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, Tuesday June 2: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Wednesday June 3: 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, Thursday June 4: Tokyo

A beguiling blend of science and history begins this morning as you transfer to Yokohama for a guided tour of the Nissan Oppama Plant and Assembly Line Tour. Known as a "mother plant" and a "sacred site" of Japanese manufacturing, the plant is a landmark of Japan's postwar industrial rise. Have time for lunch on your own in Yokohama, which is a leading global city for the Sustainable and Circular Economy, recently recognized as the only Japanese city among the "20 Cities Towards Zero Waste" by the United Nations in March 2026. Return to Tokyo where you'll participate in a Washi no Sato Japanese paper making workshop. You'll get an intimate look at how to make paper by hand—and even try this age-old Japanese art yourself. (B,D)

Day 4, Friday June 5: 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 have the opportunity here for a cultural exchange and Q&A session with a KEK scientist to learn about the latest research (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, Saturday June 6: 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 participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, a fixture in the country's culture. This afternoon, 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. (B,D)

Day 6, Sunday June 7: 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. Then visit Oshino Hakkai, a serene, authentic village in Japan featuring traditional thatched-roof buildings, stunning views of Mount Fuji, and eight crystal-clear ponds spring-fed by aquifers coming off the mountain. Oshino Hakkai is an exceptional outdoor classroom for studying the volcanic water cycle. It serves as the final emergence point for snowmelt that has traveled through the subterranean layers of Mount Fuji.In the afternoon, board a Japan Rail Shinkansen bullet train for a thrilling high-speed trip to Kyoto. (B,D)

Day 7, Monday June 8: 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, Tuesday June 9: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)