Overview
Join us for the 2026 Japan Study Tour, an unforgettable journey through Japan’s rich history, vibrant culture, and inspiring communities. We’ll explore the Kansai region, from the lively streets of Osaka to the serene UNESCO World Heritage Site Koyasan, where VIA once held volunteer training. In Hiroshima and Tokyo, we’ll visit iconic sites such as Itsukushima Shrine, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and the charming Asakusa district. Along the way, you’ll experience traditional Japanese arts, engage in conversations about current social issues, connect with VIA’s partners, and share meaningful moments with VIA supporters and alumni.
For those who wish to continue the adventure, we’re offering an optional extension to Kamakura (often called the “Kyoto of Eastern Japan”), a coastal city where historic temples, shrines, and gardens meet the legacy of Japan’s samurai heritage.
Trip Leader: Kazutoh Ishida, PhD
Kazutoh was a participant on VIA’s American Language & Culture (ALC) program in 1991 when he was a university student in Japan. He joined the VIA team in 2005 to manage programs in Silicon Valley and has served as Executive Director since 2016. As a native Japanese, he is excited to introduce the beauties of traditional Japan as well as its contemporary culture.
Japan Study Tour Costs
Spaces are limited to ensure an optimal travel experience. Registration will be confirmed on a first come, first served basis until the registration deadline or the program is full, whichever comes first. The priority deadline to register is October 31, 2025.
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$5,400 USD – Participation Base Fee
- Includes all items listed below and a non-refundable, tax-deductible $500 donation to VIA.
- $2,400+ USD – Additional estimated costs (not included in fee)
- $7,800+ USD – Total Estimated Cost
- $850 USD – [Optional] Kamakura Trip Add-On Fee
Please review our Payment and Participation Policies
What’s included:
- Domestic travel within Japan
- Lodging for a total of nine nights
- Lodging will be arranged for two participants per room – upgrade to a private room for the duration of the study tour (+$700) and for the optional trip to Kamakura (+$150)
- Special accommodations can be arranged for families traveling with children (submit details in your registration form)
- Some group meals
- Most entry fees, guided services, organization and site visits
- International Airfare (approx. $1,800 USD traveling from the US)
- Passport application / renewal and visa fees, if applicable (US passport holders do not need a visa to enter Japan)
- Admission to some sites and activities (approx. $150 USD)
- Some meals (approx. $200-300 per person)
- Travel and medical insurance – see participation details (approx. $30-70)
- Shopping and other personal expenses
Overview
The study tour itinerary is subject to change any time before or during the tour. Additional details will be added as scheduled activities are confirmed. Participants are welcome to arrive before the tour start dates or continue their travels after the tour ends.
Note: There will be an online pre-departure briefing in January 2026.
Day 1: March 27 (Fri) – Osaka
- Meet at Kansai International Airport (KIX) at 12:00 PM or directly at hotel in Osaka
- Check in at Joytel Hotel Osaka Shinsekai
- Group welcome dinner
Day 2: March 28 (Sat) – Osaka
- Activities and site visits in Osaka
Day 3: March 29 (Sun) – Osaka
- Visit Koyasan (former VIA volunteer training location)
Day 4: March 30 (Mon) – Hiroshima
- Check out of Osaka hotel; travel to Hiroshima
- Check in at APA Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae Ohashi
Day 5: March 31 (Tues) – Hiroshima
- Activities and site visits in Hiroshima, including Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Day 6: April 1 (Wed) – Hiroshima
- Visit Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine
Day 7: April 2 (Thurs) – Tokyo
- Check out of Hiroshima hotel; travel to Tokyo
- Check in at Loisir Hotel Shinagawa Seaside
Day 8: April 3 (Fri) – Tokyo
- Activities and site visits in Tokyo
Day 9: April 4 (Sat) – Tokyo
- Site visits and activities in Tokyo
- Group farewell dinner
Day 10: April 5 (Sun) – Tokyo
- Check out of Tokyo hotel
- End of tour; participants continue independent travel, join optional trip to Kamakura, or return home
Optional Kamakura Tour: April 5 (Sun)
- Travel to Kamakura
- Check in at Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura
- Activities and site visits in Kamakura including Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Optional Kamakura Tour: April 6 (Mon)
- Activities and site visits including Great Buddha of Kamakura and Enoshima
- Visit coyorido cafe (NPO that supports parents raising children)
- Traditional Japanese kaiseki dinner
Optional Kamakura Tour: April 7 (Tues)
- Check out of Kamakura hotel
- End of optional tour; participants continue independent travel or return home
Travel & Medical Insurance Coverage
We require all participants to maintain health insurance coverage while traveling abroad. Please check with your insurance provider to understand what coverage you may or may not have while overseas. You can choose to enroll in your own insurance plan and provide proof of coverage. VIA can also arrange comprehensive travel health insurance coverage for US citizens through iNext’s Comprehensive Ultimate Group Plan with Standard Political & Natural Disaster coverage at an additional cost (see policy details).
