Japan brings geography, science, religious studies and economics together in a single trip. Students can experience an earthquake simulation in Tokyo, study the volcanic landscape around Mount Fuji, ride the bullet train and explore Kyoto's temples. Every trip is tailor-made around your group, your subject and your budget.
- Suits: Good for all year groups
- Subjects: Geography, science and STEM, religious studies, economics, history.
- Typical length: 8 days and longer
- Best time to go: Spring and autumn are best, summer is hot and humid, but is a cheaper time to travel. February can be very cold, but again is a cheaper time to travel.
- Price guide: From £2,500
- Teacher places: Minimum 2 FOC teacher places.
Geography
Japan is shaped by the forces geography students study in class. At the Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Centre and the Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park, students experience simulated earthquakes and learn how Japan prepares for them. Mount Fuji, an active stratovolcano, shows plate tectonics, volcanic landforms and erosion at first hand. Around Hakone, students see volcanic activity and hot springs up close.
For human geography, Tokyo is a case study in urbanisation. The view from the Tokyo Skytree shows the scale of a megacity, and Shibuya Crossing shows urban planning at work.
Science and STEM
Japan is a living lesson in engineering and hazard management. Students learn how earthquake-resistant design works, from modern disaster prevention to Kyoto's centuries-old pagodas. Hakone's geothermal activity links to energy, and the Shinkansen bullet train, running at up to 300 km/h, shows transport engineering at its best. STC can arrange science or technology visits so please let us know what you are interested in.
Religious studies and history
Students explore Shinto at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo and the thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari. They explore Buddhism at Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto and at Tōdai-ji in Nara, home to a colossal Buddha statue. In Hiroshima, the Peace Memorial Park and Museum offer a powerful lesson in history and peace. STC Expeditions can if requested arrange for talk from survivors.
Economics
Japan's post-war growth, driven by government policy and industrial cooperation, transformed the country within a generation. It makes a strong case study for business and economics students.
Suggested trips
- Best of Tokyo: learn about Japan's unique culture in the vibrant city of Tokyo.
- Culture and Religion: a spiritual journey from Tokyo to Nikko.
- A Taste of Everything: vibrant cities, iconic temples and a ride on the bullet train.
What a real trip looked like
Read the day by day account: In October 2025, one of our team travelled with a school group from Tokyo to Hakone, Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima.
Safety and support
Every STC trip is accompanied by a full-time professional in-country leader, trained in first aid and critical incident management. We follow FCDO travel advice, which we monitor daily. You can read more about safety here.
Next step
Every Japan trip is designed around your group. Call us on 01392 660056 or email us to talk through your subject, dates and budget, and we'll put together a tailor-made quote.
Last reviewed: 30.09.2026