Japan Travel Offers Education Through Immersion

Whether you are in a big city like Tokyo or a more rural destination such as Kamakura, the old coastal capital home to much of Samurai culture, Japan travel has something to offer for every student.

 

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Group Activities

School- and group-friendly activities are found all over Japan.

 

Shrine and Temple Visits

Scattered throughout urban and rural areas alike, shrines and temples represent the two major religions of Japan: Shinto and Buddhism, respectively. Open to the public, these provide travelers an up-close experience with a core foundation of Japanese culture, both ancient and modern.

Shopping

Whether it’s the high-tech street lights of Akihabara, the designer fashion of Roppongi Hills, the pop culture of Shinjuku and Shibuya, or the traditional souvenirs of Asakusa, there are shopping locales dedicated to everything your students can imagine.

 

Museums

With its incredible history of influence on art traditions all around the world, it is no surprise that Japan is home to numerous museums showcasing works in both modern and traditional mediums. Check out the Hokusai Museum and see the Great Wave off Kanagawa, or the various interactive teamLab exhibits around Japan that make you consider your place as part of the art itself.

Karaoke

Meaning “sky orchestra” in Japanese, karaoke is one of the most convenient and affordable group activities Japan has to offer. Karaoke chains such as Manekineko can be found in all major Japanese cities.

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Arts Activities

Whether it’s painting, ceramics, flower-arranging or a matcha tea ceremony, you can find a plethora of group-friendly experiences in the traditional Japanese arts.

 

Ikebana: Flower Arranging

Create a decorative arrangement using fresh seasonal flowers.

Sadō: Tea Ceremony

Learn how to prepare matcha and participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Shodō: Calligraphy

Learn the basics of painting with a brush to write Kanji, letters borrowed from Chinese, used in Japanese writing.

Tōgei: Ceramics

Create traditional Japanese pottery using an electric wheel.

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Group Dining

Group dining can be a challenge anywhere, but especially abroad, as students tackle new cuisines and cultural/language barriers. Here are a few tips for student-friendly dining experiences during Japan travel.

 

Size and Quantity of Restaurants

Though known for smaller establishments, Japan has many group-friendly restaurants that can accommodate larger groups. Popular chains like Syabuyo, a Japanese hot pot restaurant, and Tori Mero, a grilled meat restaurant, provide all-you-can-eat experiences. Plus, there are local restaurants packed between buildings on just about every street! Many locations also provide incredible opportunities to enjoy a sweet treat.

Etiquette

At every meal, you will be given a wet towel to clean your hands. It is okay to eat before others have their food but avoid drinking before everyone has their beverage. Hold small bowls such as rice and Miso soup under your mouth when eating. It is okay to slurp noodles as this helps them cool but be cognizant of other loud eating sounds. Be prepared to use chopsticks often though Western utensils will be available at most restaurants if needed. No matter where you are in Japan, your students will find quality dining at a fair price, without needing to add on a tip at the end of the meal.

Vegetarian/Vegan and Gluten-Free Meals

Definitions of vegetarian and vegan labels differ between countries. In Japan, it is common for broths to be made of animal products, even in “vegetarian” dishes. Additionally, there are some foods you would not expect to contain gluten, such as soy sauce, tofu and imitation crab. Your Educational Destinations Tour Director can help you make informed decisions about the ingredients you are exposed to abroad and provide alternative meals to accommodate your dietary needs.

Clean Tap Water, Vending Machines and Convenience Stores

No need to worry if a restaurant on the itinerary does not suit your tastes: there are high-quality products available at vending machines and convenience stores on just about every corner! Your students can purchase whatever they need to get them through the trip.

 

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When traveling internationally with a school group, safety is the utmost priority. With an incredible number of world-class medical facilities and health care, strong police presence throughout and some of the lowest crime rates in the world, few international destinations offer a more worry-free experience for travelers and for families and administrators back home. In Japan, rest assured that your travelers will be well taken care of by a bilingual Educational Destinations Tour Director.

Click here to contact us about creating an incredible Japan travel experience for your group!