Visit Japan
Sample Trip Itinerary
Every year, in the spring, we charter a trip to Japan for all of the people who participate in our summer programs!
Yes, this is your opportunity to visit Japan! This trip is a unique opportunity to see Japan both as a tourist and as an “Insider.” Not only will the participants in this trip see all of the popular tourist attractions, but also learn how Japanese people live in their day-to-day routine.
Saturday Depart Logan Airport in the morning for Japan (Northwest Airlines)
First, a 2 hour flight to Detroit. From Detroit, a 13 hour flight to Osaka, Japan. When we arrive in Japan, it will already be Sunday evening. Upon arriving at Osaka’s Kansai Airport, we will transfer by train to Kyoto, capital city of Japan (45 minute train ride). We will check into a Japanese style hotel and have dinner.
Monday Full Day of Sightseeing of Kyoto city with bi-lingual guide. Visit many of the city’s beautiful temples, shrines and gardens. In the evening, have a sukiyaki dinner.
Tuesday Free morning for walking around historic Kyoto and buying souvenirs. In afternoon, transfer by shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo. View Mount Fuji out the window on the left hand side of the train. Have lunch aboard the bullet train. Train takes 2.5 hours to reach Tokyo. Meet host families at Tokyo train station.
Wednesday Visit Host School for a meeting ceremony with some of the students and families. School is on vacation this week, so the students have plenty of free time to show us around Tokyo!
Thursday Visit the ancient town of Kamakura (one hour from Tokyo). Visit the many temples and landmarks which have been preserved since the 13th century.
Friday Visit Mount Fuji and Hakone with a bilingual guide. Travel to the foot of Mount Fuji (over 14,000 ft. elevation) and delight in the many scenic lakes and streams in the foothills. Hakone is the area where all samurai needed to travel through to visit the emperor each year.
Saturday Free Day with host families in Tokyo
Sunday Free Day with host families in Tokyo
Monday Free Day with host families in Tokyo and farewell dinner
Tuesday Travel to Narita Airport in Tokyo for departure back to USA.
Tuesday Arrive back home in Boston (remember, you just crossed the international time line and thus have gained a day, so it is still Tuesday!
Price – Approximately $3,500, includes:
- Roundtrip airfare on Northwest Airlines from Boston to Japan and back
- 2 nights accommodations in Japanese style hotel in Kyoto
- 7 nights accommodations with host family in Tokyo from Host School
- All meals
- Bullet train ticket from Kyoto to Tokyo
- Airport transfers from both airports
- Admission and transportation to sightseeing attractions on itinerary
- Full guidance and supervision during the entire trip
Trip to Japan Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to participate on this trip? Anyone (parent or student) who participated in any of the summer programs and exchange programs and their family members. Also, anyone who is a friend of a participant who wishes to also take part in this great opportunity.
What is the age minimum for the trip? Students 15 years old or older are allowed to travel on their own. For students under age 13, they are welcome to travel with a parent. We would try to arrange for the parent and child to stay at the same home, or have the parent stay at a nearby home or hotel in Tokyo.
What type of food will I have to eat? In every place we will visit, you will have the option to eat American or Japanese food. A lot of Japanese cuisine will actually appear quite familiar to you, such as Sukiyaki and chicken teriyaki. In Tokyo, there is every familiar fast food chain available.
Who are the families who will be hosting us in Tokyo? The families of the student who visited in our area during the summer Explore Japan and Exchange Program. Most likely, it will be a student who has traveled to New England in the past year summer exchanges.
What about language difficulties? We will have a bi-lingual guide during most of the trip. When you are staying with your host family, we will have a phone number you can call where a bhen you are staying with your host family, we will have a phone number you can call where a bi-lingual person can talk to you on the phone at all times.
How much extra money do I need to bring? Almost all of your expenses are paid for during the trip. You may need money for an occasional lunch on your own, but are otherwise covered for all expenses during the trip. Believe it or not, lunch costs roughly the same in Tokyo as it does in the USA. If you are interested in buying some souvenirs, you can expect to pay from $15 – $50 for good quality souvenirs.
What about if I get sick during the trip? We offer an optional travel insurance to cover your medical expenses in Japan. Consult your health insurance provider to determine if you need additional coverage while abroad.
Do I need a visa? No, all you need to travel to Japan is a current USA passport.
Who are our chaperons? Members of the staff from American Learning, Inc., coordinators of the summer program, will be the tour leaders during the trip. They are experienced travelers in Japan. They will keep constant communication with each host family while in Tokyo to make sure everyone is comfortable.
How can I participate if my school system is not on vacation at that time? Please call us and let us know. We will call your school principal and explain to them what an educational experience this is. Some schools have allowed students to travel without using “sick days” — as long as they prepared a report or video documenting their experience.
(Note: images above copyright Japan National Tourist Organization, used with permission.)
