Arts & Culture in Tokyo and Kyoto
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Japan with Suzie Kim, Associate Professor of Art History, and Jason Robinson, Associate Professor of Digital 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, indulge in local cuisine, and experience Japan’s rich heritage.
- Explore Tokyo: Wander through the vibrant neighborhoods of Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya; visit the renowned TeamLab Planets; and enjoy breathtaking views from Tokyo Tower.
- Cultural Experiences: Participate in a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto’s historic Gion district, witness the beauty of Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari Taisha, and experience the energy of a live kabuki performance in Ginza.
- Art & Entertainment: Dive into the world of Studio Ghibli at the Ghibli Museum, enjoy a day trip to Universal Studio Japan, and explore the cultural treasures of Ueno Park’s museums.
- Historical Landmarks: Discover the ancient temples of Kyoto, including Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, and take a day trip to Nara to see the famous Hōryū-ji and Tōdai-ji, with its giant Buddha and friendly deer.
- Modern Marvels: Experience the excitement of a baseball game at Tokyo Dome, stroll through the futuristic district of Akihabara, and unwind at the serene Meiji Shrine.
Summer 2025
May 14 – 28, 2025
Program Fee: $7,971*
Registration and $500 non-refundable deposit due: February 1, 2025*
Final Balance ($7,471) due: March 1, 2025**
*program fee is tentative, may decrease.
**deadlines subject to change. Notice will be provided.
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 2025 semester course: IDIS 350(tbd) 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 Dr. Suzie Kim 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 double or triple occupancy in local hotels. Should a student require alternate arrangements, they must contact cie@umw.edu ASAP to discuss options and associated costs.
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.