Exploring the Japanese Education System: Insights and Innovations
May 15 to May 23, 2026
Exploring the Japanese Education System: Insights and Innovations
This trip is meticulously designed to help participants explore, discover, and understand the Japanese education system. It offers a blend of enjoyable sightseeing with visits to diverse educational institutions across different age groups, ensuring a comprehensive perspective. Participants will engage in discussions with experts, teachers, and families, enriching their experience and knowledge.
Trip# 1054-2026-Japan
Key Features of the Trip
● Visits to institutions
● Discussions with teachers
● High-quality accommodation
● Memorable sightseeing
● Private translator
● Private transportation
Overview of the Japanese Education System
The Japanese education system is distinguished by its high academic standards, discipline, and integration of cultural values. It operates under a standardized curriculum prescribed by the Ministry of Education, ensuring uniformity across the nation. Emphasis on collective harmony and group-oriented learning fosters teamwork and strong social bonds among students. Rigorous entrance examinations for higher education drive academic excellence but can also lead to significant pressure on students. Extracurricular activities and moral education are integral, promoting character development and social responsibility. While the system excels in producing high literacy and numeracy rates, it faces challenges in balancing academic rigor with student well-being and encouraging creativity.
A distinctive approach with unique key features
● Standardized Curriculum and Educational Equity: A uniform national curriculum ensures consistency and equal opportunities, resulting in a narrow achievement gap.
● Collective Harmony and Moral Education: Emphasis on group-oriented learning, moral classes, and student responsibility fosters teamwork, respect, and holistic personal development.
● Rigorous Academics and Cultural Integration: Competitive exams drive high academic performance, while extracurricular activities and traditional arts promote dedication and cultural heritage preservation.
● Respect for Teachers and Community Support: Highly respected teachers and active parental and community involvement contribute to personal growth beyond academics and a collaborative educational environment.
A rich educational landscape soliciting many stakeholders
The Japanese education ecosystem is a multifaceted network where each stakeholder plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape in and out of the school. Collaboration among students, parents, teachers, government bodies, and community organizations creates a supportive environment that emphasizes academic excellence, moral development, cultural preservation, and social responsibility.
During the trip, you will have the opportunity to meet and engage with these stakeholders, providing a comprehensive understanding of how their contributions influence and enrich the education system in Japan.
Authentic Access to Japan's Education Network
Thanks to our strong connections within Japan’s education network, we can offer exclusive visits to trusted institutions where educators will welcome you and answer your questions openly. These personal connections will provide a deeper, more authentic understanding of the Japanese education system than online research or photos ever could. Our network spans from kindergartens to universities and includes close-knit communities that play a key role in education. With our support, you will have the chance to truly engage with the people shaping education in Japan.
Institutions Included in the Trip (subject to change):
● Hikari Kodomoen Kindergarten
● Uchizu Elementary School
● Ogi Junior High School
● Hita Prefecture High School
● Kyushu Sangyo University
● Kyushu University
● Teikyo University
● Ogi Hoikuen (Pre-School)
● Heisei University
Initial Itinerary (subject to change)
Day 1 (Friday, May 15): Departure from the United States
● Depart from LAX International Airport to Fukuoka, Japan (trans-Pacific flight with travel time across the International Date Line).
● Overnight in flight.
Day 2 (Saturday, May 16): Travel in Transit
● Full day in transit due to international time change.
● Cross the International Date Line.
Day 3 (Sunday, May 17): Welcome to Japan!
● Arrival at Fukuoka Airport.
● Individual transfer to the hotel (available for an additional fee).
● Orientation meeting followed by time to explore Fukuoka.
● Free time.
● Overnight in Fukuoka.
Day 4 (Monday, May 18): Kyushu Sangyo University in Fukuoka
● Breakfast at hotel.
● 9:00 – 12:00 AM: Recovery Morning – optional accompaniment at a Japanese temple.
● 2:30 – 5:00 PM: Visit Kyushu Sangyo University with Dr. Otabe:
○ Campus tour
○ Teacher introductions
○ Q&A session
● 7:00 PM: Japanese welcome dinner with local educators and professors (subject to availability).
