School Trip to Japan

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A school trip to Japan will allow your students to experience a culture completely different to their own!

Together, you’ll explore a world of bright lights and the latest technology, alongside ancient tradition and nature at its finest. You can learn about the country's geography, its art and even its booming economy and fascinating business culture.

Your school trip to Japan will take you to some of the country’s most exciting and beautiful destinations, as you explore buzzing Tokyo, and the historic cities of Kyoto and Osaka (which you'll reach by jumping on the iconic bullet train). 

You'll have the opportunity to try on kimonos (while learning about the cultural significance of Japan's national dress), explore the history and culture of the samurai and ninjas, and you'll experience incredible serenity at some of Japan's most beautiful temples and shrines. 

School Trip to Japan

From

£3299PP

9 days, 6 nights

Need something bespoke?

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

Evening

Flight to Japan.

Day 2

Morning

Arrive in Tokyo. 

Group to be met on arrival and transferred to accommodation. 

Afternoon

Explore Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's liveliest districts. 

Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic views across the city (if it's a clear day, you may even be lucky enough to see Mount Fuji in the distance). 

Evening

Evening meal at a local restaurant or your accommodation. 

Day 3

Morning

Visit to Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine providing a peaceful escape and a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture. 

Continue to Harajuku, the centre of Japanese street fashion and youth culture. 

Marvel at the incredible windows along Omotesando, Japan's answer to the Champs-Elysées. 

Afternoon

Experience the bustling energy of the iconic Shibuya Crossing. 

End the day in Akihabara, the city district famed for its tech shops and anime culture. 

Evening

Evening meal at your hotel or at a local restaurant. 

Day 4

Morning

Start your day in Asakusa, where you'll find the Kaminarimon Gate, Sensoji Temple and Nakamise shopping street. 

Explore the fascinating history of samurai and ninja culture through the interactive exhibits at the Samurai Ninja Museum.

Afternoon

Explore Odaiba, a futuristic waterfront district known for its shopping malls, entertainment complexes and views across Tokyo Bay. 

Visit Maraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, where you can explore exhibits on Earth's future, robotics, space, exploration and sustainable technologies. 

Immerse yourselves in teamLab, a digital art experience where interactive, large-scale installations seamlessly blend art and technology. 

Evening

Evening meal at your accommodation or at a local restaurant. 

Day 5

Morning

Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on the bullet train, with the chance to see Mount Fuji on a clear day. 

Afternoon

Visit Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto's iconic shrine, which is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding through the forested slopes of Mount Inari. 

Take part in a kimono-wearing experience, where you'll learn about its cultural significance (and enjoy a fantastic photo opp). 

Evening

Evening meal at your accommodation or a local restaurant. 

Day 6

Morning

Visit Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Zen temple covered in gold leaf, set beside a tranquil reflecting pond. 

Explore Ryoanji Temple and its famous Zen rock gardens, a masterpiece of minimalist design and tranquillity.

Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, following a pathway lined with towering bamboo. 

Afternoon

Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its architecture and panoramic views over Kyoto.

Stroll through the Higashiyama District, including Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Streets, to experience charming historic streets that offer a nostalgic glimpse into Kyoto's past. 

Evening

Evening meal at your accommodation or at a local restaurant. 

Day 7

Morning

Travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima on the bullet train. 

Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to see the memorials, museums and the UNESCO-listed Atomic Bomb Dome, symbolising peace and remembrance. 

Afternoon

Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine and admire the iconic floating Torii Gate, celebrated as one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views. 

Return to Hiroshima and journey on to Kyoto by bullet train. 

Evening

Evening meal at your accommodation or a local restaurant. 

Day 8

Morning

Explore Nara, known for its ancient temples, the Great Buddha Statue at Todaji Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the friendly, free-roaming deer of Nara Deer Park. 

Afternoon

Visit Osaka Castle and its gardens, a historic landmark offering a fascinating glimpse into Japan's feudal past. 

Discover Namba and the Dotonbori Canal, a lively district in Osaka, famous for its neon lights, bustling atmosphere and the Glico sign. 

Evening

Return flight to the UK. 

Day 9

Morning

Arrive back in the UK. 

  • 6 nights' half-board accommodation
  • Airport transfers in resort
  • Detailed information pack
  • Free staff place ratio 1:10
  • Full-time tour leader and additional guide in Tokyo for sightseeing
  • Itinerary planning service
  • Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Kyoto
  • Public transport and private coach as per itinerary
  • Return air travel inclusive of tax
  • Vamoos travel app - easy access to your trip documents on your phone or tablet
  • VAT

Accommodation

Fuji-Hakone Guest House

This family-run guest house is in the lovely town of Sengokuhara, in Hakone National Park. The highlight of this guest house is that it boasts an on-site onsen (hot spring) for the exclusive use of guests!

Tokyo Central Youth Hostel

Tokyo Central Youth Hostel occupies the 18th and 19th floors of a high-rise building in a very central location, so offers fantastic views over the city, something not usually offered by this style of accommodation. The hostel welcomes guests from all over the world and provides Japanese-style shared baths (separate for ladies/gents), a dining room, a meeting room, a lounge and tourist information centre, making this a great base for exploring Tokyo. Please note that the youth hostel has a curfew of 11pm. Individual room and locker keys provided at check-in.

