Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to availability and local conditions at the time of departure.
Day 1: Wednesday, September 11
Depart the US for Tokyo
Say your goodbyes and board your flight for Tokyo! Because of the time zone change and crossing the international date line, you will arrive one or two days later than your departing flight.
Meals included: Some meals may be included on flights; check with your airline for more information.
Day 2: Thursday, September 12
Transit Day or Arrive in Tokyo
Because of the time zone change and crossing the international date line, some students will be in transit on this day. For those that do arrive in Tokyo on this day, an EF team member will meet you at the airport to take you to your accommodations, help you settle into Tokyo, and give you a brief walking tour introduction to the city.
Meals included: If in transit, some meals may be included on flights. Dinner included for those who arrive in Tokyo by the afternoon.
Day 3: Friday, September 13
Arrive in Tokyo
Most students will arrive in Tokyo on this day.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4: Saturday, September 14
Explore Tokyo
Kick-off your journey with time set aside for an in-person orientation. Orientation is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers along with your supportive staff. Meaningful and engaging activities will help your group bond and discover ways to approach your EF Gap with intentionality. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of Tokyo, the largest city in the world! Take in sights like the Meiji Shrine, the Sky Tree, and the Harajuku Neighborhood. Learn how to make authentic Japanese sushi in a cooking class.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5: Sunday, September 15
Settle In
This is a free day for you to move into and settle into to your residence in Tokyo. Get your bearings in the city, buy anything you need for your residence or your classes, and get ready to start classes tomorrow!
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: Monday, September 16
Orientation and First Day of Class
Head to the EF Language Campus for your first day of classes. Get to know the staff at the campus who are there to support you, and do some sessions to get you oriented to the school. Take your placement exam to find out what Japanese class you will join, and jump right into your first class!
Meals included: None, but you have kitchen access
Days 7-10: Tuesday, September 17 – Friday, September 20
First Week of Class
Have your first week of class at the EF Tokyo Campus! You’ll spend approximately 2.5 hours each day in the classroom. There will be optional activities at the language school throughout the week to help you immerse yourself in Japanese culture!
Meals included: None, but you have kitchen access
Days 11-12: Saturday, September 21 – Sunday, September 22
Free Weekend
Enjoy a free weekend to explore Tokyo or take a weekend trip.
Meals included: None, but you have kitchen access
Days 13 – 17: Monday, September 23 – Friday, September 27
Second Week of Classes
Have your second week of classes at the EF Language School. At this point, you’ll be settling into your routine and getting used to speaking Japanese every day!
Meals included: None, but you have kitchen access
Day 18: Saturday, September 28
Head to Hakone – Mt. Fuji Views
In the morning, head with your group to nearby Hakone, at the base of Mt. Fuji. Take in the views of the iconic Mt. Fuji as you take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi and a cable car up to Mt. Komagatake. Visit the Open Air Museum.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 19: Sunday, September 29
Hakone Shrine & Gate of Peace
Spend the morning soaking in the nature of the Hakone area with a visit to the Hakone Shrine and the Gate of Peace. Then head back to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo to get ready for your Monday classes.
Meals included: Breakfast
Days 20-30: Monday, September 30 – Thursday, October 10
Language Classes & Free Weekend
Spend two more weeks immersed in Japanese language and culture at the Tokyo Language Campus. Spend the free weekend exploring Tokyo, resting, or heading out to see more of Japan on your own.
Meals included: None, but you have kitchen access
Day 31: Friday, October 11
Language Classes & Depart for Kanazawa
In the morning, participate in your language classes at the EF Language Campus in Tokyo. In the afternoon, head to Kanazawa, a beautiful town on Japan’s western coast, known for its well-preserved historical districts, beautiful gardens, and samurai history. This will be your home base as you explore the nearby Japanese Alps.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 32: Saturday, October 12
Chubu-Sangaku National Park
Visit Chubu-Sangaku National Park, where you’ll take in picturesque alpine mountains, pristine lakes, and beautiful vistas. Hike along Taisho Pond, a picturesque mountain lake formed by a volcanic eruption, and cross Kappabashi, a suspension bridge with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 33: Sunday, October 13
Explore Takayama Old Town
Spend the morning exploring the nearby city of Takayama, strolling through the Old Town and taking in the well-preserved Edo-style homes dating back to the 17th century. In the afternoon, return to Tokyo and prepare for your classes on Monday.
