2025 Ranney Japan Cultural Journey
| Travel Dates: | June 2, 2025 - June 11, 2025 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$5,190 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $2,117 |
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 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 | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2, 2025 | USA - Tokyo | Today the group will depart from the USA to Tokyo, Japan. | Airplane |
| June 3, 2025 | Tokyo | Say "konnichiwa" to your program leader, your expert on all things Japan, and your travel partner for the duration of the program. Upon our arrival at the hotel, we will don yukata robes, pour ourselves cups of green tea, and unwind after a long day of travel. But we won’t relax for too long! Soon, we will savor our first meal in the Land of the Rising Sun. In the evening, we will host our orientation meeting to discuss the thrilling days ahead. | Super Hotel Premier Akasaka |
| June 4, 2025 | Tokyo | This morning, we will immerse ourselves in the spiritual heart of Tokyo! After breakfast, we will visit Sensō-ji, the famous Buddhist temple. In the afternoon, we will walk through the iconic torii gate of the Meiji Shrine, a symbolic gateway to traditional Japanese spirituality. We will connect with nature as we stroll through the tranquil forest surrounding the shrine, finding moments of peace amidst the bustling city. Next, we will explore the vibrant Harajuku District, discovering the energetic spirit of Japanese culture and fashion, guided by our knowledgeable leader. In the evening, we will pay a visit to the legendary Hachiko statue in Shibuya, a symbol of loyalty and companionship. We will end our day marveling at the stunning Tokyo skyline amidst the lively energy of Shibuya Crossing, feeling the pulse of the city. A delicious meal will conclude our day before we return to our hotel. | Super Hotel Premier Akasaka |
| June 5, 2025 | Tokyo - Kawaguchiko - Hakone | Bright and early, we will embark on a day trip outside the city. We will embrace the harmony of nature and cultural tradition, finding tranquility in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Mt. Fuji's foothills in Kawaguchiko. We will begin by visiting Mt. Fuji 5th Station, where we will enjoy incredible views over the Fuji Five Lakes and Hakone National Park. After a traditional lunch, we will take a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi, basking in the beauty around us. Participants will then ride the Hakone Ropeway gondola for breathtaking views of the Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashinoko, and a unique perspective of Mount Fuji. We will then drive back to Tokyo for dinner. Finally, we will return to our hotel to rest after our full day of adventure. | Super Hotel Premier Akasaka |
| June 6, 2025 | Tokyo | On our last day in Tokyo, we will continue to explore some of the city’s hidden gems. We will start our day with a visit to the Tsukiji Outer Market, a vibrant hub of fresh seafood, produce, and culinary delights. Students will navigate a maze of stalls offering an array of fresh fish, including sushi-grade tuna, along with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and meats. The group will have the chance to taste delicious street food, such as grilled seafood skewers, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), and savory snacks. Following this, we will participate in a soba-making class, learning from skilled instructors who will guide us through the entire process of creating these noodles from scratch. This hands-on workshop will provide a unique way to connect with Japanese culture. As the evening approaches, we will walk to Akihabara Electric Town, immersing ourselves in the vibrant energy of this mecca for electronics, video games, manga, and anime enthusiasts. Students may even pick up some unique souvenirs at Don Quijote! We will en our day with an immersive experience at TeamLab, a museum for the new generation that combines digital art with the beauty of nature using light, water, and sound followed by dinner. | Super Hotel Premier Akasaka |
| June 7, 2025 | Tokyo - Hakodate | We will say goodbye to the city and set off early for an adventure to Hokkaido aboard the high-speed bullet train! We will enjoy a four-hour ride through picturesque landscapes as we journey to Hakodate, a city renowned for its breathtaking views of the strait surrounded by ocean. Upon arrival, we will have lunch and stroll through Hakodate Street, where the fusion of Russian and Japanese architecture creates a unique atmosphere. We will then visit Fort Goryokaku, Japan’s first Western-style fortress, before exploring the Red Brick Warehouses, an atmospheric shopping complex by the bay that offers a stunning evening view of this seaside town. For dinner, we will savor some of the freshest seafood Japan has to offer. We will also ride the Mt Hakodate Ropeway to catch some evening views of the city. Finally, we will check into our hotel, where our luggage will be waiting, and rest for the day. | JR Inn Hakodate |
