General Culture trips to Tokyo, Japan

Breakfast

Take part in our "Introduction to Japan" session designed to enhance your travel experience! Led by a Japanese language teacher and local students, this interactive session aims to equip you with valuable Japanese phrases and fascinating customs, ensuring your trip is both exciting and memorable. As a special takeaway, you'll receive a beautifully crafted booklet made of Japanese paper to capture and preserve your learnings and memories throughout the journey. Following the session, venture out of the room in small groups accompanied by local students for a fun and engaging adventure game in town, putting your newfound knowledge to the test. Armed with insights into Japanese culture and language, make new local friends and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Lunch

Visit the beautiful Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his wife who, in the early 20th century, began Japan’s transformation from a feudal to a modern society. Then, move on to the Harujuku district, Tokyo's cultural epicentre, to see pokemon, punks, goths and fashionistas. Anything goes in Harajuku!

Dinner

Pay a visit to the famous Shibuya Crossing. When the lights turn red at this busy intersection, pedestrians surge into the junction from all sides like a floodgate opening. It's arguably one of the most iconic modern sights in Tokyo!

Breakfast

For an amazing cultural exchange, pay a visit to a local school. Students will take a tour and join lessons with local students, giving them a chance to make friends for life and get to grips with the cultural differences between Japanese schooling and their own.

Lunch

Hop aboard the Sumida River Cruise for a breathtaking view of the Tokyo Skyline.

Dinner

Visit Japan's first official Nintendo store in Shibuya, Tokyo. Here visitors will find many products featuring popular Nintendo game characters including Super Mario, Splatoon, Zelda and Animal Crossing. It’s located right next to the new Pokemon Center, which is also a huge attraction for Japanese game fans.

Breakfast

Experience the hustle and bustle of the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market (outer market only). Learn how the Japanese demand for fresh seafood drives a hugefishing industry and try fresh fish from this morning’s catch!

Next, explore the beautiful and historical Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo, which used to be part of the family residence of the Tokugawa shogun and which functioned as an outer fort for Edo Castle.

Lunch

Discover the mesmerizing world of digital art at Team Lab in Japan. Step into interactive installations that combine technology, art, and nature, creating immersive and ethereal experiences.

Dinner

Take a trip to Akihabara, nicknamed Japan’s 'Electric Town' thanks to its postwar industry. Today, it's a cultural centre for anime and manga lovers, and is also home to Japan’s most famous J-pop group, AKB48.

Breakfast

Walk through the district of Asakusa, where an atmosphere of ancient Tokyo survives. Discover the charming streets lined with traditional craft shops and street-food stalls and visit Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo's most colorful and popular Buddhist temples. Next, with the assistance of friendly volunteers, learn how to properly wear a kimono and experience the elegance and grace of this iconic attire.

Lunch

Create a new signature dish in this sushi-making experience with a nationally-accredited instructor. Experience hands-on training and learn how to create beautifully shaped sushi using simple utensils.

Dinner

Belt out some ballads at your own private Japanese karaoke spot. Sing in English - or show off your Japanese skills!

Breakfast

Attain peace of mind through the historical practices of Japanese tea ceremony, and discover Zen with a nationally qualified tea master.

Lunch

Explore the gigantic Tokyo National Museum. The Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of artworks and archeological objects from across Asia, with a specific focus on Japanese artefacts. They hold over 100,000 individual items – and almost 100 designated national treasures! Parts of the six-building complex date back to the early 1900s, and many of the buildings were designed by leading architects. Then, after you’ve finished wandering around, venture out into Ueno Park to explore the ponds, and shrines.

Dinner

On the last time in Japan, there will be a chance for students, faculty and adventure leaders to come together for a reflection session. Through discussion, listening and guided thought, participants can process their experiences, digest new ideas and consider what they have learned about the region, its people and themselves during the trip.

Departure Day - Breakfast

Today, it’s time to head back for your return travel home. The Learning Adventure’s mission is to expand minds through transformative travel experiences, so we hope that as you settle into your seat for the journey home, that all you have experienced during your trip will leave you with a feeling of increased confidence, knowledge, understanding and yearning for your next adventure!