{"id":14902,"date":"2026-02-03T12:37:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T18:37:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/?page_id=14902"},"modified":"2026-04-14T13:19:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T18:19:06","slug":"2027-japan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/2027-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"2027 Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-modular-content-collection><p><!-- begin-migrated-from-panel-builder --><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__image_overlay panel panel-image_overlay site-section__bg--default\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"image-overlay\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner site-section__inner--no-padding\">\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t<div role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Asia Japan miyajima01\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2022\/12\/Asia-Japan-miyajima01.jpg');\" loading=\"lazy\"  class=\"site-section__bg-img site-section__bg-img--m-stack\"><\/div>\n\n\t\t<style>\n\t\t@media all and ( min-width: 960px ) {\n\t\t\t#site-panel__image-overlay-69debc6fb1f5a {\n\t\t\t\theight: 700px;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t<\/style>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\n    \n\t<div id=\"site-panel__image-overlay-69debc6fb1f5a\" class=\"site-panel__img-overlay-wrap site-panel__img-overlay--no-ribbon horz-left vert-middle\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__img-overlay-content\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"t-content t-content--light\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"site-section__title bold\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJapan: Dynasties and Diamonds\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__desc\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"content\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>October 12\u201325, 2027<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__micronavbutton panel panel-micronavbutton site-section__bg--normal\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"micronavbutton\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t    <div class=\"site-section__inner site-section__inner--top-padding-none site-section__inner--bottom-padding-none micronavbutton\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__no-gutters\"\n\t     data-depth=\"0\"\n\t     data-name=\"buttons\"\n\t     data-livetext\n\t>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn u-bc-cranberry\"\n\t\t\t\t   \thref=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/destinations\/\"\n\t\t\t\t   \ttarget=\"_blank\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn-label\">Browse our other journeys<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn-desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRegistration is not yet open &#8211; please check back!\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn u-bc-teal\"\n\t\t\t\t   \thref=\"mailto:quiram@stolaf.edu\"\n\t\t\t\t   \ttarget=\"_blank\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn-label\">Contact Us<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn-desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\n\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid -->\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default site-section site-panel__accordion panel panel-accordion site-section__bg--normal\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"accordion\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-section__inner l-wrapper \">\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"is-style-default site-section__header\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"is-style-default site-section__title h3\" id=\"led-by-kelly-mahlum-athletic-director\" data-name=\"title\" data-livetext data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\">Led by Kelly Mahlum, Athletic Director<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-grid site-grid__wrapper\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\n<figure class=\"is-style-default c-caption\">\n\n\t<figure  class=\"is-style-default c-caption__img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"is-style-default \" alt=\"Asia Japan Kyoto Kinkakuji temple\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2024\/10\/Asia-Japan-Kyoto-Kinkakuji-temple-600x350.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"is-style-default t-content\" data-name=\"content\" data-index=\"0\" data-autop=\"true\" data-livetext>\n\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discover the soul of Japan through the spirit of its greatest dynasties\u2014from the shoguns of the past to the softball powerhouses of today. This custom-designed St. Olaf adventure uses the precision of the diamond as a unique lens to uncover the teamwork, tradition, and discipline that define Japanese culture. From ancient temples to pro stadiums, experience an exclusive journey into the heart of a global powerhouse.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>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\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This tour needs a minimum of 12 travelers by November 30, 2026 in order to go. (We hope to have registration open by mid-April 2026. Please check back!) Once registration opens, don\u2019t wait until November to register \u2013 it could fill much sooner!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\n<\/figure>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default accordion site-panel__accordion-items\" data-depth=\"0\" data-name=\"accordions\" data-livetext role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\" data-js=\"accordion\">\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-header-0\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-content-0\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOverview\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-header-0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-content-0\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Tokyo: The Spirit of Modernity &amp; Tradition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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\u2019ll also take in a panoramic view of this sprawling, high tech metropolis, and experience the efficiency of the Shinkansen (bullet train).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Nagoya: Craftsmanship and Hidden Gems<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Discover a region celebrated for its industrious spirit and rich artistic heritage. Explore majestic sites like Nagoya Castle, delve into the region&#8217;s famous craftsmanship \u2014 from samurai swords to ceramics \u2014 and savor the distinctive regional cuisine. Nagoya offers a fascinating window into Japan&#8217;s often-unseen history and dedication to shokunin (artisan) excellence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Kyoto: The Timeless Soul of Japan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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\u2019ll feel the spirit of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection) at every turn.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your understanding of Japan won&#8217;t just be broadened \u2014 we hope it will be fundamentally changed. This is not a sightseeing trip; it&#8217;s a genuine cultural connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you ready to truly understand the land of the rising sun?<\/span><\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;re working on the details &#8230; please check back!<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-header-1\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-content-1\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tItinerary\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-header-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-content-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>This tour will start in Tokyo and end in Osaka. You can view \u2014 and download or print, if you wish \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1pR2lZYs6XqMm-9gQ4YwcTyYRyP31boeo__T6hKHBpGc\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the most current itinerary here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll 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\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/how-to-be-an-independent-group-traveler\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Be an Independent Group Traveler<\/a>.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-header-2\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-content-2\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"2\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSt. Olaf Host\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-header-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-content-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"2\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"15153\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/2027-japan\/kelly-mahlum\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2026\/01\/Kelly-Mahlum.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"200,275\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Kelly Mahlum\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2026\/01\/Kelly-Mahlum.jpg\" class=\"is-style-default alignleft size-full wp-image-15153\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2026\/01\/Kelly-Mahlum.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"275\" \/>Kelly Mahlum is in her fifth year at St. Olaf in 2024-25 and was named the College&#8217;s athletic director on March 14, 2025 after serving as the interim athletic director and senior woman administrator (SWA) since July 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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&#8217;s degree in athletic administration at St. Cloud State before starting her coaching career. In her playing days at Saint Ben\u2019s, 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&#8217;s all-time scoring list with 1,612 points and was also an all-conference and all-region selection in softball.