Meals included: Breakfast
Days 34-54: Monday, October 14 – Sunday, November 3
Continued Language Classes
By this point in the program, you will be deeply immersed into Japanese language & culture. Spend several weeks working hard at your language classes, exploring Tokyo during your free time, and truly living in Tokyo like a local. You’ll be amazed at how much progress you’ll make during these few weeks. Enjoy free weekends to take trips to nearby cities or towns, or keep exploring all that Tokyo has to offer.
Meals included: None, but you have kitchen access
Days 55-59: Monday, November 4
Final Week of Classes
Round out your time at the EF Language Campus. Put your language knowledge to the test as you go through your daily life in Tokyo. On your final day of class, celebrate all that you’ve accomplished with a graduation ceremony and dinner with your cohort.
Meals included: None, but you have kitchen access
Day 60: Saturday, November 9
Head to Osaka
Pack up your things and head to Osaka! Known as the “Kitchen of Japan,” this city is a culinary paradise. Osaka’s rich history is juxtaposed with futuristic architecture, making it a perfect place to experience a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and food. Arrive in Osaka and have a dinner with your group.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 61: Sunday, November 10
Explore Osaka
Spend the day seeing the sights of Osaka. Visit the massive Osaka Castle, which houses a museum dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the legendary leader who built it. Stroll through Kuromon Ichiba Market, famous for its selection of fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, and other Japanese specialties. Walk to Dōtonbori, one of the most colorful areas in the city and a haven for food culture.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 62: Monday, November 11
Universal Studios Visit
Visit Japan’s incredible Universal Studios amusement park. Get an adrenaline kick on the rollercoasters and immerse yourselves in the worlds of Mario, the Minions, and Pikachu.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 63: Tuesday, November 12
Free Day in Osaka
Enjoy a free day to explore the city of Osaka on your own. This is a great chance to flex your language and culture skills in a new city!
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 64: Wednesday, November 13
Hiroshima & Peace Memorial Park
Travel from Osaka to Hiroshima, where you’ll get to know this renowned City of Peace by visiting Peace Memorial Park to see the ruined Atomic Bomb Dome, marking the exact location where the atomic bomb detonated during World War II. Learn about the aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing and the mission to create a world without nuclear weapons, during a visit to the Peace Memorial Museum.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 65: Thursday, November 14
Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine
Take a short boat ride from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island to view the 12th-century, UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 66: Friday, November 15
Travel to Kyoto
Head from Hiroshima to Kyoto, your final stop on your journey through Japan.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 67: Saturday, November 16
Explore Kyoto
Spend a day exploring Kyoto. Kyoto is where you’ll see a lot of traditional Japanese culture — think kimonos, tea ceremonies, and Zen temples. Learn all about Kyoto’s past and present with a local guide. Check out castles, shrines, temples along the way.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 68: Sunday, November 17
Zen Garden & Meditation Session
Visit a local Buddhist temple and immerse yourself in the spiritual traditions of Japan. Tour the temple and tap in to your unconscious mind during a guided Zen meditation session. Visit the Zen gardens. Have a free afternoon to explore the city on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 69: Monday, November 18
Visit to Fushimi Inari
Walk through Fushimi Inari, a Shinto shrine famous for thousands of red Torii gates. Walk up steps and follow the pathway of gates up the mountain to the Yotsutsuji intersection, and take in the panoramic views of Kyoto. Enjoy a free afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 70: Tuesday, November 19
Wrap-Up
Spend some time with your group reflecting on all that you’ve been through during your semester through workshops and sessions. In the evening, have a final Farewell Dinner with your group before heading home.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 71: Wednesday, November 20
Fly Home
Bid farewell to your group! Fly out of Osaka back to your home city.
