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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 four days in Tokyo, four days in Kyoto, and two days in Osaka 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.

Application open! Apply now for the Summer 2025 program! Applications are open until December 1, 2024!
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Location

Tokyo, Japan; Kyoto, Japan; Osaka, Japan

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Term

Summer

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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 25 - June 4, 2025

Application Deadline: December 1, 2024

Withdrawal/Commitment Deadline: December 9, 2024

Program Fee Deadline: The program fee will be billed to your ϳԹ 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 2025 due date.

Application Process

You will need to complete a ϳԹ 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 ϳԹ education abroad program, you will first need to apply for admission to ϳԹ 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 ϳԹ 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) and Umeda (Osaka) 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

This program is designed to take place towards the end of May.

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

DAY 1:

  • Flight departs for Tokyo, Japan.

DAY 2:

  • Arrive in Tokyo, Japan.
  • Check in to hotel.
  • Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

DAY 3:

  • Shinjuku Gyoen Visit
    • Shinjuku Gyo-en or Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a large public garden in Shinjuku and Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It was originally a residence of the Naitō family in the Edo period. It later became a garden under the management of Japan Imperial Household Agency.
  • Akihabara visit
  • Welcome Dinner

DAY 4:

  • Shibuya area visit
    • Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya Sky, Shibuya Parco, etc.
  • Harajuku area visit
    • Meiji Jinguu Shrine, Takeshita Street, Omotesandoo Street, etc.

DAY 5:

  • TeamLab Planets
    • TeamLab Planets is a museum where you walk through water, and a garden where you become one with the flowers. It comprises 4 large-scale artwork spaces and 2 gardens created by art collective teamLab.
  • Odaiba visit
    • Statue of Liberty, Gundam, etc.
  • Ginza area visit
  • Cooking Class (dinner will be provided)

DAY 6:

  • Free exploration at Tokyo Station
  • Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen
  • Kiyomizu Temple, Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Visit
    • Kiyomizu-dera is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site.

DAY 7:

  • Nanzenji Temple visit
    • Nanzen-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Emperor Kameyama established it in 1291 on the site of his previous detached palace. It is also the headquarters of the Nanzen-ji branch of Rinzai Zen.
    • Hands-on activities including Tea Ceremony, Zazen Meditation
  • Sanzenin Temple visit
    • Sanzenin Temple is the main attraction of the rural town of Ohara.
  • Shugakuin Imperial Villa visit

DAY 8:

  • Kingakuji Temple visit
    • One of the most popular buildings in Kyoto. It is designated as a National Special Historic Site.
  • Ryooanji Temple visit
    • The Ryōan-ji garden is considered one of the finest surviving examples of kare-sansui ("dry landscape"). The temple and its gardens are listed as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Free exploration at Gion area
  • Nishiki Market visit

DAY 9:

  • One-day Tour at Arashiyama Area
    • Arashiyama is Kyoto's second-most important sightseeing district. It's filled with temples, shrines and the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
    • Bamboo forest, Boat, Monkey Park, etc.

DAY 10:

  • Fushimi Inari Shrine visit
    • The shrine sits at the base of a mountain, also named Inari, and includes trails up the mountain to many smaller shrines. It is unclear whether the mountain's name, Inariyama, or the shrine's name came first.
  • Travel to Nara
  • Half-Day Excursion in Nara
    • Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, etc.

DAY 11:

  • Travel to Osaka
  • Osaka Castle
  • Umeda area
  • Dotonbori area
  • Travel back to Kyoto
  • Farewell dinner

DAY 12:

  • Train to Tokyo, Japan.
  • Flight departs for Cleveland, Ohio.
Location & Housing

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka (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.

Osaka is unquestionably the food capital of Japan. Prepare to try some amazing dishes while also experiencing the bustling life of the city. History lovers can also enjoy the famous Osaka Castle, the largest in the country.

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
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

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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

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