Study trip to Japan: a unique educational experience for IULM students

Once again, this year, the #JAPIULM project offered IULM students the opportunity to explore Japan’s traditions, culture, and contemporary society up close. From 17th to 27th February, the study trip touched four symbolic cities of the country—Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara—allowing participants to experience an immersive and deeply educational journey. Launched in 2009, the project has grown over the years into a highly valuable academic and intercultural initiative, capable of combining learning, exchange, and discovery.

For the 2026 edition, 15 students from the Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Cultural Events and the Master’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management took part in the trip, accompanied by Prof. Guido Ferilli, creator and coordinator of the project.

The delegation was welcomed by prestigious Japanese universities, including Doshisha University (Kyoto), Waseda University (Tokyo), and Setsusan University (Osaka).

It was a valuable opportunity to engage with local faculty and students, delve deeper into topics related to Japanese culture, and observe different educational and organizational models firsthand.

The words of those who participated in previous editions describe the value of the project better than any presentation:

“Fantastic experience! Thanks to this study trip, I had the opportunity to meet new people—both fellow students and locals—and form friendships that will last a lifetime. The itinerary was rich, interesting, and relevant to the study program in art and event management (especially thanks to museums offering something extraordinary and unexpected). A wonderful adventure I would gladly repeat and highly recommend.”

“This experience allowed us to come into contact with a culture completely different from our own, based on respect and utmost courtesy. A culture everyone should get to know. This trip is a wonderful opportunity that I recommend everyone to seize!”

“The experience in Japan was one of the most beautiful I could ever imagine. The kindness of the people, the cleanliness, the courtesy, the safety, the company of my classmates and Professor Ferilli—all these things make me say ‘I feel immensely grateful for this opportunity’. If I could, I would do it all over again, many times. I strongly and wholeheartedly recommend everyone to live an experience like this. I am infinitely grateful to the professor for giving us the chance to experience Japanese culture. A heartfelt thank you also to IULM University for supporting the realization of this magnificent trip.”

Every year, the study trip offers an itinerary designed to highlight the cultural richness of Japan. In 2026, students visited some of the country’s most iconic sites, including Senso-ji (Tokyo), Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera (Kyoto), and Todai-ji (Nara), to name a few.
Alongside temples and historical landmarks, the program also included innovative museums and cultural spaces such as teamLab Planets and the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo.

The itinerary allowed participants to observe firsthand the extraordinary coexistence of ancient and modern: from the traditional atmospheres of Ponto-cho, Gion, Asakusa, and Naramachi to the districts symbolizing technological avant-garde and contemporary lifestyle, such as Dotonbori, Akihabara, Ginza, Shibuya, and Roppongi.

The study trip to Japan, organized by Prof. Ferilli and aimed at students of the Faculty of Arts and Tourism, is an experience that combines academic training with personal growth. Taking part means immersing oneself in Japanese culture, deepening one’s understanding of the country’s history and dynamics, and engaging directly with students and faculty from partner universities. A unique opportunity to broaden one’s cultural horizons and experience firsthand the international dimension of the University.