Overview

 Highlights


  • Staying in traditional ryokans
  • Hiking through forest trails
  • Wandering the bustling streets of Tokyo
  • Exploring Kyoto
  • Experiential learning on Japan's religious history, traditions & nature
  • Option to include service learning projects that address UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Tailor this school trip in Japan to suit your school's needs & budget

Fly over Japan and you will see that the entire archipelago is mountainous except for a narrow strip of coastal shelf, a few broad inland basins and some river valleys. Those flatter lands are where the bulk of the population lives. The mountains are surprisingly unpopulated. From a distance it may seem that the old Samurai-and-Geisha traditions have given way to the mechanical marvels of consumer culture, but come closer and you will find a society shaped by deeply ingrained values, with many living traditions.

On this exceptional school trip in Japan students will first explore the beautiful remote town of Kawazu. Your group will then head to the Kii Peninsula, one of the most remote and mystical areas of Japan. Long a place of pilgrimage, it is the site of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano (Kumano Sanzan), and where, for over 1000 years people from all levels of society have made the arduous and sacred pilgrimage to Kumano, the spiritual heartland of Japan. These pilgrims used a network of routes, now called the Kumano Kodo, and it is through this lush and rugged area that we will walk, ascending and descending on unpaved and paved mountain and village trails. Walking the spiritual Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route students will also have wonderful opportunities to stay in traditional family-run ryokans, soak and relax in the healing waters of a traditional onsen, dine on delicious local cuisine and interact with the friendly locals along the way. This is a unique adventure and a must for anyone looking for a trip that encompasses spectacular hiking along ancient pilgrimage trails with the cuisine, history, art and culture of a deeply traditional society.

Countries:

Starting Point:

Tokyo

Activities:

Grading:Introductory   


Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Tokyo

Day 2

Explore Tokyo

Day 3

To Izu

Day 4

In and Around Izu

Day 5

Travel to Koyasan

Day 6

Koyasan to Omata

Day 7

Omata to Miuraguchi

Day 8

Miuraguchi to Totsugawa Onsen

Day 9

To Kyoto

Day 10

In Kyoto


Learning outcomes for students

A World Expeditions Schools adventure is a unique learning experience. Our journeys are designed to encourage thriving and positive youth development along with leaving the communities and environments where we travel in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to enhance the following life skills that will help you grow as an individual:
• the confidence to lead a group and make decisions
• the value of working together as a cohesive team to achieve a common objective
• the ability to face mental and physical challenges
• the ability to adapt to new environments outside of their 'comfort zone'
• to appreciate and care for the natural environment. The environments we trek through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers and also the local peoples
• basic outdoor skills obtained on trek such as personal hygiene, pitching a tent, helping to prepare meals
Importantly our adventures help increase general well-being and build resilience in young citizens to help them deal with adverse situations in life.


Grading

Introductory


Why travel with us

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised
School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

Safety and
Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

Testimonials


Want to find out more?

Our educational travel experts are ready to help you tailor an itinerary or service learning project to suit your school’s needs and budget. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.


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