Japan, Future, Heritage and Hiroshima

Welcome to the excitement of Tokyo

Take your international flight to Japan and arrive in the exhilarating capital city of Tokyo. Following an orientation and introduction to the programme, begin exploring the city with visits to beautiful Ueno Park, the peaceful forest surrounding Meiji Shrine and the historic Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa. Complete your first taste of Tokyo in vibrant Shibuya, where enormous digital screens, illuminated buildings and the world-famous Shibuya Crossing reveal the energy of modern Japan.

The Design, Gaming & Urban Innovation of Tokyo

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your driver and guide before setting out to explore Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most sophisticated shopping, architecture and design districts. Walk along its immaculate avenues and discover an inspiring combination of contemporary buildings, luxury flagship stores, creative window displays and innovative retail concepts. Students can observe how Japanese designers combine technology, visual communication and exceptional customer experiences within one of the world’s most influential commercial districts.

Continue to the impressive Imperial Palace Plaza and beautiful East Gardens, located on the historic grounds of Edo Castle. Surrounded by traditional bridges, fortified stone walls and carefully landscaped gardens, this peaceful setting provides a fascinating contrast to Ginza’s modern cityscape.

Subject to your travel dates, students may also attend the internationally renowned Tokyo Game Show. This spectacular event offers an exciting insight into video-game development, virtual reality, animation, interactive entertainment and emerging digital technologies, making it an unforgettable experience for students interested in gaming, design and innovation.

Tomorrow's technology

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your driver and guide before setting out for an exciting day of discovery in Odaiba, Tokyo’s spectacular futuristic waterfront district. Surrounded by bold architecture, interactive attractions and impressive views across Tokyo Bay, Odaiba provides the perfect setting for exploring Japan’s reputation as a global leader in science, design and innovation.

Your main visit will be to Miraikan—the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation—where students can investigate some of the most important scientific and technological developments shaping our world. Through immersive displays and hands-on exhibits, they will explore fascinating subjects including robotics, artificial intelligence, space exploration, climate change, sustainability and the relationship between humanity and technology. The museum encourages students to think creatively about future challenges and consider how innovation could improve everyday life.

Continue with a carefully selected automotive, engineering or interactive technology experience, offering further insight into Japan’s pioneering approach to mobility, product development and intelligent design. Students will be able to see how imagination, scientific research and advanced engineering combine to create the technologies of tomorrow.

Complete this inspiring day with a visit to Tokyo Tower, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Travel up to the observation deck and enjoy breathtaking views across Tokyo’s seemingly endless skyline. On an exceptionally clear day, you may even see magnificent Mount Fuji rising in the distance—a memorable conclusion to an extraordinary day of futuristic discovery.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your driver and guide before setting out for another fascinating day exploring Japan’s remarkable creativity. Today’s programme brings together traditional art, imaginative animation, contemporary design and digital technology, demonstrating how Japan continues to transform its cultural heritage into ideas that influence audiences around the world.

Begin at the Tokyo National Museum, Japan’s oldest and largest museum. Explore its exceptional collections of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, samurai armour, calligraphy and traditional decorative arts. Students will discover the importance of precision, symbolism and craftsmanship within Japanese design and see how techniques developed over centuries continue to inspire contemporary artists and designers.

During the day, you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can relax and sample some of Japan’s delicious cuisine before continuing your exploration.

Next, visit the enchanting Ghibli Museum, subject to ticket availability, and enter the imaginative world of Studio Ghibli. Creative exhibits, original artwork, animation displays and specially designed spaces reveal how memorable characters and stories are brought to life. Students can learn about visual storytelling, hand-drawn animation, character development and the detailed creative process behind some of Japan’s best-loved animated films.

Your day continues at Ginza Sony Park, an innovative urban space featuring a changing programme of exhibitions, art, music and creative experiences. An additional visit to a suitable digital communications or interactive technology exhibition can provide further insight into product design, mobile connectivity, entertainment and emerging technologies.

After this inspiring day, you will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for a well-earned rest. This memorable program will demonstrate to students how imagination, artistic talent and technological innovation combine to shape Japan’s globally influential creative industries.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your driver and guide before setting out for another exciting day in Japan. Your morning begins in Akihabara, Tokyo’s legendary electronics, gaming and anime district. Surrounded by towering digital displays, colourful advertising and multi-storey technology stores, students will experience one of the city’s most energetic neighbourhoods. Explore the latest electronic products, gaming culture, manga and collectables while learning how Akihabara developed into an internationally recognised centre for technology and Japanese popular culture.

During the day, you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant before saying farewell to Tokyo and travelling by sleek, modern train to the beautiful mountain city of Nikko. The journey offers an opportunity to relax and watch Japan’s urban scenery gradually give way to peaceful countryside and forested landscapes.

Upon arrival, begin exploring Nikko’s magnificent UNESCO-listed shrines and temples, which provide a striking contrast to the futuristic attractions of Tokyo. Visit the celebrated Tōshō-gū Shrine, renowned for its elaborate decoration, intricate woodcarvings, golden details and extraordinary craftsmanship. Students can discover the history, religious traditions and design principles behind one of Japan’s most important cultural sites.

After an enriching afternoon, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before transferring to your accommodation in Nikko. Settle in and relax after a memorable day that has taken you from Tokyo’s neon-lit world of electronics to the sacred architecture and natural beauty of historic Japan.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your driver and guide before setting out to discover Nikko’s spectacular natural scenery and fascinating history. Begin with a gentle hike through beautiful forested surroundings towards the cedar-covered shores of Lake Chūzenji. Located at the foot of Mount Nantai, this peaceful mountain lake was formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago and is now one of the region’s most picturesque natural attractions. Students can enjoy the refreshing mountain air, admire the surrounding landscape and learn about the area’s geography and volcanic origins.

