Japan: Tokyo Fusion (Middle School)

During the Japan: Tokyo Fusion (Middle School) program, students stay in comfortable, modern hotels in Tokyo. Rooms are shared by approximately 2–4 students of the same gender and include standard furnishings such as beds, storage space, and a small seating area. Hotels are carefully vetted by Rustic Pathways for safety, cleanliness, and suitability for middle school travelers.

All rooms have access to electricity, air conditioning, and private or semi-private bathrooms with Western-style toilets and hot showers, often with the high-tech features Japan is famous for. Common areas and elevators are monitored, and Program Leaders stay on the same property as students.

Students on the middle school program eat a mix of Japanese and familiar international foods at hotels, local restaurants, and casual eateries around Tokyo. Breakfast is usually the lightest meal of the day and may include items such as bread, fruit, yogurt, eggs, cereal, and juice. Lunch and dinner are more substantial and often feature rice, noodles, meat or fish, vegetables, and classic Japanese dishes like ramen, curry, donburi, and tempura.

Program Leaders help middle school students explore new foods at a comfortable pace while ensuring there are options they recognize and enjoy. There are also opportunities to try snacks such as onigiri, mochi, and Japanese desserts.

Tap water in Japan is safe for drinking, brushing teeth, and showering. Students will also have access to bottled or filtered water during the program. To reduce plastic waste, participants should bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day.

Dietary Requirements/Food Allergies – Vegetarians and gluten-free students are easily accommodated on this program. With advance notice, most allergies are able to be accommodated on this program. Please note all allergies and food restrictions on medical forms so our team has time to arrange different food options if necessary.

The middle school program includes a moderate level of physical activity, primarily through walking and exploring Tokyo. Students use public transportation and walk between neighborhoods, temples, museums, and other sites. It is common to walk 10,000–15,000 steps in a day while sightseeing and riding trains.

No advanced athletic ability is required, but participants should be comfortable being on their feet for several hours, climbing stairs in train stations, and navigating busy city streets in warm and sometimes humid weather. Program Leaders set an age-appropriate pace and build in rest, shade, and hydration breaks throughout the day.

Most middle school students join a chaperoned group flight arranged by Rustic Pathways from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tokyo (HND). A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader meets students at LAX, assists with check-in and security, and travels with the group to Japan. For families not choosing the chaperoned flight option, flight arrival times will be arranged with the Rustic Pathways team and the student will meet the group at the arrival airport. The advertised program dates include international travel time from and back to the United States.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, Program Leaders greet the group and accompany students to the hotel. During the program, students travel around the city by subway, train, and private bus as needed. At the end of the trip, students on the group flight return from Tokyo to LAX with a Flight Leader, or meet family members according to pre-arranged plans.

Visa – For students traveling on United States passports, short-term tourism stays in Japan generally do not require a visa obtained in advance. Students traveling on passports not issued by the United States are responsible for checking their own visa requirements with the appropriate consulate or embassy well before departure.

In Tokyo, the summer season is hot.  Temperatures average from 85-95F/29-35C during the day, with only a little cooling at night. It is also humid during the day which can make the heat feel stronger. It can rain 8-15 days each month, but umbrellas are easily obtained on a rainy day.

All our accommodations and most stores are equipped with air-conditioning to give us a place to rest and recover after the hot days. We’ve planned activities to try to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. However, be prepared to be hot at times, but we’ll help you cool off with a cool drink whenever you need it.

Middle school students may bring their phones on the program, but they are expected to follow Rustic Pathways’ cell phone policy. Phone use is not allowed during group activities, meals, or times when it distracts from safety or the shared experience. Students are encouraged to be present, build friendships, and fully engage with their surroundings.

Wi-Fi is available at the hotel and in many public spaces around Tokyo, though speeds and reliability can vary. Middle school families are not required to purchase an international phone plan; students can use Wi-Fi to communicate with home during designated times. Parents receive updates from Rustic staff during the program and can reach Rustic’s 24/7 emergency line if needed.

The program fee covers core costs such as accommodations, in-country transportation, most meals, and scheduled activities. Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, snacks, extra drinks, optional arcade games, and any additional phone or internet use, are not included in the program price.

Rustic Pathways generally recommends middle school families budget around US $150–$200 for the 8-day program to cover souvenirs and incidentals, though spending varies by student. Japan uses the Japanese Yen (JPY) as its currency. Students are encouraged to exchange some money into yen before departure or upon arrival in Japan.

Shopping – Many middle school students enjoy shopping in Tokyo for character goods, stationery, snacks, and clothing. Program Leaders supervise shopping time and ensure students remain in small groups. Families should discuss an appropriate budget and packing plan in advance so students can bring home their purchases comfortably.

Because Japan: Tokyo Fusion (Middle School) is an 8-day program, students should pack enough clothing for the full trip. Laundry is not guaranteed and is generally reserved for emergencies only. In some cases, staff may help arrange access to coin laundry or hotel laundry for urgent needs, but this should not be relied upon as part of normal packing plans.

Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is recommended so that small items can be hand-washed in the sink and hung to dry if absolutely necessary.

Middle school students should wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather and full days of walking. Lightweight fabrics such as cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics work best. Closed-toe shoes or sturdy sneakers are essential for navigating trains, sidewalks, and stairs safely.

Students should also bring a light jacket or hoodie for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces, plus modest attire for temple visits or more formal cultural sites (shoulders and knees covered). A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are helpful for sunny days, and at least one slightly nicer outfit is recommended for special group dinners or activities.

Student health and safety are top priorities on all Rustic Pathways programs, especially for middle school travelers. Trained Program Leaders supervise students 24/7, maintain appropriate group ratios, and use established risk management procedures for all activities and transportation. Accommodations, transportation providers, and activities are carefully vetted for safety and reliability.

Program Leaders are experienced in working with younger teens and provide clear expectations, structured group times, and consistent check-ins. Families are encouraged to review Rustic Pathways’ Health & Safety measures for detailed information about supervision, emergency response, and safety practices abroad.

Rustic Pathways offers an optional Travel Protection Plan for students participating in Japan: Tokyo Fusion (Middle School). This plan is designed to help protect families in the event of covered situations such as trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies, lost or delayed baggage, and certain travel delays.

Coverage details, limits, and exclusions depend on the specific policy selected. Families should review the full policy documentation provided by Rustic’s insurance partner before purchasing. Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan.