IB CAS & Service in Japan

Day 3: Local School Visit

Morning

Make lifelong friends at a local school. Typically, you’ll go on a school tour, join lessons and play sports alongside the local students.

Afternoon

Get engaged with a Japanese language class, designed by local school students. In exchange, you’ll be asked to design an English language class.

Then, head for the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa to learn about Buddhism, which is deeply interconnected with Japanese society, culture and lifestyle. In fact, whilst only 34% of the Japanese population identify as Buddhist, a huge 75% practise some form of Buddhism!

Day 4: Hakone

Morning/Afternoon

Go on a trip to Hakone, one of Japan’s best-known and most-loved onsen (hot spring) resort destinations. Take the ropeway over Owakudani. If you’re lucky and the skies are clear, you could even spot the magnificent Mount Fuji. Swap blue skies for pristine waters, as you hop on a luxury pirate ship and enjoy the stunning views across Lake Ashi. Today, you can also sample black eggs, a local delicacy coloured by the sulphuric spring waters they’re cooked in.

Day 5: Discover Kyoto

Morning

You’ve heard about them – now it’s time to experience the Japanese bullet train as you travel from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Afternoon

Get a better understand of Shinto and Buddhism, the two biggest religions in Japan. Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a major Shinto shrine complex in wooded hills. To get onto the beautiful walking trails at the back of the complex, you’ll pass through corridors of thousands of bright red gates.

Later, walk through quaint city side streets to the 1,200-year-old Kiyomizu Dera Temple. Enjoy Instagram-worthy views over Kyoto.

Day 6: Hozugawa River Rafting & Arashiyama Monkey Park

Morning

Enjoy a two-hour boat trip down the Hozugawa River in a traditional wooden raft driven by trained specialists. Cruise through rocky ravines and experience the rush of rapids as you meander through the Arashiyama Hills.

Afternoon

Visit the Arashiyama district on the Western outskirts of Kyoto. Navigate through the lush bamboo forests, before embarking on the 30-minute climb up to Arashiyama Monkey Park. Feed mischievous monkeys and enjoy the panoramic view.

Next, head to the Tenryu-Ji Temple. Designed in the 14th century, it has survived the fires and wars that damaged the buildings and has remained in pristine condition for centuries. Whilst there, make sure to look into the Dharma Hall to see the dragon’s eyes on the mural – they’ll follow you as you walk past.

Day 7: Calligraphy Lesson & Golden Pavilion

Morning

Experience Japanese culture with a calligraphy lesson, led by a Japanese master of this ancient art.

Then, head for one of the most iconic sites in Kyoto, the Golden Pavilion at the Kinkaku-ji Zen Buddhist Temple. Walk around the lake and prepare to be mesmerized by the shimmering golden reflection of the pavilion on the water.

Afternoon

Explore the Gion district to learn more about geishas. If you’re lucky, you might spot some professional geishas there!

Day 8: Chino Volunteering

Morning

Transfer from Kyoto station to Chino station in the Nagano prefecture. Upon arrival, get to know the local community and agricultural industry.

Afternoon

Volunteer at a local farm. Learn how rice is planted and cultivated from a local farmer.

Day 9: Cook Dinner for the Farmers

Morning

Make your way to the Venus Line, a sightseeing road and popular free driving course connecting Chino to the Utsukushigahara Highlands. If you’re here during summer, you can see the beautiful flowers in bloom.

Afternoon

Spend the rest of the day continuing your volunteer work at the local farm.

Evening

Invite the local farmers back to the community centre, where you’ll cook them dinner and eat it together.

Day 10: Sayonara!

It might be home time, but it’s not over. Japan’s incredible opportunities for creativity, activity and service will follow you home!