JapanBound Experience 2025
JapanBound is more than just travel. Through cultural activities, immersive site visits, and inspiring guest speakers, our programs foster independent thinking, self-reflection, and a better understanding of today’s global world. Participants have ample opportunity to challenge themselves and break out of their comfort zones.
Portions of the itinerary were flexible, so students had the freedom to plan parts of their day. We planned a variety of activities for students to experience the essentials of Japanese culture. Participants met local students in Tokyo and Hokkaido who helped them navigate during excursions and experience first-hand student life in Japan.
Program Details
Dates
Destinations
Grades
July 9–22, 2025
Tokyo, Hokkaido, Kamakura
9*, 10, 11, 12
* Aged 15 years or older by date of departure.
No Japanese language ability required.
Included in program fee
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Accommodations
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Flights
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Group activities
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Domestic transportation in Japan
View our Terms and Conditions.
Program Highlights
July 9–11, 2025
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Meet your cohort at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
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Program Orientation in Tokyo
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Tokyo Learn & Lead with local university students — practice your leadership and collaborative skills by planning your own sight-seeing schedule!
July 12, 2025
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Transfer to Hokkaido
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Sightsee in and around Sapporo
July 13–19, 2025
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Attend a local high school — get a glimpse into student life in Japan
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Stay with a host family — immerse in local, daily life
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Build global connections and friendships!
July 20–22, 2025
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Learn about Hokkaido’s culture and history
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Transfer back to Tokyo
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Take a day trip to Kamakura, known for its cultural monuments and sandy beaches
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Return to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Hear from Our Participants
I enjoyed being able to spend time with my homestay family and other students, and being a part of [their] everyday life (meals, school, shopping, etc.). It was very different from America, but very fun and [an] amazing cultural learning experience.
JapanBound 2025 Participant
[As someone with no history learning Japanese,] the only thing that was slightly difficult was communication, but that was easy to get around with translator apps. Overall, my experience was extremely positive; my [host family] made me feel like I was a part of the family.
JapanBound 2025 Participant
My classmates were very considerate, kind, and inclusive in all classes. They asked me questions, enjoyed chatting openly, and helped me out when I was struggling with Japanese.
JapanBound 2025 Participant
I loved that the [local high school] teachers included us within lessons as if we were their own students. I loved living a typical Japanese student life, meeting new people, making memories, and doing things I normally couldn't do, [like] cleaning classrooms after school. I found it fun!
