Local Travelers Experience the Magic of Japan

McKENZIE — Imagine standing beneath a golden temple, sharing stories with Japanese university students, sipping matcha during a centuries-old tea ceremony, or seeing the world’s largest city beneath you from hundreds of feet in the air.

For a group of Bethel University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, that wasn’t a dream. It was their classroom.

From May 27 to June 4, 2026, a diverse delegation led by Professor Stacie Freeman, Director of Global Studies at Bethel University, embarked on a nine-day journey across Japan. The immersive educational experience, offered in partnership with Global Citizen Adventure Corps, invited participants to step beyond tourism and engage deeply with Japanese culture, history, innovation, and daily life.

Their adventure began in Tokyo, a city where ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology exist side by side. Travelers gazed across the endless skyline from Tokyo Tower, explored the peaceful grounds of Meiji Shrine, and wandered through the colorful markets surrounding Asakusa Kannon Temple. Every day offered new discoveries, from bustling city streets to quiet moments of reflection.

Food quickly became one of the group’s favorite gateways into Japanese culture. Travelers sampled regional specialties, explored local markets, and learned how food reflects values such as sustainability, seasonality, and community.

Leaving Tokyo behind, the group journeyed toward Japan’s most iconic landmark: Mount Fuji. Standing at Kawaguchiko’s Fifth Station, travelers were treated to breathtaking views of the 12,389-foot volcano while learning about conservation efforts in one of Japan’s most visited natural areas. A cruise across Lake Ashi and a ride aboard the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway provided unforgettable panoramic views of Mt Fuji, surrounding mountains, forests, and volcanic landscapes.

In Nagoya, travelers discovered how one inventor’s vision changed the world. At the Toyota Museum of Industry and Technology, they learned how Sakichi Toyoda’s revolutionary automatic loom ultimately helped launch one of the largest automobile companies on earth.

The group also experienced one of Japan’s most cherished cultural traditions: a visit to a tea plantation followed by a traditional tea ceremony. What many expected to be a simple cup of tea became a lesson in mindfulness and intentional living.

In Kyoto, travelers stepped into what many consider the cultural soul of Japan. Unlike many of the country’s major cities, Kyoto was largely spared from bombing during World War II, allowing centuries of history to survive. As travelers explored the mountainside Kiyomizu-dera Temple and gazed upon the gleaming Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, they experienced a city where ancient Japan still feels remarkably alive. Narrow streets, traditional architecture, historic temples, and carefully preserved cultural treasures offer visitors a rare opportunity to walk through living history.

The journey continued to Nara, where hundreds of sacred deer roam freely through the city’s parks and temple grounds. There, the group visited Todaiji Temple, one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and home to a massive bronze Buddha that has welcomed visitors for centuries.

In Osaka, Japan’s vibrant commercial center, travelers explored the historic Osaka Castle, created their own instant noodle combinations at the interactive CupNoodles Museum, and sampled local delicacies in the famous Kuromon Ichiba Market.

One of the most meaningful moments of the trip came during a visit to Osaka Jogakuin University, a longtime “sister institution” of Bethel University.

Founded in 1884 by Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries Alexander and J.B. Hail, who traveled halfway around the world to expand educational opportunities for women in Japan.

More than 140 years later, that connection remains alive.

Travelers met with university representatives, explored future opportunities for collaboration, and witnessed firsthand the lasting impact of international partnerships. Throughout the campus, reminders of the relationship between the two institutions could be found, including Bethel University logos and a ceramic replica of McKenzie’s historic First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

“Travel changes lives,” said Professor Stacie Freeman. “When you walk through another culture, share meals with people from different backgrounds, and see the world through a new lens, you return home with a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of both yourself and others. That’s what global education at Bethel is all about.”

The adventure concluded with a festive farewell dinner in Osaka’s famous Dotonbori district, where travelers gathered beneath the city’s iconic neon lights to celebrate their experiences with okonomiyaki cooking lessons, Japan’s beloved savory pancake.

For many participants, the memories will last a lifetime.

For others considering a future journey, this expedition serves as a reminder that the world remains one of the greatest classrooms of all. Learning doesn’t end at graduation, and meaningful global experiences can transform lives at any age.

Interested in future global learning opportunities? Contact Professor Stacie Freeman, Director of Global Studies at Bethel University, at freemans@bethelu.edu.