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Japan

Ancient Culture in a Modern World

June 19 — July 10
July 10 — July 31
$8,990 + airfare

Japan

Ancient Culture in a Modern World

June 19 — July 10
July 10 — July 31
$8,990 + airfare

Experience Japan’s vibrant culture and rich contrasts between modernity and tradition on this high school summer exploration program. From neon-lit Osaka and the temples of Nara to traditional crafts and ryokan stays in the countryside, immerse yourself in both the modern and historic sides of daily life. Explore Kyoto’s ancient shrines, take part in a traditional tea ceremony, and ride the bullet train to Tokyo. There, dive into cutting-edge art, street fashion, and city life as you celebrate your journey with your group in one of the world’s most dynamic capitals. Over the course of the program, gain deeper cultural insight and connection to Japan’s past and present.

• Explore vibrant food and culture in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka
• Experience Shinto and Buddhism at shrines and temples in Kyoto
• Learn to draw with a professional illustrator in an anime drawing class
• Meet local students and learn about life at a Japanese high school
“The trip to Japan exceeded our expectations tenfold. Ella loved every minute of this trip. She was overwhelmed with the beauty and uniqueness of the country and its people. It is the single best thing she has ever done thus far.”
—Julie & Brian C., Saratoga Springs, NY

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your program leaders in San Francisco, California, and fly together to Osaka, Japan. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Osaka & Nara — 4 days

Get to know your group in Japan’s second-largest city, and the hub of the Kansai region. Osaka is known as the “nation’s kitchen” for its incredible breadth of cuisine. Try local street foods like taiyaki and takoyaki as you stroll through the dazzling lights and signage of Dotonbori street along the Kizu River. From this centrally located hub in Kansai, Honshu’s western region, take short train rides to some of the most iconic locations in Japan, including Osaka Castle and Nara’s Giant Buddha. Along the way, learn about some of the most famous samurai battles in Japanese history and the cultural context that informs modern Japan.

Tajima, Kinosaki, & Amanohashidate — 5 days

Venture away from the busy Pacific coast and into the rice paddies to explore the rural side of Japan. Stay in a converted ryokan inn with local hosts. Enjoy wagyu and local vegetables at an outdoor Japanese-style barbeque, and take opportunities to enjoy rejuvenating hot springs, wear traditional yukata, meet local people, and immerse yourself in guided activities that will teach you about local ceramics, soba, and other specialties. Discover one of Japan's "Nihon Sankei," or "Three Most Beautiful Views," at Amanohashidate, “The Bridge to Heaven” in Miyazu Bay.

Kyoto — 4 days

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 rich, delicious aromas from the food stalls at Nishiki Market.

Kanazawa — 2 days

Make a brief stop in Kanazawa, sometimes called “little Kyoto” for its abundance of intact cultural sites. Known for its excellent seafood and rich feudal history, Kanazawa’s center is the incredible, sprawling garden complex of Kenroku-En, established by the Maeda clan hundreds of years ago. Decorate your own chopsticks with gold leaf and learn to make traditional sweets, called “Wagashi.”

Tokyo — 4 days

Return to urban Japanese life as you hop the shinkansen bullet train to the iconic mega-city of Tokyo, one of the largest cities in the world. 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, cat 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.

Return — Travel Day

Fly from Tokyo, Japan, to San Francisco with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your program leaders in San Francisco, California, and fly together to Osaka, Japan. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Osaka & Nara — 4 days

Get to know your group in Japan’s second-largest city, and the hub of the Kansai region. Osaka is known as the “nation’s kitchen” for its incredible breadth of cuisine. Try local street foods like taiyaki and takoyaki as you stroll through the dazzling lights and signage of Dotonbori street along the Kizu River. From this centrally located hub in Kansai, Honshu’s western region, take short train rides to some of the most iconic locations in Japan, including Osaka Castle and Nara’s Giant Buddha. Along the way, learn about some of the most famous samurai battles in Japanese history and the cultural context that informs modern Japan.

Tajima, Kinosaki, & Amanohashidate — 5 days

Venture away from the busy Pacific coast and into the rice paddies to explore the rural side of Japan. Stay in a converted ryokan inn with local hosts. Enjoy wagyu and local vegetables at an outdoor Japanese-style barbeque, and take opportunities to enjoy rejuvenating hot springs, wear traditional yukata, meet local people, and immerse yourself in guided activities that will teach you about local ceramics, soba, and other specialties. Discover one of Japan's "Nihon Sankei," or "Three Most Beautiful Views," at Amanohashidate, “The Bridge to Heaven” in Miyazu Bay.

Kyoto — 4 days

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 rich, delicious aromas from the food stalls at Nishiki Market.

Kanazawa — 2 days

Make a brief stop in Kanazawa, sometimes called “little Kyoto” for its abundance of intact cultural sites. Known for its excellent seafood and rich feudal history, Kanazawa’s center is the incredible, sprawling garden complex of Kenroku-En, established by the Maeda clan hundreds of years ago. Decorate your own chopsticks with gold leaf and learn to make traditional sweets, called “Wagashi.”

Tokyo — 4 days

Return to urban Japanese life as you hop the shinkansen bullet train to the iconic mega-city of Tokyo, one of the largest cities in the world. 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, cat 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.

