Discovering STEM in Japan

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Monday June 16: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 17: Tokyo

Welcome to Japan! After arriving in dynamic and energetic Tokyo, the capital city, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel for orientation. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 18: Tokyo

A full day of activities begins with a guided sightseeing tour of Tokyo. Pass by the picturesque Imperial Palace Plaza, the main residence of the Japanese emperor and an educational gateway to Japan's rich culture and history. Next, the venerable Asakusa Senso-ji, one of Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temples, stands as a cultural touchpoint for learning more about Japanese religion. Afterward, enjoy a stroll down nearby Nakamise Street, the city's oldest shopping avenue—dating back to the 1500s—and a center for souvenirs and traditional Japanese street food. Then switch into a technology state of mind at the National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation (known as the Miraikan), home to fascinating robotics and earth-science exhibits. The aptly named Create Your Future exhibit offers an array of technological innovations, including a demonstration of ASIMO, a humanoid robot, and robotic vehicles. More science is in store at Toyota Mega Web Park, a car-centric theme park that offers an intriguing look at the global car manufacturer's history and its latest technological advancements, including eco-motoring vehicles. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 19: Tokyo

Your immersion in science and technology continues this morning with a trip to Tsukuba Science Park. Originally the site for the 1985 World Expo, it's now a science city that's the country's technological nerve center, home to more than 30 leading Japanese research institutes. The visit includes a guided tour of the riveting Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Space Research Facility, which features world-class equipment and testing facilities for the country's aerospace development program. This includes the "Kibo" Flight Control Room, astronaut-training facilities and a replica of the "Kibo" ("hope" in Japanese) science module built by Japan for the International Space Station. At the nearby High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), another guided tour awaits, this time featuring the Belle II mega accelerator, where scientists study the building blocks of nature through high-speed collisions of electrons and positrons inside a tubular ring nearly 2 miles in circumference. You'll also get to try out your budding Japanese and soak up unique cultural perspectives during an exchange with chemistry and physics students at the University of Tsukuba, one of Japan's oldest national universities and one of its finest research schools (if not available, another cultural visit will be substituted). Your last stop of the day is the engrossing Cyberdyne Studio, where a guided tour reveals how robotic technology will aid industry, in particular medical rehabilitation. The tour includes a robot demonstration and a chance to don a robot suit. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 20: Tokyo

A beguiling blend of science and history begins this morning with a guided tour of the Saitama City Sakura Environmental Center, a state-of-the-art recycling facility. Here, you'll learn about water treatment and other pollution-prevention technologies (if not available, another cultural visit will be substituted). Then move on to Washi no Sato, a Japanese paper making workshop and cultural heritage center. You'll get an intimate look at how to make paper by hand—and even try this age-old Japanese art yourself. Then it's time to travel back to the Edo Period at the beautifully preserved Former Yoshida Family Residence and Historic Park, once the home of a wealthy samurai, or Japanese warrior aristocrat. Afterward, you'll travel to Kawagoe and explore the streets of this castle town, which offers a glimpse of what Tokyo was like long ago. You'll get a first-hand look at Kawagoe's traditional architecture, reflected in its many old clay warehouses and merchant homes, called kurazukuri. Before returning to Tokyo, you can satisfy your sweet tooth at Kashiya Yokocho (“Penny Candy Alley”), a colorful street lined with nearly two dozen traditional Japanese candy stores. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 21: Kyoto

Today journey to Yamanashi prefecture. The first stop is the compelling Maglev Exhibition Center, where you'll explore magnetic levitation, the technology that Japanese engineers use to design high-speed bullet trains. Fulfill your need for speed during an actual ride on a Maglev test train that reaches speeds of more than 300 mph, then build your own mini-Maglev in a hands-on superconducting magnets workshop. Next you'll visit one of Japan's most iconic attractions: Mt Fuji. You'll get a closer look at this still-active volcano—the highest point in Japan at 12,389 feet and one of the country's three revered “holy mountains”—from the breathtaking Kawaguchiko 5th Station, the base point from which most hikers start their ascent to the summit. Visit the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center, where you'll learn more about the scientific, historical and cultural impact of this world-renowned peak before you board a Japan Rail Shinkansen bullet train for a thrilling high-speed trip to Kyoto. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 22: Kyoto

Traditional Buddhist architecture is the centerpiece of today's journey through Japan's former capital. The morning begins with a stop at the graceful, centuries-old Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), a beautiful Zen temple covered with gold leaf. Next stop: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a mountainside landmark that includes an indoor waterfall (kiyomizu means “pure water”). Discuss its incredible engineering—not a single nail was used to build its 42-foot high main veranda. From there, your primer on Buddhist architecture concludes with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, noted for the staggering number of vermillion-colored traditional torii gates—some 10,000 in all—that straddle a network of trails on the shrine's grounds. Enjoy a final evening in Kyoto contemplating Japan's rich culture and forward-thinking approach to technology, engineering and innovation. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 23: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)