2021 Ramirez Sensei’s Japan Cultural Journey
| Travel Dates: | June 15, 2021 - June 24, 2021 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,990 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $1,446 |
Important Reminders
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Insurance Reminder
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What to Expect
Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.
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 | Description | Lodging | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 15 | USA - Tokyo | Today the group will depart from the US to Tokyo, Japan. | Airplane | |
| June 16 | Tokyo | Say konnichiwa to your Student Adventures Leader, your expert on all things Japan and your travel partner for the duration of the program. At your hotel, throw on a yukata robe, pour a cup of green tea, and put your feet up to relax after a long day of travel. But don't relax too much! Before long we’ll be off to enjoy our first meal in the Land of the Rising Sun. | Super Hotel Tokyo | |
| June 17 | Tokyo | Learn the ins and outs of Japan's biggest cultural export and try your hand at manga, Japanese comics. Become your own story writer and illustrator. In no time you’ll have created your own comic and be ready for publishing! Later take a step into the past when we visit the impressive Tokyo Edo museum. Learn about feudal Japan and the evolution of Japanese culture over time | Super Hotel Tokyo | |
| June 18 | Tokyo | Rise early and greet the day at the Tsukiji Market, the 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. With around 900 vendors, it's the planet's largest seafood market. Put your newfound seafood knowledge to use at a sushi making class. Your instructors are sushi experts and teacher for many sushi chefs in the area. You'll sample a huge range of Japan's signature dish, and learn how to tell the difference between different types of sushi and sashimi. This afternoon we'll check out Asakusa, home to the Sensō-ji, a famous Buddhist Temple. This evening we'll hit up a karaoke lounge which is a quintessentially Japanese experience and one that you'll remember for a lifetime! | Super Hotel Tokyo | |
| June 19 | Tokyo - Kamakura | Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices. See the gears that make a city of 13 million people tick, then shoot up to the 45th floor for a sweeping view of Tokyo. Pass through the Meiji Shrine's sacred torii, a gateway to Japan's traditional architecture. We'll also check out the beautiful Yoyogi Park before heading to the colorful Oriental Bazaar in the Harajuku District, the heart of Japan's dynamic fashion scene. Mingle with chic teens, snap photos of Tokyo's wildest trends, and pick up a few pieces for yourself. You'll get a firsthand 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 popular DIY 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. Next we are off to witness the famous scramble crossing at Shibuya and pay homage to Hachiko, a loyal canine and most famous resident of the area. Return to your hotel full and happy! | Super Hotel Tokyo | |
| June 20 | Tokyo | Bright and early we'll head to Hakone. Just outside of Tokyo the area offers a great experience of nature, onsens and endless views of Mt. Fuji. We’ll sale across Lake Ashinoko on a pirate ship and ride up the sulfurous valley of the volcanic Mt. Hakone. Here you can try the black eggs boiled in the hot sulfur springs. Legend has it they can add 7 years to your life! End the day by taking a well-deserved break from all the movement by relaxing in an Onsen, a traditional Japanese spa. Alternative In the morning, we will lace up our hiking shoes and explore the Japanese countryside. We explore the Zen temples along the Daibutsu Hiking trail. In the afternoon, we will visit Daibutsu, the second largest bronze Buddha in Japan. End the day by taking a well-deserved break from all the movement by relaxing on the beach for a picnic. | Super Hotel Tokyo | |
| June 21 | Tokyo - Kyoto | We will travel to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan for over 1000 years, to learn about the temples, castles, and districts that make this one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We will stretch our legs by taking an early evening tour of Gion, one of the oldest areas in Kyoto made famous by its old wooden teahouses where practicing Geisha and other artists can still be seen in the neighborhood. | Budget Inn Kyoto (Ryokan) | |
| June 22 | Kyoto | Start the day by exploring the Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion as well as several other iconic sites in Kyoto. In the afternoon, we will visit a handicraft center and learn how to create traditional Japanese crafts from skilled artisans. | Budget Inn Kyoto (Ryokan) | |
| June 23 | Kyoto - Tokyo | In the morning, take the bullet train back to Tokyo. Once there, you'll be blown away by the neon lights of Akihabara Electric Town, a district devoted entirely to electronics, video games, manga, and anime. Enjoy visiting Akihabara's jam-packed shops, where you can supposedly buy any electronic device ever made. Stop for dessert at a local cafe. On your last evening in Japan, we're off to the ballpark to cheer for the home team at a baseball stadium. We'll also enjoy our final dinner together before our international flight the following morning. | Super Hotel Tokyo | |
| June 24 | Tokyo - USA | Fly home | Your own bed! |
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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.
Super Hotel Tokyo JR Kamata Nishiguchi
Start the day here with a traditional Japanese breakfast before setting out to explore Tokyo. This clean, three star accommodation provides modern amenities and a comfortable experience for all guests. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Group Flight
| Type | Carrier Name | Carrier Code | Flight Number | Departure City | Departure Date and Time | Arrival City | Arrival Date and Time |
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Outbound
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AC
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7310
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IND – Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis, USA
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June 15, 2020 at 6:10AM
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YYZ – Toronto Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Canada
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June 15, 2020 at 7:46AM
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Outbound
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AC
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1
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YYZ – Toronto Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Canada
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June 15, 2020 at 1:40PM
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HND – Haneda International Airport, Tokyo, Japan
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June 15, 2020 at 3:40PM
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Inbound
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AC
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2
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HND – Haneda International Airport, Tokyo, Japan
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June 24, 2020 at 5:40PM
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YYZ – Toronto Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Canada
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June 24, 2020 at 4:45PM
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Inbound
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AC
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7313
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YYZ – Toronto Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Canada
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June 24, 2020 at 8:55PM
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IND – Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis, USA
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June 24, 2020 at 10:34PM
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Once your flight has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.
Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.
Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.
We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.
FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION
Air travel can be unpredictable. Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc. Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route. Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night. Our primary role will be to keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a quick and effective resolution.
Host Community and Project Details
Packing List
What follows is a sample packing list, which will be updated for each program. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on hikes, weekend excursions and shorter activities.
Most importantly, be sure to remember your passport!
CLOTHES:
6 pairs of underwear
Socks (a mixture of good hiking socks and casual socks)
T-shirts (some quick dry)
Long sleeve shirts
Sweater
Warmer jacket
Rain jacket
Travel/athletic shorts that are breathable and light
Comfortable/hiking/everyday pants (NOT all jeans)
Nice shirt/top to be worn to more formal dinners (girls might want a skirt or something a little nicer for such occasions)
Durable athletic/hiking shoes
Sandals (optional)
Work gloves
Hat
TOILETRIES: BRING THE BASIC TOILETRIES YOU NEED, PLUS:
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent
Band Aids and Neosporin
Hand Sanitizer
Medication in properly marked original container
MISCELLANEOUS:
Sunglasses
Journal and pen
Book
Camera (digital, disposable, waterproof)
Power Converter
Alarm Clock and watch
Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $50-$150, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra items etc.)
Durable water bottle
1 quick-dry towel
Flashlight/headlamp
Batteries
Deck of cards or other portable games
Host family gift
STUDENT ID
Japanese/English Dictionary
Support Team
At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional support staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find a list of the team members involved in the planning, organizing, and leadership of your program.
West Chester University-B.S. Elementary Education
School for International Training (SIT)-M.A. International Education
Nicole grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Amish country, and has always been accustomed to seeing a culture unlike her own. Since her first international experience at 4 years old, she has been intrigued by exploring foreign places. However, it was a study abroad program when she felt the power of international travel. After working 2-years for an inner-city, public school she felt something was missing. Nicole moved to Cusco, Peru, obtained her TEFL Certification, and taught English. Recognizing the value and impact of intercultural experiences, she returned stateside to obtain her Master Degree. After interning with an NGO in Haiti, she backpacked through Central America and fell in love with Guatemala. A life-changing 4 years later of living and working abroad at a private school, she returned to the States with her adopted dog Timo. Nicole is thrilled to call Denver home, and looks forward to hiking with her dog and the changing seasons.
Alicia Naruse
Japan Country Director
Pratt Institute – Industrial Design
Alicia was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. At the age of 11, she traveled to the United States to pursue an international education. Today, Alicia resides in Tokyo, Japan with her family where she works as an entrepreneurial and furniture designer. Alicia is good at adopting to new environments and learning new languages and cultures. Outgoing and adventurous, Alicia is passionate about making new connections and helping others in any way she can. Together with her Japanese husband and daughter, Alicia travels throughout different places in Japan. Alicia and her husband both share a passion for finding local treasures and having a good time.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
- 1 Aidan Hibdon
- 2 Alisa Johnson
- 3 Amanda Ramirez (Group Organizer)
- 4 David Burns
- 5 Debra Burns
- 6 Gabrielle Keating
- 7 Kiera Byers
- 8 Riley Keating
- 9 Robert Burns
Blog and Communication
During travel we will work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blogs and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, giving parents a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will receive an email notification when the first blog is posted, after which we recommend you check in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this page.
Beyond this proactive approach to communication during the trip, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants semi-regular access to WiFi so you can also expect to communicate with your traveler directly. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.
GLC Curriculum
Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.
To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.
Standards of Behavior
In order to run a safe and successful program, it is important that we create an environment of trust, security and respect. All individuals participating in our programs are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of behavioral conduct.
ABSOLUTE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of, or are consuming, or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety.
- This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE
- Getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
- Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
- Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
- Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
- Breaking group rules.
These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.
Health and Safety
We strongly recommend visiting the CDC Japan website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult with your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before travel.
Our in-country staff prepare meticulously for all programs. Walking Tree will register our programs and travelers with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of emergency. In country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families via in depth interviews and home visits, and keep up on important current events in the region.
Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in a multi-day leadership training retreat. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff and U.S.-based staff.
We receive medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we are able to meet every students’ needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues that you did not list during your initial registration process. Program Leaders will also hold an online information session before your departure, as well as an arrival orientation in-country, in order to give participants important instructions on food safety, hygiene and preventing injury and illness. Leaders and in-country staff always respond immediately to any mental, physical or emotional health issues and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.
Insurance
While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel is never without risk. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with two additional provisions: Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) and Bed Rest. Detailed explanations of both provisions can be found on the link below.
To provide families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry. Begin by getting a quote here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage with CFAR included, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your deposit/first payment. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight.