Japan & Thailand Adventure: Teens' Cultural Journey

Course Description: Japan & Thailand Adventure: Teens' Cultural Journey

Japan & Thailand Trip for Teens 🌏✨

Embark on a journey that blends rich cultural exploration with epic adventures across Japan and Thailand. From Tokyo’s neon lights to Kyoto’s temples, from elephant care in Chiang Mai to Bangkok’s night markets, this 26-day program is designed to inspire, energize, and create life-long memories. Learn sushi-making, meditate with a Zen monk, zip-line through the Thai jungle, explore ancient shrines, and build new friendships in a warm, inclusive group setting.

A limited number of participants depart on Day 17, while the rest continue to Thailand.

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Program Highlights �*

• Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine ⛩️

• Zip-line through the jungles of Chiang Mai 🌲

• Roll your own sushi with expert chefs 🍣

• Feed and care for elephants in an ethical sanctuary 🐘

• Witness sumo wrestling live 💪

• Learn Muay Thai kickboxing 🥊

• Experience Tokyo DisneySea 🎢

• Meditate with a Zen Buddhist monk 🧘

• Explore Todai-ji Temple and Nara’s free-roaming deer 🦌

• Discover Bangkok by Skytrain, tuk-tuk, canal boat & longtail boat 🛶

• Whitewater raft the Kuma River 🌊

• Wear a traditional kimono 👘

• Feast at Bangkok’s JODD Fairs Night Market 🌶️

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Itinerary �*

Day 1 — Flight to Tokyo, Japan

Overnight flight across the International Date Line. Orientation begins upon arrival.

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Days 2–6 — Tokyo + Hakone 🇯�*

Dive into Japan’s perfect blend of history and modern culture:

• Tsukiji Market

• Shibuya Crossing

• Sushi-making class

• Sumo wrestling experience

• Asakusa & Sensoji Temple

• TeamLab immersive digital art

• Dawn Avatar Robot Café

Day trip to Hakone for:

• Mt. Fuji views

• Hakone Shrine

• Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

• Narusawa Ice Cave

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Days 7–11 — Kyoto + Lake Biwa + Nara

• Bullet train to Kyoto

• Zen monk–guided meditation

• Fushimi Inari Shrine

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

• UNESCO heritage districts

• Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple

• Eco-tour at Lake Biwa with kayaking + dragon boating

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Days 12–14 — Kumamoto + Hiroshima

• Whitewater rafting on the Kuma River

• Explore Hitoyoshi

• Day trip to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

• Miyajima Island & floating torii gate

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Days 15–16 — Tokyo Finale

• Full day at Tokyo DisneySea

• Banquet dinner

• Tokyo Skytree sunset views

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Days 17–18 — Bangkok, Thailand 🇹�*

• Guided Thai street food tour

• Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Golden Mount

• Explore via Skytrain, canal boat, tuk-tuk & longtail boat

• JODD Fairs Night Market feast

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Days 19–23 — Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Jungle zip-lining

• Elephant conservation program

• Muay Thai kickboxing class

• Doi Suthep temple visit

• Explore Chiang Mai Old City

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Days 24–25 — Bangkok Finale

• Floating markets

• Railway Market

• Riverside communities by boat

• Rooftop farewell banquet under the Bangkok skyline

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Day 26 — Return Flight Home

Part ways with new friends and head home with unforgettable summer memories.

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Accommodations �*

• Tokyo: Hotel MONday Premium Toyosu

• Kyoto: Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande

• Kumamoto: Hotel Mystays Kumamoto Riverside

• Bangkok: I Residence Hotel

• Chiang Mai: The Ana Park Hotel

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What It’s Like �*

A culturally immersive adventure with a warm, tight-knit group atmosphere and meaningful learning experiences throughout.

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Meals �*

Includes breakfast & dinner daily, plus 8 lunches.

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Transportation 🚈✈️

Private coaches, bullet trains, metro, ferries, tuk-tuks, plus three internal flights.

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Group Size �*

Up to 26 participants.

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Program Specifics ✈️

Flights – All International Flights Arranged by Program

Internal Flights — Required Extra Cost

There is an additional $1,185 USD fee for internal flights:

• Tokyo → Kumamoto

• Kumamoto → Tokyo

• Tokyo → Bangkok

(This applies to all participants who continue beyond Day 17.)

Flight to Tokyo

Begins with a chaperoned group flight from New York or Los Angeles.

Return from Bangkok

Chaperoned flights available; leaders remain until all designated flights have departed.

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Cultural Sensitivity �*

This program requires an open mind to new foods, customs, and cultural norms.

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Meals & New Cuisines

Part of the excitement of traveling to Asia is diving into the incredible local cuisine, so come with an open mind and a taste for adventure! In Japan, you’ll savor everything from fresh sushi and hearty ramen to savory okonomiyaki and sizzling yakiniku (Japanese BBQ). In Thailand, your taste buds will tingle with authentic spicy dishes, fresh fruits, vegetables, and many noodle dishes. Whether you’re enjoying street food in Bangkok or indulging in a traditional meal in Japan, each meal is an opportunity to experience the local culture. Please note picky eaters may get frustrated as there are limited North-American style options available in Japan.

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Dietary Restrictions & Allergies

Although we aim to satisfy the choosiest of eaters and most dietary requests, there are challenges in Japan. Due to the limited options, we cannot accommodate participants with Celiac disease, or those that adhere to a strictly gluten free or vegan diet.

Fish, sesame and soy are common ingredients in Japanese cuisine. Due to the frequency they are served and likelihood for cross contamination, we cannot accommodate participants with an anaphylactic allergy to fish, sesame or soy. We strongly discourage participants with a non-anaphylactic allergy to these ingredients from traveling to Japan in general and may require a doctor’s note clearing you to participate in this program.

We welcome hearing from you to discuss your individual allergy and dietary restrictions.

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Vaccinations & Medication Restrictions

We recommend you follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and consult with your physician for current immunizations and medication required for travelers to Japan and Thailand. These recommendations may change from time to time.

Most medications are permitted in Japan with no paperwork or permission required if the total amount brought is less than a 1 month supply. This includes Psychotropics. Make sure that all medicines are brought in the original packaging/container in your carry-on luggage. All prescription medications should be accompanied by a doctor’s note. No need to declare them at Customs.

For medications containing a narcotic or stimulant, you must apply for/receive a permit before your Japan arrival regardless of the quantity brought. If your teen is traveling with any medication containing an active ingredient on this list, we will assist you in receiving supporting documentation from the Narcotics Control Department in Tokyo.

The medication Adderall is NOT allowed to be brought into Japan by law. We suggest that participants who take this medicine consult with their doctor for alternative medication during their Japan trip. For more information, please visit the following links: Application Guidance and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan

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Drinking Water

(Inserted exactly as provided — unchanged)

In Japan, tap water is among the safest in the world and is perfectly fine to drink. You’ll have access to clean, filtered water at all accommodations during your stay. In Thailand, we will have large containers of clean water for you to fill up your own water bottles as needed.

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Laundry �*

Laundromats in Japan; wash-and-fold in Thailand.

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What’s Included ✔️

• All lodging

• Breakfast & dinner daily + 8 lunches

• All listed activities

• Airport transfers

• Local guides

• Taxes & gratuities

Not included: transportation to/from program, internal flight fee ($1,185), lunches in Japan, snacks, souvenirs, laundry, and optional travel insurance.