2027 Japan

Go beyond the tourist trails and embark on a transformative journey through the heart of Japanese culture. This meticulously crafted experience unites the ancient and the avant-garde across three iconic cities, providing unparalleled insights into the soul of Japan.

One of those lenses will be professional softball, an extremely popular sport in Japan. Teams enjoy strong corporate backing (they are often owned by iconic companies like Honda and Toyota). There is also a deep-rooted culture of dedication; players endure intense daily training. And the sport offers an  uncommon financial model, providing jobs and housing to players, attracting top international talent and creating a highly competitive, well-funded league, unlike many struggling U.S. leagues.

We’ll attend training sessions and up to four professional games, on two separate weekends. We’ll also get to know three major cities.

Tokyo: The Spirit of Modernity & Tradition Witness the seamless blend of futuristic innovation and enduring history. Exhale in the serene grounds of the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Meiji Jingu, and Hamarikyu Gardens, before diving into the electric energy of the Nakamise-dori market. We’ll also take in a panoramic view of this sprawling, high tech metropolis, and experience the efficiency of the Shinkansen (bullet train).

Nagoya: Craftsmanship and Hidden Gems Discover a region celebrated for its industrious spirit and rich artistic heritage. Explore majestic sites like Nagoya Castle, delve into the region’s famous craftsmanship — from samurai swords to ceramics — and savor the distinctive regional cuisine. Nagoya offers a fascinating window into Japan’s often-unseen history and dedication to shokunin (artisan) excellence.

Kyoto: The Timeless Soul of Japan As the former Imperial Capital, Kyoto is our dive into traditional Japan. Participate in a tranquil Chado (tea ceremony), wander through the thousand gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha, and gain a rare glimpse into the elusive world of the Geiko (Geisha) in Gion. Kyoto is where we’ll feel the spirit of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection) at every turn.

Your understanding of Japan won’t just be broadened — we hope it will be fundamentally changed. This is not a sightseeing trip; it’s a genuine cultural connection.

Are you ready to truly understand the land of the rising sun?

We’re working on the details … please check back!

This tour will start in Tokyo and end in Osaka. You will be able to view — and download or print, if you wish — the most current itinerary here.

Our intention with each tour is to provide an itinerary that introduces you to key elements related to your destination or the educational theme, while also providing some free time for you to pursue your own interests or have some down time. The balance can vary from day to day, and from tour to tour.

You’ll get the most out of study travel if you research what to do during your free time. This allows you to reap the benefits of group travel, while also customizing the tour to your interests and activity level. Read more about How to Be an Independent Group Traveler.

Kelly Mahlum is in her fifth year at St. Olaf in 2024-25 and was named the College’s athletic director on March 14, 2025 after serving as the interim athletic director and senior woman administrator (SWA) since July 2023.

Mahlum graduated from the College of Saint Benedict in 1993 with a bachelor of arts degree in art and went on to earn her master’s degree in athletic administration at St. Cloud State before starting her coaching career. In her playing days at Saint Ben’s, Mahlum was a four-year starter, two-time all-conference selection, two-time MVP, two-year captain and a 1993 Kodak All-American in basketball at the College of Saint Benedict, where she also played three years of softball, and one year of both soccer and volleyball. She finished her career fourth on CSB’s all-time scoring list with 1,612 points and was also an all-conference and all-region selection in softball.

Mahlum arrived at St. Olaf in April 2020. In her three seasons leading the St. Olaf women’s basketball program, the Oles qualified for the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Playoffs in back-to-back seasons in 2021-22 and 2022-23, making the field in both of Mahlum’s full seasons. Mahlum led St. Olaf to its first-ever victory in the MIAC Playoffs in 2021-22 and the Oles went a combined 24-32 (.428) overall and 18-26 (.409) in MIAC play during her three seasons.

In 2023-24, Mahlum served as the deputy athletic director and SWA. In that role, she was part of the athletic department’s leadership team and oversaw a number of areas, including all Title IX and gender equity components of the department, as well as supervising 10 sports. She also coordinated all student-athlete programming, co-advised the Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB), oversaw all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and served on all head coaching search committees, in addition to her responsibilities as senior woman administrator.

Expect to learn new things about sports culture, while learning about Japanese culture!

Movement between cities will be by ferry and by climate-controlled private motor coach. Movement within each city and at cultural/historic sites will be on foot, requiring a lot of walking and standing, often over uneven ground. You should be capable of walking a mile or more at a time and up to five to seven miles per day, often over uneven terrain; of climbing stairs that may not have handrails; of climbing in and out of various types of transportation; of keeping pace with an active group of travelers on long days of traveling; of dealing with the emotional highs and lows that can occur when experiencing different cultures; and of being a considerate member of the group (prompt, courteous and flexible).

Any participant who has demonstrated an inability, in the opinion of the tour leader, of keeping up with the group or of safely participating in program activities may be prohibited from participating in certain activities.

You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage throughout the tour. Traveling lightly is highly recommended.

Hotels will be tourist class (four-star or superior rating) with private baths, air conditioning, and English-speaking staff.

The tour price is PENDING and will be based on double occupancy. A supplement will apply for single occupancy. 

Inclusions and exclusions vary by tour, so please read the following information carefully. We try to strike a balance between not nickel-and-diming you once on the tour, while also allowing you some freedom in your price point (for meals, for example). A variety of modes of transportation tends to be pricier than a single bus throughout the tour. Highly rated guides are essential and should command higher wages.

Inclusions: discussions led by Kelly Mahlum; full time tour manager for the duration of the tour; accommodations, meals, entrance fees, and activities listed in the itinerary, including tickets to up to 4 softball games; transportation; gratuities for all local guides, drivers, and meals; and some limited travel insurance.

Exclusions: Airfare to and from Japan is not included. Participants are solely responsible for all expenses not specifically included in the tour fee. Examples of excluded expenses are: international airfare; any passport and visa fees; any recommended immunizations or vaccinations; beverages at most group meals; laundry, dry cleaning, phone charges, room service or other items of a personal nature; expenses incurred during free time or non-group activities; and any meals not specifically included on the tour itinerary.

This schedule is TENTATIVE and will be based on payments St. Olaf College must make to tour vendors to guarantee group rates. We highly recommend that you purchase additional trip cancellation insurance at the time of registration to recover your payments should you need to withdraw from the tour.

Deposit due:                     $500 upon registration
Refund if you cancel:     $450 if you cancel on or before November 30, 2026. If the deposit is made after November 30, 2026 there is no refund.

Interim payment due:    $3,000 on November 30, 2026
Refund if you cancel:     $1,500 if you cancel on or before July 30, 2027

Balance due:                    July 31, 2027
Refund if you cancel:     None, unless the tour is full and your place can be resold

Cancellations must be in writing.

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: look carefully at this food allergy information. Some food allergies are very difficult to manage in Japan due to the common use of a variety of foods in sauces and bases.

Review the Terms and Conditions (in draft stage) and Release and Waiver.

Review the latest information on recommended immunizations, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Check your passport: ensure that it has at least 6 months’ validity past the program return date. Should you need to renew, visit the U.S. Department of State for instructions.

Take time to Prepare for your adventure by checking out a variety of resources, including frequently asked questions, general health information, included travel insurance, safety overview, and more.

Hold the dates of October 13–26, 2027, but do not book non-refundable airfare until we can confirm that the tour is a go. Meanwhile, see our tips on Booking Your Flights.