2024 Pacific Ridge Japan Cultural Journey
| Travel Dates: | May 25, 2024 - June 4, 2024 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: | $4,990 USD |
Important Reminders
Passport check
Insurance Reminder
Fundraiser
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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 abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teachers that we must 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 | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA - Japan | Today the group will take an overnight flight to Tokyo. | Airplane |
| 2 | Tokyo | Today we arrive to Tokyo, upon arrival we will meet our program leader and drive to our hotel. After some well deserved reste, we will head out for our welcome dinner. Tonight we will have our big orientation meeting. | Hotel Tokyo |
| 3 | Tokyo | After breakfast we weil begin exploring the bustling city of Tokyo. We will begin exploring the Tsukiji Outer Market. Afterwards, we will visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple in Shitamachi (literally ‘downtown’) is surrounded by crowded street stalls. Asakusa is the city’s oldest Geisha district and also the home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. We will then have lunch at a local restaurant. To finish our day, we will explore Akihabara, an area in Tokyo made famous by its hundreds of electronics shops, and more recently as the center for Tokyo’s anime, manga, video game, and figurine culture. We will then have dinner in the town before heading back to out hotel. | Hotel Tokyo |
| 4 | Tokyo | Today we will continue exploring the city. Our first stop is The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. We will get a change to go up to its observation decks which provides one of the best panoramic views of Tokyo and beyond. Later, we will head to the Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirit of the late Emperor Meiji. The park that surrounds the shrine has around 120,000 trees, making you forget that just outside the shrine grounds are two of the city’s popular shopping districts, Harajuku and Omotesando. After lunch, we will make a stop at Harajuku, the shopping haven for all fashionistas and the popular meeting place for teenagers who are usually in eccentric clothing. Finally we will visit the famous Shibuya district and its iconic intersection called ‘The Scramble’, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian lanes, and the statue of Hachiko, the most popular dog in Japan. We will head back to the hotel to pack our bags for tomorrow's departure to Kyoto and have dinner on our way to the hotel. | Hotel Tokyo |
| 5 | Tokyo - Kyoto | Today we say godbye to Tokyo and head to our next destination,. After breakfast, we will head to Tokyo station to take a bullet train to Kyoto. Once in Kyoto, we will visit Ginkakuji and Nanzenji Temples, some of the most importan Zen templas in the country. After lunch, we will take a stroll through Nishiki Market, lso known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. We sill make a stop at Higashiyama before heading to Gion District, the old “Geisha district” of Kyoto. We will have dinner at a local restaurant. | Hotel Kyoto |
| 6 | Kyoto | After breakfast, we will head to Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto's stunning pavilion collectively famously know for its pavilion covered in handmade gold leaves. Today we will also visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. You will have the chance to walk through its famous thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. After lunch, we will drive back to out hotel and have some free time until dinner. | Hotel Kyoto |
| 7 | Kyoto | Today we will have a leisurely morning with some free time to explore out neighborhood. Later, we will learn about Japanese cuisine. Students will participate in a workshop well they will learn how to make miso soup, tempura or bento lunch boxes, often artfully arranged. To finish our tour, we will visit Nijo Castle, which oldest building was completed in the early 1600s and has since then been known for its Momoyama-style architecture, decorated sliding doors, and “chirping nightingale” floors | Hotel Kyoto |
| 8 | Kyoto - Nara | Today we will go on a day trip to Nara! Nara Park is a large park in central Nara. Established in 1880, it is the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum. It is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered the messengers of the gods, Nara's over 1000 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure. After visitin the Todai-ji Temple we will have lunch at a local restaurant and walk to the Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine, famous for its bronze and stone lanterns donated by its worshippers. We will drive back to Kyoto where we will have dinner before heading back to out hotel. | Hotel Kyoto |
| 9 | Kyoto | Today we will have time explore in smaller groups. We can visit some local markets and shops to buy some last minute souvenirs or we may visit other attractions in Kyoto. In the afternoon, we will complete out end of program activities before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant. Back at the hotel, we will pack out bags to prepare for our international departure tomorrow. | Hotel Kyoto |
| 10 | Kyoto - USA | Sayōnara! The group will be transferred to the airport to catch a flight back home. | Your own bed, eventually! |
Fundraising
Need to Raise Money? We Have You Covered.
Walking Tree Travel is proud to team up with Equal Exchange, a worker-owned cooperative that distributes organic coffee, tea, sugar, bananas, avocados, cocoa, chocolate bars, and more. There is no limit to the amount you can earn, so the sooner you can start, the better!
Learn more here.
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.
Group Flight
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
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 and STUDENT ID.
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 (you will use a lot)
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
Spanish/English Dictionary
HOMESTAY GIFTS
Travelers often contact us regarding what an appropriate gift might be for their student’s host family. Host families are often curious about where our students come from and their families in the U.S. As such, we recommend a simple gift that describes, represents or depicts your home. Well-received gifts in the past have included calendars or picture/coffee table books from your city or state, a framed picture of your family, paraphernalia from a local sports team, toys, soccer balls, school supplies, or something produced or grown in your hometown, like chocolate, local candy, t-shirts, etc. The most important thing to keep in mind is not to worry about this… Anything, no matter its value, will be well received!
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.
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 bak 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 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 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 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.