If you choose this option, you will be enrolled for the minimum 11-day period (March 26 – April 5, to allow for transit time), at an additional cost of $28.65 for travelers 60 and under or $67.81 for travelers over 60 years old. If you opt to join the add-on trip to Kamakura, your insurance policy will be extended by two days to April 7 (+$3.30 for travelers 60 and under or +$10.42 for travelers over 60 years old).
You will have the option to purchase additional Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption coverage and/or extend your travel dates after initial enrollment.
Please Note: We will not enroll you in the iNext plan until your registration fee is paid in full. If you change your mind and find another option before then, just let us know and we will remove the charge from your registration fee invoice.
Registration Process
The application form is hosted on Airtable and requires a login for security purposes. If you already have an Airtable account, you can use your existing account login information. If you haven’t used Airtable before, you will need to create an account (email and password or use SSO through a Google account or Apple ID). The registration is a 2-step process:
Step 1: VIA Profile
You will need to create one profile for each traveler in your party (this can be done with the same Airtable account). You can create or update your VIA Profile at any time. You must be logged in with the same Airtable user account to access an existing profile. If you log in with another Airtable account, you will need to create a new profile.
Your profile will be connected to any current or future VIA program applications or registrations, so you won’t need to provide this information each time you apply or register. After saving your profile, a copy will be sent to the email address(es) associated with your Airtable account.
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Personal Information
- First Name*
- Last Name*
- Preferred Name
- Full Name in Native Characters
- Gender*
- Date of Birth*
- Citizenship*
- Current place of residence*
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Contact Information
- Email Address*
- Phone Number*
- Alternate Email
- Messaging App Contact
Step 2: Study Tour Registration
After creating or updating your VIA profile, you will be directed to the Study Tour Registration form. You only need to submit this form once for your entire party. The form is one page, so please be prepared to fill in all questions before submitting your registration.
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Traveler Information
- Primary Contact* (select VIA Profile)
- Mailing Address* (for invoice)
- Additional Travelers (select VIA Profiles)
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Program Information
- Select Tour*
- Have you traveled to this location before?*
- Tour Add-on (check to include Kamakura add-on tour)
- What are your particular interests in this trip?
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Accommodations
- Accommodations Preferences (select shared room or single room upgrade)
- Additional Accommodations Requests
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Travel & Medical Insurance
- Insurance Enrollment (select all, some, or no members of your party)
We recommend printing a copy for your records. After filling out all the questions on the registration form, click the [···] icon in the top-right corner to print.
After Registering
After completing your registration, you will receive (at minimum) the following communications:
- Registration Confirmation (via Airtable) – You should receive a confirmation email within a few minutes of submitting your registration. This email will include a summary of your registration details and a cost estimate (this is NOT an invoice). The estimate is automatically generated based on the options you selected in your registration.
- Participation Fee Invoice (via Bill.com) – After reviewing your registration details, VIA’s finance department will issue an invoice for your participation fee. If you are traveling with minors or requested special accommodations, VIA staff may contact you regarding adjustments before finalizing your invoice.
- Participant Portal Invitation (via Airtable) – A few months before the tour, you will receive an invitation to the VIA Participant Portal. The portal will provide information about your tour, what to expect, tips on preparing to travel, and pre-departure tasks for you to complete.
After completing your program fee payment, you will receive the following communications:
- Donation Receipt (from VIA Finance) – You will receive a donation receipt for the donation portion of your registration fee ($500 per registration).
- Travel Insurance Enrollment (via iNext) – If you opted to be enrolled in travel medical insurance through iNext, you will receive an email from iNext within a month of your departure date. Please follow the instruction in the email to confirm your enrollment. You will have the option to purchase additional Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption coverage and/or extend your travel dates after initial enrollment.
General
What is the purpose of the tour?
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.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
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.
Where will the tour take place?
The tour will start in Osaka, visit Hiroshima, and conclude in Tokyo.
How many days will the tour last?
10 days, inclusive of arrival on March 27 through April 5. Participants may determine their travel plans after checking out of the hotel in Tokyo on April 5. VIA is also offering an optional 2-day extension to visit Kamakura (April 5-7).
Are family members and friends allowed to join the tour?
Yes, spouses / partners, children, family, and friends are welcome to join the tour!
Do I have to pay for the tour and is there funding or a discount available?
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.
How many people will join the tour?
We are expecting anywhere between 10 – 15 participants joining the tour.