During the day, you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant, giving everyone time to relax and enjoy another taste of Japanese cuisine before the afternoon’s activities.

Continue to Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, an immersive cultural theme park that recreates life in Japan during the Edo period. Step through the gates and travel back in time as you explore traditional streets lined with merchant houses, workshops and historic-style buildings. Costumed samurai, ninja, artisans and townspeople bring this extraordinary period to life through demonstrations, performances and interactive experiences.

Students may have opportunities to discover traditional crafts, watch exciting ninja and samurai shows, explore historical buildings and learn about the occupations, clothing, customs and social structure of Edo-period Japan. The experience provides an entertaining and memorable way to understand how people lived before the country’s rapid modernisation.

After an exciting afternoon in historic Japan, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. Relax and reflect on a memorable day combining Nikko’s outstanding natural beauty with an engaging journey into Japan’s remarkable past.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your driver and guide for the scenic journey to Hakone, one of Japan’s most beautiful mountain destinations. Watch the scenery unfold along the way as forested landscapes, peaceful valleys and distant mountain peaks replace the busy urban surroundings. Celebrated for its volcanic landscape, natural hot springs and views of Mount Fuji, Hakone is the perfect place to experience Japan’s magnificent countryside.

Upon arrival, board a sightseeing cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Ashi, a spectacular crater lake framed by mountains and dense forests. Look out for the famous red torii gate of Hakone Shrine standing beside the water and, if the skies are clear, enjoy the unforgettable sight of Mount Fuji rising majestically in the distance.

A leisurely lunch will be included as part of today’s programme, providing time to sample local flavours and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this picturesque region.

The adventure continues with an exciting cable car or ropeway journey through Hakone’s mountainous landscape. As you travel above the valleys and forests, take in magnificent panoramic views and discover how volcanic activity has shaped this extraordinary area. Subject to local conditions, you may also see the steaming vents and rugged terrain of Owakudani Valley.

Later, experience one of Japan’s most treasured traditions with a relaxing visit to an outdoor onsen. Surrounded by Hakone’s natural beauty, students can learn about Japanese bathing customs while enjoying the warm, naturally heated mineral water. Separate bathing facilities are usually provided, with arrangements tailored to the school’s requirements.

As evening approaches, gather for a welcoming dinner featuring Japanese cuisine before settling into your Hakone hotel. It is the perfect conclusion to a memorable day of mountain scenery, cultural discovery and relaxation.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your driver and guide before transferring to the railway station for an exciting journey aboard Japan’s world-famous Shinkansen. Travelling at impressive speeds while providing exceptional comfort and efficiency, the bullet train is one of the country’s greatest engineering achievements. As you journey towards Hiroshima, students can experience first-hand how advanced technology and thoughtful design have transformed transportation across Japan.

Lunch will form part of today’s journey, allowing the group to enjoy a traditional Japanese bento box aboard the train or a meal near the station while watching the changing scenery along the route.

Upon arrival in Hiroshima, meet your local guide and begin exploring a city internationally recognised for its tragic past, remarkable recovery and enduring commitment to peace. Visit the UNESCO-listed Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the few buildings left standing near the centre of the 1945 explosion. Preserved as a powerful symbol of remembrance, it provides an important introduction to the events that transformed the city.

Continue through the tranquil Peace Memorial Park to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Its photographs, personal belongings, survivor testimonies and historical exhibits help students understand the human impact of the atomic bombing. Although emotionally challenging, the visit encourages thoughtful reflection on conflict, reconciliation and the importance of building a more peaceful future.

Following this powerful and educational experience, enjoy a relaxed evening meal at a local restaurant, with the opportunity to try regional specialities such as Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel, check in and unwind after an unforgettable journey and a deeply meaningful introduction to Hiroshima.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your driver and guide for a fascinating day combining modern Japanese education and engineering with the cultural beauty of Miyajima Island.

Begin with a visit to the Hiroshima Institute of Technology, subject to confirmation by the institution. During this educational experience, students can gain an insight into university life in Japan and learn about developments across engineering, science, architecture, information technology and environmental design. Depending on the programme available, the visit may include a guided campus tour, a presentation or an introduction to research projects and specialist facilities. It is an excellent opportunity for students to consider how creativity, technical knowledge and innovation are being used to address real-world challenges.

Following the university visit, enjoy lunch before travelling towards the coast and boarding the ferry to Miyajima, regarded as one of Japan’s most beautiful and culturally important destinations. The short crossing offers wonderful views as the island and its celebrated red torii gate gradually come into sight.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine, an extraordinary complex built above the water and famous for appearing to float when the tide is high. Students will discover how the shrine’s elegant architecture, natural surroundings and spiritual significance have made it one of Japan’s most recognisable landmarks. There will also be time to stroll through the island’s traditional streets, browse local craft shops and encounter the friendly deer that roam freely around the area.

As your final evening in Japan approaches, gather for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. This will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the experiences shared throughout the journey—from Tokyo’s futuristic technology and Nikko’s historic shrines to Hakone’s mountain scenery and Hiroshima’s powerful message of peace before returning to your hotel.

A fond farewell to Japan

After enjoying your final breakfast at the hotel, check out and meet your driver for the transfer to Hiroshima Station. Board the Shinkansen for the fast and comfortable journey to Shin-Osaka, watching the landscapes of western Japan pass by as you travel.

Upon arrival, continue by private coach to Kansai International Airport. Depending on the flight schedule, a light lunch or packed meal can be arranged during the journey. Complete the necessary check-in and departure formalities before boarding your international flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation of Japan’s culture, creativity, engineering and technological innovation