The tour is an opportunity to connect with VIA, our participants and alumni, and local communities; meet social impact leaders and organizations currently working with VIA in Japan; and learn about VIA’s new social impact and leadership development initiatives.

No. Tour activities will be conducted or interpreted in English. However, if you are studying Japanese, this is a great opportunity to practice with native speakers in both formal and informal settings.

The tour will start in Kyoto, visit Nara, and conclude in Tokyo.

10 days, inclusive of arrival on October 4th through October 13th. Participants may determine their travel plans after checking out of the hotel in Tokyo on October 13th.

Yes, spouses / partners, children, family, and friends are welcome to join the tour!

There is a registration fee for the tour, as well as other costs not included in the registration fee participants must cover. There is no funding support or discounts for registrants.

We are expecting anywhere between 10 – 15 participants joining the tour.

We recommend that you pack one small suitcase and one small bag only. You should be able to carry your own luggage around one city block and up and down stairs. Autumn weather in Japan can range from sunny, hot, and humid, to cool and breezy, so we recommend bringing clothing that is easy to layer, including lightweight sun-protective clothing and rain gear (a light shell jacket, umbrella, etc). You will be walking a lot, so comfortable shoes are highly recommended. It is also customary to not wear outdoor shoes inside, so you may want to bring a pair of in-door only shoes.

Other important things to bring are: prescription medication, copies of your travel and insurance documents, and adapters to charge your electronic devices. You will receive a detailed packing list to aid you as you prepare for your travels.

VIA staff make participants’ safety and well-being their highest priority at all times. All participants are required to have travel medical insurance, which can provide coverage for medical and other emergencies. We will arrange or plan transportation routes and accompany participants to all organization visits.

Violent crime is not common or prevalent in Japan, even in Tokyo. However, as is true for most major cities, one should take a common-sense approach to safety precautions as one would anywhere else. Carry a cell phone with international coverage so that you can access maps and call VIA staff in case you get lost. Japan is still a very cash-based society, so carrying large amounts of cash isn’t unusual. This may be a new experience for you, though, so be careful to keep track of your cash and other belongings at all times.

If you hold a passport from the US (as well as Canada, Mexico, or any other visa-exempt country), you do not need a visa for a short-term stay in Japan.

For safety purposes, all participants are required to maintain medical insurance coverage during the program. If you decline to enroll in insurance offered by VIA, you must submit proof of insurance valid for the program location and duration to VIA staff before your departure.

For minor emergencies (small injuries, illness, etc.), program staff will take care of the participants’ immediate needs and accompany them to the hospital if a hospital visit is necessary. For major emergencies (serious injury, illness, or accidents), VIA staff will ensure you receive the care that you need, and notify your emergency contacts.

The tour will be a mix of planned activities with built-in free time to explore on your own. There will be one full free day in Kyoto.

VIA will arrange accommodations for the entire trip. Participants will be paired in double rooms unless a single room is requested. We can customize accommodation arrangements to meet your needs if you are traveling with family, including children.

Yes! You are welcome to go somewhere before and after the program, as long as you arrive in Kansai on the first day of the tour and plan to depart from the Tokyo area afterward.