Tour highlights

Visit the Asakusa Area

The Asakusa Area is one of the more traditionally Japanese areas in Tokyo and is home to a number of Buddhist and Shinto temples and shrines. A popular entertainment district, and Tokyo’s oldest geisha district, the area was famous for its theatres and cinemas in the early 20 th century. However, it was heavily bombed during the Second World War and, although rebuilt, Asakusa was surpassed by other areas such as Shinjuku in terms of entertainment. But it remains a fantastic place in which to learn more about Japanese culture and traditions. There are many fantastic restaurants here serving traditional Japanese dishes and, if you’re lucky, your visit may coincide with one of the many *matsuri* (Shinto festivals) that are held here.
Did you know?

One of the highlights of Asakusa is the Senso-ji, an ancient Buddhist temple that was originally founded here in 645 AD.

See Mt. Fuji

Still classed as an active volcano by geologists, despite not having erupted since 1707, Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan! Despite lying around 100km south-west of Tokyo, it can be seen from the Japanese capital on a clear day. Mount Fuji is one of the country’s ‘Three Holy Mountains’, along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku, and is sacred to both Buddhists and Shintoists. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national symbol of Japan. Mount Fuji has inspired poets and artists for centuries, placing it right at the heart of traditional Japanese culture - no trip to Japan is complete without a visit here.
Did you know?

Mt. Fuji is actually three volcanoes in one – making it a stratovolcano! The bottom layer is made up of the Komitake volcano, the middle layer is the Kofuji volcano and the top layer, which is the youngest, is Fuji.

Take the bullet train

The bullet train, or Shinkansen, is a network of high-speed railway lines designed to connect the more distant regions of Japan to Tokyo, to help develop economic growth and development in the post-war period. The bullet train’s debut in 1964, just a week and a half before the start of the Tokyo Olympic Games, was a huge victory for Japan, showing the world that the nation had recovered from the Second World War. This was the world’s first high-speed commercial train. So, taking a trip on the bullet train will not only give you the opportunity to spend more time exploring Japan, it will also give your group some insight into the country’s economic history.
Did you know?

The bullet train can travel at speeds of up to 199 mph. This high-speed marvel means you can travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, a distance of 320 miles, in 2 hours and 18 minutes. And you can travel the 559 miles from Tokyo to Hiroshima in just a little over 4 hours!

Educational Activities

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park

Take a moment to reflect at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Enjoy a moment of serenity at this beautiful Buddhist temple in Kyoto.

Kinkaku-ji

Visit this iconic golden temple in Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari-taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric and instantly recognisable sites.

Samurai Ninja Museum

The Samurai Ninja Museum in Tokyo is an immersive museum where the legendary worlds of samurai and ninja unfold through interactive experiences, storytelling and authentic displays.

Miraikan, The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation

Step into the future at Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.

Miyajima Island

Explore the spiritual side of Japan on this sacred island.

Nara

Discover historic Nara, which predates Kyoto.

Osaka Castle

Explore one of Japan's most famous castles.

Namba and the Dotonbori Canal

Explore Osaka’s most vibrant entertainment district, built around food, nightlife and movement.

A-Bomb Dome

The Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall was a mere 160 meters northwest of the hypocentre and the building was heavily

Cultural Activities

Asakusa Area

Asakusa is one of the largest downtown amusement centers in Tokyo and a must for visitors to Japan. It boasts

Kinkakuji Temple (or Golden Pavilion)

Kinkakuji Temple (or Golden Pavilion) is one of Kyoto's most famous sights due to the brilliance of its three-story gold-leafed

Tokyo Imperial Palace

The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. This is a fantastic visit for your students.

Akihabara, Tokyo

Explore Tokyo's famous 'electric town', Akihabara. 

Shinjuku, Tokyo

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's liveliest districts, and is famous for its neon-lit streets, buzzing atmosphere and towering skyscrapers.

Harajuku, Tokyo

Explore Japanese street fashion and youth culture in buzzing, eclectic Harajuku. 

Meiji Jingu

Enjoy a moment of serenity at this peaceful Shinto shrine. 

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

For the best views of the city, head up to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's observation decks. 

Odaiba, Tokyo

Explore the waterside area of Odaiba with all its brilliant leisure facilities. 

Supporting you every step of the way

Creating your perfect trip

Your quote will be put together by an experienced Tour Adviser who’ll be an expert in the subject area and will know the destination really well too. They’ll work with you to create a trip to suit your group’s needs and meet your learning objectives.

Launching your trip to parents and students

The next step is to get your trip approved and then get students signed up to it. Our ‘Trip Launch Pack’ will help you with this step. This is full of resources (all free to download) designed to make your life easier at this crucial point in the trip planning process.

After you’ve booked

Once you’ve booked, your dedicated Itinerary Coordinator will start work on the finer details. They’ll make sure your itinerary makes the most of your time and they’ll take on most of the admin tasks for your trip (freeing you up to do what you do best – teach).

Support while you’re away

From lost property to properly lost, we’ll always be on the end of the phone while you’re out on the trip. You’ll get a final info pack before you go, as well as access to all your trip documents via the Vamoos app.

After your trip

We’ll ask you for feedback, so we can improve our service. Let’s start planning your next trip too, so parents have plenty of time to pay (and so it’s less stressful for you). And don’t forget to head to our resources hub to continue the learning back in the classroom.

Let's chat!

Running a major school trip to Japan for the first time had the potential to be a highly stressful and exhausting experience. Halsbury Travel did everything that we could hope for and more to make the trip logistics manageable and help us to focus on making it a highly worthwhile and enjoyable learning experience for our young people. It was so reassuring to know Halsbury were only an email or phone call away at all times and they were always very quick and helpful when responding to any issues that arose on the trip. I would recommend them without hesitation.

George Heriot's School - Senior School

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