GROUP PROGRAM

As a country with volcanic activity, Japan possesses abundant geothermal energy. Iwate Prefecture, in particular, makes extensive use of this resource. This group tour explores innovative applications of geothermal power. You can also add several days in Tokyo to visit museums related to science and geology/geography. We can arrange hotel accommodations, bus transfers, and other related program activities for your time in Tokyo. Furthermore, we can organize domestic travel within Japan (bus, train, ferry).

Geography, Geology, Agriculture, Mechanical Engineering

Location:

Iwate, Japan

Duration (in days):

1-5

• Playful interactive learning about geothermal power and its use in Japan

• Visit of the first geothermal power plant in Japan

• Walk through the dramatic solidified lava fields

• Guided field visits of facilities that make use of geothermal activity:

  • A farm using geothermal energy to grow basil in greenhouses throughout the year

  • A farm using geothermal energy to grow vegetables and lettuces

  • A mushroom farm using geothermal energy for heating and also keeping horses to use the horse dung for the cultivation of the mushroom spores

  • The technical installations of an onsen using geothermal energy

  • The technical installations of a City Hall that is heated through geothermal power

• Exploration of the night sky at an Galaxy Station Observatory with astronomical telescopes, including professional explanations about its technology of computer-aided star search

• Visit of an abandoned sulphur mine and exploration of its environmental impact on a nearby beech forest

• In Tokyo: National Museum of Nature and Science, National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), Tokyo Gas Science Center, Hydrogen Museum, Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park (Earthquake learning center)

• In Tokyo: Tour through the Tokyo Bayside landfill, learning about how Tokyo deals with the massive amount of waste (including the Central Breakwater Landfill Site and Waste Treatment Facility + Explanation at the Environment Bureau Central Defense Joint)

• In Tokyo: Add any other Tokyo activity you can find as part of our other group programs in Tokyo.

Mechanical Engineer specialising in heat transfer

High School Students, College Students, University Students, Professionals

10-40 PAX

Throughout the year

At the Yakehashiri International Exchange Village in outdoor cabins (4-share or 8-share), located next to a field of solidified lava and where there is also an astronomical observatory. The onsen can be used at no extra cost.

Breakfasts and dinners (including a BBQ for the last dinner) will be served and arranged by the International Exchange Village. Catering for lunches will be arranged separately to be served at the Community Center.

By chartered bus

Morioka Train Station

We can also provide assistance (airport pickup, acommodation, activities) in Tokyo and Kyoto (at extra cost)

3 nights/4 days program (based on 30-40 students): 53,400 JPY + 10% VAT per person

Included: all program activities; local transport; Japanese-English interpretation; accommodation as described; meals as describe; planting of 10 indigenous trees per program participant at Kilimanjaro for the CO2 compensation of long-haul flights

Not included: travel costs to Morioka and back, insurance, personal expenses

International flight to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda), then shinkansen bullet train to Morioka Station

Total domestic travel costs (Tokyo airport to Morioka and back) approx. 26,000 JPY per person. Travel time (one way) around 3.5-4 hours.

A comprehensive risk assessment and emergency management plan is available

That sounds great, but what about my carbon footprint?

Your long-haul flight in economy class emits CO2 into the atmosphere, roughly in the following quantities (according to myclimate.org):