Two semesters (Spring FIU & Summer abroad), 22 days, 5 cities
From $5,600 $4,600 (airfare not included) | Payments as low as $2,050
Structure: Two Semesters
Travel Portion:
2026:
Start: Monday, May 18
End: Monday, June 8
Price (airfare not included): $5,600 $4,600
The 2026 Honors College Japan study abroad program has reached capacity.
We encourage you to review our available
2026 Honors College Study Abroad programs.
To ensure students have a personalized and intensive experience, enrollment cap is capped at 18 students for the Japan program. We open the application process early to ensure students have time to organize their schedule, get to know each other, and save up funds.
The 2027 Honors College Study Abroad Application will open in Fall 2026.
We encourage you to review our available
2026 Honors College Study Abroad programs.
The 2027 Honors College Study Abroad Application will open in Fall 2026.
Overview
Program Overview
This course explores the concept of Reciprocity through the lens of traditional Japanese culture, Indigenous Ainu beliefs and practices, and contemporary cultural tourism (which we interchangeably explore as ethnic, academic, and anthropological tourism). By examining these interconnected domains, we will delve into the principles and lived experiences of sustainable and reciprocal societies in ways that challenge conventional western perspectives.
The course begins by examining reciprocity in it sociocultural and ecological domains across historical and contemporary Japan. Then, we explore how cultural tourism can foster meaningful and reciprocal engagement between visitors and host communities. We will then explore the spiritual relationship between the Ainu people and nature, emphasizing their reciprocal way of life. Through a multi-perspective approach, we will analyze reciprocity and its broader implications for sustainability, tourism, and Ainu culture
This course will examine reciprocity through the lens of historical, cross-cultural, and cross-generational contexts. We will explore Koyasan and Kyoto to learn about Japanese spirituality and its connection to reciprocity, We will observe Edo’s (1603 – 1867) ecological lifestyle by visiting Edo Tokyo Museum and the downtown of Tokyo, such as Yanaka, Sendagi, Nezu and Asakusa. In Hokkaido, we will discuss the spiritual interaction between nature and the Ainu people, who lived a reciprocal lifestyle with nature and animals by visiting Sapporo University and Hokkaido University in Sapporo city. Then we will visit Ainu village called Akan Kotan. In Akan, we will learn their world view and their reciprocal lives as well as ethnic tourism.
Course focus
- Reciprocity
- Edo Period
- Japanese Culture
- History, Culture, and the Arts
- Philosophy and Religion
- Global Issues and Social Justice
- COURSE SYLLABUS: Spring 2026 Syllabus & Summer 2026 Syllabus
Program information
- Spring 2026 (on campus-hybrid): IDH 4007 (3 credits) - MMC, Thursdays, 2:00PM-3:15PM
- Summer A 2026 (abroad): IDH 4008 (3 credits) - May 18-June 8, 2026
Program highlights
- Kimono-Try on activity with Kimono designer
- Learning traditional Ainu culture, food, dance, and more
- Hiking, Canoeing, and nature immersion
- Collaboration with Japanese University students
- Learning about Japanese "reciprocity"
- Interdisciplinary and applicable to all majors
What is included
- 21 nights in handpicked accommodations
- Domestic flights within program
- Charter bus for airport transfers and few excursions
- English-speaking tour guide for some activities
- Local public transportation with manaca (IC Card)
- 17 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- 24/7 support from Faculty Director & Program Assistant
- Admission to Kinkaku-ji Temple, Upopoi Museum, Kabuki theatre and so much more
What is not included
- International airfare to Osaka, Japan or from Tokyo, Japan
- $195.00 Education Abroad administrative fee (OEA Fee)
- FIU in-state tuition (6 credits, $205.57 per credit)
- Passport, visa, and other necessary documents
- Personal expenses, including meals
Key:
(#) = number of nights; airplane = flight
Itinerary
Itinerary is subject to change. It is a “living document,” meaning that scheduled "Free Time" may be utilized for in-person quizzes, class meetings, and/or class days.
Students should always consult with their Faculty Director prior to scheduling plans during "Free Time"
Day 1: Osaka
Arrival to accommodation & orientation
Day 2-5: Kyoto
Travel by private coach bus to Kyoto. Highlights include Kyoto sightseeing tour, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Ryoan-ji Temple, Koryu-ju Temple, and Nishiki Market. Plus, a day trip to Hiroshima via bullet train for Atomic Bomb Dome & Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island visit
Day 6-11: Sapporo
Domestic flight to Sapporo. Highlights include visit Sapporo University Urespa Club, FIU Presentation by selected students, special Ainu lecture & collaboration with Urespa Club, Teine community service center, kimono wearing lecture, chime concert, sushi making class, Chiri Yukie "Drops of Silver" Memorial Museum visit, and UPOPOI Ainu Museum
Day 12-15: Akan
Travel by chartered bus to Akan. Connecting with the Ainu community. Highlights include Ainu Traditional Dance performance, lecture by Ainu elders, performances at Ainu Theater IKOR, canoeing at Nature Center, Ainu dinner class, cruise at Koufukunomori Pier, Mukkuri making, and farewell party
Day 16-22: Tokyo
Domestic flight to Tokyo. Highlights include Asakusa visit, Edo Tokyo Museum, Meiji Shire, Harajyuku, KABUKI performance with English translation, and collaboration with Waseda University. End of the program
Faculty Director
Cesar Evander Castillo
Cesar Castillo is a cultural anthropologist and Program Director for the FIU Honors Japan Study Abroad. As Program Director Cesar teaches on Japanese Indigenous Ainu culture, Edo period society, and contemporary Indigenous affairs. As program director, Cesar combines his fieldwork experience and intimate knowledge of Ainu culture with broader global perspectives to immerse students in global cultural exchange. Cesar earned his MA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies and BA in Sociology and Anthropology at FIU.
As a PhD. Student at the Department of Global and sociocultural studies. Cesar’s research is centered around academic tourism and educational experiences between study-abroad students and Indigenous communities in Latin America and Japan. His research stems from his long engagement with indigenous communities in Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Japan as well as passion for immersive education.
Professionally, Cesar’s a seasoned researcher who has worked in both private and public industries. Specializing in qualitative methodologies, Cesar facilitates cross-cultural understanding for business communication and global brand strategy, fostering inclusive product design across various industries such as education, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals.
2026 Payment Schedule
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2nd Program Payment* |
Spring 2026 |
3rd Program Payment* |
Education |
Summer A 2026 |
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*Payments are non-refundable & non-transferrable