Kaihatsu

Japan, May 18-29, 2009

Meaning “development” in Japanese, the Kaihatsu program will allow participants to observe Japanese research and development methodologies and expose participants to Japanese culture and business practices.  The program will explore Japan’s role as an R&D leader through site visits, seminars and cultural activities.

The group will spend six nights in Tokyo and four nights in Osaka, with trips to Kyoto and the Hakone hot springs at the foot of Mt. Fuji.

Tentative Agenda – confirmed itinerary will be available shortly!*

  • May 18 – Depart Los Angeles, California for Tokyo, Japan
  • May 19 – Arrive in Tokyo Japan and transfer to hotel.
  • May 20 – Tokyo (B, D) The day will start with an orientation.  Participants will receive an overview of the Kaihatsu program as well as an introduction to Japanese culture, language and business practices.  After lunch, the group will visit a technical university for a tour and overview of R&D in the university setting.  In the evening there will be a welcome dinner followed by a visit to the Tokyo Tower.
  • May 21 – Tokyo (B) Participants will visit two companies that are at the cutting edge of research and development and attend an evening production of Kabuki theatre (classical Japanese dance-drama).
  • May 22 – Tokyo (B) Start the morning with a company site visit and lecture.  In the afternoon, we will visit the Edo Museum followed by a sumo wrestling match in the evening.
  • May 23 – Tokyo to Osaka (B, L) An early morning visit to the Hakone hot springs at the foot of Mt. Fuji followed by a site visit to a Japanese Brewery and overnight in the Shizuoka region.
  • May 24 – Osaka Arrive in Osaka and enjoy free time all day!  Guides will suggest possible activities and some organized activities will be arranged.
  • May 25 – Osaka (B) The day will be filled with company and university visits around the city of Osaka.
  • May 26 –Kyoto (B) A day trip to Kyoto will include a visit to the KinKakuJi Temple and Kyoto University
  • May 27 – Osaka to Tokyo (B, L) Return to Tokyo with a stop in Toyota City and a visit to the Mikawa Samurai Museum.
  • May 28 – Tokyo (B) Start the morning with a company site visit, followed by a visit to the Asakusa market and free time.  End the evening with a farewell dinner and Karaoke!
  • May 29 – Tokyo, depart Tokyo, Japan for Los Angeles, California (B) Enjoy free time in Tokyo to purchase last minute souvenirs, visit a site of interest or relax before leaving for the airport.  Guides will suggest possible activities and some organized activities will be arranged.
* (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

$3,500 Program fee includes:

  • Round Trip Airfare from Los Angeles to Tokyo
  • Bilingual guide for the entire duration of the trip
  • Roundtrip airport transfer by bus
  • Transportation
  • All accommodations
  • Admission Fees for some cultural activities listed in the itinerary
  • All Breakfast, welcome and farewell dinners and some other meals

Click Here to register with IAESTE United States.  Interested parties are encouraged to contact maymersion@aipt.org or 443-539-0540 for the most current program content.