2021 Eaglecrest Japan Program
| Travel Dates: | March 13, 2021 - March 22, 2021 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,000 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $1,694 |
| Deadline(s): | Enrollment deadline forthcoming |
Tuition Calculator
There are two options for payment, including an interest-free installment plan. Follow whichever works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.
Program Tuition: $3,000
Pay in Full
$3,000.00
due today
Payment Plan
Pay a $500 deposit at the time of enrollment and establish an interest-free monthly payment plan. If you enroll today, your estimated* monthly payments would be:
$71.43
per month
All prices in United States Dollars.
Japan Cultural Journey
This island nation, situated in the Pacific Ocean along the “Ring of Fire” tectonic hot-zone, offers everything from high-rise cities and imperial palaces to snow-capped mountains and bamboo forests. This destination is perfect for those who want a mix of urban exploration and rural adventure, since you’ll experience plenty of both throughout your time in this diverse country. Soak up every moment of the neon skyscrapers and unique pop culture of Tokyo city, all the while being immersed in authentic Japanese culture and history first hand. Get a taste of Japan’s traditional tea ceremony, make your own local cuisine in a cooking class, and try your hand at short-story animation when you sketch and produce your own short film! Japan offers the experience of a lifetime for anyone with an appreciation for both the natural world and human history.
Cultural Journeys
Cultural Journeys allow travelers to gain insights into the heritage, history and modern realities of their destination by offering a broad diversity of experience. We rely on the expertise of our local staff to plan itineraries which not only explore the prominent sites but also make time for the lesser-known local gems and are intentional about regular interaction with local people.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Try your hand at creating anime
Walk through the Harajuku District of Tokyo
Experience some of most iconic parts of Kyoto
Explore Akihabara Electric Town
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Activity | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 13 | USA - Tokyo | Today the group will depart from the US to Tokyo, Japan. | Airplane |
| March 14 | Tokyo | Say Konnichiwa to your Walking Tree Leaders, your expert on all things Japan and your travel partner for the duration of the program. At your hotel, check-in then have your first taste of authentic Japanese cuisine at your welcome dinner. | Hotel Mimaru Tokyo Nihombashi Suitengumae |
| March 15 | Tokyo | Rise early and greet the day learning about Japanese culture that is still present and strong today. Take stroll over to Tsukiji Market , the former last stop on a fish's journey from sea to sushi mat. Tsukiji is an open window into Japan's fishing, cooking, and dining heritage. Although the fish market has been relocated many of the previous 900 vendors remain in the area. After observing the busy vendors and streets try some sushi that's guaranteed to be of hit quality and taste. Later we will visit one of Tokyo's most famous temples, Sensoji. Experience temple customs like purification and fortune telling. Enjoy some souvenir shopping on Nakamise street in front of Sensoji. Finally we'll head to Tokyo's Electronic city, Akihabara. Students can enjoy the afternoon exploring electronic shops. | Hotel Mimaru Tokyo Nihombashi Suitengumae |
| March 16 | Tokyo | Today is all about Tokyo's metropolitan area. Start at the observatory deck on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan office. You may be able to see Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Then off to Harajuku! First stop is Meiji Shrine. Tucked away, the tranquil green surroundings will make you forget you are in a noisy concrete jungle. After exploring the grounds of the shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji we'll check out the heart of Tokyo's fashion and pop culture. Takeshita street, located across from Harajuku station, is lined with many trendy stores and boutiques on every side street. Mingle with chic teens, snap photos of Tokyo's wildest trends, and pick up a few pieces for yourself. You'll get a first-hand perspective on Japanese pop culture from a your leader as he or she guides you through Harajuku's hidden backstreets. Get a hands-on intro to Japanese food culture at a local restaurant. You'll learn to grill up perfect okonomiyaki, a tasty pancake made from eggs and cabbage, piled with your choice of toppings and sauce. Head to Shibuya station to experience the dizzying scramble and Shibuya's resident canine, Hachiko. | Hotel Mimaru Tokyo Nihombashi Suitengumae |
