GENERAL INFORMATION
What is the purpose of the IYRC's winter programs in Tokyo?
These programs provide an opportunity for students to explore a vibrant Japanese city, connect with peers, and network with students pursuing various academic paths.
How long is the Tokyo Explore program?
Tokyo Explore lasts from December 20 to 22 and 23, 2023.
These programs provide an opportunity for students to explore a vibrant Japanese city, connect with peers, and network with students pursuing various academic paths.
How long is the Tokyo Explore program?
Tokyo Explore lasts from December 20 to 22 and 23, 2023.
ELIGIBILITY
Who can participate in these programs?
Only students who have been accepted into any IYRC program are eligible. This includes students who are accepted to present at the IYRC Conference. Families of accepted students are also welcome to join.
Can students from any country apply for these programs?
Yes, the programs are open to students from all around the world who have been accepted into any IYRC program. However, please be aware of your country's visa requirements for entering Japan before applying.
Only students who have been accepted into any IYRC program are eligible. This includes students who are accepted to present at the IYRC Conference. Families of accepted students are also welcome to join.
- Register for the STEM Winter Program 2023
- Register for the Medicine and Research Summer Program 2024
- Register for the Community Health Worker Program
Can students from any country apply for these programs?
Yes, the programs are open to students from all around the world who have been accepted into any IYRC program. However, please be aware of your country's visa requirements for entering Japan before applying.
REGISTRATION
How can I register for the Tokyo Explore programs?
You can register for these programs using this link
You can register for these programs using this link
COST
What is the cost to participate in these programs?
Tokyo + Conference: $800 per person
Are there any additional costs aside from the program fees?
Yes, participants should be aware that the program fees cover activities and some meals but do not include expenses related to hotel accommodations and flights.
Will there be financial aid for these Explore programs?
No, the IYRC is unable to offer financial assistance for these programs at this time.
Tokyo + Conference: $800 per person
Are there any additional costs aside from the program fees?
Yes, participants should be aware that the program fees cover activities and some meals but do not include expenses related to hotel accommodations and flights.
Will there be financial aid for these Explore programs?
No, the IYRC is unable to offer financial assistance for these programs at this time.
VISA
Is the IYRC responsible for visa-related matters?
No, the IYRC cannot assist with visa-related matters, including invitation letters and sponsorships. Families need to arrange their own travel documents.
Are there any specific visa requirements for participants?
You should check with your local embassy or consulate regarding the specific visa requirements for traveling to Japan. Please check this website to see your country's visa requirements.
Is it possible to extend my stay in Japan beyond the program dates?
If you wish to extend your stay in Japan, you will need to make separate arrangements for accommodations and activities after the program ends.
No, the IYRC cannot assist with visa-related matters, including invitation letters and sponsorships. Families need to arrange their own travel documents.
Are there any specific visa requirements for participants?
You should check with your local embassy or consulate regarding the specific visa requirements for traveling to Japan. Please check this website to see your country's visa requirements.
Is it possible to extend my stay in Japan beyond the program dates?
If you wish to extend your stay in Japan, you will need to make separate arrangements for accommodations and activities after the program ends.
MEALS AND DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
Are meals included in the program fees?
The program fees cover some meals, but not all.
Can I request special dietary accommodations?
Participants with dietary restrictions or allergies should inform the program organizers in advance, and efforts will be made to accommodate their needs when possible.
The program fees cover some meals, but not all.
Can I request special dietary accommodations?
Participants with dietary restrictions or allergies should inform the program organizers in advance, and efforts will be made to accommodate their needs when possible.
ITINERARY
Can I get a detailed itinerary for the Tokyo Explore programs?
Yes, a detailed itinerary will be provided to registered participants closer to the program dates, outlining the scheduled activities and events.
Yes, a detailed itinerary will be provided to registered participants closer to the program dates, outlining the scheduled activities and events.
GETTING AROUND JAPAN
How can I stay connected with a SIM card or mobile data during my visit to Japan?
You can purchase a prepaid SIM card or rent a pocket Wi-Fi device at major airports and electronic stores. This allows you to have mobile data access during your stay. Consider booking in advance from sites like Klook.
Is it easy to find free Wi-Fi in Japan, especially in cities like Tokyo?
While some places offer free Wi-Fi, it's not as widespread as in some other countries. It's a good idea to have your own mobile data solution to stay connected.
What is the availability of English language support in Japan, especially for tourists?
In major cities and tourist areas, you can often find English signage, menus, and some English-speaking staff. However, it's a good idea to have some basic Japanese phrases handy.
Can I use credit cards for most transactions in Japan?
Credit cards are accepted at many places in Japan, but it's a good idea to carry cash, as some smaller shops, restaurants, and rural areas may not accept cards. IC cards like Suica and Pasmo are widely accepted for fare payments. Be prepared with these payment methods when using public transportation.
What are some essential apps to download before visiting Japan?
Essential travel apps for Japan include Google Maps, translation apps like Google Translate, and transportation apps like Hyperdia for train schedules.
