Destinations · Asia
Japan
Japan combines centuries-old tradition with one of the world's most advanced economies, all linked by an efficient rail network. A faculty-led course here gives students direct contact with its schools, companies and cultural sites.
Overview
Japan as a classroom
Japan is a useful case for students who want to understand how a society keeps long-standing customs while adopting new technology. Its schools are known for high academic standards, shared classroom responsibilities and strong community ties. The economy is the third largest in the world by nominal GDP and is notable for manufacturing, robotics and precision industries, and also for demographic challenges such as an aging population. Temples, gardens and regional food add a cultural dimension to any itinerary.
ARAMFO has run faculty development programs in Japan on the Japanese education system, with visits to institutions serving different age groups, and on business and economic dynamics, with visits to companies across industries. Every faculty-led course is customized to the professor's syllabus and travel dates.
Good to know
- Language
- Japanese; English is limited outside major cities, so a translator is helpful.
- Currency
- Japanese yen (JPY); cash is still widely used.
- Best season
- March to May and October to November
- Typical length
- 10-14 days (customizable)
Highlights
What students will see and do
- KyotoThe former imperial capital has more than a thousand temples and shrines, including Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari.
- TokyoThe capital combines Shinto shrines such as Meiji Jingu with dense commercial districts and major research universities.
- Hiroshima Peace MemorialThe Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a center for peace education.
- NaraThe city's Todai-ji temple houses a large bronze Buddha, and its deer park sits beside eighth-century capital sites.
- ShinkansenThe high-speed rail network, which opened in 1964, is a widely studied example of reliable public transportation.
- Japanese schoolsStudents can observe school routines such as shared lunch service and classroom cleaning, which reflect the country's educational values.
Faculty-led travel courses
Courses that fit Japan
Professors build their own syllabus; ARAMFO arranges the visits that bring it to life.
Education & Teacher PreparationStudents could compare Japanese curriculum, lesson study and classroom culture with practices in their own schools.
Business & EntrepreneurshipA course could study Japanese manufacturing, quality management and the strategies of companies in an aging, export-oriented economy.
Early Childhood & Special EducationStudents could observe Japanese preschools and kindergartens, where group life and play are central to learning.
Art, Architecture & HistoryA course could explore temple and garden design, traditional craft and modern architecture from Kyoto to Tokyo.
Programs
ARAMFO programs in Japan
Programs ARAMFO has run or published here. Each can be adapted into a faculty-led travel course for your own students, on your dates.
On the ground
Academic and professional visits
Visits are chosen with the professor to match the course. ARAMFO also arranges flights, housing, meals, local transport, guides and entrance fees.
- Elementary, junior high and high school visits
- University lectures with Japanese faculty
- Company and factory tours with managers
- Meetings with economists and local entrepreneurs
Get started
Plan a course in Japan
Tell us about your course and we will reply with a draft itinerary and cost.
More destinations
Other destinations
Countries where ARAMFO has run or published faculty-led courses and faculty development programs.
