RLG415 - Japan

Applications are closed! 

The Course

RLG415 – Religion and Culture in Japan

A critical exploration of various links in Japan between broad understandings of “religion” and “culture.” This could include rituals in everyday life; the use of anime in temples (and vice versa); ordinary objects left at shrines; and sumo wrestling. Students have the option to travel to Tokyo and Kyoto with the instructor during Reading Week. This aspect of the course includes an additional cost and application process. 

Prerequisites: RLG101H or 2.0 RLG credits*

Learn more about the course here. 

Note: Applicants must submit an application for admission into the course to their respective departments and will be required to abide by the corresponding UTM Abroad application requirements and deadlines to participate in the international experience. 

 *Check with the department for potential alternative options, changes or updates

Trip - Japan Winter Reading Week

Approximate Travel Dates: February 14th- February 23rd, 2025

Why Participate?

During the international component of your course, you will travel with intention, experience the course material in an active environment, and learn in a global setting. Travel with your professor Ken Derry and fellow classmates. You will push your own boundaries, learn about yourself and others, and have an experience you will never forget!

• Engage in critical exploration of selected topics in the study of religion

• Actively engage with the course material in a dynamic environment and delve into the rich religious traditions and cultural nuances of Japan.

• Add international experience to your resume

• Receive CCR  

Sample Itinerary*

*The itinerary is subject to change based on the availability and requirements of the program.

Accommodation: Hotels, Ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), Shared Dormitories

Transportation: Public Transportation and Private Shuttles

Meals: Hotels and Local Restaurants

The following is a sample schedule and is subject to change:

DAY 1

• Arrive at Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT)

• Transport from the airport to hotel

• Welcome Dinner 

• First Session: Setting expectations
   

DAY 2

• Breakfast

• Meiji Shrine, Meiji Jingu Museum and Inner Garden

• Senso-ji Temple 

• Lunch

• Harajuku Walking Tour 

• Akihabara District 

• Dinner
   

DAY 3

• Breakfast

• Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue 

• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 

• Lunch

• Nezu Museum 

• Take part in a traditional tea ceremony

• Yoyogi Park 

• Dinner

DAY 4 

• Breakfast 

• Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen (bullet train)

• Check into hotel & Lunch

• Walking tour of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

• Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple 

• Dinner
   

DAY 5

• Breakfast

• Visit Kiyomizu-dera

• Kyoto International Manga Museum 

• Lunch 

• Visit Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace

• Dinner
   

DAY 6

• Breakfast

• Travel to Nara

• Visit Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine 

• Lunch

• Nigatsu-do, Toshodai-ji, and Tofuku-ji Temples 

• Dinner

• Travel back to Kyoto 
   

DAY 7

• Breakfast

• Free time

• Travel back to Tokyo via Shinkansen (lunch on the train) 

• Watch Kabuki at Kabukiza Theatre 

• Visit the Plastic Food District

• Dinner
   

DAY 8

• Breakfast 

• Free time

• Visit the Imperial Palace and Gardens 

• Lunch 

• Travel to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) for flight home
   

Payments

Estimated Cost of International Component: CAD $4,300.00 - $4,700.00

What is Included: Flights, transportation, accommodation, meals, in-country activities associated with the course, and trip-cancellation insurance. Funding Available! 

What is NOT Included: Course fees, fees associated with supplemental travel insurance, additional optional tours/activities while abroad, visa applications, medical exams, vaccinations, and any other additional costs. 

Funding 

Bursaries will be awarded based on demonstrated financial need (not linked to OSAP) as shown in your funding request in your UTM Abroad application. Read more about funding here! 

Payment Schedule

**Final Installments will be determined based on the final trip cost.

*Installment deadlines subject to change. Final payment deadlines can be found via email once you have been accepted into the program.

Need to Know 

• The cost and itinerary are subject to change. 

• Applicants must submit an application for admission into the course to their respective departments and will be required to abide by the corresponding UTM Abroad application requirements and deadlines to participate in the international experience. 

• Fees must be paid in full by the required deadlines. 

• To prepare for the trip, students attending will participate in the mandatory pre-departure and safety abroad sessions. 

   

Questions?

• Email us at utmabroad@utoronto.ca