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How do our Study Trips turn learning into lifelong memories?
A great Study Trip is about more than what you learn in the classroom; it is about the incredible experiences you have and the memories you make. This guide is a core part of our complete plan for your life-changing Japan Study Trip. We know from our team’s experiences that the activities that get the most “wow” reactions are the ones that are truly immersive, like having a spring picnic during sakura season, wearing a kimono for a traditional tea ceremony, or stepping into the digital art world of a teamLab exhibit.
Main key takeaways
- Go beyond the classroom: Our trips feature a rich schedule of hands-on cultural activities that immerse you in Japanese life.
- Learn from experts: Participate in workshops taught by local professionals, from sushi chefs to traditional artisans.
- Explore modern Japan: Discover the heart of pop culture with guided visits to places like Akihabara and interactive museums.
- Build lasting friendships: Our social activities are designed to help you connect with like-minded individuals from around the world.
- Gain exclusive access: Enjoy curated experiences that are difficult to arrange as an independent tourist, offering true value.
What makes a trip to Japan truly unique?
The most unique attraction in Japan is the chance to connect with the culture in a real, hands-on way, which is why our Study Trips are designed to provide access to experiences that go beyond what a regular tourist gets to see or do.
When people ask, “What is something unique to Japan?” or “What is the most unique thing about Japan?” the answer is not just a single place like a temple or a tower. The most memorable experiences often come from participating in local festivals, taking a bullet train ride past Mount Fuji for the first time, or feeling the beat of a taiko drum performance.
What traditional arts and crafts can I try?
Our Study Trips offer you the chance to learn a traditional art from a local expert and create a personal souvenir to take home.
One of the most unique things to do in Japan is to engage with its long history of craftsmanship. These hands-on activities allow you to create something beautiful to take home while connecting with centuries of tradition. One Study Tripper was surprised that the tonbodama glass bead workshop ended up being their favorite activity, even though it was harder than it looked, and they were excited to give the bead they made to their girlfriend back home.
Our Tour Leader, Jose, shared a touching story about this experience:
“A participant and her son came together after the mother started living on her own, and the son did the bead for his mother, and his mother did it for him. The two of them ended up doing a great job and were very happy, and to this day they keep wearing the beads to remember each other.”
What culinary adventures await?
Our trips offer an opportunity to dive into Japan’s food culture with hands-on classes and authentic dining experiences that go beyond just eating.
An immersive Japan trip is not complete without a culinary adventure. Study Trippers often leave these experiences inspired, with one saying, “I’ve never had Japanese karaage, and it changed my life,” while another planned to “buy bento making accessories at Daiso so I can do this at home.”
Many Study Trippers also appreciate the social aspect of Japanese dining. One commented, “I love eating a sampling of lots of small dishes like [at] izakayas, I wish more restaurants back home did it like this.”
Here are some of the hands-on food experiences you can enjoy:
- Get creative with sushi rolls: Learn from a real chef how to make various types of sushi rolls, from classic maki to decorative creations, and then enjoy eating your handmade creations.
- Make some tasty wagashi: Dive into the art of making wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets made from mochi and anko (sweet red bean paste), in a delightful mix of culinary and artistic skills.
- Japanese cooking class: Learn to cook classic Japanese dishes like savory okonomiyaki in an engaging cooking class and enjoy the satisfaction of eating your handmade meal.
How can I experience Japan’s modern pop culture?
Our Study Trips offer a deep dive into Japan’s vibrant pop culture by taking you to the heart of its most iconic locations and activities.
For many, the most unique things to do in Japan are connected to this modern world, and our trips offer a full itinerary of these experiences. One of the most popular activities is a karaoke night, where Study Trippers often dress up for a final night of singing with their new friends.
“There was one participant who was very shy and kept to herself throughout the two weeks, but when karaoke came, she expressed how much she loved singing, and thanks to that, she ended up opening up on the last night and made some friends while rocking it out!”
Another favorite is the teamLab experience. As our team members have noted, Study Trippers take many photos and just say “wow” over and over, often at a loss for words in the face of the stunning digital art.
Here are some of the pop culture adventures you can have on our Study Trips:
- Anime meets real life: Visit the real-life locations in Tokyo that inspired famous anime like Your Name and Sailor Moon, and end the day at the Pokémon Center and Nintendo Store.
- Maid cafe and Akihabara: Experience the whimsical world of a maid cafe before exploring Akihabara, the global hub of anime, manga, and gaming culture.
- Experience VR gaming: Immerse yourself in virtual adventures and compete with your friends in cutting-edge VR gaming experiences.
- teamLab experience: Step into a world where art, science, and technology collide in a stunning, interactive digital art museum that will engage all your senses.
What are the uniquely Japanese cultural experiences in our Study Trips?
Our Study Trips give you the chance to participate in timeless Japanese traditions and connect with its culture on a deeper level.
Beyond specific hobbies, some moments are just purely, wonderfully Japanese. One of the most memorable is the kimono and tea ceremony experience. We love seeing how our Study Trippers’ faces light up when they get dressed in traditional attire. Our Student Advisor, Crystal, said,
“Study Trippers come down the stairs of the venue after getting dressed in yukata and doing the tea ceremony, and of course we always say ‘wow you look amazing’ and you can really see how good they feel and happy to be in kimono. They always enjoy going to Asakusa afterwards to take loads of photos”.
Go! Go! Nihon’s Tour Leader, Jose, added,
“Study Trippers tend to be very happy and fulfilled. Some express that they feel pretty or that they always dreamed of walking around town in traditional attire like that”.
Here are some of the traditional experiences you can participate in:
- Tea ceremony and kimono: Dress in an elegant kimono and then learn the timeless ritual of preparing and drinking matcha tea in a formal tea ceremony.
- Experience shibori: Dive into the ancient art of shibori, a Japanese tie-dyeing technique, and create your own intricate design to take home as a unique souvenir.
- Try out tonbodama: Discover the art of tonbodama, or glass bead making, and craft your own colorful glass charms and decorations in a fun, hands-on workshop.
- Bon Odori dance with locals: Join locals in a lively Bon Odori session, a traditional Japanese folk dance celebrated during festivals, and connect with the community in a truly authentic way.
Frequently asked questions about unique things to do in Japan
- Are the activities mandatory?
While we encourage everyone to join in on the fun, our activities are not mandatory. This is your adventure, and you have the flexibility to use your free time as you wish. - Are the activities included in the price?
Yes, all the cultural activities included in your specific Study Trip itinerary are covered by the program fee. There are no hidden costs for the scheduled experiences. - Who leads the activities?
Our activities are led by our friendly and knowledgeable Tour Leaders. They are experts in Japanese culture and are there to make sure you have a fun, safe, and enriching experience. - Will I have any free time?
Absolutely. Our Study Trips are designed to give you a great balance of structured activities and free time, so you can explore on your own or hang out with your new friends. - What if I’ve never tried something like a tea ceremony before?
That’s what we’re here for! All our activities are designed for beginners, and our team will guide you through every step of the way, so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
Conclusion
Our Study Trips are packed with fun, immersive, and social activities that create lifelong memories. If you are ready to experience these unique things to do in Japan for yourself, you can explore our Study Trips to find your perfect adventure.
