Robotics Trip to Japan.

Think Outside The Classroom

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Prices from £1099*

Looking for something a little different to engage your students outside the classroom? A land steeped in tradition, Japan also offers students interested in robotics the chance to visit a fully automated factory making cars, have coffee served by a robotic barista, and experiment with technological developments that are sure to amaze and inspire learners. As specialists in computer science and robotics themed tours, we will lead your trip to remember!

Our Japan trips are fully customisable but we like to recommend a balance of one third academic, one third learning about the culture of Japan and one third fun, though all three aspects are often blended together. In a trip with less than a week in Japan we would suggest visiting only Tokyo and nearby places such as Tsukuba Science City, but if you have more time available a trip to Osaka can provide an opportunity to see another part of the country.

Destinations in Asia

Japan Tokyo Osaka

Tokyo has a lot to offer students, with academic highlights including the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Cyberdyne, the Chiba Institute of Technology's Skytree Campus, and taking part in a robot building workshop in teams. For more of a DT, engineering or physics focus, we can arrange a visit to the KEK high energy accelerator, or the Maglev test track and exhibition and of course a visit to the Nissan automated factory.

In Osaka, students love Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan, and if we are lucky we might be able to arrange tickets for the recently opened (October 2024) Nintendo museum. Walking around Dōtonbori at night gives a very different feel than Tokyo, and students will have to try some of the street food delicacies on offer whilst walking below the huge electric billboards.

Alongside the computer science learning opportunities there are many other experiences on offer from sushi making, to visiting shrines and learning a little about Japanese history, to riding roller coasters through buildings and exploring immersive digital art that responds to the audience within. Students will enjoy wandering the streets of Akihabara, Tokyo's 'electric town', trying new snacks and drinks from ubiquitous vending machines, making their own cup noodles at a very unusual museum or the conveyor belts delivering tasty sushi to their table in one particular restaurant.

What they will learn

Subjects available: Science, Physics, Computing, Cultural, Engineering

This trip to Japan focuses on technological developments and robots in industry and everyday life, supporting many aspects of the computer science syllabus at GCSE and A Level. While a key focus is on automation and robotics, other computer science concepts are covered with a favourite being the interactive model of the internet to help students understand packet switching. Your students can experience hands-on some of the ways in which robots are changing the everyday lives of people in Japan, whilst gaining an insight into the culture of this interesting country.

From a science and engineering perspective, especially Physics, there are opportunities to visit the largest particle accelerator in Japan, see a test run of a Maglev train at 600km/h or learn about disaster survival, stem cells and space at the Emerging Science and Innovation museum. Other popular elements include the simulation of disaster management and recovery following an earthquake and the display of innovation at the Mitsubishi museum highlighting projects underway in everything from renewable energy to automated ports. There is also the possibility to add a visit to the science museum in Tokyo which offers a lot of hands-on exhibits to develop knowledge and understanding of numerous scientific concepts.

What's included

On a typical week long trip, we suggest including the following, though not necessarily in this order and with full flexibility to make changes.

Visit to the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, including hands on experiences such as interaction with robots (including Asimo) and a giant simulation of network packet switching using ball bearings.

Trip to the Tepia Advanced Technology Gallery, 'an educational museum to inspire the future leaders of society'.

Exploring Akihabara (Tokyo's 'electric town'), a neon-lit land of anime, cosplay and electronics shopping.

Tour of the Nissan Plant to see car making robots in action.

Visit to the Mitsubishi Industrial Museum to interact with exhibits detailing the innovations made by the Mitsubishi company.

Make your own cup noodle after learning about the instant noodle industry at the Cup Noodle Museum.

Relax in Aka-Renga Soko, a shopping zone (with outdoor ice skating in winter) in old warehouses near the port in Yokohama.

Visit the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology where we will explore industrial technology research and development and play with robotic pets

Visit Cyberdyne, where you will understand how robotic limbs are changing lives - and try controlling a robotic arm yourself.

Tour the largest particle physics lab in Japan, the KEK High Energy Accelerator.

Work together to construct and program simple robots using Arduino technology in a robot building workshop.

Sushi making workshop where you wlll learn how to make sushi rolls.

Relax at Tokyo Dome City, a city centre amusement park that lets you ride a rollercoaster through a building.

See Japan's most famous mountain, Mount Fuji, learn about the volcanic geology and enjoy some time enjoying the views over Lake Kawaguchiko.

Soak up Japanese culture at the beautiful Meiji Shrine.

See the best views over the city at Tokyo Skytree.

Visit Chiba Institute of Technology's Skytree Campus.

Enjoy a hot beverage made by a robot barista at Shinbashi station.

Immerse yourself fully in teamLab's Borderless digital art installation.

Experience a simulated earthquake aftermath at Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park to learn how Japan prepares for natural disasters.

Transport

If you are coming from London, there are multiple daily direct flights to Tokyo but these can be priced steeply for their convenience. If you are open to connecting flights with layovers of around 3 hours the flight price can sometimes be as much as 50% less. In Japan, for groups of up to 30 students we recommend using the excellent public transport system to get around and keep the trip cost down. This will need some teacher assistance as we navigate busy metro stations and trains, so depending on your preferences we can also organise use of a coach on all days of the trip.

Accommodation

For maximum value for money and a fun experience for students, we normally recommend staying in a hostel in Tokyo with 3 to 4 students sharing each room. Teachers of course will be provided with private rooms. If you prefer, we can also provide options of basic hotels with students in twin rooms, such as the famous Henn Na hotel chain where the front desk is manned by robots.

Teacher checklist

Risk Assessments, Free Places, Education Packs, ATOL

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* Guide prices are per person, based on eight days in Tokyo, 30 students with 3 free teacher places, staying in hostel accommodation and using public transport, subject to availability and may vary by departure date, group size and itinerary. International flights are extra. Please ask for details.

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