Kyushu: Hideyoshi & the Bakufu (December 2025)
Study Trip Overview
Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who became a samurai and daimyo (feudal lord) from humble origins, played a key role in unifying Japan under the Shogun Oda Nobunaga. In 1592, he invaded Korea from Northern Kyushu, hoping to use Korea as a stepping stone to take over Ming China. Faced with formidable Korean sea power, which cut off his supply routes, and resistance by the joint Ming Chinese and Korean forces, he retreated in 1598. Explore this fascinating period of Japanese history when the concept of Bushido became imbedded in Japanese society.
Hideyoshi's campaigns on the Korean peninsula had a profound impact on Japan. As he retreated, he took with him Korean artisans skilled in the production of porcelain as his prisoners, and these artisans injected new life into the ceramic production in Japan. During the 17th century, the export of this exquisite porcelain became the currency of trade with Europe through the port of Nagasaki. Explore how this porcelain trade built wealth for isolationist Japan under the Tokugawa Shogunate.
This Study Trip starts in Fukuoka. The meals and accommodation are included in the programme fee. This area is famous for Mentaiko (pollock roe), Saga beef and Yobuko squid. Various dietary requirements can be met. Varied accommodations including a Japanese ryokan or inn.
2025 Dates:
21 - 24 December (Sunday - Wednesday)
Fee
$1,195 per student traveller. +$995 per each additional student traveller. Fee includes all admission, workshop/tour, meal, accommodation and local transportation charges.
Kyoto: Centre of Japanese Religion & Art (Dec 2025)
Study Trip Overview
The Imperial Capital until the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kyoto is on many people's Bucket List. With numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, sublime cuisine and renowned artisans, Kyoto is on many people Bucket List. Explore the city's history, religion and culture through encounters with local experts.
The meals and accommodation are included in the programme fee. The area around Kyoto is famous for kaiseki ryori, Kobe beef and okonomiyaki. Various dietary requirements can be met. Accommodation in western-style hotel in centre of Kyoto.
2025 Dates
26 - 29 December (Friday - Monday)
Daily Schedule:
10:00 - 13:00 Tour or Workshop
13:00 - 15:00 Lunch
15:00 - onwards Free Time
Fee
$1,195 per student traveller. +$995 per each additional student traveller. Fee includes all admission, workshop/tour, meal, accommodation and local transportation charges.
Yamaguchi: Meiji Restoration (December 2025)
Study Trip Overview
From 1639 to 1853, Japan followed a policy of "Sakoku", which literally translates to "a country in chains", and shut itself off from the rest of the world. During this period, it maintained limited trading relationships with only China and the Dutch traders living on an island in Nagasaki harbour.
Japan was eventually forced to emerge from its isolation through the efforts of a group of young men from Yamaguchi prefecture. Through local historians and experts, explore this period in Japanese history.
The meals and accommodation are included in the programme fee. This area is famous for puffer fish. Various dietary requirements can be met. Stay in western-style accommodations.
2025 Dates:
30 - 31 December (Sunday - Monday)
Fee
$595 per student traveller. +$475 per each additional student traveller. Fee includes all admission, workshop/tour, meal, accommodation and local transportation charges.
Tokyo: Modern Japan (January 2026)
Study Trip Overview
From the back streets of Asakusa to the neon lights of Shinjuku, Tokyo today is a city of contrasts. Following the Meiji Restoration, Japan adopted western technology to become a major industrial power, and during the reconstruction period following World War II, western fashion, food and culture entered Japan at a rapid pace. However, the traditions and codes of old Japan remain firmly rooted in Japanese society. Explore Modern Japan through the eyes of those who live and work in Tokyo, the commercial and political centre of Japan.
The meals and accommodation are included in the programme fee. Stay in western style accommodations.
2026 Dates:
2 - 4 January (Friday - Sunday)
Fee
$895 per student traveller. +$715 per each additional student traveller. Fee includes all admission, workshop/tour, meal, accommodation and local transportation charges.