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
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
Meals: Hotels and Local Restaurants
The following is a sample schedule and is subject to change:
DAY 1
Morning
Group meets at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Group check-in and travel to Tokyo
DAY 2
Afternoon
Arrive at Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT)
Take Narita Express train + subway to hotel
Evening
Welcome Dinner
- First session: Setting expectations
Explore Akasaka
DAY 3
Morning
Breakfast
Explore Tokyo
- Visit to Hyaku-en store
- Visit a local department store
Afternoon
Lunch
Visit Asakusa
- Senso-ji (aka Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple)
- Nakamise (shopping street located outside of the gates of Senso-ji)
Evening
Dinner
DAY 4
Morning
Breakfast
Explore Tokyo
- Head to Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- Check-out Roppongi
Afternoon
Akihabara (Electric Town/ Electronics District)
Kōkoku-ji Buddhist Temple
Evening
Tokyo Group Dinner
- Debrief + reflection
DAY 5
Morning - Afternoon
Breakfast + hotel check-out
Travel to Kyoto via shinkansen (bullet train)
- Bento lunch on train
Check into hotel
Visit Kiyomizu-dera
Evening
Explore Kyoto
- Visit Kinkaku-ji or Ginkaku-ji
Dinner
DAY 6
Morning
Breakfast
Samurai Ninja Museum Experience + Kimono Tea Ceremony with traditional Kyoto sweets
Afternoon
Lunch
Explore Kyoto
- Check out Nishiki Market
- Visit Nijō Castle
Evening
Dinner
DAY 7
Morning - Afternoon
Breakfast
Travel to Nara via Japan Rail
Visit Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple
Lunch
Visit Kasugataisha shrine and Kofuku-ji
Evening
Nara Group Dinner
- Reflection + debrief
Travel back to Kyoto via Japan Rail
DAY 8
Morning - Afternoon
Breakfast + check-out of hotel
Bring + store luggage at ryokan
Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha + explore temple grounds
Lunch
Evening
Check-in at ryokan + pack for Tokyo
Dinner
DAY 9
Morning - Afternoon
Breakfast
Check-out of ryokan + head to Kyoto JR station
Take shinkansen to Tokyo
- Bento lunch on train
Arrive in Tokyo
Head to hotel + check-in
Evening
Farewell Group Dinner
- General thoughts + reflection of experiences
Free time to explore Shinjuku
Return to hotel + pack for Toronto
DAY 10
Morning
Check-out of hotel + store luggage with front desk
Free time
Afternoon
Lunch
Return to hotel + pick-up luggage
Depart for Tokyo Narita Airport via Narita Express
Arrive at airport + Group-check-in
Evening
Depart from Tokyo Narita International Airport
Arrival at Toronto Pearson International Airport
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
| Payment | Amount | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Installment | $250.00 | With Application |
| 2nd Installment | $950.00 | October 27th, 2024 |
| 3rd Installment | $950.00 | November 10th, 2024 |
| 4th Installment | $950.00 | November 24th, 2024 |
| 5th Installment | $950.00 | December 8th, 2024 Extended to Friday, December 13 at 11:59 PM EST |
| 6th Installment | $100-$650** | December 22nd, 2024 |
**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