Arts & Culture in Tokyo and Kyoto
Explore Japan: Art, Culture, and Contemporary Life
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Japan with Suzie Kim, Associate Professor of Art History, and Jason Robinson, Associate Professor of Studio Art. This two-week study abroad trip offers an immersive experience into Japanese culture, art, and history, both past and present. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, you’ll explore iconic landmarks, enjoy local cuisine, and experience Japan’s rich heritage.
Discover Tokyo: Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara; experience the immersive digital art of teamLab Borderless; visit the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Park; and take in a professional baseball game at Tokyo Dome.
Experience Kyoto: Travel by bullet train to historic Kyoto and explore Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Gion. Experience traditional Japanese culture through a kimono rental and walk through Higashiyama, visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji, and explore the bamboo forest and temples of Arashiyama.
Explore Japan’s Art Islands: Travel by ferry to the island of Naoshima, one of Japan’s celebrated destinations for contemporary art and architecture. Visit the Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, and Benesse House Museum, experiencing works by internationally renowned artists in dialogue with the island’s landscape and architecture.
Immerse Yourself in Japanese Culture: Experience a traditional taiko drumming performance, enjoy Japanese cuisine, travel by public transportation and bullet train, and experience the unique character of cities and neighborhoods throughout the trip.
From traditional temples and gardens to cutting-edge digital art and contemporary museums, this trip offers an immersive introduction to Japan—past, present, and future.
Summer 2027
May 12 – 26, 2027
Program Fee: $8,280
Registration and $500 non-refundable deposit due: February 1, 2027
Final Balance ($7,780) due: March 1, 2027
Use the Make a Standard Payment button below to pay your deposit and regular program balance payment. Use the Make a Flexible Payment option to pay an alternate amount (such as additional insurance or payment in a different amount as a result of a scholarship award).
Online payees have the choice of either credit card or eCheck (ACH) payment. ACH transactions will be charged a flat fee of $0.50 per transaction. All credit card payments will incur a 2.95% service fee. For credit card payments, a minimum convenience fee of $3.00 will be applied to transactions over $20.00 and under $102.00.
Students can avoid fees by paying in-person at the UMW Cashier’s office by cash or check (made out to “UMW”). The Cashier’s office is located on the 2nd floor of Lee Hall.
Students will enroll in the spring 2027 semester course: IDIS 350CC for three credits. The course will meet on the Fredericksburg campus during the last 8 weeks of the spring semester to be followed by the required travel portion to Japan in May. Contact Professor Jason Robinson for syllabus details. Open to all majors.
This course satisfies the Beyond the Classroom OR Diverse and Global Perspectives general education requirement by contract with the Faculty Director.
Students will stay in single, double and triple occupancy in local hotels; arrangements will vary by location.
Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in order to participate. The program is also open to all majors.
Included in the program fee:
- International airfare
- Accommodations (breakfasts and WiFi included)
- Some lunches
- Group excursions and entrance tickets per itinerary
- In-country transportation per itinerary
- UMW Education Abroad Fee
- International medical insurance
Excluded in the program fee:
- Passport and/or visa fees
- Souvenirs and other personal expenses
- Personal health costs (ex. vaccination fees, COVID-19 testing, etc.)
- Independent site-seeing and associated travel and entrance fees
- Most dinners
This program requires a moderate to high level of activity, including significant city walking and lengthy hours.
International travel may require immunizations or preventative medicines. Please refer to the US Center for Disease Control’s Traveler’s Health Information Page for recommendations. The UMW Health Center provides free travel consultations by appointment, as well as travel information for UMW students. The Center for International Education recommends that each student have a personalized medical consultation prior to international travel.
Visit CIE’s Scholarships & Funding webpage to learn more about financial options as it relates to education abroad including Financial Aid, 529 Plans, etc.