, Temples & Pop Culture

    We begin the day in Asakusa, where the grand Senso-ji Temple stands as Tokyo’s oldest and most revered Buddhist site. Strolling along Nakamise Street, we sample traditional snacks like taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries) before heading to Akihabara, the epicenter of Japan’s gaming and anime culture. A stop in Harajuku immerses us in Tokyo’s vibrant youth fashion scene, while an afternoon calligraphy workshop introduces us to the artistic beauty of Japanese writing. In the evening, we enjoy a lively izakaya dinner, where we taste yakitori skewers and karaage (Japanese fried chicken).

  • Day 3: Kyoto – Temples, Gardens & Geisha Culture

    A high-speed shinkansen (bullet train) takes us to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. We start at Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of vermillion torii gates create a mesmerizing path up the mountainside. After lunch, we visit Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO-listed temple offering panoramic views of Kyoto. A guided walk through the historic Gion District introduces us to Kyoto’s geisha culture, where we may catch a glimpse of an apprentice maiko on her way to a teahouse. The evening concludes with a kaiseki dinner, a multi-course meal reflecting Kyoto’s refined culinary heritage.

  • Day 4: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Zen Gardens

    We begin the day in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering green stalks create a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere. A visit to Tenryu-ji Temple immerses us in Zen Buddhist architecture and landscape design. After lunch, we engage in a meditation session led by a Buddhist monk, experiencing firsthand the principles of mindfulness and simplicity. The afternoon is spent at Ryoan-ji, home to Japan’s most famous rock garden, before we enjoy a hands-on tea ceremony, learning the delicate art of preparing matcha.

  • Day 5: Nara – Sacred Deer & Ancient Temples

    A short journey takes us to Nara, Japan’s first capital, where friendly deer roam freely in Nara Park. At Todai-ji Temple, we marvel at the Great Buddha, an awe-inspiring bronze statue housed in the largest wooden structure in the world. After exploring the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its lantern-lined pathways, we return to Kyoto for an evening of free exploration, where students can choose to explore local markets or relax in the city’s serene gardens.

  • Day 6: Osaka – Street Food & Urban Energy

    A short train ride takes us to Osaka, Japan’s kitchen and a city known for its lively energy. We begin at Osaka Castle, a historic landmark set amidst lush gardens. In Dotonbori, Osaka’s neon-lit entertainment district, we embark on a street food tour, sampling takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and kushikatsu (fried skewers). A visit to TeamLab Botanical Garden, an immersive digital art installation, provides a futuristic contrast to the city’s historical landmarks.

  • Day 7: Hiroshima – Peace & Resilience

    A bullet train takes us to Hiroshima, where we reflect on history at the Peace Memorial Park & Museum. The stories of resilience and peace resonate deeply as we visit the A-Bomb Dome and ring the Children’s Peace Monument Bell. A ferry ride to Miyajima Island offers a change of pace, where we marvel at the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan’s most iconic sites. The evening is spent in Hiroshima, where we enjoy the local specialty, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

  • Day 8: Takayama – Traditional Townscapes

    Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Takayama transports us to Japan’s Edo period with its beautifully preserved wooden buildings. We explore the Miyagawa Morning Market, tasting fresh produce and local sweets, before visiting the Takayama Jinya, a historic government house. In the afternoon, we take part in a Hida beef tasting, experiencing one of Japan’s most prized delicacies, followed by a hands-on soba noodle-making workshop.

  • Day 9: Kanazawa – Samurai History & Art

    In Kanazawa, we step back into the world of the samurai in the Nagamachi Samurai District, visiting a restored samurai residence. A stroll through Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s three great gardens, offers a peaceful retreat. We then explore the Higashi Chaya District, where gold leaf artisans demonstrate the delicate craft that makes Kanazawa famous. Before leaving, we sample kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) at Omicho Market, savoring the freshness of Japan’s western coastline.

  • Day 10: Tokyo – Free Exploration & Farewell Celebration

    Returning to Tokyo, we enjoy a free exploration day, where students can visit the famous Ghibli Museum, shop in Shibuya and Harajuku, or relax in the serene gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen. Our farewell dinner takes place in a traditional yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant, where we grill premium cuts of wagyu beef, sharing reflections on our journey through Japan.

  • Day 11: Departure – Carrying Japan with Us

    On our final morning, we gather for a closing reflection, sharing highlights, lessons, and favorite moments from the journey. As we board our flights home, we carry with us not just souvenirs, but a profound appreciation for Japan’s history, traditions, and the warmth of its people. This journey has been more than a trip—it has been an immersion into a culture where the past and future exist in perfect harmony.

School Trip Journal