Japan School Trip Overview
Embark on a Japan school trip on one of our educational tours and introduce your students to the fascinating culture and global influence of the Land of the Rising Sun. This immersive tour takes students through the ancient history and ultra-modern society of Japan as we travel to its three most important cities: Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima.
From visiting historic landmarks to experiencing traditional Japanese practices such as a tea ceremony, a Taiko lesson, and of course karaoke, this journey is filled with interactive activities that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Explore the bustling city of Tokyo and its vibrant culture, and make unforgettable memories with your students on this school trip to Tokyo. This trip is designed to expand your students’ perspectives and give them a deeper understanding of Japan’s culture and influence on the world.
Did You Know? Teachers travel for free! Learn more about the Benefits for Teachers.
Map and Route
- Day 1: Overnight flight to Japan
- Days 2-4: Tokyo
- Days 5: Nikko
- Days 6-7: Kyoto
- Day 8: Hiroshima
- Day 9: Kyoto
- Day 10: Return flight
Possible Extensions for a 11-12 Day Trip
- Extra Day 1: Miyajima island
- Extra Day 2: Tokyo Disneyland
Interested in learning more about this tour?
Detailed Trip Itinerary
Learn more about what each day is like on tour! Click on the day to discover the different sites and activities you will experience
DAY 1: Depart for Japan
Flight from your preferred airport to Tokyo.
DAY 2: Tokyo
Upon your arrival in Tokyo, you’ll be greeted at the airport by your Travel For Teens guides, who will accompany you for the duration of your journey. After getting settled into the hotel, we’ll have our first dinner of traditional Japanese cuisine at one of our favorite local restaurants.
DAY 3: Tokyo
On our first day on the ground in Tokyo, we’ll begin with a visit to the Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most colorful temples. After lunch, catch the water bus to Hamarikyu Gardens, a beautiful green oasis in the middle of urban Tokyo. This afternoon, try your hand at Virtual Reality in the world capital of technology and video games.
Tour Highlights
- Sensoji Temple
- Hamarikyu Gardens
- Virtual Reality Arcade
DAY 4: Tokyo
This morning, visit the most important collection of anime culture in Japan, the Ghibli Museum. After lunch, explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Shibuya and Harajuku, famous around the world for their funky fashion scene, as well as for having the world’s busiest crosswalk. This evening, we’ll head to the top of the Observatory Building for some of the best views in all Tokyo.
Tour Highlights
- Studio Ghibli Museum
- Shibuya
- Harajuku
DAY 5: Nikko
Then it’s off to visit the sacred site of Nikko – a town famous for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural scenery, and UNESCO sites. Here we will visit the Toshu-gu Shrine, Nikko’s iconic red bridge, hike through the tranquil countryside to discover the natural beauty of Northern Japan, including Kegon falls!
Tour Highlights
- Toshu-gu Shrine
- Nikko’s Red Bridge & Stream
- Kegon falls
Day 6: Kyoto
Depart for the train station – we’re heading to our next destination: Kyoto! On the way, we’ll stop in Nagoya for a traditional karate lesson. Try your hand at the historic fighting technique of karate, developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom (now Okinawa)! Head back to the train station and continue on for Kyoto. Check in to our Kyoto accommodation, have dinner, and head out for our evening activity – karaoke!
Tour Highlights
- Nagoya
- Karate Lesson
- Karaoke in Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto
Head to Fushimi Inari Taisha, known for its stunning vermilion-colored torii gates that form a tunnel through the forest on the mountain behind the main shrine. Visit, Kiyomizu-deraa, UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous and visited temples in Japan. In the afternoon, enjoy free time in Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka – wandering the traditional shops and Japanese-style restaurants in this incredible place.
Tour Highlights
- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Kiyomizu-deraa
- Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka
DAY 8: Hiroshima & Himeji
Take a day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima. Hiroshima today is dedicated to bringing peace to the world, a direct result of the destruction the atomic bomb brought to it during WWII. During our time here we will have the special opportunity to meet with a local survivor and hear his or her perspective on this tragic event. Every year our students are moved by hearing such a personal and emotional story, and come away with a greater understanding of the effects of WWII.
On the way back to Kyoto, stop at Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous castles in Japan.
Tour Highlights
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
- Himeji Castle
DAY 9: Kyoto
This morning, visit the incredible Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a popular tourist destination since 749AD. Stop by the Togetsukyo Bridge, stroll through the bamboo groves, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. We will also enjoy a fun and exciting taiko lesson, where we will learn to play these traditional Japanese drums with instructors in a fun and easy to learn format. To cap off our lesson we might even have a drum battle!
Tour Highlights
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Taiko Lesson
DAY 10: Depart Japan
Your TFT guides will accompany you to the airport and assist you with check-in for your flight. Wave goodbye as you head through security and sit back and relax on your flight home.
The TFT Difference
We Never Combine Groups (unless you want to!)
Your tour is special and just for you and your students! We will never combine two or more groups on the same bus or tour unless you request traveling with another teacher. We will lead a trip with as few as six people and a teacher. Your Trip Director travels with you for the duration of your educational tour. If you have another group you would like to travel with, let us know and we can arrange for that as well!
Stress-Free Planning and 24/7 Support
We are there for you every step of the way, and our support begins the moment you decide to do a TFT educational tour! We will provide you with a team member who will help bring your tour to life, along with everything you need to help get students to sign up for the adventure! On the tour you will have 24/7 dedicated staff with you to ensure everything runs smoothly and because we know travel is full of surprises, solve anything that may pop up along the way.
Photos and Email Updates
We make sure your travel memories are captured forever! Expect frequent personal email updates and hundreds of photos from your TFT staff shared with you and your students’ families so everyone can follow along on the journey. We are the only educational tour company to offer this in-depth trip communication and it truly makes all the difference!
Central Accommodation and Local Meals
Authenticity is engrained in everything we do. We stay at locally owned accommodation in the city center so you don’t waste your valuable time commuting. We dine at charming authentic restaurants to get a real flavor (literally!) for the local culture. The best way to travel is like a local. So ditch the tour bus and have a real traveler’s experience with us!
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Photo Gallery
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