Meals included: Breakfast
Packing
Pack two weeks’ worth of what you will need. You’ll have the opportunity to do laundry and you’ll want to leave room for souvenirs. Neutral colors and accessories make mixing and matching easy. The most important thing to bring is comfortable walking shoes. Additionally “athleisure” is not super common in Japan, so we suggest assembling a capsule wardrobe. We also ask you prepare to be visiting places–such as temples–that require modest clothing (knees and shoulders covered).
Budgeting
Whatever your personal spending habits are, it’s important to anticipate your expenses and budget accordingly so that you can travel care-free with more time to enjoy participating in your program. While many meals and activities are included during your EF Gap program, we want to help you build a realistic budget for additional expenses so that you can fully enjoy trying the local cuisine, participating in activities in your free time, and, of course, shopping for souvenirs to bring back home.
Clothing:
– T-shirts (5)
– Tank tops (2-3)
– Nice shirts/outfits (2-3)
– Nicer shirts/blouses (1-2)
– Raincoat/windbreaker
– Socks and underwear (2 weeks)
– Warmer layers, like a jacket or sweater (2)
– Lightweight pajamas
– A bathing suit
Shoes:
– Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
– Flip-flops/sandals
– Optional: boots
– Reusable water bottle
– Sunglasses
– Hat for sun coverage (you may want an additional hat for warmth if your program is in the fall or spring)
– Headphones
– Portable charger
– Travel lock for luggage and belongings
– Laundry bag
– Packing cubes (optional)
– Micro fiber towel / beach towel (optional)
– Camera / memory card / charging cables (optional)
– Face masks (note that these were common in Japan even before COVID-19. It is considered respectful and normal to wear a mask in Japan if you’re feeling abit sick or just want an extra layer of protection in crowded places, such as in public transit.)
– Toothbrush / toothpaste
– Deodorant
– Body wash/soap
– Shampoo / conditioner
– Hairbrush
– Sunscreen
– Stomach soothing medication
– Wet wipes
– Stain Remover stick / detergent packs
– Contact lenses / solution / eye glasses (if needed)
– Menstrual products (if needed)
– Passport
Pro tip: bring a photo copy as well
– Copy of your flight itinerary
Found in your EF Gap Year portal
– Copy of your itinerary and accommodations
Found in your EF Gap Year portal
– Health Documents:
CDC vaccination card (if applicable)
– Copy of any prescriptions
– Primary Health Insurance card from the U.S.
– Backpack
This is your carry-on! It can also double as your daily bag while abroad.
– Wallet
Bring your debit or ATM card so you can withdraw cash, as well as your credit card, ID, and student ID if you have one (discounts!)
– Medications
For prescriptions, make sure it is in original container and bring enough of a supply to last your program.
– COVID-19 CDC vaccination card
Or, a negative COVID test result if applicable.
– Entertainment!
Books, downloaded Netflix streams and Spotify playlists, magazines, travel journal, deck of cards, etc.
– Passport
– Airline ticket
– Reusable water bottle
– Neck pillow / eye mask / ear plugs
– Toothbrush / toothpaste
– Contact lenses / solution / eyeglasses
We don’t recommend traveling with large sums of cash. You may want to convert a small amount money to the currency of your first destination. From there, you’ll be able to access local currency by using your debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM.
Be sure to check with your bank ahead of time and, if necessary, provide a travel notice so they don’t block the card for suspected fraud. Also ask them about any foreign transaction fees that might apply, as these can add up quickly. Apple Pay is another great option that past students have used during their time on-program.
Japan’s currency is the Japanese yen (¥)
Plan to budget around $30-50 per day for living expenses during your time in Japan.
Japan is a place where you can find a range of prices for food and activities.
While on your program, all your breakfasts will be covered as well as some dinners.
In your residence in Tokyo, you will have access to a kitchen. Buying food at the supermarket and cooking many of your own meals is a great way to keep costs down.
