Adopt, Adapt, Adept

Japan

Duration 10 days

Suggested group size 12 - 20 students / 2 Envoys Field Staff

Suggested ages 14 - 18

Experience Anime & World Heritage
Japanization

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Adopt, Adapt, Adept

Japan I

Explore the rich tapestry of Japan's traditions and technology, from Tokyo's bustling streets to Kyoto's serene temples. The program's essence lies in firsthand learning about Japan's culture and society through empathic interviews, cultural exchanges, and guided experiences. This program delves into cultural adaptation, exploring fashion, food, and entertainment. Uncover the evolution of modern Japanese identity, building a profound understanding and appreciation for Japan and its people.

“In the land of the rising sun, where cherry blossoms paint the landscape, Japan's harmonious blend of tradition and innovation is an invitation to discover the soul of Nippon.“

“Ancient shrines to bustling metropolises, Japan's tale written in tea ceremonies and neon glow.“

Impact Statement Everywhere we go, we carry a promise – to engage with respect, act with purpose, and leave a positive imprint. As envoys of our journey is more than travel; Our footprint is light, but our impact is profound, creating bridges of cooperation and mutual growth across the globe.

Day 1

Embarking on our Japan journey, students depart for international flights. After a safety briefing, and a group dynamic activity, we head out to explore the surrounding area and have a welcome dinner together, sampling Japanese cuisine.

Day 2

We explore Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, Sensoji. After lunch, we begin to get accostumed to navigating urban Japan through a series of communicational and experiential challenges. It is a day for expanding comfort zones, in preparation for the days to come.

Day 3

We witness the morning rituals of sumo wrestlers. This requires students to adhere to strict rules of behavior, a perfect context for discussion of how adherence to order and politeness lies at the heart of Japanese culture. Then, we visit the first iconic Meiji Shrine, and the vibrant Harajuku area.

Day 4

We visit Studio Ghibli Museum, a maze-like building, and the Nezu Museum, designed with the intention of creating balance between the structure, the masterpieces, and the zen gardens. We close the day at SkyTree, a broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida to gain a birds-eye perspective of Tokyo.

Day 5

We experience another unique aspect of Japanese culture: the shinkansen bullet train. We then settle into Kyoto with a walking tour with a local guide and visit the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. To close the day, we reflect on our growth as travelers.

Day 6

A walking tour of the Higashiyama and Gion district, leading to Kiyomizudera, a Buddhist temple constructed entirely from wood. Later, we visit the Ryoanji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other iconic sites, such as the Golden Pavilion. We spend the evening walking along the Kamogawa River.

Day 7

We travel to Myoshin-ji, a Rinzai Zen temple complex, full of gorgeous artwork and steeped in history. Then we transfer to the Hanazono Kaikan, the complex's official shukubo, managed and operated by Myoshin-ji and staffed with Zen priests. Students engage in zazen meditation rituals.

Day 8

We rise early to join the morning meditation rituals at the temple, before continuing to Osaka.There, we dive into Japan's gastronomy, learning about traditional food festivals, and making noodles from scratch!We finish with another festival favorite, the famed Osaka chopstick okonomiyaki.

Day 9

We explore Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai, Japan's longest shopping street, immersing ourselves in its traditional medicine stores and specialty shops, where students conduct empathic interviews. Later, we head to Koshien Stadium to watch the Hanshin Tigers play.

Highlights

Lenses of Inquiry

Anime in Japan

Anime's roots trace to the early 1900s, evolving post-World War II with iconic series like Astro Boy. It grew into a global cultural export, impacting fashion, music, and video games, promoting Japanese culture and contributing to the nation's identity.

Adopt, Adapt, Adept

Japan employs a three-step approach, adapting foreign influences from China, Korea, the United States, and Europe to fit its cultural identity. This fusion is evident in diverse aspects like food, fashion, music, and art, creating a dynamic and evolving cultural landscape.

Whose World Heritage

UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for universal value, provide students insights into diverse cultures, fostering responsibility for preservation and awareness of conservation challenges and sustainable development.