School Trips to Japan | Geography, Science & RE | STC Expeditions school trip · 9 days
Culture and Religion
Explore Japan’s religious traditions through temples and shrines in Tokyo, Kamakura, Nikko, Kyoto and Nara, with a journey on the bullet train.
About this trip
Join us on a spiritual journey through the Land of the Rising Sun as we travel from Tokyo to Nikko and on to Kyoto. Learn about the ancient rituals of Shinto and how the teachings of Buddha have been interwoven into traditional beliefs. We travel through vibrant cities, iconic temples and stay overnight in a monastery where we join in a shojin meal with our hosts. Along the way we spend time in Nikko with its dramatic backdrop of towering mountains, a great opportunity to commune with nature before heading to Kyoto.
Trip highlights
- Tokyo’s temples, shrines and city life
- Kamakura’s religious heritage
- Nikko Toshogu and mountain scenery
- Bullet train journey to Kyoto
- Todaiji Temple and Isuien Garden in Nara
Your recommended itinerary, with the meals included on each day.
- 1–2
Days 1–2
Depart UK & Arrive Tokyo
After a long flight we arrive in Japan and meet our leader who will be with us for the next week. The rest of the day's plans will depend on the arrival time of our flight. No doubt we will want the first taste of Japanese food—get ready for everything from sizzling yakitori to traditional ryokan dishes!
- 3
Day 3
Tokyo City
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll dive into Tokyo’s mix of old and new. Strolling through Senso-ji, soaking in the peaceful Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi Park, exploring the quirky Harajuku, and the world-famous Shibuya Crossing—watching the crowds ebb and flow is unforgettable!
- 4
Day 4
Kamakura
This morning we’ll take a day trip to Kamakura and visit the towering Hase-Kannon Temple. We'll try our luck at Zeniarai Benzaiten and explore the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
- 5
Day 5
Nikko
After a good night’s rest, we meet at the hotel reception and head north to Nikko. Here we admire the spectacular Nikko Toshogu and either stroll the gardens or relax in a traditional onsen.
- 6–7
Days 6–7
Kyoto
No trip to Japan would be complete without a ride on the bullet train. We’ll zoom to Kyoto and begin exploring the city with the help of our leader over the next couple of days. Kyoto offers a rich blend of tradition and beauty, from wandering the historic streets of Gion, to exploring the iconic vermilion gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha.
- 8
Day 8
Nara
On our penultimate day in Japan, we’ll make a short trip to Nara to see the giant Buddha at Todaiji. We can also feed the friendly deer and stroll through Isuien Garden before returning to Kyoto for our farewell dinner.
- 9
Day 9
Osaka & flight to UK
Meal included: breakfast
After an amazing adventure, we say, “Sayonara,” to Japan. Depending on flight schedules, there may be time to buy some last-minute souvenirs, before catching our return flight to the UK.
Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.
Questions teachers ask about this trip
How long is this itinerary? The suggested itinerary is 9 days.Will we travel on the bullet train? No trip to Japan would be complete without a ride on the bullet train. We’ll zoom to Kyoto and begin exploring the city with the help of our leader over the next couple of days.