Program Directed by
Ed Thanhouser
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
Leadership
Travel to Japan on a middle school summer program that blends cultural immersion, hands-on learning, and exploration. Learn traditional crafts and cooking in rural Tajima, visit Kyoto’s shrines, temples, and gardens, and experience the art, food, and pop culture of Tokyo. Return home with new confidence, friendships, and a deeper understanding of Japanese life and traditions.
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Meet your fellow student travelers and one or more of your program leaders in Los Angeles, California, and fly together to Tottori, Japan. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Begin your program in the rural area of Hyogo known as Tajima, and get to know your group through an in-depth orientation. Meet your local guide and coordinator, and embark on daily adventures to the beaches, artisans, and hot springs that make the area famous among domestic visitors. Make local specialties like soba and onigiri alongside Japanese junior high-school students. Weave your own straw-craft and learn to meditate with a local monk. Explore the rice paddies with conservationist-farmers who have brought the local stork back from the brink of extinction, and learn about Japan’s ancient connection with the land. Hike the Kannabe highlands, snorkel in the Sea of Japan, and soak in natural hot spring waters.
Head to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan and home to more than 2,000 shrines and temples. This major urban hub is an incredible mix of modernity and history, rich in cuisine, history, beauty, and luxury. Try some traditional shimesaba oshizushi, stroll the shops along the Kamo river, and experience a traditional chadō tea ceremony next to Ryoanji’s famous rock garden. See spectacular views from the stage at Kyomizu Temple, Mount Hiei or Fushimi Inari Taisha. Take in the delicious aromas from the food stalls at Nishiki Market, and explore Samurai life Nijo Castle.
Step off the bullet train to the bustle and neon-soaked majesty of urban Japanese life in the mega-city of Tokyo. Celebrate the end of your journey at iconic spots in Japan: Meiji-Jingu and Harajuku, Toyoosu fish market, Sensō-ji, and more within easy striking distance from centrally located accommodations. Travel by ferry to the Odaiba district to explore the cutting edge of technology and robots at the Miraikan Museum, and experience an immersive digital art and light world at teamLab Planets. For a dose of Japanese pop culture, head to Nakano Broadway—Tokyo’s main anime and manga district—to take a drawing lesson from a professional artist, and explore the nearby specialty shops, otter cafes, and themed restaurants. Spend your last night on a river cruise dinner and sing your heart out in a private karaoke booth before bidding sayōnara to Japan.
Fly from Tokyo, Japan, to Los Angeles with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Meet your fellow student travelers and one or more of your program leaders in Los Angeles, California, and fly together to Tottori, Japan. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Begin your program in the rural area of Hyogo known as Tajima, and get to know your group through an in-depth orientation. Meet your local guide and coordinator, and embark on daily adventures to the beaches, artisans, and hot springs that make the area famous among domestic visitors. Make local specialties like soba and onigiri alongside Japanese junior high-school students. Weave your own straw-craft and learn to meditate with a local monk. Explore the rice paddies with conservationist-farmers who have brought the local stork back from the brink of extinction, and learn about Japan’s ancient connection with the land. Hike the Kannabe highlands, snorkel in the Sea of Japan, and soak in natural hot spring waters.
Head to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan and home to more than 2,000 shrines and temples. This major urban hub is an incredible mix of modernity and history, rich in cuisine, history, beauty, and luxury. Try some traditional shimesaba oshizushi, stroll the shops along the Kamo river, and experience a traditional chadō tea ceremony next to Ryoanji’s famous rock garden. See spectacular views from the stage at Kyomizu Temple, Mount Hiei or Fushimi Inari Taisha. Take in the delicious aromas from the food stalls at Nishiki Market, and explore Samurai life Nijo Castle.
Step off the bullet train to the bustle and neon-soaked majesty of urban Japanese life in the mega-city of Tokyo. Celebrate the end of your journey at iconic spots in Japan: Meiji-Jingu and Harajuku, Toyoosu fish market, Sensō-ji, and more within easy striking distance from centrally located accommodations. Travel by ferry to the Odaiba district to explore the cutting edge of technology and robots at the Miraikan Museum, and experience an immersive digital art and light world at teamLab Planets. For a dose of Japanese pop culture, head to Nakano Broadway—Tokyo’s main anime and manga district—to take a drawing lesson from a professional artist, and explore the nearby specialty shops, otter cafes, and themed restaurants. Spend your last night on a river cruise dinner and sing your heart out in a private karaoke booth before bidding sayōnara to Japan.
Fly from Tokyo, Japan, to Los Angeles with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
The archipelago of Japan, known to the Japanese as "Nihon" or "Nippon", marks the eastern edge of Asia. Although Japan is relatively small in size, its global historical and cultural impact is large. Japanese inhabitants are well known for their quirky, exaggerated cultural arts such as anime and manga, and their food has become a global staple. When thinking of Japan, people often imagine Tokyo's bustling metropolis with roughly 37 million inhabitants. However, the majority of Japan's land boasts a more natural setting, with 67% of the islands covered in forests. The Japanese imperial family is the longest unbroken monarchy in the world, stretching back more than 2,000 years. The primary belief systems in Japan are Shintoism and Buddhism.
Japanese is the national language of Japan. There are a large number of dialects, with the Tokyo dialect considered standard Japanese.
Japan is very humid during the summer months, with temperatures ranging from 80–95°F (27–35°C), with a rainy season from mid June to early July.
