student experience student experience
Here’s a brief description of the itinerary for your summer experience in Tokyo:
- Day 1: Late afternoon arrival at Narita Airport. From there you’ll transfer by bus to the National Youth Center (NYC) in the heart of downtown Tokyo.
- Day 2: Rest and unpack. Orientation and walking tour.
- Day 3-21: Language class begins. Classes will be held three hours a day in one of the classrooms on the campus of the National Youth Center. Throughout the remaining time, excursions will be planned along with periods of free time. Below are some highlights of the planned excursions.
Planned Excursions:
The Imperial Palace
The current Imperial Palace (Kokyo) is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family.
Akihabara
Be prepared to be dazzled by the latest electronics, computer games, and technology! Akihabara, with its multitude of superstores and tiny stalls, is a dream-come-true for techies!
Kamakura
You’ll spend a day in Kamakura, an ancient coastal town. See the Big Buddha, find out if your money truly doubles after washing it, and visit famous temples and shrines, and the beach. You’ll really know you’re in Japan after seeing Kamakura.
The Edo Museum
Learn more about the heritage of Edo, or old Tokyo in this museum with interactive exhibits.
Calligraphy Practice
Is it penmanship or is it a form of meditation? You decide, after learning how to handle ink and brush to write Chinese characters.
Mount Fuji
You’ll pack up and take a bus for a three day/two night excursion to Mt. Fuji and the Hakone region. Weather permitting, you’ll have an opportunity to go hiking. Get ready to be awed by the iconic views. Hakone is home to numerous hot springs, old inns, museums, and a wide array of conveyances to take visitors from place to place.
Depending on your interests you can use free time in the afternoons to explore Tokyo’s parks, art museums, shops. The parks are often filled with musicians playing all kinds of music, from Japanese pop to South American folk songs. Be prepared for surprises and learn to look for the details that distinguish Japanese daily life. Practice the Japanese you’re learning in class!
