JAPAN Study Tour
12-19 July 2025
12 -19 July 2025
Japan Study Tour
The Japan Study Tour is designed for school principals, educational leaders, and primary teachers seeking to explore and gain insights into the Japanese education system. This immersive program provides the opportunity to visit schools in both Tokyo and Kyoto (Kindergarten to Year 6), where participants will observe classrooms in action, engage with Japanese educators, and discuss teaching methods, curriculum design, and school leadership.
Renowned for its strong emphasis on discipline, respect, and academic excellence, Japan’s education system is one of the best in the world. School leaders and teachers play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, lifelong learning, and student well-being. This study tour offers a firsthand look at how Japanese schools create high-quality learning environments and drive continuous improvement for both teachers and students.
Over the course of a week, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Japanese education management, pedagogy, and leadership in practice. Alongside school visits, the program includes cultural experiences to deepen participants’ understanding of Japan, such as a city tour of both Tokyo and Kyoto, a traditional tea ceremony, and kimono dressing.
All of this takes place while travelling with like-minded educators, sharing experiences, and making new friendships along the way. This tour is an invaluable opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by one of the world’s most respected education systems.
$200 Deposit
Payment Plans
7 Nights
Inclusions
7 nights in 4 Star accommodation
Daily Breakfast
Basic Level Professional Development
Temperature 23°- 32°C
- 3 Elementary School Visits
- Tokyo Highlights Tour
- Tea Ceremony
- Kimono Experience
- Bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto
- Kyoto Highlights Tour
- Japanese Guide and Translator
Twin Share $5850
Private Room $7100
*Excludes flights and airport transfers
Professional Development
This study tour provides a unique professional development experience through exclusive visits to elementary schools (Kindergarten to Year 6) in both Tokyo and Kyoto. Participants will have the opportunity to step inside Japanese classrooms, observe innovative teaching practices, and engage in meaningful discussions with local educators and school leaders.
In Tokyo, the tour includes visits to two diverse elementary schools, showcasing different approaches to teaching, learning, and student development. Participants will explore how Japanese schools foster collaboration, discipline, and academic excellence. In Kyoto, a visit to a local elementary school will provide insight into how tradition and innovation blend to create meaningful learning experiences.
These visits offer a firsthand look at one of the world’s top-performing education systems, renowned for its strong leadership, structured pedagogy, and commitment to excellence. By exploring two different cities, participants will gain a broader perspective on how high-quality learning environments are created and sustained, providing valuable insights and practical strategies to bring back to their own schools.
Cultural Immersion Activities
Meiji Shrine – Escape the city buzz and step into the peaceful Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a lush forest. Learn about its significance and enjoy a moment of tranquillity.
Harajuku & Takeshita Street – Explore the vibrant streets of Harajuku, famous for its unique fashion, trendy shops, and quirky cafés. Wander down Takeshita Street and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple – Visit Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple. Stroll through Nakamise Street, lined with shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Private Bus Transportation – Travel comfortably with private transport, making it easy to explore Tokyo’s top sights in one seamless day.
Fushimi Inari Shrine – Walk through the famous thousands of red torii gates, winding up the hillside in one of Kyoto’s most iconic and photographed spots.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple – Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its impressive wooden stage offering breathtaking views over Kyoto.
Gion District – Stroll through Kyoto’s historic geisha district, where traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and lantern-lit streets capture the charm of old Japan.
Accommodation
3 Nights Tokyo – Hotel Keihan Tsukiji Ginza Grande (or similar*)
Hotel Keihan Tsukiji Ginza Grande offers modern comfort in a prime Tokyo location, just steps from the vibrant Tsukiji Outer Market and a short walk to the upscale Ginza district. With stylish rooms, excellent amenities, and easy access to public transport, it’s the perfect base for exploring the city’s top attractions.
Nights Kyoto – Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (or similar*)
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo provides a comfortable and convenient stay in the heart of Kyoto, just moments from Kyoto Station. With spacious rooms, warm hospitality, and easy access to the city’s historic temples and attractions, it’s an ideal choice for both relaxation and exploration.
*We always strive to provide high-quality accommodation that matches the style, location, and comfort expected on our tours. While we aim to book the hotels listed, occasionally, changes may be necessary due to renovations, availability, or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we will secure a similar hotel that meets the same standard, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay.
Itinerary
12 – 19th July 2025
The tour begins in Tokyo and concludes in Kyoto. Please arrive at your hotel in Tokyo by 5PM on Saturday 12th July, in time for our welcome dinner that evening. The tour officially ends after breakfast on Saturday 19th July, in Kyoto. You will need to arrange your own onward travel, whether returning to Tokyo or departing from Osaka Airport.
Please note this is a brief itinerary and guide only, a more detailed itinerary will be emailed to you closer to departure. Lots of spontaneous group activities transpire along the way!
Everything is encouraged but nothing is compulsory!
Arrive in Tokyo and check in to a comfortable 4-star hotel. In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner Party, where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and experience a traditional Japanese meal.
Overnight: 4-star hotel in Tokyo
Meals Included: Dinner
Immerse yourself in Tokyo’s vibrant culture with a guided city tour, including:
- Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Square – Experience one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.
- Meiji Shrine – A serene Shinto shrine surrounded by lush forest.
- Harajuku (Takeshita Street) – Discover trendy fashion, quirky shops, and themed cafes.
- Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple – Visit one of Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temples.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Morning: Visit a local Japanese Elementary School, observe teaching methods, and engage with students and teachers.
- Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Japanese school meal with students.
- Afternoon: Free time to explore the city of Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast, School Lunch
- Morning: Visit an elementary school for further educational exchange.
- Afternoon: Travel via Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto and check in to a 4-star hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, School Lunch
Discover Kyoto’s rich history with visits to:
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – A breathtaking Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
- Fushimi Inari Shrine – Famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates.
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage site with spectacular views.
- Gion District – Wander through historic streets known for their geisha culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Morning: Visit a school in Kyoto or Osaka to gain further insights into Japan’s education system.
- Afternoon: Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony & Kimono Experience
Overnight: 4-star hotel in Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, School Lunch
Overnight: 4-star hotel in Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to new friends and reflect on an unforgettable week of learning and cultural immersion. Depart at your convenience for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
*Please note that the itinerary is subject to change