Cultural Gems of Japan

Join us on our cultural and philanthropic trip to Japan! Home to 21 World Heritage Sites, Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations—and for good reasons! This beautiful, East Asian Island country has something for everyone, from stunning sceneries to delicious food and fascinating culture.

Apply to the Program

For an 11-day tour in April 2024, you'll visit Japan’s great cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima, and visit their numerous cultural locations, such as the world-famous Asakusa, Tokyo Sky Tree, and Akihabara. You'll also have the chance to experience some of the country's unique traditional landmarks, like Kiyomizu Dera Temple and UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine. Expert tour managers will lead your journey and handle the logistical details while providing you with professional resources throughout. Knowledgeable guides and travel ambassadors will provide you with an insider’s view of life in Japan. And all this time, you are traveling while making a difference to a community college student.

Tour Details:

Tour Dates:	April 7-18, 2024
Tour Provider:	The Learning Adventure
More Details:	View the Itinerary
Application Deadline:	November 1, 2023

Important Dates Download the Flyer Trip Itinerary Watch an Info Session Recording

Program Fee

Based on 25 - 30 participants + 1 full time guide: $4,849

Based on 20 - 24 participants + 1 full time guide: $4,999

Based on 15 - 19 participants + 1 full time guide: $5,169

Price per Participant
Excluding Flights
4-Star Hotels

Transfers, Accommodations, Meals and Inclusions

Accommodation

Accommodation for this price is based on 4 star hotels.
Participants in double rooms.
Optional: additional charge ($1,300) for single room request

In-Country Transportation

All transportation in your destination stated on your itinerary is included.

Meals

The following meals are included in your package:

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

We believe that experiencing local food is essential to immersing the Participant in the country’s culture. Therefore, we include a variety of different local food in each city, as well as local specialties.
Drinking water is provided

Guides

Full time adventure leaders are provided as per the pricing section above.
Adventure leaders are with you for the duration of the trip and are based on your destination year round. They are there to make your trip run smoothly and help with language barriers.

Your Itinerary

Morning activities are generally scheduled from 09:00 - 12:00, Afternoon activities 14:00 - 17:00, Evening activities 19:00 - 20:30. Occasionally times differ for certain itineraries or activities.
All entry fees to attractions listed on the itinerary are included.
Activities are subject to availability at time of booking.
All tips and charges are included in the costs, however please feel free to praise extraordinary service.
Due to unknown flight departure times, few activities are included on the first and last day. If the departing flight leaves in the afternoon or evening, we can provide activities and meals the day for additional charge.
Any changes made to the itinerary as per the participants’ wishes which lead to additional use of a guide or coach may come at a surcharge.
Travel insurance including Covid-19 cancellation cover is included as standard.

Physical Activity Level

Moderately Active: about two hours of walking a day

Flights

International flights - We can include international flights from your home country to your destination if this is your option. Flights can be booked in consultation with you.

Payment Schedule

To confirm your trip, we ask for an initial deposit of $450. A link to the payment website will be provided once you complete the program application form.
The final trip balance is due on January 8, 2024, about 3 months before departure.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

The application and the $450 deposit are due on November 1^st 2023. If a participant withdraws on or before November 1^st 2023, they shall receive a refund of: All fees paid less a $150 processing fee.
If a participant withdraws after November 1^st 2023, but on or before January 8th 2024, they shall receive a refund of all fees paid less the $450 deposit.
The total program fee is due on January 8^th 2024. If a participant withdraws after January 8th 2024, there is no refund.
If a participant withdraws once the program has begun, there is no refund, unless The Learning Adventure suspends the program.

Program Eligibility

Local resident in California or other states
Be 18 years of age or older.
Healthy to travel at moderate activity level

San Mateo County Community College District

A $500 contribution to the San Mateo County Community College District’s study abroad scholarship fund is included in the program fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Review our list of FAQs

Meet Your SMCCCD Community Travel Program Leader

Chikako Walker is the Acting Director of International Education at the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) which includes three fully accredited community colleges in Northern California: Cañada College, College of San Mateo and Skyline College. In her current role, she works closely with the international education team at the three colleges on key areas such as student recruitment, admissions, support services and program development. Prior to joining SMCCCD, Chikako served in a variety of roles at higher education institutions in the U.S., Australia and Japan. Chikako holds a BA in Education from Waseda University, Japan, and a Masters in International Education from New York University.

Study Abroad

SMCCCD Study Abroad