Apps like Yelp, Tabelog, and Gurunavi can help you discover local restaurants and read reviews to find the best places to try Japanese cuisine.
Uber is available in some Japanese cities, but it's less common than local ride-sharing options like JapanTaxi and LINE Taxi.
Holiday booking apps like Klook is also useful for travel bookings and reservations at a discounted rate.
What are the primary modes of transportation for getting around Japan?
The primary modes of transportation in Japan include trains, buses, subways, and taxis, with an extensive and efficient railway network.
Are there any transportation passes or cards that offer cost savings for tourists in Japan?
Yes, Japan offers various passes, such as the Japan Rail Pass and regional passes, which can provide significant savings on train travel. There are also IC cards like Suica and Pasmo for convenient fare payment, which you can purchase at various locations including airports.
How do I navigate the Japanese train system, especially in cities like Tokyo?
In major cities, English signage is available at most stations, and some staff can provide assistance. Google Maps is quite accurate for finding routes and calculating travel times.
You can purchase a prepaid SIM card or rent a pocket Wi-Fi device at major airports and electronic stores. This allows you to have mobile data access during your stay. Consider booking in advance from sites like Klook.
Is it easy to find free Wi-Fi in Japan, especially in cities like Tokyo?
While some places offer free Wi-Fi, it's not as widespread as in some other countries. It's a good idea to have your own mobile data solution to stay connected.
What is the availability of English language support in Japan, especially for tourists?
In major cities and tourist areas, you can often find English signage, menus, and some English-speaking staff. However, it's a good idea to have some basic Japanese phrases handy.
Can I use credit cards for most transactions in Japan?
Credit cards are accepted at many places in Japan, but it's a good idea to carry cash, as some smaller shops, restaurants, and rural areas may not accept cards. IC cards like Suica and Pasmo are widely accepted for fare payments. Be prepared with these payment methods when using public transportation.
What are some essential apps to download before visiting Japan?
Essential travel apps for Japan include Google Maps, translation apps like Google Translate, and transportation apps like Hyperdia for train schedules.
Apps like Yelp, Tabelog, and Gurunavi can help you discover local restaurants and read reviews to find the best places to try Japanese cuisine.
Uber is available in some Japanese cities, but it's less common than local ride-sharing options like JapanTaxi and LINE Taxi.
Holiday booking apps like Klook is also useful for travel bookings and reservations at a discounted rate.
What are the primary modes of transportation for getting around Japan?
The primary modes of transportation in Japan include trains, buses, subways, and taxis, with an extensive and efficient railway network.
Are there any transportation passes or cards that offer cost savings for tourists in Japan?
Yes, Japan offers various passes, such as the Japan Rail Pass and regional passes, which can provide significant savings on train travel. There are also IC cards like Suica and Pasmo for convenient fare payment, which you can purchase at various locations including airports.
How do I navigate the Japanese train system, especially in cities like Tokyo?
In major cities, English signage is available at most stations, and some staff can provide assistance. Google Maps is quite accurate for finding routes and calculating travel times.
JAPAN IN WINTER
What is the weather like in Japan during the winter months?
Japan experiences cold temperatures during the winter, with some regions receiving snowfall. Be prepared for chilly weather, and dress warmly.
What are the daylight hours like in Japan during the winter?
Daylight hours in Japan during the winter are relatively short, with early sunsets.
Can I expect popular tourist attractions to be less crowded during the winter?
Some attractions may be less crowded during the winter, but Japan is a popular destination year-round. We will book tickets and reservations in advance and also try to get to destinations early before the crowd starts.
What are the safety and health precautions I should take when visiting Japan in the winter?
Be mindful of slippery sidewalks, stay hydrated, and be prepared for the cold. Travel with necessary medications and consider travel insurance.
Japan experiences cold temperatures during the winter, with some regions receiving snowfall. Be prepared for chilly weather, and dress warmly.
What are the daylight hours like in Japan during the winter?
Daylight hours in Japan during the winter are relatively short, with early sunsets.
Can I expect popular tourist attractions to be less crowded during the winter?
Some attractions may be less crowded during the winter, but Japan is a popular destination year-round. We will book tickets and reservations in advance and also try to get to destinations early before the crowd starts.
What are the safety and health precautions I should take when visiting Japan in the winter?
Be mindful of slippery sidewalks, stay hydrated, and be prepared for the cold. Travel with necessary medications and consider travel insurance.
COMMUNICATION AND SUPPORT
How can we stay connected during the trip?
Before the trip starts, participants will be sent a link to join our Explore LINE group chat where we can stay in touch whilst in Japan.
How can participants reach out to IYRC for assistance or inquiries?
Participants can contact IYRC by emailing info@the-iyrc.org
They can also reach us through the following social media platforms down below
Before the trip starts, participants will be sent a link to join our Explore LINE group chat where we can stay in touch whilst in Japan.
How can participants reach out to IYRC for assistance or inquiries?
Participants can contact IYRC by emailing info@the-iyrc.org
They can also reach us through the following social media platforms down below