The vast majority of the cost goes to airfare, which is variable from year to year. Aside from the airfare for the group, the trip costs include about $220 paid per student for activities, meals, and transportation while we are on the ground in Nagaokakyo and doing our excursions. Rather than an itemized breakdown, it would be best to note that the cost of the trip includes airfare, lodging, meals, and all activities, and that more than 90% of the trip costs cover group airfare.The less children participate in the trip, the more the trip costs, so encourage your friends to apply!
Summer begins in June and the country experiences a three to four-week rainy season during which the farmers plant their rice. It is hot and humid during this time and temperatures are often in the high 90’s. Summer wraps up in August. You will arrive around the end of the rainy season. Be sure to pack accordingly!
There are several helpful links for those who don't have a passport.
http://www.uspassportnow.com/passportapplicationservices?gclid=CLan4v-lv7oCFUyd4AodnUMAGA
https://www.travel-state-passport.com/?gclid=CPn75_6lv7oCFQyZ4AodzCoAtQ
are both helpful sites, be sure to give yourself a month or two before you expect to depart.
If you aren't sure where to begin, this is an helpful article that outlines the processes.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2013/04/04/passport-101-how-to-apply-renew-or-replace/2051177/
If you already have a passport, make sure it won't expire before you travel to Japan, or while you are there.
Keep in mind that 1 Japanese Yen equals 0.01 US Dollar. It is helpful to think of the yen as a cent. If you buy something that is worth 300 yen, it is worth 3.00 dollars.
Suggested Packing List
Temperatures will be in the high 80’s and 90’s. You will need a few different sets of clothing for this trip, casual, formal, and school attire. We will be touring outdoors for long periods of time – you will want to be comfortable. Be sure to bring layers! Mornings might be cool, but the afternoon sun is strong.
Put a ribbon or something unique on your bag. Most look alike and you want to be able to spot your belongings quickly.
We will be traveling for 11 days and laundry will be done on a regular basis. You are allowed to check 50lbs on the plane and your suitcase may weigh up to 20lbs with nothing in it! (Be sure to weigh it before you get to the airport!)
You will want room for souvenirs as well! I suggest packing an empty duffle bag in your suitcase in case you do not have enough space/are overweight on the trip home. Please be prepared, but do not over pack. Here is a recommended list.
Clothing / Footwear
Underwear, socks, etc
6 tops
3-4 white/buttondown shirts (appropriate to wear to school)
2-3 pairs of lighter pants / shorts / capris
2-3 pairs of pants (two pairs should be black/dark blue)
1–2PJ’s/Clothestorelaxin
1 heavy layer (sweaters / sweatshirts/fleece)
1 light jacket or windbreaker/rain jacket
Inexpensive watch
1 baseball hat
1 onepiece bathing suit
1 pair of good walking shoes
1 pair of “new” sneakers. These will be worn only in the school. They do not need to be brand new, but should be clean and without holes.
1 pair of sandals, 1 pair of sunglasses
Personal Items: all packed in checked luggage
Showering stuff (Small bottles work best!) Shampoo / Conditioner / Soap
Travelpack tissues
Deodorant
Toothbrush / toothpaste / floss (nothing electric)
Minimal makeup
Razors and other shaving supplies (packed in your checked luggage!!!)
Skin care products (lotion, chapstick, etc)
Sanitary Supplies (Even if you think you will not need them.)
Hair care needs (brush / comb / spray / gel)
Hairdryers / straighteners are strongly discouraged because they will need converters and adapters to work; the voltage in Japan is different. The difference in voltage could cause it to break as well. DO NOT bring anything expensive or difficult to replace.
Medical
Overthecounter pain relief such as Advil, Tylenol, Imodium (you will be eating different foods) – the medication in Japan is different than the U.S. so anything you normally need you should bring along.
Motion sickness medicine if you get sick in moving vehicles (We will be on the plane and on a bus.)
Prescription medication that is clearly labeled with the same name as your passport and airline ticket. Also, please pack 2 – 3 days worth in your carryon bag incase your luggage does not arrive when you do. Carry the rest in your suitcase.
Contact lenses / cleaner and glasses. If you really depend on them, an extra pair!
Sunscreen!!!!!
Bandaids
Miscellaneous
Camera with batteries (remember you may not be able to charge one) Raingear / umbrella
Snacks
Mints / gum for plane
Lock for your luggage with extra keys or an easy combination
Notebook / journal / pen
Batterypowered travel alarm clock (your American cell phone will not work unless you have
an international chip / you will not be able to charge or plug anything in without an adapter) Passport carrier with a neck or waist strap
Small pillow for the plane / bus
Water bottle (must be packed in your suitcase)
Carryon Bag
Remember: We are leaving the USA one day and arrive in Japan the next (it is a long flight!) You will need
to sleepon the plane. Wear comfortable clothing and dress in layers so you are not too hot or too cold. Passport in carrier
Yen are used in Japan. About $100 should be packed and after this we encourage you to use ATM machines in Japan.
A clean shirt / underwear (in case your luggage does not arrive)
Toothbrush and other items to freshen up. You will only be able to bring VERY small amounts of liquid on the plane and it must be sealed in a ziplock bag.
Prescriptions / small amount of pain relievers
Book / music / cards
Snacks
A list of items in your suitcase for insurance
An travel pillow and warm layer.
