Kyushu: Hideyoshi & The Bakufu (October 2026)
Study Trip Overview
Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who became a samurai and daimyo (feudal lord) from humble origins, played a key role in unifying Japan under 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 Joseon (Korean) sea power which cut off his supply routes and resistance by the joint Ming Chinese and Joseon forces, the Japanese forces retreated in 1598. Explore this fascinating period of Japanese history when Bushido, the Samurai way of life, became imbedded in Japanese society.
This Study Trip starts in Fukuoka. The meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner), local transportation and accommodation are included in the Study Trip 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.
2026 Dates:
10 - 13 October (Saturday - Tuesday)
Fee
GBP 995 per student traveller. GBP 895 for repeat student traveller. Fee includes all admission, workshop/tour, meal, accommodation and local transportation charges.
Yamaguchi: Meiji Restoration (October 2026)
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 (breakfast/lunch/dinner), local transportation and accommodation are included in the Study Trip fee. This area is famous for puffer fish. Various dietary requirements can be met. Stay in western-style accommodations with lift access and wifi.
2026 Dates:
14 - 15 (Wednesday - Thursday)
Fee
GBP 595 per student traveller. +GBP 495 for repeat student traveller. Fee includes all admission, workshop/tour, meal, accommodation and local transportation charges.
Nara/Kyoto: The Silk Road & Imperial Capital (Oct 2026)
Study Trip Overview
This region was a hub for cultural and artistic exchange between Japan and China, Korea and Central Asia from the 8th century. An 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, Explore the city's history, religion art and culture through encounters with local experts.
Lunches and local transportation are included in the Study Trip fee. The area around Kyoto is famous for kaiseki ryori, Kobe beef and okonomiyaki. Various dietary requirements can be met.
2026 Dates
16 - 19 October (Friday - Monday)
Daily Schedule:
10:00 - 13:00 Tour or Workshop
13:00 - 15:00 Lunch
Fee
Friday - Monday 10:00 - 15:00. GBP 495 per student traveller. +GBP 425 for repeat student traveller. Fee includes all admission, workshop/tour, lunch and local transportation charges.
Tokyo: Edo & Beyond (October 2026)
Study Trip Overview
From the back streets of Asakusa to the neon lights of Shinjuku, Tokyo today is a city of contrasts. For almost 300 years, the Japanese Shogunate followed a policy of Sakoku ("Locked Country") from its capital in Edo (today's Tokyo), and it opened up to the world only in 1868 following the Meiji Restoration. Japan then adopted western technology at an incredible pace 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 today.
Lunches and local transportation are included in the Study Trip fee. Various dietary requirements can be met.
2026 Dates:
21 - 24 October (Wednesday - Saturday)
Daily Schedule:
10:00 - 13:00 Tour or Workshop
13:00 - 15:00 Lunch
Fee
Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 - 15:00. GBP 495 per student traveller. +GBP 425 for repeat student traveller. Fee includes all admission, workshop/tour, lunch and local transportation charges.