Participation Expectations
What do I need to bring with me?
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. 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.
Should I be worried about safety?
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.
Do I need a visa?
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.
Do I need travel medical insurance?
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.
What will happen if there is a problem or emergency during the program?
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.
Will there be opportunities to explore on my own during the tour?
The tour will be a mix of planned activities with built-in free time to explore on your own.
Where will I stay during the program?
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.
Can I travel somewhere else before or after the program?
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.
Application Information
Program Dates:
Application Deadline:
Partners
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Testimonials from Past Participants
2024 Japan Study Tour Participant
The Japan study and cultural tour exceeded my expectations. The experience was enriched by thoughtful guidance from our group leader and the opportunity to learn directly from a native Japanese perspective. Exceptional balance of cultural sites/street knowledge. Meetings with the alumni, program and hospital directors personalized the mission and goals of VIA.
Bill Lehman
2024 Thailand Study Tour Participants
Though more than thirty years had passed since we alighted to our VIA posts as fresh-faced young adults, the excitement at the prospect of seeing new places, meeting new people, and experiencing new cultures felt very familiar. In January 2024, four of us VIA alums met our tour guide (strategic director Wallace Wong) in Bangkok, Thailand to begin a week and a half of immersion in Thai culture and history and reconnection with VIA. We naturally enjoyed seeing glorious temples, eating fantastic food at night markets, and, of course, cavorting with elephants. But the most memorable aspect was visiting VIA-connected institutions in Mae Sot, on the Thai-Myanmar border. There we helped teach a school lesson to refugee camp students at the Minmahaw School and visited a clinic for Burmese refugees. Soon afterwards, spent the day at the Social Impact Partnership Conference in Chiang Mai, exchanging stories and ideas over great food with current Global Community Fellows, leaders from partner organizations, and other VIA alums.
We were confident that traveling through VIA would provide special insights and perspectives that no standard tour or solo travel could provide. We weren’t disappointed. We really valued sharing our VIA experiences from a generation ago with current fellows and other alums. Even decades later, the imprint of our time with VIA during our formative young adult years remains sharp. Hearing about how the organization has adroitly evolved to changing times and continues to do important, innovative work over sixty years since its inception was deeply gratifying, and makes us very eager to join the next study tour!
Janet Gwilym & Bing Tso
2024 Japan Study Tour Participant
VIA’s study tour was a great first experience of Japan! We saw so many beautiful and interesting places and ate so well. I really enjoyed our small group and the opportunity to talk with our group leader Kazutoh about what we were seeing. He was incredibly organized, patient and flexible, helping us get the most out of each activity. Meeting Japanese alumni of VIA programs, hearing about their experiences and discussing social issues was a highlight for me.
Anne Huckins
2018 Indonesia Study Tour Participant
My first introduction to Indonesia was as a freshly minted college graduate serving as an English teacher at two institutions of higher education. My subsequent return to Indonesia on a VIA sponsored Indonesia study tour was one of the best travel experiences I have encountered. The organization and accommodations for this trip were outstanding and all locally owned and run. The people and projects that VIA partnered with to provide this experience connected me to amazing local individuals who were focused on social impact leadership in their communities. These groups included local villages striving to retain their youth, fair trade organizations seeking to improve the economies of local villages, and Taman Baca, an artist and intellectual collective for the community seeking among other things to freely discuss the events of ’65 in Indonesia. As with all VIA events, the invitation to enter local communities in a very authentic way provided participants with perspectives on Indonesian society that would not otherwise have been accessible. All of this is in addition to visiting the main cultural events and monuments in this part of the world. It was a once in a lifetime trip for me to a country rich in art, culture, humanity and change.
Steve Hope
2017 Japan Study Tour Participant
On our first date, my future husband Paul talked about his 1966 summer internship with VIA in Vietnam. The experience changed his preconceptions about other cultures as he developed a sense of community with his hosts in Buôn Ma Thuột. He also made lifelong friendships with other participants and strengthened his commitment to VIA and its goals.
When I joined him on a ten-day study tour of Japan that Kazutoh Ishida led in the spring of 2017, I shared new perspectives, friendships, and experiences of VIA’s global reach. We met VIA experts like Dr. Takayuki Oshimi, who illuminated some of the interrelationships of culture and medical care. I also got to know recent VIA participants from Japan, who helped me learn to hold chopsticks politely, read Tokyo metro maps, and discover the treasures within Japanese Seven Eleven stores.
We sampled regional cuisines that ranged from Osaka’s octopus balls to Tokyo’s signature tempura. The study tour scheduled for this autumn takes place in a different season and is more centered on Kyoto and nearby Nara. But I’m sure you will meet unexpected generosity and kindness, as well as surprising experiences.