Japanese food has become famous worldwide in recent years. Dishes like sushi, udon, and miso soup are now widely enjoyed. The Japanese have also adapted and changed other Asian dishes in unique ways, such as ramen and gyoza from China, Korean barbecue, and curry from India. Japanese people are known for their love of "umami" which is a “deep richness of flavor.” Primarily their foods get umami from a traditional mix of fish broth (dashi), “kombu” seaweed, and a traditional sweet cooking wine called “mirin.” Today, most Western foods like pasta and sandwiches are also available in modern Japan, though they are often slightly altered.
The archipelago of Japan, known to the Japanese as "Nihon" or "Nippon", marks the eastern edge of Asia. Although Japan is relatively small in size, its global historical and cultural impact is large. Japanese inhabitants are well known for their quirky, exaggerated cultural arts such as anime and manga, and their food has become a global staple. When thinking of Japan, people often imagine Tokyo's bustling metropolis with roughly 37 million inhabitants. However, the majority of Japan's land boasts a more natural setting, with 67% of the islands covered in forests. The Japanese imperial family is the longest unbroken monarchy in the world, stretching back more than 2,000 years. The primary belief systems in Japan are Shintoism and Buddhism.
Japanese is the national language of Japan. There are a large number of dialects, with the Tokyo dialect considered standard Japanese.
Japan is very humid during the summer months, with temperatures ranging from 80–95°F (27–35°C), with a rainy season from mid June to early July.
Japanese food has become famous worldwide in recent years. Dishes like sushi, udon, and miso soup are now widely enjoyed. The Japanese have also adapted and changed other Asian dishes in unique ways, such as ramen and gyoza from China, Korean barbecue, and curry from India. Japanese people are known for their love of "umami" which is a “deep richness of flavor.” Primarily their foods get umami from a traditional mix of fish broth (dashi), “kombu” seaweed, and a traditional sweet cooking wine called “mirin.” Today, most Western foods like pasta and sandwiches are also available in modern Japan, though they are often slightly altered.
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.
To help students fully engage and immerse themselves in the Putney travel experience, we do not allow use of cell phones, tablets, or laptops on our Middle School programs. Students may have their cell phones during travel to and from the program. During in-country orientation, leaders facilitate a call home, then collect and securely store all phones until departure day. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.
Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you. Sample the breadth of Japanese cuisine, from sushi to ramen, create a series of photos cataloging Japanese pop culture, or design your own anime storyboard.
This is a physically active summer travel program. You can expect lots of walking and traveling primarily by public transit in cities. You may have the chance to swim in the ocean and participate in taiko drumming, hiking or festival dancing, weather and schedule permitting. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.
The group stays at a variety of residences on this program. While in Tokyo and Kyoto, we stay in local hotels, typically in double rooms with twin beds. When visiting Tajima we enjoy simple shared accommodations in local houses with traditional tatami floor mats and Japanese futon mattresses. In Tajima, we will have the option to use the public baths for onsen. All accommodations provide laundry facilities.
We enjoy breakfast each morning at our accommodations, which offer both traditional Japanese breakfast and typical Western-style options. For lunches and dinners, we eat together either at restaurants or head to a local market to shop for a picnic. Please note that many dietary restrictions and some allergies can be very challenging in Japan (Halal, Kosher, Vegetarian/Vegan, Celiac, shellfish allergy) and may require additional advance preparation. Please contact us about dietary needs to discuss.
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.
To help students fully engage and immerse themselves in the Putney travel experience, we do not allow use of cell phones, tablets, or laptops on our Middle School programs. Students may have their cell phones during travel to and from the program. During in-country orientation, leaders facilitate a call home, then collect and securely store all phones until departure day. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.
Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you. Sample the breadth of Japanese cuisine, from sushi to ramen, create a series of photos cataloging Japanese pop culture, or design your own anime storyboard.
This is a physically active summer travel program. You can expect lots of walking and traveling primarily by public transit in cities. You may have the chance to swim in the ocean and participate in taiko drumming, hiking or festival dancing, weather and schedule permitting. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.
The group stays at a variety of residences on this program. While in Tokyo and Kyoto, we stay in local hotels, typically in double rooms with twin beds. When visiting Tajima we enjoy simple shared accommodations in local houses with traditional tatami floor mats and Japanese futon mattresses. In Tajima, we will have the option to use the public baths for onsen. All accommodations provide laundry facilities.
We enjoy breakfast each morning at our accommodations, which offer both traditional Japanese breakfast and typical Western-style options. For lunches and dinners, we eat together either at restaurants or head to a local market to shop for a picnic. Please note that many dietary restrictions and some allergies can be very challenging in Japan (Halal, Kosher, Vegetarian/Vegan, Celiac, shellfish allergy) and may require additional advance preparation. Please contact us about dietary needs to discuss.
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
Providing immersive summer travel programs for middle & high school students since 1951.
June 28 — July 13
July 19 — August 3
Duration
16 days
Tuition
$7,590 + airfare
Eligibility
Currently* in grades 6–8
*Your grade as of the day you apply
Typical Group
14–16 students, 2 leaders
Group Flight
Departs from Los Angeles
Additional Info
Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000
June 28 — July 13
July 19 — August 3
Duration
16 days
Tuition
$7,590 + airfare
Eligibility
Currently* in grades 6–8
*Your grade as of the day you apply
Typical Group
14–16 students, 2 leaders
Group Flight
Departs from Los Angeles
Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000