Art, Anime & Manga in Japan

Day 3: Tokyo

• Visit the Tokyo National Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of artworks and archaeological objects from Asia, with a special focus on Japanese artefacts.
• Wander through the Asakusa district, where an atmosphere of ancient Tokyo survives. Discover the charming streets lined with traditional craft shops and street-food stalls, and explore the Sensoji Temple – one of Tokyo’s most popular Buddhist temples.
• Get another incredible view of Tokyo today – this time, from the water! Take the Sumida River Cruise and spot all the landmarks as you go.

Day 4: Tokyo

• Be immersed into the mesmerizing world of digital art at TeamLab in Tokyo. Step into interactive installations that combine technology, art and nature, creating surrounding, ethereal experiences.
• Explore the Sumida Hokusai Museum, dedicated to the world-famous ukiyo-e artist, Katsushika Hokusai – renowned for the iconic The Great Wave Off Kanagawa. While exploring his famous works, students can also learn more about the artist, his life and work, and the ukiyo-e art genre.
• Take a trip to Akihabara – nicknamed Japan’s ‘Electric Town’ thanks to the post-war industry boom. Today, it’s a cultural epicentre in the city for anime and manga lovers, and is also home to Japan’s most famous J-pop group, AKB48.

Day 5: Kyoto

• Today, transfer between Tokyo and Kyoto on the shinkansen – the bullet train!
• Tour the International Manga Museum – an amazing building which holds both permanent and special exhibitions, as well as housing over 300,000 individual publications. Learn about the history of manga in Japan, and watch as talented in-house manga artists put pen to paper.
• Walk down the bustling Hanamikoji Dori – a street which runs from Sanjo Dori in the North to Kenninji Temple in the south. The street is lined with stunning shrines and temples which provide examples of Japan’s rich architectural history, as well as places to enjoy performing arts – include the Gion Koubu Utamai Neriwa.

Day 6: Kyoto

• Learn more about Japan’s integral contribution to the global development of art with a trip to the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto. Gain an understanding of the artistic movements in the city and the wider Kansai area, by examining the the collection of works from across the twentieth-century.
• Wander through quaint side streets to the 1,200-year-old Kiyomizu Dera Temple, to enjoy postcard-worthy views over the city. Explore the Higashiyama District, one of the city’s best-preserved historic neighbourhoods, and dive into the local traditional merchant shops to pick up a souvenir.
• Transfer back to Tokyo on the shinkansen for the final night of your art school trip to Japan.

Day 7: Farewell

Today, your art school trip to Japan sadly comes to an end. Transfer to the airport, ready to head home with new experiences to digest, plus a wider understanding of Japan’s rich artistic history.