| June 8, 2025 | Hakodate - Niseko | Today, we will embark on a cultural journey at the Hakodate Asaichi morning market, a vibrant hub where local fishermen sell their fresh catch. We will immerse ourselves in the lively atmosphere as we browse stalls filled with seafood, melons, and Hokkaido delights. The group will engage in a local favorite and visitor highlight, hands-on experience of catching your own squid from a tank—and enjoy it fresh moments later as sashimi, showcasing the island’s deep connection to the sea and culinary tradition. After lunch, we will drive for two and a half hours to Niseko, a pristine paradise nestled amidst Hokkaido's majestic landscapes. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and enjoy dinner. Over the next couple of days, we will participate in a variety of outdoor activities, including hikes through lush forests and slopes, deepening our appreciation for nature. Tonight we will have dinner at our hotel and rest up for the next portion of the trip. | Hilton Niseko Village |
| June 9, 2025 | Niseko | Today will be filled with adventure in Niseko, where we will enjoy the town's great outdoor activities. We will start the morning hiking the Lake Hangetsu trail of Mt. Yotei to enjoy views of the area taking us to the "Half Moon Lake," a small crater lake situated on the northwestern base of Mount Yōtei. Then, we will split into smaller groups to explore the town and choose our preferred restaurant for lunch. After regrouping, we will test our courage with zip-lining adventures at PURE in Niseko Village. As the day transitions into evening, we will have more time to explore the beautiful town and see the stunning Shiba Sakura flowers that bloom in late May and early June before returning to our hotel for a dinner that embodies the essence of Japanese cuisine. | Hilton Niseko Village |
| June 10, 2025 | Niseko - Sapporo | Today, we will travel to Sapporo, the vibrant metropolitan hub of Hokkaido! We will begin our journey at the iconic Sapporo Garden, enjoying local delicacies influenced by Genghis Khan, followed by creamy treats crafted from Hokkaido's prized milk. We will then visit Shiroi Koibito Park, a chocolate factory and museum. Our tour will also take us to Maruyama Park, home to the Hokkaido Shrine, featuring grand torii gates and serene forests. After lunch, students will enjoy a bike ride around Moerenuma Park, where art and nature harmonize with lush greenery and outdoor sculptures. We will ascend a five-story glass pyramid for a magnificent view of Sapporo's skyline. We will conclude our Japanese adventure with a final dinner and then channel our inner rockstars as we step into a karaoke booth for a night of music and laughter, singing our hearts out to our favorite tunes, creating memories that will last a lifetime as we bid farewell to Japan in style. Back at our hotel, we will complete our end-of-program activities and reflect on our experiences in Japan before preparing for our departure to Tokyo early tomorrow. | Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sapporo |
| June 11, 2025 | Sapporo - Tokyo - USA | After some wonderful days of adventure, we will leave our hotel bright and early to catch a domestic flight from Sapporo back to Tokyo. Upon arrival, we will wait for our international flight this afternoon to begin our journey home, dreaming of our next adventure! | Your own bed! |
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 Premier Akasaka
Super Hotel Premier Akasaka offers a comfortable and modern stay in the heart of Tokyo’s vibrant Akasaka district. Guests can enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast before exploring the city. The hotel features well-appointed rooms with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and a natural hot spring bath for relaxation. With its convenient location and thoughtful amenities, it provides a cozy retreat for travelers.
JR Inn Hakodate
JR Inn Hakodate features rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Hakodate. This hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Guests can enjoy city views. All rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. With a private bathroom fitted with a bidet, towels and free toiletries, rooms at JR Inn Hakodate also feature free WiFi. At the accommodation the rooms come with bed linen and towels. Guests at JR Inn Hakodate can enjoy a buffet breakfast.
Hilton Niseko Village
Hilton Niseko Village is located in heart of Niseko by the south base of Mt. Annupuri, and features rooms with scenic views of the mountains and ski slopes and are fitted with a flat-screen TV and ironing facilities. Each room has a private bathroom with a bathtub and free toiletries. This hotel offers free Wi-Fi for guests.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sapporo-Susukino
Located in the centre of Sapporo, Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sapporo-Susukino offers guest rooms fitted with bed linen and towels and a flat-screen TV. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. This hotel offers a buffet breakfast, free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk.
