Gap year travel in Japan

Last year's rise in university tuition fees coupled with high youth unemployment levels has led to an increase in gap years, according to specialist operator Japan Journeys.

James Greenfield, managing director of Japan Journeys, comments: "Graduates are realising that a gap year now costs considerably less than a year's tuition fees at university, with some graduates unable to afford university altogether. Gap years should be seen as a productive alternative, as they provide young people with the opportunity to build a repertoire of transferable skills that will make them more favourable to employers in the long-term."

Japan Journeys is the only UK provider of gap year packages to Japan, which include an introduction to Japanese culture and etiquette as well as a guided tour of Tokyo and seven nights' accommodation, plus assistance with finding long-term accommodation, a language school and a job.

This exclusive Gap Year in Japan package not only helps young people to find their feet in Tokyo, but will also help put parents' minds at ease.

Just 1,000 Japan Working Holiday Visas are issued in the UK every year to people aged 18-30 and these are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Most gap-year participants choose to teach English as a foreign language. Other popular roles include interpreting, translating, hospitality, research and seasonal jobs such as ski and snowboarding instructing.

Prices & Departure Dates:

The Gap Year in Japan package costs from £555 per person exclusive of international flights. The next departure dates are scheduled for the 7th August, 4th September, 2nd October, 6th November, 4th December 2012, and then on the first Tuesday of every month.
Tokyo For Free:

Surprisingly, Tokyo is a destination suitable for all budgets, including students, with many sights and experiences available for next to nothing or completely free:

Tsukiji is the largest seafood market in the world - it provides an electric atmosphere and a cheap, fresh, sushi breakfast

Many of Tokyo's temples and shrines are free, like Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple, dating back to the 7th Century, and the famous Meiji Shrine

The Sony Building displays the newest gadgets the latest gaming on the giant Playstation, and the Honda Welcome Plaza has daily Asimo robot demos

During the year gappers are likely to encounter one of Tokyo's many festivals providing low-cost entertainment with processions, performances and lively food stalls

Tokyo's tranquil gardens include the Imperial Palace East Garden, the Nezu Shrine Garden, famous for its blooming azaleas in May, and Ueno Park, renowned for its cherry blossoms in April.

It takes 55 seconds to reach the public observation deck on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and costs nothing. On a clear day it is possible to see Mount Fuji

There are 50 sumo stables in Tokyo and visitors can catch an early morning practice

Harajuku is a great spot for people-watching and the radical Japanese street-style fashions known as Lolita and cosplay

The Sake Plaza is a shrine to Japan's famous drink - the library houses around 6,000 books on sake

Further ideas and details about the above activities can be found on the Japanese National Tourist Organisation's website seejapan.co.uk

For further information or to book, visit japanjourneys.co.uk.