Gifts:
Boston souvenirs/book about Boston/New England
Gummy bears or other interesting candy
Tshirt
Coffee mugs
Maple syrup
Red Sox Gear
Summer begins in June and the country experiences a three to four-week rainy season during which the farmers plant their rice. It is hot and humid during this time and temperatures are often in the high 90’s. Summer wraps up in August. You will arrive around the end of the rainy season. Be sure to pack accordingly!
There are several helpful links for those who don't have a passport.
http://www.uspassportnow.com/passportapplicationservices?gclid=CLan4v-lv7oCFUyd4AodnUMAGA
https://www.travel-state-passport.com/?gclid=CPn75_6lv7oCFQyZ4AodzCoAtQ
are both helpful sites, be sure to give yourself a month or two before you expect to depart.
If you aren't sure where to begin, this is an helpful article that outlines the processes.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2013/04/04/passport-101-how-to-apply-renew-or-replace/2051177/
If you already have a passport, make sure it won't expire before you travel to Japan, or while you are there.
Keep in mind that 1 Japanese Yen equals 0.01 US Dollar. It is helpful to think of the yen as a cent. If you buy something that is worth 300 yen, it is worth 3.00 dollars.
Suggested Packing List
Temperatures will be in the high 80’s and 90’s. You will need a few different sets of clothing for this trip, casual, formal, and school attire. We will be touring outdoors for long periods of time – you will want to be comfortable. Be sure to bring layers! Mornings might be cool, but the afternoon sun is strong.
Put a ribbon or something unique on your bag. Most look alike and you want to be able to spot your belongings quickly.
We will be traveling for 11 days and laundry will be done on a regular basis. You are allowed to check 50lbs on the plane and your suitcase may weigh up to 20lbs with nothing in it! (Be sure to weigh it before you get to the airport!)
You will want room for souvenirs as well! I suggest packing an empty duffle bag in your suitcase in case you do not have enough space/are overweight on the trip home. Please be prepared, but do not over pack. Here is a recommended list.
Clothing / Footwear
Underwear, socks, etc
6 tops
3-4 white/buttondown shirts (appropriate to wear to school)
2-3 pairs of lighter pants / shorts / capris
2-3 pairs of pants (two pairs should be black/dark blue)
1–2PJ’s/Clothestorelaxin
1 heavy layer (sweaters / sweatshirts/fleece)
1 light jacket or windbreaker/rain jacket
Inexpensive watch
1 baseball hat
1 onepiece bathing suit
1 pair of good walking shoes
1 pair of “new” sneakers. These will be worn only in the school. They do not need to be brand new, but should be clean and without holes.
1 pair of sandals, 1 pair of sunglasses
Personal Items: all packed in checked luggage
Showering stuff (Small bottles work best!) Shampoo / Conditioner / Soap
Travelpack tissues
Deodorant
Toothbrush / toothpaste / floss (nothing electric)
Minimal makeup
Razors and other shaving supplies (packed in your checked luggage!!!)
Skin care products (lotion, chapstick, etc)
Sanitary Supplies (Even if you think you will not need them.)
Hair care needs (brush / comb / spray / gel)
Hairdryers / straighteners are strongly discouraged because they will need converters and adapters to work; the voltage in Japan is different. The difference in voltage could cause it to break as well. DO NOT bring anything expensive or difficult to replace.
Medical
Overthecounter pain relief such as Advil, Tylenol, Imodium (you will be eating different foods) – the medication in Japan is different than the U.S. so anything you normally need you should bring along.
Motion sickness medicine if you get sick in moving vehicles (We will be on the plane and on a bus.)
Prescription medication that is clearly labeled with the same name as your passport and airline ticket. Also, please pack 2 – 3 days worth in your carryon bag incase your luggage does not arrive when you do. Carry the rest in your suitcase.
Contact lenses / cleaner and glasses. If you really depend on them, an extra pair!
Sunscreen!!!!!
Bandaids
Miscellaneous
Camera with batteries (remember you may not be able to charge one) Raingear / umbrella
Snacks
Mints / gum for plane
Lock for your luggage with extra keys or an easy combination
Notebook / journal / pen
Batterypowered travel alarm clock (your American cell phone will not work unless you have
an international chip / you will not be able to charge or plug anything in without an adapter) Passport carrier with a neck or waist strap
Small pillow for the plane / bus
Water bottle (must be packed in your suitcase)
Carryon Bag
Remember: We are leaving the USA one day and arrive in Japan the next (it is a long flight!) You will need
to sleepon the plane. Wear comfortable clothing and dress in layers so you are not too hot or too cold. Passport in carrier
Yen are used in Japan. About $100 should be packed and after this we encourage you to use ATM machines in Japan.
A clean shirt / underwear (in case your luggage does not arrive)
Toothbrush and other items to freshen up. You will only be able to bring VERY small amounts of liquid on the plane and it must be sealed in a ziplock bag.
Prescriptions / small amount of pain relievers
Book / music / cards
Snacks
A list of items in your suitcase for insurance
An travel pillow and warm layer.
Gifts:
Boston souvenirs/book about Boston/New England
Gummy bears or other interesting candy
Tshirt
Coffee mugs
Maple syrup
Red Sox Gear