Business & Culture in Japan
Japan has long been a stage for the biggest players in the global economy.
With a model of efficiency that has lead the way through decades of technological innovation, Japan fosters a business environment deserving of admiration. See how this small archipelago can reveal so many natural and cultural wonders—from the feudal castles of Nagoya to the cherry blossoms of Kyoto.
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Day 1: Fly overnight to Japan
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Day 2: Tokyo
Meet your Field Director at the airportEnjoy dinner in Tokyo
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Day 3: Tokyo
Take a guided tour of Tokyo
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Harajuku shopping district, the trendy district popular among younger locals
- Shibuya district, home to the famed Shibuya crosswalk that has upwards of 3,000 people crossing at a time
- Shinjuku district, a large entertainment and business area
Visit Imperial Palace Plaza, the residence of Japan's Imperial Family
Visit the Meiji Shrine and its elaborate wooded Inner Garden
Visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple
Enjoy free time for lunch in the Harajuku area
Enjoy dinner in Tokyo
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Day 4: Tokyo
Visit the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the world's second-largest stock exchange
Industry Engagement: Attend a lecture to gain insights on local business practices
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Day 5: Tokyo • Nagoya
Industry Engagement: Meet with an industry expert with a visit to a Japanese business
Travel by bullet train to Nagoya
Enjoy dinner in Nagoya
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Day 6: Nagoya
Tour Nagoya, home of some of the world’s top companies and car manufacturing plants, with an expert local guide
Visit Nagoya Castle, decorated with turrets and golden dolphins and, in the spring, draped in fragrant cherry blossom trees
Industry Engagement: Meet with an industry expert with a visit to a Japanese business
Enjoy dinner in Nagoya
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Day 7: Nagoya • Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto
Tour Kyoto with an expert local guide and learn about the history and culture of the city
Visit Nijo Castle, a structure built almost entirely out of Japanese cypress
Visit Kiyomizu Temple, which dates back to A.D. 798 and provides spectacular views of the city and surrounding valley
Visit the Gold Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf
Enjoy dinner in Kyoto
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Day 8: Kyoto
Add this in-depth excursion:
Nara
Today, join a half-day excursion to Nara, one of Japan’s ancient capitals. Visit the Todaji Temple and see the Daibutsu, the world’s largest bronze Buddha. Then walk through the wooded Nara Park, also known by the nickname of “Deer Park” because of its many four legged inhabitants. Just outside the park, you will visit Kasuga Shrine, one of the most famous Shinto shrines in the country. Twice a year, some 3,000 lanterns are lit here simultaneously during the Lantern Festival. (Please note: comfortable walking shoes are recommended.)
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Day 9: Kyoto • Osaka
Travel to OsakaTour Osaka with an expert local guide and learn what makes Osaka the commercial and industrial center of western Japan
Visit the Umeda Sky Building and cross the skywalk
Industry Engagement: Meet with an industry expert with a visit to a Japanese business
Enjoy dinner in Osaka
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Day 10: Depart for home
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Day 1: Fly overnight to Japan
-
Day 2: Tokyo
Meet your Field Director at the airportEnjoy dinner in Tokyo
-
Day 3: Tokyo
Take a guided tour of Tokyo
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Harajuku shopping district, the trendy district popular among younger locals
- Shibuya district, home to the famed Shibuya crosswalk that has upwards of 3,000 people crossing at a time
- Shinjuku district, a large entertainment and business area
Visit Imperial Palace Plaza, the residence of Japan's Imperial Family
Visit the Meiji Shrine and its elaborate wooded Inner Garden
Visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple
Enjoy free time for lunch in the Harajuku area
Enjoy dinner in Tokyo
-
Day 4: Tokyo
Visit the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the world's second-largest stock exchange
Industry Engagement: Attend a lecture to gain insights on local business practices
-
Day 5: Tokyo • Nagoya
Industry Engagement: Meet with an industry expert with a visit to a Japanese business
Travel by bullet train to Nagoya
Enjoy dinner in Nagoya
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Day 6: Nagoya
Tour Nagoya, home of some of the world’s top companies and car manufacturing plants, with an expert local guide
Visit Nagoya Castle, decorated with turrets and golden dolphins and, in the spring, draped in fragrant cherry blossom trees
Industry Engagement: Meet with an industry expert with a visit to a Japanese business
Enjoy dinner in Nagoya
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Day 7: Nagoya • Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto
Tour Kyoto with an expert local guide and learn about the history and culture of the city
Visit Nijo Castle, a structure built almost entirely out of Japanese cypress
Visit Kiyomizu Temple, which dates back to A.D. 798 and provides spectacular views of the city and surrounding valley
Visit the Gold Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf
Enjoy dinner in Kyoto
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Day 8: Kyoto
Add this in-depth excursion:
Nara
Today, join a half-day excursion to Nara, one of Japan’s ancient capitals. Visit the Todaji Temple and see the Daibutsu, the world’s largest bronze Buddha. Then walk through the wooded Nara Park, also known by the nickname of “Deer Park” because of its many four legged inhabitants. Just outside the park, you will visit Kasuga Shrine, one of the most famous Shinto shrines in the country. Twice a year, some 3,000 lanterns are lit here simultaneously during the Lantern Festival. (Please note: comfortable walking shoes are recommended.)
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Day 9: Kyoto • Osaka
Travel to OsakaTour Osaka with an expert local guide and learn what makes Osaka the commercial and industrial center of western Japan
Visit the Umeda Sky Building and cross the skywalk
Industry Engagement: Meet with an industry expert with a visit to a Japanese business
Enjoy dinner in Osaka
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Day 10: Depart for home
Confidence • Curiosity • Global perspective • Empathy • Adaptability • Relatability • Self-Awareness
What's Included
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Transportation
Various modes of transport are tailored to your program. While some transfers are included, others may come at additional cost.
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Accommodations
Safe, comfortable lodging will be waiting for you at your destination.
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Select meals
Enjoy a combination of included meals and the freedom to explore local cuisine on your own.
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End-to-end support
Your dedicated EF team helps secure administrative approval and academic credit, provides enrollment tools, and helps establish your program’s ongoing presence on campus.
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EF Global Learning Toolkit
We offer various tools to help educators facilitate student growth abroad and on campus, including academically enriched travel programs, industry engagement opportunities, global learning resources, and a Global Competencies Assessment tool.
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Guided exploration
Gain insider knowledge and cultural perspective from licensed local guides: natural historians who provide cultural insights to enhance learning moments throughout the program.
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Field Visits
Experience academics in action during engaging visits with relevant organizations, thought leaders, and partners.
