Japan's Innovation Journey: A STEM-focused Exploration

Upon arrival in Tokyo, you'll be warmly welcomed by your Passports Tour Director, who will be your knowledgeable guide and companion throughout your STEM-focused journey in Japan. After introductions and a brief overview of the tour, you will board a comfortable coach to transfer to your hotel. After settling into your accommodations, you'll have the chance to freshen up and relax before embarking on your first adventure.

The orientation meeting will take place at the hotel, where your tour director will provide an in-depth briefing on the exciting days ahead. You'll learn about Japan's unique culture, history, and the various STEM-related sites and experiences that await you. This is also an opportunity to ask any questions you may have and get to know your fellow travelers.

Head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, an impressive architectural marvel that serves as the headquarters of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. As you ascend to the observation deck, you'll be treated to stunning panoramic views of Tokyo's sprawling cityscape. The building stands as a symbol of the city's modernization and technological advancements, offering an excellent introduction to your tour.

To conclude your first day in Japan, you'll enjoy a delectable dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll get a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine. Savor the flavors of traditional dishes and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, as you share stories and experiences with your fellow travelers. As the day comes to a close, you'll return to your hotel for a well-deserved night's rest, eager to explore more of Japan's STEM wonders in the days to come.

Visit Japan's major science centre at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. One exhibition is called 'Android: What is Human?'. It makes you question where the distinction between human and robot is. Learn about the incredible advancements Japan is making in Science and Technology.

Step into the realm of robotics at Kawasaki Robospace, a state-of- the-art facility dedicated to showcasing the latest advancements in robotics technology. Explore interactive exhibits that demonstrate the capabilities of humanoid robots, industrial automation, and cutting-edge AI applications.

TeamLab Tokyo is a mesmerising journey into the world of digital art and interactive experiences. Each exhibit invites visitors to engage with the artwork in a deeply sensory and often meditative way. A trip to TeamLab is an unforgettable adventure that challenges perceptions and ignites the imagination.

Marvel at the view from the Odaiba Waterfront. Enjoy the illumination of the Rainbow Bridge and the replica Statue of Liberty, which is a commemoration of the French Year in Japan.

The Geological Museum hopes you to find what our planet really is like, learn how closely humans are interconnected with it, and think what we should do to be friendly with our Only One Earth. in the vibrant city of Tsukuba, the museum offers a comprehensive collection of minerals, fossils, and rock specimens from Japan and around the world. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that delve into the processes shaping our planet, from volcanic eruptions to the formation of gemstones. The museum also features detailed displays on the history of geology and the latest scientific discoveries in the field.

JAXA the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in Tsukuba Science City offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's cutting-edge space research and technology. Visitors are taken through various exhibits showcasing JAXA's missions, from satellite launches to lunar exploration with interactive displays that explain the complexities of space travel and research. This immersive experience not only educates but also inspires visitors about the limitless possibilities of space exploration.

Visit Shinjuku, a bustling business and commercial district in Tokyo, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, towering skyscrapers, and shopping hubs. The area is a dynamic blend of traditional and modern, featuring historic shrines alongside cutting-edge architecture. Shinjuku Station, one of the busiest in the world, offers a gateway to the unparalleled experience of Tokyo's urban energy and cultural diversity.

Pay a visit to a neighborhood popular with teenagers. Take a stroll along Takeshita Street, lined with trendy clothing stores, or down Omotesando, a tree-lined avenue dubbed Tokyo's "Champs-Elysées."

Head to the TEPIA Advanced Technology Gallery. With the latest tech in robotics, telecommunications, health & medicine, environmental & energy sciences, and more on display, this gallery introduces visitors to technology and products important to our everyday lives.

Marvel at Tokyo's "Times Square," an intersection surrounded by department stores and entertainment venues that has sparked many cultural trends. It's famous for its X-shaped pedestrian crossing and the statue of the loyal dog Hachi as well as its large TV screens and advertising signs.

Practice the fine art of the sushi roll, which pleases both the palate and the eye. Sushi making starts with tender rice and the freshest ingredients in an assortment of textures, colors, and tastes, assembled in seemingly infinite combinations. Follow traditional styles, or create your own rolls. Then, enjoy sushi sampling!

Pay a visit to the Tokyo Skytree Campus, a creation of the Chiba Institute of Technology. The campus is split into two areas. AREA I is about all things robot, and features many amazing tech developments including the disaster support robots used at Fukushima Power Plant. In AREA II, visitors learn about space technology, where they can enjoy a virtual space tour or a virtual moon landing experience.

Visit to the Dawn Avatar Robot Café. A unique and futuristic dining experience that merges technology with hospitality. Located in the bustling district of Nihonbashi, this innovative cafe employs humanoid robots operated remotely by individuals with disabilities. Guests are warmly greeted and served by these robots, which add a touch of novelty and human connection to the visit. The cafe not only offers a delicious menu of food and beverages but also promotes social inclusion and accessibility, blending cutting-edge technology and social good.