Journey to Japan: Past and Present

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Journey to Japan: Past and Present

This study abroad program takes you to Japan to learn important aspects of its culture and history. You will spend Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara.

Although knowledge in Japanese will be a great advantage, non-Japanese speakers are invited to join since all of the presentations and readings will be in English.

Location

Tokyo, Japan; Kyoto, Japan

Term

Summer

Housing

Hotel

Program Highlights

Japan is known as a country of contrasts. On one hand, visitors experience modern technology everywhere; on the other, they are surprised by the ancient traditions and arts from a thousand years ago.

On this program, students will experience modern Japan through fashion, technology, food, and pop culture, while also visiting historical and religious sites, such as samurai castles, shrines, and temples.

In just under two weeks, you will be guided through the best highlights of one of the most intriguing countries in the world!

Program Contact Information

Desiree Dube

Sr. Education Abroad Advisor

Email: ddube1@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-7989

Important Dates & Billing

Program Dates: May 24 - June 5, 2026

Application Deadline: December 1, 2025

Withdrawal/Commitment Deadline: December 8, 2025

Program Fee Deadline: The program fee will be billed to your �Ը�� student account. The program fee deadline aligns with the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center's summer due dates. You should refer to the first Summer 2026 due date.

Application Process

You will need to complete a �Ը�� Education Abroad application. These quick steps will help walk you through the process.

1. Start an Education Abroad Application

When you click the "Apply Now" button (located towards the top and bottom of this page), you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system where you can view program costs and start an application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

2. Guest Application (If applicable)

Are you a student at another university? To apply for a �Ը�� education abroad program, you will first need to apply for admission to �Ը�� University as a “Guest Student”. Please apply as either an “Undergraduate Guest Student” or as a “Graduate Guest Student”, depending on your course level.

Once you have applied and been accepted as a �Ը�� University student, you will receive an email with your FlashLine login credentials. Activate your account and then proceed to the next step, which is to apply to the Education Abroad program of your interest. You can return to this page and follow the “Apply Now” button to start that application.

You can also refer to the FAQs for Guest Students if you need further help.

3. Wait for Acceptance

Once you have submitted your study abroad program application, it will be reviewed by the faculty leader. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. You should hear back from us within one month.

4. Commit to the Program

If you are accepted, you need to log back into your application by going to and clicking LOGIN. Once you see the name of your program, you need to click on it and commit (i.e., accept your offer of admission).

Academics

Course Information

Course Name and CRN: AS 30189 Study Abroad: Journey to Japan – Past and Present. CRN: 13302

Number of Credit Hours: 3

KSU Sponsoring College: College of Arts and Sciences

Course Description:

Through reading various Japanese texts, students will gain insights into the Japanese language, literature, and culture.
Students will also learn about the two major religions of Japan, Shintoism and Buddhism, as they visit many famous shrines and temples across the country.
Students will visit Shibuya and Harajuku (Tokyo) to experience Japan’s unique fashion and youth culture firsthand.
Akihabara and Odaiba Island will give students exciting opportunities to shop for manga, anime, toys, cards, etc. and also visit the TeamLab Exhibition, a cutting-edge digital art museum.
Akihabara is known as the epicenter of modern Japanese Otaku culture, and in addition to shopping, students can visit arcades and specialized cafes.
By touring two former capitals of Japan, Kyoto and Nara, students will experience the traditional side of the country. In Kyoto, you can escape the bustle of modern life and go to a serene rock garden, or maybe even see a geisha or maiko scurrying to their performances. In Nara you will come face to face with the world’s biggest bronze statue of Buddha.

Program Language of Instruction: English.

Faculty Contact Information

Professor's Name: Eriko Tanaka

Title: Associate Lecturer of Japanese

Email: etanaka1@kent.edu

Phone: 330-672-2150

Eligibility

Minimum 2.0 GPA

Tentative Itinerary

Program Dates : May 24, 2026 - June 05, 2026 (12 days, 11 nights)

Below is a tentative itinerary; however, the exact sequence, sites, and departure city are subject to changes in availability and cost.

May 24, 2026

Depart from Cleveland airport

DAY 1: May 25, 2026

Arriving in Tokyo & Hotel Check-In

DAY 2: May 26, 2026 - Breakfast and Dinner Included

One Day City Tour of Tokyo
- Begin the day in Harajuku with a visit to Meiji Shrine, followed by a walk through Takeshita Street. Enjoy lunch at Harakado, a modern dining and shopping space. In the afternoon, explore Shibuya, starting with Shibuya Crossing, then visit Shibuya Parco for shopping and culture.
Welcome Dinner

DAY 3: May 27, 2026 - Breakfast Included

Ueno Park Area Visit
- Explore the Ueno area, home to Ueno Park's scenic grounds and cultural landmarks. Visit the Tokyo National Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of traditional Japanese art and historical artifacts. Stroll through Ameyoko Shopping Street, a lively market street known for its street food, local shops, and vibrant atmosphere.
Akihabara Visit
- Akihabara is the center of Japan's otaku culture, which is famous for small and large electronics, anime and manga stores. The culture on anime and cosplay, as well as idols is propagated in the district.

