Japan, ‘the land of technology’ is the world’s leader in many areas of scientific research, automobile technology, electronics, robotics, very fast trains and much more. This tour will allow the students to experience the Japanese culture whilst learning more about the ways in which technology will affect the world they are growing up in.
Destination: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
Tour Highlights:
Included:
Terms & Conditions:
Please be advised that this is an ‘example’ of a schedule and that the activities and hotels shown may be variable dependent upon dates, weather, special requests and other factors. Itineraries will be confirmed prior to travel.
Day 1
Depart Australia.
Day 2
On arrival in Tokyo meet your Tour Director and transfer to your hotel by private coach.
Check in to your accommodation, freshen up and then enjoy a Tour of Tokyo.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 3
After breakfast take the train to the National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation (Miraikan). The Museum is a fabulous hands-on experience where the students will find their own questions, try to answer them and then translate theiranswers into action. The museum features androids (ASIMO demonstration), DNA cutting edge science experiments, Geo Cosmos movement and screening, interactive student displays in English, medical research advancements and technologies, Space Exploration, DNA and Cells theatre, Earthquake and Volcano measurement data exhibit and much more.
Afterwards continue across to the Sony Explora Science room which details how new technology aligns with basic science principles. Enjoy interacting with the many exhibits in the Sound Zone, Light Zone and the 4k/3D image and much more.
Later that afternoon return to the nearby station and take the train back to your accommodation.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 4
This morning after breakfast you will meet your guide and then visit the Meiji Shrine. The Shrine is dedicated to the spirit of the Emperor Meiji and has up to 3 million visitors within the first weeks of the New Year.
Continue your guided tour and visit the Rikugien Japanese Landscape Garden which was built in the 1700’s. The stunning gardens are designed in the traditional Japanese style. The best time visit is in early spring, when you will see the spectacular Cherry blossom or autumn when the maple trees turn red.
Afterwards you will visit the Akihabra Technology district. This area is all about bright lights, gadgets and is great for the anime lovers. Enjoy some bargaining for the latest gadgets to take home and impress your friends.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 5
This morning you will travel by private coach to Tsukuba Science Park, an incredible science city with a focus on research and development across all branches of science.
First you will visit the Institute of Particle and Nuclear Laboratory KEK, home to the Belle II mega accelerator. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the two main sections of the plant, a wonderful experience for students of Chemistry and Physics in particular.
After lunch head to JAXA Space Research Facility. Visit the exhibition room, the KIBO Flight Control Room and the Astronaut training facility. During the tour the students will witness real time operations of KIBO, the Japanese Experiment Module on the International Space Station and learn about Astronaut selection, training and healthcare.
Continue your tour to Cyberdyne Studio and learn how the future use of robot technology will help industries, in particular medical rehabilitation. The tour and demonstration include a short film followed by the opportunity to wear a robot suit.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 6
After breakfast board your coach and travel to the Maglev Exhibition Centre in Yamanashi Prefecture. Here the students will learn how Japanese engineers have evolved the high-speed train industry through the use of magnets. Experiencing the Maglev train test from the observation desk (the 5.7 KM test track where it reaches speeds in excess of 550 KMS per hour). The students will take a part in a workshop on superconducting magnets and make their own mini Maglev.
Afterwards you will visit the World Heritage Shiraito Waterfall and the micro hydro power sites using water from Mt Fuji. Students will learn how Japanese farmers practice sustainable use of water and other resources before heading to the Mt Fuji Tour. You will visit the Mt Fuji World Heritage Centre and learn about the great history of the mountain and its special place in Japanese culture before returning to Tokyo later that afternoon.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 7
Today after breakfast enjoy a guided walking tour of Tokyo. You will stroll through the frenetic, neon-lit streets to nearby Manseibashi Station, where you will stop to admire and discuss how the city has cleverly repurposed many of its old buildings. Built in 1912, the original station was destroyed by an earthquake in 1923, leaving only its platform and some stairs, which remain today. The rebuilt station was then closed in 1943 and has been nicknamed “the Ghost Station.”
The next stop is Arts Chiyoda. Arts Chiyoda used to be a junior high school but due to a drop in Japan’s youth population, it’s been transformed into an arts centre featuring galleries, creative space, a cafe, shops and a rooftop organic garden. Rather charmingly, its name is a numeric rendering of a traditional hand clap used to share happiness and ease stress. Here you will learn how Japan is coping with its declining population. Arts Chiyoda is also home to Aldebaran Atelier Akihabara with Softbank, a robot software development company. Its most famous robot, Pepper, has been painstakingly designed to support everyday people conduct everyday tasks. Remarkably Pepper has the ability to detect human emotions and react to them. You will spend some time with Pepper, learn about the processes that go into developing these high-tech robots and interact with them in English.
Afterwards head to the heart of Tokyo and see the Imperial Palace. The emperor and empress of Japan reside behind the pretty moats that surround it.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 8
After breakfast travel to Osaka by train. On arrival at Shin Osaka station, transfer to the Osaka metro line and make your way to your accommodation to check in.
Enjoy some free time in Osaka.
Overnight in Osaka.
Day 9
This morning you will travel to Osaka Science Museum for a guided tour. The museum features 4 floors highlighting Familiar Chemistry, Electricity and Energy, the Universe and Discovery. The best exhibit is in the museum foyer where you can see the robot solve the Rubik’s Cube in just 16 steps.
Afterwards visit the world-renowned Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. It houses 15 large tanks, featuring fish found around the Pacific Rim as well as specific zones featuring Japan Forest, Antarctica and more. The highlight is the magnificent Pacific Rim tank, over 5,400 tons of water housing some of the largest fish in the sea. There are over 30,000 creatures encompassing 620 species. A superb experience and expertly designed for maximum learning and movement of people throughout the aquarium itself.
Overnight in Osaka.
Day 10
In the morning you will visit Kobe’s excellent Earthquake and Disaster Museum followed by a guided tour of Kobe.
Kobe has been an important port city for many centuries. Its port was among the first to be opened to foreign trade in the 19th century alongside the ports of Yokohama, Nagasaki, Hakodate and Niigata. In 1995, Kobe was hit by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which killed over 5000 people and destroyed tens of thousands of buildings. Today the city is completely rebuilt, and few signs of the terrible event remain.
Overnight in Osaka.
Day 11
After breakfast head to Universal Studios for the day full of fun activities.
Later in the afternoon board your coach and transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Day 12
Arrive home.
