2023 Eaglecrest Japan Program
| Travel Dates: | March 17, 2023 - March 26, 2023 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,290 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $1,913 |
Important Reminders
Passport check
Insurance Reminder
Fundraiser
Review all materials
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 abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teaches that we must be flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Activity | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 17 | USA - Tokyo | Today the group will depart from the US to Tokyo, Japan. | Airplane |
| March 18 | 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 19 | 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 20 | 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 21 | 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 22 | 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 23 | 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 24 | 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 25 | 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 26 | 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 group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
Super Hotel Tokyo
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.
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.
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.
Group Flight
| Type | Carrier Name | Carrier Code | Flight Number | Departure Airport & City | Departure Date and Time | Arrival Airport & City | Arrival Date and Time |
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Outbound
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American Airlines
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AA
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1067
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DEN – Denver International Airport, Denver, United States
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March 17, 2023 at 07:20 AM
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DFW – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth, United States
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March 17, 2023 at 10:35 AM
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Outbound
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American Airlines
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AA
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61
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DFW – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth, United States
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March 17, 2023 at 11:40 AM
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NRT – Narita International Airport, Narita, Japan
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March 18, 2023 at 03:30 PM
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Inbound
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American Airlines
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AA
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60
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NRT – Narita International Airport, Narita, Japan
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March 26, 2023 at 06:30 PM
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DFW – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth, United States
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March 26, 2023 at 04:30 PM
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Inbound
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American Airlines
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AA
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1217
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DFW – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth, United States
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March 26, 2023 at 06:50 PM
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DEN – Denver International Airport, Denver, United States
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March 26, 2023 at 07:55 PM
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Once your flight schedule 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
arry on your own.
Finally, we recommend consulting a weather forecast for your destination.
CLOTHES
- Underwear (enough for the entire trip or plan to do laundry)
- Socks (a mix of breathable casual socks and a few moisture-wicking pairs)
- T-shirts (some quick-dry for humid days)
- Long sleeve shirts (lightweight for sun or bug protection, and temple visits)
- Light rain jacket or compact umbrella (essential for rainy season)
- Medium-weight jacket
- Comfortable/light-weight pants (great for temple visits or cooler evenings)
- Comfortable/light-weight shorts
- Durable athletic or walking shoes
- Slip-on shoes (helpful for cultural sites where shoes must be removed)
- Sandals
- Sleepwear
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Set of slightly dressier clothes (for special visits or cultural activities)
TOILETRIES
- Your basics
- High SPF sunscreen
- Basic first aid
- Hand Sanitizer or travel wipes
- Medications in original packaging
MISCELLANEOUS
- Passport
- Student ID
- Sunglasses
- Journal and pen
- Book
- Camera
- Debit card and/or cash in USD or Japanese Yen
(About $100–$200 depending on souvenirs, snacks, etc.) - Durable, refillable water bottle
- Quick-dry towel (optional but helpful)
- Deck of cards or small games for downtime
- Small daypack for daily excursions
- Portable power bank
- Travel pillow and sleep mask (for flights or bus rides)
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 staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find the the team members involved in the preparation, planning and execution of your program.
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.
Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History
Luke’s path to student travel began in Mexico, during a year abroad in Mexico and Central America. This formative time led him to join an international volunteer program which, after graduating from college, sent him to the small village of San Gerardo de Rivas in south-central Costa Rica. Welcomed by the loveliest of host families, his experience in this tiny town is directly connected to the beginnings of Walking Tree five years later. His love for travel still burns bright, and today he’s lucky to have a wife and daughter who are equally passionate about exploring the world. Settled in Denver, he adores his family and colleagues, skies whenever possible, and is a devoted fan of all Colorado sports teams.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
Blog and Communication
During travel we work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blog posts and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, providing families back home a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will be notified when the first update is posted, after which we recommend checking in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this webpage.
Assuming your school allows the use of cell phones, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants access WiFi at different moments in the program, allowing them to communicate directly with home. 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 vital that travelers are prepared to be on their best behavior and bring enthusiasm and interest to each and every day. A communal atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is the foundational. As such, all individuals participating on a Walking Tree program are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of personal conduct.
IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of 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 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 traveling.
Our in-country staff meticulously prepare for all programs. Walking Tree receives regular updates from the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to proactively stay ahead of any potential security concerns. Our in-country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families through in-depth interviews and visits, and stay informed about 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 comprehensive leadership training. 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 collect medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we can meet every student’s needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues not listed during your initial registration process. Leaders and in-country staff are prepared to respond promptly to any mental, physical, or emotional health concerns 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 can be unpredictable. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) provision. Detailed explanations of plan options can be found via the link below.
To provide travelers and 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 that includes CFAR, you must purchase the plan within 14-21 days of your first payment to Walking Tree. Be careful when you read the tenets of the policy to ensure you understand the required timeframe for purchase. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight. Please reach out to us with questions.