Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Set out to immerse your students in the cutting-edge technological innovations, rich culture, and fascinating history of Japan. Your students will visit the Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park, explore the Tsukuba Space Centre, enjoy a guided tour of the Kyoto International Manga Museum, and visit the Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center. Your group can also look forward to experiencing Japanese culture firsthand during a taiko drum lesson and traditional shabu-shabu dinner.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Japan (Tokyo)
Day 2
Arrive in Tokyo
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 3
The Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park visit
In the event of a large-scale disaster such as an earthquake, Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park serves as the city’s central hub for emergency response. It houses disaster management headquarters, facilities for compiling information, and teams coordinating critical relief measures across the Tokyo Metropolitan Area.
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation visit
The National Museum of Nature and Science visit
Day 4
Tsukuba excursion
Located about an hour north of Tokyo, Tsukuba is known as “Japan’s Science City” is home to Visit the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Space Center on a guided tour that may include the astronaut training area, the Kibo control room, and an introductory film. Learn about robotics at Cyberdyne Inc., where HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) technology is developed, then explore AIST-Cube, a reimagined exhibition space showcasing how cutting-edge research in areas like sustainable energy, robotics, and healthcare is shaping the future.
Shabu-Shabu dinner
Day 5
Chiba and Saitama excursion
Brimming with beautiful nature and unique cultural sites, Chiba and Saitama are home to fascinating local attractions. Step back in time at the Former Yoshida Family Residence and Historic Park, where traditional architecture and landscaped grounds evoke Japan’s past. Then visit the Saitama City Sakura Environmental Center, an innovative facility that highlights sustainability and community-focused environmental practices.
Free Time in Harajuku and Omotesando
Harajuku’s Takeshita Street buzzes with trendy shops and crepe stands popular with Tokyo’s youth. Nearby Omotesando, often called Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées, caters to adults with luxury boutiques and stylish restaurants.
Day 6
Travel to Otsuki
Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center visit
Opened in 2014, the Yamanashi Maglev Exhibition Center sits alongside the 26.6-mile Maglev Test Line. Here, visitors can explore exhibits on the science of magnetic levitation and Japan’s plans for next-generation rail, then head to the observation area to watch test runs of the Maglev train racing by at 310 miles per hour.
Travel from Mishima station to Kyoto by Shinkansen (Japanese Bullet Train)
Day 7
Nijo Castle visit
Kyoto International Manga Museum visit
Kyoto International Manga Museum workshop
Museum staff will guide you through an introduction to manga, from drawing techniques and character design tips to the use of "manpu"—the symbols and signs that bring characters’ feelings to life.
Fushimi Inari Shrine visit
Day 8
Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion) visit
Tenryu-ji Temple visit
Japanese Taiko drum lesson
Enjoy a hands-on cultural experience with local musicians as you learn the history and basics of taiko drumming. Try simple techniques and play a traditional song that connects rhythm with energy, leaving both body and mind refreshed.
Gion District city walk
Visit the historic district of Gion, best known for its traditional geisha culture.
Day 9
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Hiroshima
Travel by bullet train to Hiroshima, a city rebuilt from the devastation of the atomic bomb, to tour the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Peace Memorial Museum, then stroll the tranquil Shukkei-en Garden. The next day, ferry to Miyajima to see Itsukushima Shrine’s “floating” torii, visit the Senjokaku Pagoda, and shop along Omotesando Street before heading home.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Scenes from Japan
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.