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mahlum arrived at St. Olaf in April 2020. In her three seasons leading the St. Olaf women&#8217;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&#8217;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2023-24, Mahlum served as the deputy athletic director and SWA. In that role, she was part of the athletic department&#8217;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.<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-header-3\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-content-3\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"3\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat to Expect\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-header-3\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-content-3\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"3\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expect to learn new things about sports culture, while learning about Japanese culture!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage throughout the tour. Traveling lightly is highly recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hotels will be tourist class (four-star or superior rating) with private baths, air conditioning, and English-speaking staff.<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-header-4\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-content-4\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"4\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTour Price, Inclusions, and Exclusions\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-header-4\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-content-4\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"4\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tour price is PENDING and will be based on double occupancy. A supplement will apply for single occupancy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">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.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/travel-insurance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some limited travel insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exclusions: <em>Airfare to and from Japan is not included. Participants are solely responsible for all expenses not specifically included in the tour fee<\/em>. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-header-5\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-content-5\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"5\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPayment and Refund Schedule\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-header-5\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-content-5\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"5\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deposit due:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0$500 upon registration<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refund if you cancel:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0$450 if you cancel on or before November 30, 2026. If the deposit is made after November 30, 2026 there is no refund.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interim payment due:\u00a0 \u00a0 $3,000 on November 30, 2026<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refund if you cancel:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0$1,500 if you cancel on or before July 30, 2027<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balance due:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 July 31, 2027<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refund if you cancel:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0None, unless the tour is full and your place can be resold<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cancellations must be in writing.<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-header-6\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-content-6\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"6\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAction Items and Documents\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-header-6\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69debc6fb36a3-content-6\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"6\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>EXTREMELY IMPORTANT<\/strong>: look carefully at this <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1SQ4vsSzd9tzitd5NkuQqIjE1Q_MJCixNqbACbfwNczo\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">food allergy information<\/a>. Some food allergies are very difficult to manage in Japan due to the common use of a variety of foods in sauces and bases.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Review<\/strong>\u00a0the <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1n7gTEFsaFjCRb0e0Cn7HggzlWCaFPpzqsP-bw43wjuo\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Terms and Conditions<\/a> (in draft stage) and <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1FzWT2gXa1vZF3c1cOSm3MBQATajepRRetWV-y_B8S3U\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Release and Waiver<\/a>.<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Review<\/strong> the latest information on recommended immunizations, visit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/wwwnc.cdc.gov\/travel\/destinations\/list\/\">Centers for Disease Control (CDC)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Check your passport<\/strong>: ensure that it has at least 6 months\u2019 validity past the program return date. Should you need to renew, visit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/passports\/apply-renew-passport\/how-to-apply.html\">U.S. Department of State<\/a> for instructions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Take time<\/strong> to <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/prepare-for-your-adventure\/\">Prepare for your adventure<\/a>\u00a0by checking out a variety of resources, including frequently asked questions, general health information, included travel insurance, safety overview, and more.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Hold the dates<\/strong> of October 13\u201326, 2027, but do not book non-refundable airfare until we can confirm that the tour is a go. Meanwhile, see our tips on <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/booking-your-flights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Booking Your Flights<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__imagetext panel panel-imagetext site-section__bg--normal\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"imagetext\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner site-section__inner--no-padding\">\n\n\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__no-gutters  site-panel__imgtxt-img-right\">\n\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<figure  class=\"c-image c-image--rect\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" alt=\"JSA team victory sport people\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2025\/11\/JSA-team-victory-sport-people.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1260px) 1260px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2025\/11\/JSA-team-victory-sport-people-520x300.jpg 520w\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col site-grid__col-safari-fix\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__imgtxt-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"c-text\">\n\n\t<h2 class=\"site-section__title h3\" id=\"turning-the-6-4-3-precision-on-the-japanese-diamond\" data-name=\"title\" data-livetext data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\">Turning the 6-4-3: Precision on the Japanese Diamond<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-text__desc t-content\" data-depth=\"0\" data-name=\"content\" data-autop=\"true\" data-livetext>\n\t\t\t<p data-path-to-node=\"7\">We\u2019ll attend professional softball training sessions and up to <b data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"63\">four (4)<\/b> professional games over back-to-back separate weekends. We\u2019ll also get to know <b data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"146\">three (3)<\/b> major cities.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"8\">Get closer to the game than ever before with an insider\u2019s look at why Japan is a global powerhouse on the diamond. This journey uses softball as a lens to uncover the heart of Japanese culture, balancing high-stakes stadium energy with a rare glimpse into the relentless discipline that defines the sport.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The Pro Standard:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Witness the incredible grit of elite <strong>six-hour practices<\/strong>, where every detail\u2014from hauling equipment to grooming the field\u2014reflects a deep-seated cultural respect for the game.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stadium Energy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Feel the pulse of the local fan culture during full-day doubleheaders at professional stadiums in both Tokyo and Kyoto.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cultural Precision:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> See firsthand how the technical mastery of Japanese softball mirrors the precision found in the nation\u2019s ancient traditions and modern innovations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Beyond the Bleachers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Experience the sport not just as a spectator, but as a gateway to understanding the teamwork and dedication that underpin Japanese society.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n<p><!-- end-migrated-from-panel-builder --><\/p><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":616,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-14902","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14902","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/616"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14902"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14902\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15515,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14902\/revisions\/15515"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14902"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}