Day 1: Tokyo
Touch down in Tokyo, ready for the start of your STEM & Robotics Japan school trip! Be greeted at arrivals by your enthusiastic Adventure Leader, ready to transfer to the accommodation. Once checked in and unpacked, meet come together for a trip briefing. Here, the Leader will explain the week’s plans, provide advice on adapting to local culture, and outline how to stay safe.
This evening, get the first – and best – view of the Tokyo skyline with a trip up to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Day 2: Tokyo
- Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Tokyo, featuring all the city’s most iconic landmarks. On board a private bus, a qualified local guide will teach students about the local area and its history, giving them an insight into Japanese culture.
- Visit Japan’s major science at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), where students learn about the incredible advancements the country is making in science and technology.
- Step into the realm of robotics at the Kawasaki Robospace, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to showcasing the latest advancements in robotics technology. Explore interactive exhibits that demonstrate the capabilities of humanoid robots, industrial automation, and cutting-edge AI applications.
- Check out the amazing views from the Odaiba Waterfront, from the illuminations of Rainbow Bridge to the the replica of the Statue of Liberty, commemorating the French Year in Japan.
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Day 3: Tokyo
- Take a trip to Science Square Tsukuba AIST – the National Institute of Advance Industrial Science and Technology. It’s one of the largest public research organisations in Japan, which focuses on the application of industrial technologies. Here, visitors get a chance to see first-hand how these developments are changing lives daily.
- Explore the out-of-this-world space technologies with a visit to JAXA – the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency. These facilities are equipped with large scale, specialized facilities including wind tunnels, research aircraft, and supercomputers. They’ve also got exhibition spaces and museums which offer easy-to-digest explanations on some of the most technologically advanced developments at the center.
- Take a trip to Akihabara, nicknamed Japan’s ‘Electric Town’ thanks to its postwar industry. Today, it’s a cultural centre for anime and manga lovers, and is also home to Japan’s most famous J-pop group, AKB48.
Day 4: Tokyo
- Visit the beautiful Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his wife who, in the early 20th century, began Japan’s transformation from a feudal to a modern society. Then, move on to the Harujuku district, Tokyo’s cultural epicentre, to see pokemon, punks, goths and fashionistas. Anything goes in Harajuku!
- Delve into the world of cutting-edge technology and innovation at the TEPIA Advanced Technology Gallery in Tokyo. This interactive museum showcases the latest advancements in science, engineering, and technology through engaging exhibits and hands-on displays.
- Pay a visit to the famous Shibuya Crossing. When the lights turn red at this busy intersection, pedestrians surge into the junction from all sides like a floodgate opening. It’s arguably one of the most iconic modern sights in Tokyo!
Day 5: Yamanashi
- Visit Maglev Exhibition Centre, the testing site for the Tokyo to Nagoya train, which is due to launch in 2027. It floast above the tracks! Students will watch a live test of the train, where it reaches speeds of 500km/ph, and experts will explain more about the maglev technology, including the superconductors and magnetic coils involved.
- Explore the Kawaguchiko area! Visit the Narusawa Ice Cave, a geological wonder located at the base of Mount Fuji. The cave experiences temperatures of 3 degrees celsius and is covered with ice all year-round, even at the height of summer! Just next door is the natural monument, the Fugaku Wind Cave. This historically significant cave was used as a natural refrigerator before refrigeration equipment came into being.
- Explore the Mount Fuji Radar Dome Museum to learn more about the weather tracking on the mountain. Students are even able to experience a simulation of the conditions at Fuji’s peak! Finally, head to one of the most scenic spots to view Fuji on a clear day – Chureito Pagoda.
- It’s time for trivia! Students take control of their own learning as they create fun trivia games, with questions relevant to their trip. For some extra difficult questions, try pairing students up with Group Leaders!
Day 6: Tokyo
- Pay a visit to the Tokyo Skytree Campus, a creation of the Chiba Institute of Technology. AREA I studies all things robot, and features many amazing tech developments including the disaster support robots used at the Fukushima Power Plant. In AREA II, visitors learn about space technology, where they can enjoy a virtual space tour or a virtual moon landing experience.
- Walk through the district of Asakusa, where an atmosphere of ancient Tokyo survives. Discover the charming streets lined with traditional craft shops and street-food stalls and visit Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo’s most colorful and popular Buddhist temples.
- On the last night in Japan, there will be a chance for students, faculty and adventure leaders to come together for a reflection session. Through discussion, listening and guided thought, participants can process their experiences, digest new ideas and consider what they have learned about the region, its people and themselves during the trip.
Day 7: Farewell
Sadly, today marks the end of your STEM & Robotics Japan school trip. Transfer back to the airport, ready to head home.
