derek g larson

Anime in JapaN

study abroad

Open to all students across the university, this faculty-led study abroad program invites participants to experience Japan through animation, contemporary culture, language, art, and creative exploration. Designed for students interested in animation, games, illustration, film, and Japanese culture, the program welcomes all majors. No prior animation experience is required.

Students will travel through Tokyo and Kyoto, meeting animation professionals, visiting studios, museums, and cultural landmarks, and engaging with artists and creative communities. The program combines guided educational experiences with opportunities for independent exploration, sketching, photography, research, and immersion in everyday life, offering a unique perspective on one of the world's most influential centers of art, design, and popular culture.

Program Highlights

• Morning Japanese language lessons in Shibuya

• Visits with animation studios, artists, and industry professionals

• Industry roundtable with leading animation practitioners

• Guided excursions throughout Tokyo and Kyoto

• Museums, temples, historic districts, and cultural landmarks

• Evening performance at the National Noh Theatre

• Free time for independent exploration, research, drawing, and photography

Featured Sites

Tokyo

• Ghibli Museum

• Sensō-ji

• Meiji Shrine

• Tokyo National Museum

• Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Akihabara

Kyoto

• Fushimi Inari Taisha

• Kiyomizu-dera

• Higashiyama District

• Yasaka Pagoda

• Gion

Tokyo Experience

Students begin the program in Tokyo, combining language study, studio visits, museums, and guided excursions through Japan’s most influential creative and cultural districts. Activities include animation studio visits, artist talks, the Ghibli Museum, Tokyo National Museum, Sensō-ji, Akihabara, and an industry roundtable with animation professionals.

Kyoto Experience

Students travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto for an immersive exploration of Japan’s cultural heritage. Excursions include Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, the Higashiyama trail, Yasaka Pagoda, Gion, and traditional tea house districts.

Program Philosophy

Anime in Japan is designed for students interested in animation, games, art, and contemporary Japanese culture. Rather than experiencing Japan as tourists, students engage directly with the artists, studios, neighborhoods, museums, and cultural traditions that continue to shape one of the world's most influential creative industries.

Morning language lessons are scheduled in Shibuya

Saturday, May 16 Departure
Flight to Tokyo

Sunday, May 17
14:30 Arrival in Tokyo
Airport Pickup & Transfer to accommodation
16:00 How-to Metro tickets

Monday, May 18
Morning Orientation + town walk
14:00 Studio Visit
Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane
Evening group dinner

Tuesday, May 19
14:00 Afternoon Language School
-or-
14:00 Studio Visit
15:00 Sekaido Art Store
16:00 Shinjuku walking

Wednesday, May 20
Morning Language School
-or-
12:00-13:00 Studio Visit
15:00-16:00 Studio Visit
Asakusa + Sensō-ji

Thursday, May 21
13:00–17:00 Ghibli Museum

Friday, May 22
Morning Language School
13:00 Tokyo National Museum & Ueno Park

Saturday, May 23
Free Day
16:00-18:00 Shinjuki Roundtable with 5 Industry Guests
Optional: shopping, anime districts
Suggested: Harajuku walking

Sunday, May 24
Free day
Akihabara
Optional: explore more of Tokyo or themed attractions 

Monday, May 25 to Kyoto
7:30 Sharp! Meet in lobby. Leave Hotel
9:00 Shinagawa Station to Kyoto arrives 11:15 (Nozomi Line)

Tuesday, May 26
Fushimi Inari Shrine (big hike, vertical climb)
Look it up, you’ll want to take a lot of pictures. This place is also open all night.

Wednesday, May 27
Yasaka Pagoda
Gion district (geisha district)

Thursday, May 28
Kyoto Trail (Higashiyama course)

Friday, May 29 to Tokyo
17:00 Train to Tokyo, arrive to Shinagawa 19:00 (Nozomi Line)

Saturday, May 30
13:00 Kyogen Performance
National Noh Theatre

Sunday, May 31
Free day
Meiji Shrine
Harajuku Sunday
Evening Group dinner

Monday, June 1
Flight home