● Overnight in Fukuoka.
Day 5 (Tuesday, May 19): Kindergarten and High School in Hita
● Breakfast at hotel.
● 7:30 AM: Depart from hotel to Hita.
● 9:00 AM: Visit Hikari Kodomoen Kindergarten.
● 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Visit Hita High School:
○ Observe school lunch, clean-up session, and classes.
○ Discussion with teachers.
● 3:00 – 4:00 PM: Observe club activities (subject to availability).
● 5:00 – 7:00 PM: Return to hotel.
● Overnight in Fukuoka.
Day 6 (Wednesday, May 20): Elementary and Junior High in Saga
● Breakfast at hotel.
● 6:00 AM: Depart from hotel.
● 7:45 AM: Meet volunteers assisting children on their way to school.
● 9:00 AM: Visit Ogi Hoikuen (preschool) and discussion with education team.
● 10:30 AM: Visit Ushizu Elementary School in Ogi – observe classes, including “special care” class.
● 12:00 PM: Lunch with parents and discussion on educational practices (subject to availability).
● 3:00 PM: Visit Ogi Junior High School.
● 5:00 – 7:00 PM: Return to hotel.
● Overnight in Fukuoka.
Day 7 (Thursday, May 21): Educational Activities in Fukuoka
● Breakfast at hotel.
● 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Visit Heisei University:
○ Campus tour and academic program overview.
○ Discussion with faculty on higher education in Japan.
○ Exchange session with students (subject to availability).
● 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch at the university cafeteria (not covered by ARAMFO).
● 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Educational Panel & Workshop:
○ Presentation on Japanese teacher training methods.
○ Panel discussion with educators on student well-being and curriculum design.
● 4:30 – 6:00 PM: Reflection session with group & Q&A.
● Overnight in Fukuoka.
Day 8 (Friday, May 22): Kyushu University in Fukuoka
● Breakfast at hotel.
● 8:30 AM: Depart from hotel.
● 9:30 – 11:30 AM: Visit Kyushu University and discussion with education team.
● 12:00 PM: Lunch at the university.
● Afternoon sightseeing in Fukuoka.
● Evening: Farewell Dinner in Fukuoka.
● Overnight in Fukuoka.
Day 9 (Saturday, May 23): Departure
● Breakfast at hotel.
● Check out from hotel.
● Individual transfer to Fukuoka Airport (available for extra fee).
● Return flight to the United States.
● Depart from LAX International Airport to Fukuoka, Japan (trans-Pacific flight with travel time across the International Date Line).
● Overnight in flight.
● Full day in transit due to international time change.
● Cross the International Date Line.
● Arrival at Fukuoka Airport.
● Individual transfer to the hotel (available for an additional fee).
● Orientation meeting followed by time to explore Fukuoka.
● Free time.
● Overnight in Fukuoka.
● Breakfast at hotel.
● 9:00 – 12:00 AM: Recovery Morning – optional accompaniment at a Japanese temple.
● 2:30 – 5:00 PM: Visit Kyushu Sangyo University with Dr. Otabe:
○ Campus tour
○ Teacher introductions
○ Q&A session
● 7:00 PM: Japanese welcome dinner with local educators and professors (subject to availability).
● Overnight in Fukuoka.
● Breakfast at hotel.
● 7:30 AM: Depart from hotel to Hita.
● 9:00 AM: Visit Hikari Kodomoen Kindergarten.
● 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Visit Hita High School:
○ Observe school lunch, clean-up session, and classes.
○ Discussion with teachers.
● 3:00 – 4:00 PM: Observe club activities (subject to availability).
● 5:00 – 7:00 PM: Return to hotel.
● Overnight in Fukuoka.
● Breakfast at hotel.
● 6:00 AM: Depart from hotel.
● 7:45 AM: Meet volunteers assisting children on their way to school.
● 9:00 AM: Visit Ogi Hoikuen (preschool) and discussion with education team.