Group Flight
| Type | Carrier Name | Carrier Code | Flight Number | Departure Airport & City | Departure Date and Time | Arrival Airport & City | Arrival Date and Time |
| Outbound | United Airlines | UA | 131 | EWR – Newark International Airport, Newark, United States | June 2, 2025 at 10:30AM | HND – Tokyo Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan | June 3, 2025 at 1:35PM |
| Inbound | United Airlines | UA | 130 | HND – Tokyo Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan | June 11, 2025 at 5:45PM | EWR – Newark International Airport, Newark, United States | June 11, 2025 at 5:50PM |
Domestic Flight
|
Type |
Carrier Name |
Carrier Code |
Flight Number |
Departure Airport & City |
Departure Date and Time |
Arrival Airport & City |
Arrival Date and Time |
|
Outbound |
AIRDO Co |
AD |
20 |
CTS – New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, Japan |
June 11, 2025 at 12:20PM |
HND – Tokyo Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan |
June 11, 2025 at 14:00PM |
Baggage Allowance (domestic flight):
- Checked baggage: Up to 20 kg; total dimensions must be under 203 cm
- Carry-on baggage: Up to 10 kg; total dimensions must not exceed 115 cm (within 55 cm × 40 cm × 25 cm); Each passenger may bring 1 piece of carry-on luggage and 1 personal item
- Airline information webpage
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 but you know yourself better than we do so please adjust accordingly. 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 daily outings, weekend excursions and shorter activities.
“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all our travelers. The list below should cover everything you would need, but know yourself and what you are comfortable traveling with. We suggest bringing only as much as you would be able to carry 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.
Gabriel Duncan
Co-Founder of Walking Tree Travel and Business Lead - Denver, CO
Colby College – B.A. International Relations and Government
While at Colby, Gabriel spent a semester in Spain at the University of Salamanca studying contemporary Spanish politics and Spanish language. He also lettered for four-years on Colby’s lacrosse team and earned All-American honors. After graduating, Gabriel hit the road. He fished commercially in Alaska, taught in Chile and China, led programs for students in Spain and Costa Rica, and traveled to over 50 countries and all 50 states in the USA. Regardless of where Gabriel is located, he is constantly haunted by his naive faith and unconditional love for Denver sports teams.
Earlham College – B.A. International Studies, Minor in Economics
Born and raised in Guatemala in a big family, JP spent seven years living and studying in the U.S., where he was exposed to highly diverse communities. He worked as a Wilderness Leader guiding expeditions across the American Southwest and later attended Earlham College in Indiana after completing the International Baccalaureate in New Mexico. His passion for international affairs led him to study abroad in China and travel extensively throughout Asia and beyond. To date, JP has visited 33 countries, often combining travel with service projects and cultural immersion experiences. Today, he is based in Costa Rica and works full time with the Walking Tree team. Outside of work, he enjoys photography, art and design, hosting friends and travelers, and planning road trips across Costa Rica and Latin America.
Mandy Wong
Program Leader
University of Colorado Denver – B.A. Philosophy, Minors in Leadership, Interdisciplinary Research Methods, Chinese Studies, and Film, Theatre, & Television
Mandy is a Chinese-Malay native of Colorado who, thanks to her dauntless parents, began traveling before she could walk. Over the years she has been to more than 20 countries, but feels that it takes a lifetime to truly know a place’s song. In 2013, Mandy moved to the heart of Japan and has been exploring its cultural and geographic nuances through education & travel work alongside equally wanderlust-struck friends. As a foodie, she has a knack for finding delectable local haunts and her favorite places to visit in any country are their local farmer’s markets, grocery stores, and bookshops. First stop, the cheese section!
Her passion for learning and understanding the world has molded her into a sustainability steward/tree hugger, dignity scholar, voice actor, poet, dreamer, reality tester, and citizen of the world. When not on the road, behind the mic, or permaculturing someone’s garden, she can be found with her nose in a book, tracing the lineage of dignity in education and life-long learning, writing snail mail, encouraging people to compost and visit zero waste/bulk refill stores, and/or fawning over fluffy bees. She maintains a connection to her Colorado roots through her work with the Right2Learn Dignity Lab who are in the midst of amending the education clause of the Colorado constitution to elevate education to a fundamental right in the state. She believes that travel and knowing the world through firsthand experience is a vital part of education that centers human dignity and is enthusiastic about creating environments of meaningful participation for students.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
- 1 Brendan Kasner
- 2 Cameron Miller
- 3 Daniel Lauber
- 4 Dylan Pagonis
- 5 Elizabeth Wood
- 6 Guru Chauhan
- 7 Gwendolyn Canzonier
- 8 Herbani Sangari
- 9 Ilana Kasner
- 10 Jacqueline Pohl
- 11 Jameson Jurofsky
- 12 Jason Meng
- 13 Jonathan Laub
- 14 Jonathan Stubbs
- 15 Joshua Portnoy
- 16 Julia Lereah
- 17 Lauren Alizio
- 18 Michael Sennello
- 19 Ruchir Dave
- 20 Ryan Hunter
- 21 Sari Ashinoff
- 22 SASHA SHINDER
- 23 Sophia Neff
- 24 Thomas Tropiano
- 25 Valentina Cariola
- 26 William Mallach
- 27 Zahra Ahmad
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.