Japan: Tokyo Fusion (College)

Students in the Japan: Tokyo Fusion (College) program stay in comfortable hostels in Tokyo. Rooms are typically shared by 2–6 students and include beds, electricity, modern bathrooms, and air-conditioning. Hotels have Western-style toilets and showers, and students have reliable access to hot water and standard amenities throughout the program.

In Kanazawa, we stay in a guesthouse rented out just for our group. Rooms are shared with 2-5 students. We are located conveniently near the train station with a convenience store just across the street for easy late-night snack runs.

Students enjoy a mix of Japanese and international food while traveling in Tokyo. Breakfast is usually the lightest meal of the day and may include bread, fruit, tea, and coffee. Lunch and dinner are more substantial, with options such as rice, noodles, meat, fish, vegetables, and other fresh ingredients common in Japanese cuisine.

Vegetarian and gluten-free students can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Students should list all allergies and dietary restrictions on their medical forms so Rustic Pathways staff can plan appropriate meal options. Tap water in Japan is safe for drinking, brushing teeth, and showering, and students also have access to bottled or purified water as needed. Everyone should bring a reusable water bottle to help reduce plastic waste.

This program includes a moderate level of physical activity, primarily through walking and exploring Japan. 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 appropriate pace and build in rest, shade, and hydration breaks throughout the day.

Rustic Pathways offers escorted group flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (HND) for this program. The advertised dates include international travel time to and from the United States. Students and families receive detailed flight information after enrollment and should plan to arrive at the group’s departure airport on time for check-in.

There are no internal flights during this program. Once in Japan, students travel by subway, local trains, and private buses to move around Tokyo and nearby areas.

International students from 53+ countries join programs like Japan: Tokyo Fusion each year.

Students outside the United States enroll online or with help from Admissions. After enrollment, our team coordinates flights into Tokyo (HND) in Japan and answers travel questions.

Many families speak with Admissions before enrolling to confirm travel plans and feel confident about the journey.

We guide international students through:

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Booking flights that match group schedules into Tokyo (HND)

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Meeting passport and visa requirements for Japan

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Paying in USD

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Coordinating arrival and departure with Program Leaders

Students may bring their phones on the Japan: Tokyo Fusion (College) program but must follow Rustic Pathways’ cell phone policy. Phones should not be used during group activities or in ways that disrupt the group dynamic. Excessive or inappropriate phone use may result in staff limiting access.

Wi-Fi is available at the hotel and in many public locations around Tokyo, but Rustic Pathways encourages students to disconnect and fully engage with the experience. International phone plans generally work well in Japan, but Rustic Pathways does not require students to purchase one. Parents will receive updates from Rustic staff during the program and can reach Rustic’s 24/7 emergency line if needed.

Most core costs—accommodations, meals, in-country transportation, and scheduled activities—are included in the program fee. Students should budget additional money for personal expenses such as extra snacks, souvenirs, and optional treats like arcade games or small shopping purchases.

Rustic Pathways recommends bringing approximately $150 per week for incidentals. Japan primarily uses the Japanese Yen (JPY). Many students exchange money into yen before departure or withdraw yen from ATMs upon arrival in Japan. Families should also discuss a realistic budget and packing plan for souvenirs, as shopping opportunities are available in several neighborhoods.

Tokyo in June is generally warm and humid. Daytime temperatures often reach the upper 70s to low 80s°F (mid-20s°C), and evenings are mild. June is also part of the early rainy season, so students should expect some rain and higher humidity.

Rustic Pathways recommends packing lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothing, along with a light rain jacket or umbrella. Layers are useful for moving between warm outdoor temperatures and air-conditioned indoor spaces.

Because Japan: Tokyo Fusion 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.

Students should wear casual, modest, and comfortable clothing suitable for warm, humid weather and frequent walking. Breathable fabrics such as cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics are ideal. Outfits should be appropriate for visiting shrines, temples, and city neighborhoods, which may require shoulders and midriffs to be covered.

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes are essential, as students will spend significant time on their feet and using public transportation. A light jacket or layer is helpful for cooler evenings or air-conditioned indoor spaces.

Student health and safety are top priorities on all Rustic Pathways programs, including the Japan: Tokyo Fusion (College) trip. Rustic Pathways maintains comprehensive safety protocols, including trained staff, 24/7 emergency support, vetted accommodations, and well-established risk management systems.

Families are encouraged to review Rustic Pathways’s detailed Health & Safety measures for more information about supervision, emergency response, and student well-being while abroad.

Rustic Pathways offers an optional Travel Protection Plan for students participating in the Japan: Tokyo Fusion (College) program. This plan can help protect families from unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, or travel delays.

Coverage details may vary, so families should review the full policy provided through Rustic Pathways’s insurance partner. Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan.