Program Dates: April 1-11, 2026
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Get ready to blend your passion for film and art with the adventure of a lifetime! Dive into Japanese cinema and contemporary art through weekly meetups with your instructors. Then, when Spring Break hits in April, you’re off to Japan! Explore the vibrant streets of Tokyo, soak in cultural inspiration, and bring your coursework to life through hands-on research, on-the-ground learning, and immersive experiences you’ll never forget. This adventure takes you where art lives, where films are made, and where inspiration is on every corner. Whether you’re a filmmaker, designer, or artist, Japan’s iconic art and film culture is bound to expand your creative lens!
Pre-requisites: FILM 1100 or ART 2010; ART 1211, 1520, 1530
International Travel & Health Information
Study Abroad Office
Summerville Campus
Suite 251
FITH 4920: Topics in International Film | ART 4950: Special Topics
Program Leaders: Dr. Matthew Buzzell and Dr. Raoul Pacheco
Application Deposit: $200
Deposit Due: TBD
Program Fee: TBD (includes deposit)
Final Payment Due: TBD
Tuition & Fees: based on number of credit hours enrolled
Itinerary Subject to Change
1-2
AprilStudents to Tokyo, Japan, flying into Haneda Airport. Upon arrival in Tokyo, students will travel by private coach to their hotel and check in. After getting settled, they’ll have time to rest and prepare for the adventures ahead.
2
AprilThe day begins with a serene visit to the Hama-rikyu Gardens, followed by stops at the Meiji Shrine and Tokyo Skytree, where students can take in panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, they’ll explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum to learn about the capital’s rich history. The evening concludes with a scenic group dinner aboard a traditional Yakatabune dinner cruise, offering views of Tokyo from the water.
3
AprilStudents will explore Tokyo’s pop culture and cinematic history with two expert guides: pop culture historian Kyle Yount and filmmaker Keisuke Toyoshima. The group will visit a sofubi (soft vinyl toy) artist studio, followed by a tour of the National Film Archive and the Tora-San and Yoji Yamada Museums. The evening is free for students to relax or explore the city.
4
AprilToday is all about contemporary and modern art. Students will visit the National Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOT), taking in Japan’s influential art movements and creative vision. The evening is free for additional exploration or rest.
5
AprilA highly anticipated highlight awaits: a visit to the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, where students will delve into the whimsical and imaginative world of one of Japan’s most beloved animation studios. Afterward, students will have the evening to enjoy Tokyo independently.
6
AprilStudents will send their luggage ahead to Kyoto and board the Nozomi Shinkansen (bullet train) for a high-speed ride to the cultural capital of Japan. After lunch at Kyoto Station, they will visit the tranquil Taizo-in Temple and explore the historic Nijo-jo Castle before checking in at their hotel. The evening is free for rest or city exploration.
7
AprilStudents will take a day trip by coach to Awaji Island, where they’ll experience the Godzilla Interception Operation and visit the Nijigen no Mori Godzilla Museum—a perfect blend of adventure and Japanese pop culture. The group will return to Kyoto in the afternoon and enjoy another free evening.
8
AprilThe group begins the day with a visit to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of red torii gates. Then, they’ll enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Ryoanji rock garden, followed by a visit to the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design, where students will gain insight into Japan’s rich artisan traditions. The evening is free.
9
AprilStudents will send their luggage back to Tokyo and return by bullet train. Upon arrival, they’ll explore the vibrant Shibuya district for shopping and sightseeing before checking in to their hotel. The group will enjoy a farewell dinner together to celebrate a meaningful and unforgettable experience.
10
AprilOn their final day in Japan, students will visit the TeamLab Planets Tokyo, an immersive digital art museum that blends technology and creativity. After lunch, the group will head to Haneda Airport by private coach to begin the return journey home. Crossing back over the international dateline, students will arrive in Atlanta or Augusta on the same calendar day they departed.
11
AprilStudents will send their luggage back to Tokyo and return by bullet train. Upon arrival, they’ll explore the vibrant Shibuya district for shopping and sightseeing before checking in to their hotel. The group will enjoy a farewell dinner together to celebrate a meaningful and unforgettable experience.