● 10:30 AM: Visit Ushizu Elementary School in Ogi – observe classes, including “special care” class.
● 12:00 PM: Lunch with parents and discussion on educational practices (subject to availability).
● 3:00 PM: Visit Ogi Junior High School.
● 5:00 – 7:00 PM: Return to hotel.
● Overnight in Fukuoka.
● Breakfast at hotel.
● 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Visit Heisei University:
○ Campus tour and academic program overview.
○ Discussion with faculty on higher education in Japan.
○ Exchange session with students (subject to availability).
● 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch at the university cafeteria (not covered by ARAMFO).
● 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Educational Panel & Workshop:
○ Presentation on Japanese teacher training methods.
○ Panel discussion with educators on student well-being and curriculum design.
● 4:30 – 6:00 PM: Reflection session with group & Q&A.
● Overnight in Fukuoka.
● Breakfast at hotel.
● 8:30 AM: Depart from hotel.
● 9:30 – 11:30 AM: Visit Kyushu University and discussion with education team.
● 12:00 PM: Lunch at the university.
● Afternoon sightseeing in Fukuoka.
● Evening: Farewell Dinner in Fukuoka.
● Overnight in Fukuoka.
The cost of the program includes:
- Round-trip flight from LAX to Fukuoka
(flights from other states can be arranged for an additional fee) - Hotels in twin-shared rooms
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- University workshops and seminars
- Organizational visits and guided educational tours
- Traditional Japanese-style welcome dinner
- Educational tours.
- Unless otherwise stated, transportation to and from scheduled program activities is included.
Cost Does Not Include
- Travel and health insurance.
(can be purchased from our partners here (International Travel Insurance) - Checked baggage fees on any flights.
- Airport transfers for arrivals or departures outside the main group schedule (available for an additional fee).
- Activities or meals that are not specifically listed in the itinerary.
- Tips and gratuities.
The cost of the trip is $4,750 (double-occupancy) per person
Single rooms are available for an additional $600, subject to hotel availability. Payment is due 90 days before departure.
Funding Your Participation
We encourage you to seek travel and professional development funding from your institution. Many faculty members receive support through internal programs and offices listed below.
- Offices of international programs or global engagement
- Academic affairs or faculty development
- Teaching and learning centers
- Research and travel grants
- Official invitation letter and program details
- Confirmation of invited role such as presenter, panelist, session participant, or workshop contributor
- Itemized cost overview to support internal funding requests
This educational trip may be funded out of pocket or through institutional support. Schools and universities may cover the full cost or offer partial sponsorship for faculty participation.
ARAMFO Payment Plan Options
We believe every participant should be able to travel without financial stress. The plans below provide flexible options to fit different budgets.
Option 1: Pay in Full at Enrollment (No Fee)
- Pay the entire program balance at the time of enrollment.
- Accepted methods: credit card, debit card, ACH, personal checks, and bank transfers.
Option 2: Automatic Payment Plan (No Fee)
Set up automatic monthly or bi-weekly payments with no additional fees. Payments are scheduled until 30 days before departure.
How it works
- No enrollment or plan fees.
- First payment of $300 due within 30 days of registration; credited toward your total balance.
- Choose monthly or bi-weekly automatic payments.
- At least $1,500 paid no later than 90 days before departure.
- Final balance paid no later than 55 days before departure.
- You may pay off your balance early at any time without fees.
- Accepted methods: credit card, debit card, ACH, personal checks, and bank transfers.
Cancellation Policy
- 50% of the paid amount refunded between 100 and 91 days prior to departure.
- 40% of the paid amount refunded between 90 and 61 days prior to departure.
- 30% of the paid amount refunded between 60 and 51 days prior to departure.
- No refund within 50 days of departure.
This trip is meticulously designed to help participants explore, discover, and understand the Japanese education system. It offers a blend of enjoyable sightseeing with visits to diverse educational institutions across different age groups, ensuring a comprehensive perspective. Participants will engage in discussions with experts, teachers, and families, enriching their experience and knowledge.
*There may exist minor changes in the program timetables and venues due the possible restrictions.
