Journey to Japan
Embark on an adventure into Japanese culture. Get close to a special language and taste Japanese food at its best, while learning about the history that lies behind the hyper-modern society of Japan.
Imagine standing in the middle of Tokyo’s crowded streets, where crowds bustle and the glow of flickering neon signs. Here, the language carries a distinct melody, and the aromas speak of a life where deep-seated tradition meets the cutting edge.
Throughout this journey, you will explore the highlights of Japan’s culture, history, and nature, gaining a profound understanding of the Japanese people and their evolution through time.
Course with 12 days journey in Japan
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Get a taste of the adventure
From the folk high school, we set course for Hamburg Airport, and the journey has begun. From here, we travel via Dubai directly to Tokyo, where our tour of Japan begins. Exciting destinations await, each offering its own unique impression of a country that in many ways resembles Denmark, yet remains so fundamentally different.
Tokyo
We will explore Tokyo using its world-class transport system. Our first stop is the historic Meiji Jingu Shrine, nestled in the beautiful Yoyogi Park right in the heart of the city. Here, we will be embraced by the stunning autumn colors of the changing leaves.
From there, we venture into the urban districts of Harajuku, Omotesando, and Shibuya. We’ll gain insight into Japanese youth culture, the latest fashion trends, and the Japanese perspective on consumerism. We are now in the very pulse of the metropolis.
Next, we step into teamLab Planets, one of the world's most innovative art projects. It opens our eyes to how modern Japanese aesthetics blend the sensory, the digital, and the spatial experience into one.
We will also take a closer look at Tokyo’s urban development and the balance between tradition and hyper-modern lifestyles with visits to the Metropolitan Government Building and Tokyo Skytree. Of course, we must also dive into Tokyo’s rich selection of flavorful experiences by tasting authentic Japanese street food.
Throughout our days in Tokyo, we will stay at a comfortable hotel, allowing us to recharge for a new day of adventures.
Kyoto
We now gain a deeper insight into Japan's spiritual and cultural roots as we arrive in Kyoto. We will visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Nanzen-ji, and Nijo Castle, where it becomes clear how Japanese aesthetics, Zen philosophy, historical power structures, and ancient architecture continue to leave a profound mark on the present day.
Among our experiences is a traditional tea ceremony, where precise rituals provide the framework for the event. Here, the culture of politeness becomes palpable as we experience the unique Japanese approach to tranquility, presence, and form.
Naturally, we will also explore Kyoto's historic quarters, where we can sense the hum of everyday life and see the city's cultural layers and traditions flourish in modern times.
Hiroshima
After a ride on the Shinkansen high-speed train, we arrive in Hiroshima for a day trip. Here, we will learn about Hiroshima before and after 1945, gaining insight into the devastation caused by the atomic bomb and the subsequent reconstruction. We will explore the civil society's struggle for peace and the city's strong local identity. The high-speed train then brings us efficiently back to our base in Kyoto.
Osaka
In Osaka, we meet young Japanese people to gain a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between youth life in Japan and Denmark. Here, we take a closer look at the cultural expectations placed on young people and how these influence their well-being, life choices, and identity formation.
A course with a unique journey to Japan
Become part of the vibrant community and expand your horizons
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Travel Dates: October 7 – 18, 2026
Price for the study trip: The entire journey is included in the tuition fee for the folk high school stay.
Price for the course: The price for a 4-month stay from August 17 to December 13, 2026, including the 12-day trip to Japan, is DKK 41,700.
Delving into Japan
When you start at the folk high school, you will be introduced to various branches of Japanese culture, history, art, and music. In the Music Zone, you’ll listen to Japanese artists, while in Ceramics, you’ll try your hand at techniques from the Japanese ceramic tradition.
In International Politics, you will gain a thorough understanding of the political situation in Japan, both past and present. Finally, in our Core Subject, you will learn the basics of the Japanese language and their culture of politeness. This ensures you begin your journey from a solid foundation, allowing you to dive deeper and broader than any ordinary tourist trip.