DAY 4: May 28, 2026 - Breakfast and Dinner Included

teamLab Planets Visit
- Experience a unique, immersive art space where digital technology and the physical world merge. Guests walk barefoot through multi-sensory installations featuring water, lights, and mirrors that encourage interaction and reflection. This visit offers a memorable blend of art, technology, and mindfulness.
Ginza Visit
- Explore Ginza, Tokyo's premier shopping and cultural district known for its upscale boutiques, department stores, art galleries, and cafes. Feel the charm while strolling through beautifully designed streets in the city's sophisticated atmosphere.
Cooking Workshop (Ramen) with Dinner Included

DAY 5: May 29, 2026 - Breakfast Included

Traditional Japanese Crafts Workshop
Free Afternoon
- Suggestions: Shibuya Sky, Minato City.

DAY 6: May 30, 2026 - Breakfast Included

Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen (about 2 hours & 30 minutes)
Arrival in Kyoto, hotel check-in
Nijo Castle Visit
- Visit to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic architecture and gardens. Built in the early 17th century, the castle is renowned for its beautifully preserved wooden architecture, intricate interior designs, and the famous "nightingale floors" that chirp when walked upon.

DAY 7: May 31, 2026 - Breakfast Included

Half-Day Tour of Kyoto
- Begin the day at the iconic Kiyomizudera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its panoramic wooden terrace and sweeping views over Kyoto. After Exploring the temple grounds, stroll down the charming historic lanes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, where traditional wooden architecture, teahouses, and local artisan shops are. End the day at Yasaka Shrine.
Handweaving Workshop at Nishijin Textile Center

DAY 8: June 01, 2026 - Breakfast Included

Sanzenin Temple, Hosenin Temple, & Nanzenji Visit
- Start the day with visits to Sanzenin Temple and Hosenin Temple (with green tea included) in the Ohara area, known for their gardens and temple structures. In the afternoon, continue to Nanzenji Temple, a large temple complex featuring traditional architecture and an aqueduct.
Tea Ceremony with Kimono Wearing
- Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony with kimono wearing. This special immersive experience allows you to delve into the beauty of local tea and costume culture.

DAY 9: June 02, 2026 - Breakfast Included

Free day
- Suggestions: Universal Studios Japan, Umeda Area.

DAY 10: June 03, 2026 - Breakfast Included

One Day Excursion to Nara
- Begins at Todaji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for housing the Great Buddha and its wooden architecture. After exploring the temple grounds, the group will take a walk through the surrounding Nara Deer Park.

DAY 11: June 04, 2026 - Breakfast and Dinner Included

Fushimi Inari Shrine Visit
Free Time
- Suggestions: Gion District, Arashiyama, Kyoto Tower, Kyoto Aquarium.
Farewell Dinner

DAY 12: June 05, 2026 - Breakfast Included

Travel to Tokyo by Shinkansen (Shinagawa Station, around 2 hours and 30 minutes)
Travel to Haneda Airport
Depart for the U.S.

Location & Housing

Tokyo and Kyoto (Japan)

Tokyo is the perfect example of a city that merges modernity and tradition. With beautiful old temples and huge modern skyscrapers, the capital of Japan is packed with about 14 million people and is the largest city in the country. The city is always alive, with plenty of festivals and great street food, popular attractions, and little traditional neighborhoods. Famous symbols of the city are the sakura (cherry blossom) tree-lined streets, the anime culture, and its delicious cuisine!

Considered the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is a city known for its temples, shrines, palaces, gardens and cultural activities. Some awesome things students can engage in are going to the Kyoto Tower for a panoramic view of the city, dining in the vivid Pontocho Alley, hiking and visiting the monkey park Iwatayama, and visiting the Nishiki Market, recognised for its delicious treats and handmade art.

Housing & Meals

Students will stay in double-occupancy rooms in hotels.
Breakfast at each hotel is included every day.
3 dinners are also included.
Students are responsible for all other meals.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

It is possible to use your federal financial aid to go on �Ը�� University-approved education abroad programs. You can learn more on the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center website.

It is also possible to use most �Ը�� scholarships for education abroad costs. You can find education abroad scholarships on ScholarshipUniverse.

If you have any questions about using your financial aid and scholarships for study abroad, you can contact the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center.

Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your study abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the Office of Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:

international travel procedures;
in-country resources;
health and safety resources and information;
culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the prior to departure.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the .

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center.

Costs and Funding

Costs for the program will differ for every student. You can use our Cost Calculator to get an estimate of what you might expect for your program.

We also encourage you to meet with your Education Abroad Advisor and reach out to Financial Aid the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center to see how your aid may apply to an international program.

Your Journey is Just Beginning

Before You Go

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