We recommend budgeting up to $50 a week for extra costs. This could mean putting money aside for things like:
Additional items of clothing
Emergencies
Extra toiletries
Souvenirs
Laundry (This can vary in cost based on where you are. To save money, we suggest bringing a small bottle of condensed soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s, that you can use to wash your clothes in the sink.)
Optional activities or excursions:
Throughout your program, you may have opportunities through the EF Language Campus for additional excursions and activities; typically, these experiences can cost anywhere from $10-$50+, and there may be one or two opportunities like this each week.
You have a card for public transportation included for you in Tokyo. Your Tour Director will hand this card out to you when you arrive in a new city. Public transportation — including buses, metros, trams, ferries, and more — is often the most cost-effective and the most efficient way to get around Japanese cities. Your Tour Director will help you understand the basics of the public transportation in each city you visit.
Access to and costs for cabs and other ride services can vary. Cabs or ride shares can cost anywhere between $10 to $40 (or even higher for a long distance or during a peak time), depending on your distance, location, and time of request. On average in most cities you will be in, a cab or ride share will cost around $20–$25.
To make the most of your time during your program, this section gives some helpful context and resources for the locations you’ll visit during your program.
The Basics
Japan is a friendly and welcoming country, steeped in history and tradition.
Japan is an archipelago on the eastern edge of Asia with four main islands and nearly 4,000 smaller islands. The country has become a symbol of modernity and economic development, boasting the world’s second largest economy for more than 40 years; Japan also maintains many rich cultural traditions that date back thousands of years.
Japan is known globally for anime, a style of animation popularized by Japanese artists Osamu Tezuka and others. The impact that anime culture has had on Japan is so great that it’s birthed the otaku subcultures, which include roleplaying, computer gaming, and cosplaying. These hobbies have huge followings both in Japan and internationally.
Public transportation in Japan is extremely efficient and can take you almost anywhere in the country with comfort and ease. Travelers can use metro trains, buses, and taxis to move between tourist areas while the bullet train (shinkansen) or planes are the best option for long-distance trips. While the trains are extremely efficient, due to the size of major cities such as Tokyo, its common for commutes to be more than 1.5 hrs.
The climate in Japan varies widely regionally and seasonally, with cold snowy winters and hot humid summers. Tokyo maintains a temperate climate similar to Washington D.C.
Tokyo is the vibrant and electric capital of Japan. It’s the world’s most populous city and has a unique culture all its own. Some more traditional Japanese customs are gradually being phased out as the city becomes more international, but the heart of Tokyo still revolves around the Japanese values and cultures of respect, helping others, knowing your role, and contributing to your community. All of Tokyo’s vibrant city districts offer unique experiences: travelers can explore the commercial hub of the city in Shinjuku, walk the world’s busiest intersection in Shibuya, check out the anime and arcades in neon Akihabara, and window shop in the colorful Harajuku.
Key Cultural Norms and Guidelines
Common phrases
Hello: Kon’nichiwa
Excuse me: Sumimasen
Thank you: Arigato
Practices for customary greetings etc.: Be respectful. As with most forms of etiquette, it’s best to follow the lead of the person you’re with, or the person who is introducing you. Typically, the person of lower status bows first and more deeply than the elder; however, most Japanese people—especially the younger crowd—will not expect you to bow and will instead reach for a handshake.
There are typically two types of fashion worn in Japan: traditional Japanese clothing (wafuku) and western clothing (youfuku). Modern Japanese fashion is similar to, yet distinct from western clothing. Many fashion trendsetters take inspiration from, and are influenced by, traditional Japanese fashion. Travelers won’t need to update their wardrobe to visit Japan, but it is recommended to be appropriately dressed to show respect when visiting temples and shrines (i.e., shoulders and knees covered).
You should not tip at restaurants: gratuity is included in the bill and it can feel offensive or confusing if you try to tip on top of that.
In Japan, you will not find many trash cans in public spaces. Do as the locals do and keep a plastic bag in your purse or daypack to put trash in until you see a trash can.
