The Business, Innovation & Culture of Japan

Welcome to Japan’s Business Capital

Upon arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport, complete the airport formalities and meet your guide before transferring into the dynamic heart of Tokyo. During an introductory sightseeing tour, enjoy your first impressions of one of the world’s most influential business capitals, where global corporations, advanced technology, efficient infrastructure and innovative retail concepts operate alongside traditional Japanese culture.

Afterwards, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner with the group while looking forward to the business visits, industry insights and cultural experiences ahead.

After breakfast, meet your coach and guide and begin an exciting exploration of Tokyo, examining how centuries-old traditions continue to influence one of the world’s most successful business capitals.

Your first visit is Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Enter through the famous Kaminarimon Gate and explore the bustling surrounding streets, where religion, tourism and traditional retail combine to create a thriving visitor economy.

Next, participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Observe the precision, presentation and exceptional attention to detail involved in preparing matcha before trying the ceremony yourself. This experience offers valuable insight into Japanese hospitality, customer service and the cultural values that influence business relationships.

Continue to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where the observatory provides spectacular views across the city. Learn about Tokyo’s urban planning, public administration and the policies supporting one of the world’s largest economies.

Your final visit is the Imperial Palace East Gardens, part of the historic residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. Explore the beautifully maintained grounds while discovering the connection between Japan’s heritage, national identity and modern society. Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and travel into Tokyo for an exciting day exploring science, technology and innovation.

Begin at Miraikan, Japan’s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Through interactive exhibitions and hands-on experiences, discover how developments in robotics, artificial intelligence, space exploration, environmental science and biotechnology are shaping the world. Students can consider how scientific research becomes commercially valuable technology and how innovation may transform future industries.

Continue to Kawasaki Robostage in Odaiba, an interactive showroom operated by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. See state-of-the-art robots in action and explore the concept of human–robot collaboration. This fascinating visit demonstrates how robotics can improve manufacturing, productivity, healthcare and customer service while creating new commercial opportunities.

Spend some time exploring Odaiba, Tokyo’s futuristic waterfront district and an impressive example of urban regeneration, tourism and entertainment development. You will then visit teamLab Planets, an extraordinary immersive digital-art museum where visitors walk barefoot through water, light and garden installations. Observe how technology, creativity and audience participation combine to create an innovative and highly successful visitor experience.

Conclude this inspiring day with dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Hakone: Tourism, Transport & Natural Enterprise

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and travel to Hakone for an exciting day exploring how Japan successfully transforms its natural landscape into a world-class tourism experience.

Begin at Owakudani, a dramatic volcanic valley formed approximately 3,000 years ago. Discover its steaming vents, sulphur-rich hot springs and, on a clear day, spectacular views of Mount Fuji. You may also see the famous kuro-tamago, or black eggs, cooked naturally in the geothermal waters. According to local legend, eating one can add seven years to your life! The visit provides an interesting example of how geology, storytelling and local products can combine to create a distinctive tourist attraction.

Continue aboard the Hakone Ropeway, enjoying panoramic views of Owakudani, Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountains. Students can observe how efficient transport infrastructure makes natural attractions accessible while supporting the regional visitor economy.

You will then board a pirate-themed sightseeing boat for a relaxing cruise across Lake Ashi. Enjoy the beautiful scenery while considering how creative branding and memorable customer experiences help destinations attract visitors.

Lunch and dinner will be served at local restaurants before returning to your hotel after an enjoyable day examining tourism, hospitality and destination management in Hakone.

Bullet Train, Golden Kyoto & Kimono Culture

After breakfast, meet your coach and transfer to Tokyo Station. Your main luggage will travel separately and be delivered directly to your hotel in Osaka, so please carry everything you need for the day in a small bag.

Board the famous Nozomi 221 Shinkansen, departing Tokyo at 10:00 and arriving in Kyoto at 12:15. Travelling on one of the world’s most advanced rail networks provides students with an excellent example of Japanese efficiency, infrastructure, customer service and technological innovation.

Upon arrival, visit the spectacular Kinkaku-ji, known as the Golden Pavilion. Covered in brilliant gold leaf and reflected beautifully in its surrounding pond, this celebrated Zen temple demonstrates how Japan’s cultural heritage has become an internationally recognised tourism asset. You will also enjoy a memorable kimono experience, discovering the craftsmanship, design and cultural significance behind Japan’s traditional clothing.

Afterwards, continue to Osaka and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before checking into the Hearton Hotel Nishiumeda. Conveniently located near Osaka Station, the hotel offers comfortable rooms and easy access to the city’s major attractions.

Osaka: Finance, Enterprise & Creative Marketing

After breakfast, meet your guide and begin an engaging day exploring Osaka’s financial heritage, entrepreneurial spirit and distinctive approach to business and marketing.

Your first visit will be Osaka Exchange, formerly known as the Osaka Securities Exchange. One of Japan’s most important financial institutions, it is particularly recognised for derivatives trading and the development of products such as the Nikkei 225 Mini. Students will gain valuable insight into stock markets, investment, financial products and the vital role exchanges play in supporting businesses and the wider economy.

Continue to Tekijuku, a former private school of Western learning founded in 1838 by respected physician Ogata Kōan. The only surviving school building of its kind from the Edo period, Tekijuku played an important role in advancing Western medicine, scientific research and Japan’s modernisation. Its pioneering work in vaccination and cholera treatment demonstrates how education, knowledge-sharing and innovation can create lasting social and economic change. Many of its students later became influential leaders in medicine, government and business.

Next, take part in a fun and creative food-sample-making experience. The remarkably realistic dishes displayed outside Japanese restaurants are a unique form of visual merchandising, allowing customers to understand a menu instantly despite language barriers. Learn how these detailed models are designed and produced, then create your own food sample while exploring the importance of product presentation, craftsmanship, branding and customer decision-making.

Conclude this fascinating day with dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Final day in Osaka

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore Osaka at your own pace. This is the perfect opportunity to browse the city’s vibrant shopping areas, discover innovative Japanese products and retail concepts, purchase souvenirs or simply enjoy the energetic atmosphere of one of Japan’s leading commercial centres.

Later, meet your coach and transfer to the airport in plenty of time to complete the check-in and departure formalities for your return flight to Dubai. As your exciting journey comes to an end, reflect on the valuable business insights, cultural discoveries and unforgettable experiences gained throughout Japan. From Tokyo’s innovation and Hakone’s tourism industry to Kyoto’s heritage economy and Osaka’s financial and entrepreneurial spirit, the trip will leave students with a deeper understanding of how Japan successfully combines tradition, technology and modern enterprise.