Return — Travel Day

Fly from Tokyo, Japan, to San Francisco with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

Bryan-Wong
Bryan Wong
View Bio
CropXJPNC Ava Prince
Ava Prince
View Bio
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Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

Bryan-Wong
Bryan Wong
View Bio
CropXJPNC Ava Prince
Ava Prince
View Bio
Loading...
About the Destination

The archipelago of Japan, known to the Japanese as "Nihon" or "Nippon", marks the eastern edge of Asia. Although Japan is a relatively small country 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 something of a global staple. When thinking of Japan, people often imagine Tokyo's bustling metropolis with 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.

Language

Japanese is the national language of Japan. There are a large number of dialects, with the Tokyo dialect considered standard Japanese.

Climate

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.

Cuisine

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.

About the Destination

The archipelago of Japan, known to the Japanese as "Nihon" or "Nippon", marks the eastern edge of Asia. Although Japan is a relatively small country 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 something of a global staple. When thinking of Japan, people often imagine Tokyo's bustling metropolis with 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.

Language

Japanese is the national language of Japan. There are a large number of dialects, with the Tokyo dialect considered standard Japanese.

Climate

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.

Cuisine

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.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Exploration

To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.

Independent Project

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.

Technology

To encourage full engagement and immersion in the Putney travel experience, we limit the use of cell phones and other devices on our High School programs. Students are allowed to use their phones in transit to the program, and keep their devices throughout. During in-country orientation, leaders will lock phones with a code, unlocking them for the second half of the program. During the tech-free portion of the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.

Physical Activity

This is a physically active summer travel program. You can expect lots of walking in urban environments and taking public transport in cities. You may have the chance to swim in the ocean and participate in taiko drumming 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.

Accommodations

The group stays at a variety of residences on this program. While in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, we stay in local hotels, typically in double rooms with twin beds. When visiting Tajima we enjoy simple accommodations in rooms with traditional tatami floor mats and Japanese futon mattresses. In Tajima, we will have the option to use the public baths for onsen. Several hotels provide laundry facilities.

Meals

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 some 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.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Exploration

To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.

Independent Project

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.

Technology

To encourage full engagement and immersion in the Putney travel experience, we limit the use of cell phones and other devices on our High School programs. Students are allowed to use their phones in transit to the program, and keep their devices throughout. During in-country orientation, leaders will lock phones with a code, unlocking them for the second half of the program. During the tech-free portion of the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.

Physical Activity

This is a physically active summer travel program. You can expect lots of walking in urban environments and taking public transport in cities. You may have the chance to swim in the ocean and participate in taiko drumming 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.

Accommodations

The group stays at a variety of residences on this program. While in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, we stay in local hotels, typically in double rooms with twin beds. When visiting Tajima we enjoy simple accommodations in rooms with traditional tatami floor mats and Japanese futon mattresses. In Tajima, we will have the option to use the public baths for onsen. Several hotels provide laundry facilities.

Meals

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 some 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.

A Day in the Life: Tajima

Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Tajima.
8:00am
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodations with your group
9:00am
Walk to the ruins of Izushi castle and see the ancient wooden clock tower in the center of town
10:00am
Learn how to make soba noodles from buckwheat with a local chef
12:00pm
Eat the soba you made alongside some crispy tempura for lunch
1:00pm
Visit and learn about castle ruins, historic kabuki theater, and local specialities with your dedicated guide
4:00pm
Take the bus back to your accommodations for some rest
6:00pm
Enjoy an outdoor barbeque featuring local beef and vegetables from nearby farms
8:00pm
Group meeting to discuss the day and upcoming schedule
9:00pm
Play games, journal, and relax before bed

A Day in the Life:
Tajima

Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Tajima.
8:00am
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodations with your group
9:00am
Walk to the ruins of Izushi castle and see the ancient wooden clock tower in the center of town
10:00am
Learn how to make soba noodles from buckwheat with a local chef
12:00pm
Eat the soba you made alongside some crispy tempura for lunch
1:00pm
Visit and learn about castle ruins, historic kabuki theater, and local specialities with your dedicated guide
4:00pm
Take the bus back to your accommodations for some rest
6:00pm
Enjoy an outdoor barbeque featuring local beef and vegetables from nearby farms
8:00pm
Group meeting to discuss the day and upcoming schedule
9:00pm
Play games, journal, and relax before bed
“This program deepened her passion for Japan and the Japanese culture. She can’t wait to return.”
—Dawn R., Ashburn, VA
ed-thanhouser

Program Directed by

Ed Thanhouser

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

ed-thanhouser

Program Directed by

Ed Thanhouser

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

Enroll in two programs & save $1,000!

$800 tuition discount + no application fee

Eligible for 8th grade*
*These programs are typically for students in grades 9–12, however motivated rising 9th graders will be considered
Japan
Ancient Culture in a Modern World
2025 Dates

June 19 — July 10
July 10 — July 31

Duration
21 days

Tuition
$8,990 + airfare

Eligibility
Currently* in grades 9–12
*Your grade as of the day you apply

Typical Group
16–18 students, 2 leaders

Group Flight
Departs from San Francisco


 

Additional Info

Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000

 

2025 Dates

June 19 — July 10
July 10 — July 31

Duration
21 days

Tuition
$8,990 + airfare


 

Eligibility
Currently* in grades 9–12
*Your grade as of the day you apply

Typical Group
16–18 students, 2 leaders

Group Flight
Departs from San Francisco

 

Questions? Visit our FAQ or call us at (802) 387-5000

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