Public transportation can get crowded, so be prepared to have your personal space bubble burst. It’s important to be quiet and put your phone on silent mode; additionally, you should not eat or drink anything while riding the train.
For decades before COVID-19, face masks have been a common sight in Japan, both as a protection against colds and to avoid passing sickness on to others. Masks are still required in almost every indoor setting and on public transit in Japan. Be prepared to wear one whenever you leave the house.
Notes and Advice from the EF Community
The Japanese population is fairly homogenous, with little ethnic and racial diversity. Beauty standards tend toward light, flawless skin, a petite figure, and a quiet personality. Travelers with darker skin may encounter stares or comments from locals that indicate some ingrained prejudices, but this is in most cases driven by curiosity or misinformation and not hate.
Most people in Japan are accepting of LGBTQ+ people and traveling in Japan as a queer-identifying person is safe; however, Japanese society places more emphasis on group identity and values than personal expression. Sexuality is considered a private matter meaning discussions and public displays of affection are uncommon.
Japan can be expensive! Budget $50-$60 per day for pocket money as lunch meals cost approx. 1,000 Yen (~$7.50) and dinner meals can cost more than 5,000 Yen (~$35) per person.
You Don’t Want to Miss the Food!
Broth-based dishes and noodles of all kinds are eaten year-round at any time of day. Other common Japanese dishes include many different types of sushi, curry rice with chicken or pork katsu, and okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake commonly eaten as street food.
Not only are Japanese 7/11s the safest place to withdraw money, but they are also chockfull of meals and snacks you’ve probably never tried plus pretty much anything else you might need, including clothing and home goods.
You can eat ramen just about anywhere in Tokyo, but here are Eater’s top 16 ramen restaurants to try.
For the freshest sushi, check out Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Fish Market or one of the other notable fish markets located all over Japan.
Don’t forget to bring face masks.
Before You Go
Read Rice, Noodle, Fish: Deep Travels Through Japan’s Food Culture by Matt Goulding
Read After Dark by Haruki Murakami
Listen to Japan 2.0 (Podcast, available on iTunes)
Practice your chopstick skills!
Travel provides incredible opportunities to learn about yourself, the world, and yourself in the world. But travel is also a deeply emotional experience that can bring different challenges to every individual based on the identities they hold and experiences they’ve had.
This resource is intended to help you think about how your intersecting identities can, and will, shape your experience as an EF student. Take some time to review our Social Identity Resources to hear different perspectives, learn about identity-specific resources, and prepare with helpful tips before you go abroad.
EF Gap Year is a key part of EF’s expansive global network. With a presence in over 120 countries, 52,000 staff, 600 schools and offices, and over 400 community partners our team has your back and is always available to help you succeed on your journey.
Your advisor's role is to support you from a distance, check-in with you throughout the program, and encourage you to achieve your goals. Your advisor liaises with your Tour Director, Student Life Coordinator, and local EF staff, collectively working to ensure the success of your experience. Your advisor is also available for parents and guardians as well. Your advisor, along with the entire advising team, work from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM EST Monday through Friday.
Your Tour Director, is the logistical and safety coordinator of the group. They are a local guide who will serve as your best resource for logistical support, like ensuring you arrive on time for flights or helping you find the nearest ATM. They are also there for safety purposes and can help with medical concerns or emergencies as well. In certain countries, Tour Directors may be referred to as Field Directors.
Your Student Life Coordinator supports the group dynamic as well as provides individual socio-emotional support on the ground. They will be present for the duration of the program and are available to encourage you to develop new relationships and support you in overcoming challenges, like homesickness.
The Safety & Incident Response Team is available to all of our students 24/7 and is trained to support students in times of crisis.
The EF Emergency Line is: 617-619-2520
You can count on these experts, who work with a network of healthcare professionals and government personnel, to oversee proactive operational welfare measures and provide aid to our students on program all over the world—so regardless of the time zone or program, whatever the circumstance, whatever the hour, EF will be there to answer your call.