Program Directed by
Ed Thanhouser
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
- 2026 Dates
June 18 — July 8
July 2 — July 22
July 9 — July 29
July 2 — July 22
July 9 — July 29
- tuition
$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.
Interested in an academic pre-college experience in Tokyo? Check out our Oxford Academia program with Temple University Japan.
- Program Highlights
• Explore vibrant food and culture in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka
• Experience Shinto and Buddhism at shrines and temples in Kyoto
• Learn from local artisans and try your hands at traditional crafting techniques
• Meet local students and learn about life at a Japanese high school
• Experience Shinto and Buddhism at shrines and temples in Kyoto
• Learn from local artisans and try your hands at traditional crafting techniques
• 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 — 3 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.
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
Program Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review specific program questions here. For more general information, visit our full FAQ:
What are the main focuses of this program?
Our high school Exploration Japan program focuses on cultural immersion and engagement with Japanese people. We believe that the best cultural experiences are done alongside local people, and so this program puts hands-on activities and cultural exchange at the forefront, rather than focusing on sight-seeing. Students learn directly from Japanese people about traditional food, craft, daily practices, and cultural heritage.
Will students have the opportunity to practice the local language?
Proficiency in Japanese is not required for this program. However, if you study Japanese in school you will have opportunities to practice while communicating with local people. If you don’t speak Japanese you will have the opportunity to learn some basic language skills.
What is an Independent Project?
All students on Putney programs pursue an independent project as a way to more deeply engage with aspects of local culture that are of particular interest to them— for example, in Japan you might make a detailed photo journal of unique snack foods and review them, write a haiku for each destination, learn origami, or make a recipe book featuring the local specialties from each destination. The possibilities are endless!
What is the technology and cell phone policy?
To encourage full engagement and immersion in the Putney Student 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 and from the program. During in-country orientation, leaders facilitate a call home, then collect and securely store all phones for the first half of the program. At the end of this tech-free period, leaders return student phones 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.
How physically active is this program?
This is a physically active summer travel program. This program travels primarily by public transportation and thus includes a lot of walking. Additionally, there are opportunities for swimming, bicycling, and hiking. 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.
Does this program visit high altitudes?
No, this program does not visit high altitude locations. The itinerary focuses on cultural immersion and urban exploration in locations that are close to sea level.
What are the accommodations for this program?
Over the course of the program, students stay in both traditional Japanese accommodations, which include Tattami mats and futon mattresses on the floor, and western-style hotels. Leaders reside with students for the duration of the program.
What are meals like in Japan?
Students eat the majority of meals at local restaurants during their time on the program. This program itinerary also features cooking workshops where students learn to make traditional foods. Fish, rice, and vegetables are common foods in Japanese cuisine. Students have access to a wide variety of options, ranging from western dishes to popular foods like ramen, udon, yakitori, and sushi.
What type of student is most successful on this program?
The most successful students on our Exploration Japan program are curious and adventurous high school students who love to explore and experience new cultures. Students who love Japanese food or cultural exports, like Manga and Anime, also enjoy this program and have the opportunity to explore their significance in Japan. Additionally, students who love history or Japanese language have ample opportunities to explore the country’s rich history and heritage. Students have the opportunity to explore both rural and urban Japanese life, making for a well-rounded introduction to the country.
What makes Japan a good location for a Putney Student Travel program?
Japan has become one of the most popular destinations in the world over the past decade, but visitors are often funneled into crowded, tourist-heavy destinations. The less-traveled side of Japan is often just as rewarding (if not more), and our longstanding local contacts make our connection to the communities we visit both more memorable and more fun for our students, creating a totally unique, fun, and exciting experience.
How does the Japan program compare to Putney’s other Exploration programs?
Japan is a truly unique destination with a multitude of opportunities and landscapes for students to explore. The cultural differences in Japan are stark when compared to European and Western destinations, for example. Japan is an island nation with a 2,000-year history as a monocultural nation and student experiences in Japan tend to tap deep into these cultural roots, leading to eye-opening cultural lessons and life-changing challenges.
Do students need prior experience or specific skills to join this program?
Students do not need any specific skills or experience to join this program. They only need to bring their curiosity and an open mind to explore a new cultural setting. Japan is an incredibly welcoming place, but it is very different from the west, and requires students to be flexible and willing to try new things.
What outcomes, skills, or growth can students expect to gain from this experience?
Students emerge from our Exploration Japan program more resilient and with broadened perspectives. Their experience of a culture that exists beyond many western norms and conventions often radically alters their worldview, and affects them long after they return from the program. This program also teaches students how to make friends across cultural and linguistic barriers. It challenges them to try new things and be adventurous. Additionally, students often find that their preconceptions of Japan and Japanese culture have been re-examined, deepening the nuance of their understanding and appreciation for the country.
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.
- Morning
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
- Afternoon
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
- Evening
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
