Education | Japan Bound

Request Information

Apply to Japan Bound 2020

Discover. Challenge. Grow.

Japan Bound by GPI US is a cultural immersion experience designed to expand the minds of American high school students by providing them with the opportunity to explore Japan. At GPI US, our goal is to empower today’s youth to thrive in our increasingly globalized world. We believe cross-cultural experiences provide students with the opportunity to discover new perspectives, challenge their worldview, and cultivate their own personal growth.

Summer travel for those looking for something more meaningful.

Japan Bound is about more than just travel. Through immersive site visits, cultural activities, and inspiring guest speakers, our programs foster independent thinking, self-reflection, and a better understanding of today’s global world. Participants will have ample opportunity to challenge themselves and break out of their comfort zones.

Students will travel across the country visiting a variety of sites in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Then, for the latter half of the trip, students will have the opportunity to live like a local in Kagoshima, experiencing the unique geography and rich culture it has to offer. The itinerary for each location is specifically designed by our staff to connect you with the local communities and highlight what makes each destination special.

For more details about the program check out our sample itinerary and interactive map of Japan below!

Price

$2,950 + Airfare*

Dates

June 19 - July 5

July 10 - July 27

August 14 - August 31

Grades

9, 10, 11, 12

Destinations

Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kagoshima

Language Requirement

No Japanese ability required

Included in Price

- Accommodations (including Homestay)

- Breakfast and dinners

- All activities (see below)

- All transportation, including JR Pass

*Must be purchased on own and must arrive before the starting date of the program

Closed

Japan Bound 2020 Sample IT

Day 1 - 4

Tokyo

Tokyo Scavenger Hunt
Sightseeing at Asakusa, Meiji Shrine and the Imperial palace
Shopping at major destinations across the city
A visit to an artist's studio
A fellowship with Japanese college students

Day 4 - 7

Kyoto

Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine
Sightseeing at Kiyomizu Temple, The Golden Pavillion, and multiple historic Kyoto destinations

Day 7 - 8

Hiroshima

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum
Explore Miyajima island, Itsukushima Shrine and Mt. Misen

Day 8 - 16

Kagoshima

City tour with local students
Tea Ceremony, Kimono fitting & other cultural workshops
Kimono fitting
Japanese beach visit
Local farm visit and nature hike
Host family immersion
Local high school immersion

All activities on sample itinerary are subject to change.

Big Map3-01.png

Click on a location to learn more!

Japan Bound Activities

Meet the Japan Bound Team

Shuhei Teshima

Shuhei Teshima is a guitarist, photographer, and educator. He came to Boston in 2006 receiving a scholarship from Berklee College of Music. Since graduating from the college in 2010, he has been expanding his profession to visual arts and education, and currently working on developing educational curriculum to cultivate thinking skills through arts. He's applies his craft to children, adults and people from all around the world. He's excited to share his home, Kagoshima, with the world.

Tyler Bartels

Tyler is one of the creators of our Japan Bound programs. He graduated from Boston University with a degree in International Relations Major. Growing up, he lived all over the US in places, such as, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC and St Louis. After being exposed to Japanese in High School and College, Tyler went on to study in Japan and eventually live there for a time teaching English. After returning to the States from Japan, he’s made it his focus to continue bridging the gap between

Angus Schaefer

Angus Schaefer is born and raised in Massachusetts. After graduating from Tufts University, Angus lived and worked as a teacher and illustrator in Oita, Japan. He now continues his work inspiring youth in America at GPI US.

Akiko Nagamatsu

After graduating with a B.A in Speech Communications in the States, Akiko moved back to Japan and worked for Sumitomo Metal Industries in Japan. She then spent many years as a public affairs officer for the Base Commander at Yokota Air Force Base, Japan. After returning to the U.S., she worked for Harvard University's Linguist Department emeritus professor, Dr. Susumu Kuno. Akiko now works inspiring Japanese youth as the East Coast Regional Manager of GPI US.

Chikara Kurahashi

As the CEO of GPI US, I feel extremely fortunate to be able to provide the next generation with these kinds of life-changing opportunities that were instrumental in shaping my future. Our organization acts as a vehicle for educators who not only share this same passion and desire, but also who want to provide their students with opportunities that set them up for success in this highly global world.

Tomiko Ikegami

Shuhei Teshima

Shuhei Teshima is a guitarist, photographer, and educator. He came to Boston in 2006 receiving a scholarship from Berklee College of Music. Since graduating from the college in 2010, he has been expanding his profession to visual arts and education, and currently working on developing educational curriculum to cultivate thinking skills through arts. He's applies his craft to children, adults and people from all around the world. He's excited to share his home, Kagoshima, with the world.

Tyler Bartels

Tyler is one of the creators of our Japan Bound programs. He graduated from Boston University with a degree in International Relations Major. Growing up, he lived all over the US in places, such as, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC and St Louis. After being exposed to Japanese in High School and College, Tyler went on to study in Japan and eventually live there for a time teaching English. After returning to the States from Japan, he’s made it his focus to continue bridging the gap between

Angus Schaefer

Angus Schaefer is born and raised in Massachusetts. After graduating from Tufts University, Angus lived and worked as a teacher and illustrator in Oita, Japan. He now continues his work inspiring youth in America at GPI US.

Akiko Nagamatsu

After graduating with a B.A in Speech Communications in the States, Akiko moved back to Japan and worked for Sumitomo Metal Industries in Japan. She then spent many years as a public affairs officer for the Base Commander at Yokota Air Force Base, Japan. After returning to the U.S., she worked for Harvard University's Linguist Department emeritus professor, Dr. Susumu Kuno. Akiko now works inspiring Japanese youth as the East Coast Regional Manager of GPI US.

Chikara Kurahashi

As the CEO of GPI US, I feel extremely fortunate to be able to provide the next generation with these kinds of life-changing opportunities that were instrumental in shaping my future. Our organization acts as a vehicle for educators who not only share this same passion and desire, but also who want to provide their students with opportunities that set them up for success in this highly global world.

Tomiko Ikegami

CONTACT US

Office: (617) 475-1637

Cell: (781) 539-5785

GPI US, Los Angeles Office

3325 Wilshire Blvd #711

Los Angeles, CA 90010 USA

GPI US, Boston Office

50 Milk St. 16th Floor

Boston, MA 02109 USA

GPI US also has offices in these locations where you can become a part of the experience!

Seattle
San Francisco
New York

We'd love to hear from you!

If you have any questions or comments for us, please email us at or fill out the form below!

We are always looking to connect with members of our community to enhance our Japan programs!