Program Dates: May 17-27, 2026
About / Important Dates / Courses / Program Costs / Itinerary / Apply Now
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 during the spring semester. Then, you’re off to Japan on May 17! 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 & FITH 2001; ART 1211 or ART 1520 or ART 1530
*Students who do not meet the listed prerequisites may still be considered for the program at the discretion of the faculty leaders, on a case-by-case basis.
International Travel & Health Information
Study Abroad Office
Summerville Campus
Suite 251
*Courses will meet in the spring for class sessions.
FITH 4920: Topics in International Film (3 credits) | ART 4950: Special Topics (3 credits)
Program Leaders: Dr. Matthew Buzzell and Dr. Raoul Pacheco
Application Deposit: $200
Deposit Due: 11/03/2025
Program Fee: Approx. $6,700 (includes deposit)
Final Payment Due: 01/07/2026
Tuition & Fees: based on number of credit hours enrolled
Itinerary TBD
17
MayThe journey begins as students and faculty depart from Augusta or Atlanta for an overnight flight to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Get ready to cross time zones and begin an unforgettable cultural adventure in Japan. Upon arrival at Haneda Airport, the group will travel by coach to the hotel and check in. After settling in, students can take the evening to rest, adjust to the time difference, and prepare for the days ahead.
19
MayThe day begins with a visit to the beautiful Hama-rikyu Gardens, followed by the serene Meiji Shrine. Students will then enjoy panoramic views from Tokyo Skytree and explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum. In the evening, the group will gather for a Yakatabune Dinner Cruise, dining on the water with stunning views of the city skyline.
20
MayThis day is filled with unique, pre-arranged cultural experiences. Students will visit a sofubi artist studio with pop culture historian Kyle Yount, tour the National Film Archive with filmmaker Keisuke Toyoshima, and explore the Tora-San and Yoji Yamada Museums. The evening is free for students to explore Tokyo on their own.
21
MayStudents will visit the National Museum of Modern Art, home to an impressive collection of Japanese and international works, followed by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOT). Afterward, the evening will be free to enjoy Tokyo’s nightlife, shopping districts, or cuisine.
22
MayA magical morning awaits at the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, where the art and imagination of Hayao Miyazaki come to life. The rest of the day is free for students to continue exploring Tokyo at their own pace.
23
MayThe group will send luggage ahead to the Kyoto hotel before boarding the Nozomi Shinkansen, Japan’s famous bullet train. After lunch at Kyoto Station, students will visit the peaceful Taizo-in Temple and the historic Nijo-jo Castle before checking in at the hotel. The evening is free to explore Kyoto’s charming streets.
24
MayStudents will take a day trip to Awaji Island by coach to experience the Godzilla Interception Operation Awaji and visit the Nijigen no Mori Godzilla Museum. They’ll return to Kyoto in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening.
25
MayThe morning will be spent at the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Students will then visit the Ryoanji Temple rock garden and the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design. The evening will be free to enjoy local dining or shopping.
26
MayAfter sending luggage ahead, students will travel back to Tokyo on the Nozomi Shinkansen. Upon arrival, they’ll spend time shopping in Shibuya before checking into the hotel. That evening, the group will come together for a farewell dinner to celebrate their journey.
27
MayThe final morning includes a visit to the immersive TeamLab Planets Tokyo, where students can walk through breathtaking digital art installations. After lunch, the group will travel to Haneda Airport by coach and begin the journey home.
28
MayCrossing the International Date Line, students will arrive back in Atlanta or Augusta, bringing with them incredible memories, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.