| March 17 | Kyoto | After a long ride on the Shinkansen, we will need to stretch or legs. We will journey on the iconic Tetsugaku-no-Michi, Philosopher's Walk. Kyoto University professor, Nishida Kitaro, meditated daily on this stone path during his commute to work. Along the path there are beautiful cherry blossoms and on the side paths there are various temples and shrines. Spend time reflecting on your time in Japan and what philosophical thoughts filled Professor Nishida's mind. Start in Ginkaku-ji and end in Nanzen-ji before enjoying dinner in Nishiki Market and looking for Geisha on the traditional streets of the Gion District. | Hotel WBF Kyoto Toji |
| March 18 | Kyoto | Take a trip into the past to explore some of the oldest and most grand temples in Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi-Inari. In the afternoon, we will reflect on the first half of our trip. Visit Kyoto station mall and load up on souvenirs for friends and family. | Hotel WBF Kyoto Toji |
| March 19 | Kyoto | The halfway point of the trip have been reached and your knowledge of Japanese culture has grown immensely. Today we will leave our tourist status behind and do things like the locals, in the kitchen. We will create bento lunches full of traditional dishes like tempura, miso soup and sushi. After eating our delicious creations we will then visit Nijo Castle. The architecture of Japanese castle-palaces are very unique and Nijo Castle is the best preserved example of these unique features. It is especially beautiful during Cherry Blossom season. | Hotel WBF Kyoto Toji |
| March 20 | Kyoto-Nara | Travel from Kyoto to Nara. Nara was founded in the 8th century. It was Japan's first permanent capital until 784. Its political influence was matched by its religious influence as Nara is home to the most famous Buddhist temples. After dropping off our luggage at the hotel, spend the day touring the most important temples in Nara with the Nara Volunteer Guide Club. Explore Todai-ji, one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Japan. The 50 ft. Daibutsu or Big Buddha is housed in the largest wooden building in the world. Kasuga-Taisha Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in Nara. Kasuga-Taisha has forest paths, wandering deer and 3000 lanterns hung around the temple. | Hotel Pagoda |
| March 21 | Nara | Enjoy some last minute souvenir shopping on Higashimuki Shopping Street, Mochiidono Shopping and Sanjou Shopping street. Be sure to visit a handmade mochi store called Nakatanidou 中谷堂 on Sanjou street. They are known as the fastest mochi makers. You can learn about the mochi making process while watching two men rapidly pound the rice with large wooden mallets. Take a break in Nara Park. Here you can feed the deer Shika senbei or deer crackers. They also love selfies! Be sure to pick up some souvenirs to remind you of your trip. Finally stop by the Nara Vistor Center and Inn. Their kind staff host countless cultural experiences everyday. With expert artisans and instructors try your hand at origami, calligraphy and even take part in a tea ceremony. At the end of the visit you will be well versed in Japanese culture. South of the visitors center is Naramachi. It has many shops and restaurants that you can visit while imagining what it was like to be a merchant in the Edo Period. For our final adventure, we'll hit up a karaoke lounge which is a quintessentially Japanese experience and one that you'll remember for a lifetime! | Hotel Pagoda |
| March 22 | Nara - Tokyo - USA | After breakfast, we will leave Nara by train and head to Tokyo Narita Airport to catch our evening flight back to the USA. | You own bed, eventually! |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe. We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.
Hotel Pagoda Nara
Hotel Pagoda Nara combines both traditional and modern Japanese style in one hotel. Wifi and breakfast are included. Students will be roomed in double, triple or quadruple rooms based on gender.
Hotel WBF Kyoto Toji
Hotel WBF Kyoto Toji will be home sweet home during our time in Kyoto. The hotel’s central location will allow us to move easily around Kyoto. Japanese and western style breakfast is provided along with Wifi. Students will be split by gender in double, triple or quadruple rooms.
Mimaru Tokyo Nihobashi Suitengumae
This hotel is centrally located in Tokyo and will provide a great home base for the group while in Tokyo. Rooms are simple, but have a modern Japanese feel to them. Breakfast and Wifi are provided. Students will be split between gender in either double, triple or quadruple rooms.
Safety and Support
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
This was a great opportunity for [my daughter]. Thank you for being so professional and for teaching her things we never could. It was awesome to work beside Smithsonian scientists and learn. Travel is such an education that cannot be taught in a classroom.
Kim
Parent of Emily, traveler on 2017 program to Panama
Your Adventure Includes
Estimated Airfare
In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel.
Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.
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Resource Center
Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.