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Japan Explorer
Connect the best of Japan, sustainable travel, and climate education during an experience designed to speak to Gen Z
There are a lot of misconceptions about who Gen Z is and what they want. That’s why we went to the source, consulting our Gen Z instructors, campers, and community members about what they needed from a travel adventure that doesn’t avoid the topic of climate change and sustainability. For a while, we just listened and learned.
We learned that Gen Z wants opportunities to enjoy unique travel adventures that get them off the beaten path and let them become immersed in the communities they feel connected to. We learn that Gen Z wants to build relevant – not just ‘employable’ – skills and engage with mentors that are actually working on solutions to the world’s problems. Most importantly, we learned that Gen Z are the generation that cares most deeply about climate education and is most appalled at how detached our society seems from the reality of climate change.
Well, we like what we’ve learned, so Fireside Adventures is doubling down on Gen Z and shifting to providing experiences, adventures, and learning opportunities for you. At Fireside, Gen Z are seen, heard, and believed. If we’re not walking the talk, make sure to let us know. We want you to be a part of what we do, and we want to be part of what you do.
Why Japan and why World Bound? Read on to find out.
Creating authentic travel adventures for a climate-conscious generation
Deep down, we all know you want to go to Japan. Who doesn’t? But we also know you don’t want to be just another tourist, but rather a welcomed visitor connecting with the essence of Japan and its people. We feel the same way. Just imagine walking among ancient shrines along the Samurai road, participating in a sunrise ceremony on the peak of Mount Fuji, and then taking a bullet train to train like an astronaut at the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency. How about enjoying the electric Osaka nightlife after having impactful discussions about climate change over all-you-can-eat sushi.
Skip the cruise ships, tour buses, and the overpriced, overhyped Instagram trips typically being offered to you. Come with us and you will have something that speaks to you and your generation. From the endless skyscrapers of Tokyo to the Japanese Alps, from the historic back streets of Kyoto to the peace memorials of Hiroshima, this experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young people who want something real and that speaks to the needs of the generation who will be most impacted by climate change. World Bound Japan infuses cutting-edge climate change education with Japanese culture, world-renowned historical landmarks, technological innovation, and – most importantly – the people of Japan. Join us to discover the hope and skills you need to navigate a future defined by climate change.
Experiences you won’t want to miss:
Enter the world of anime and manga while exploring Tokyo’s Akihabara district
Follow in the samurais’ footsteps during a multi-day hike along the Samurai Road, the ancient route that the samurai used to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto
Summit Mount Fuji to witness the sun rise over Japan
Explore retro-futurist landscapes while experiencing Osaka’s chaotic, exciting night markets
Venture into the stunning Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in search of ancient shrines
Learn profound lessons about peace and conflict from survivors in Hiroshima, the city where America dropped the atomic bomb, killing over 60,000 Japanese civilians in seconds
Complete a life-changing 12-hour solo experience in a secret Japanese village, without technology, distractions, or non-essential contact with anyone else. Just you, your reflections, and a breathtaking view of the natural landscapes.
Learn traditional methods of farming and the Japanese culture of community while participating in a full day of volunteerism where we will work on a traditional organic farm
Test yourself during an astronaut training session with a Japanese Astronaut Trainer at the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
DATES
May 2025
AGES
19–25 years (co-ed)
LOCATIONS
Tokyo, Osaka, Mount Fuji, Nara, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kobuchizawa, Yamanishi
PRICES (CAD)
$6799 + GST | Standard Price (reach out to learn more about our scholarship)
Deposit: $1000 + GST
FREE 1-year Duke of Edinburgh’s Award membership package ($600 value) through Vancouver Outdoor School included with all World Bound trips for participants ages 19–24.
This trip includes:
– 2 pre-course zoom video check-ins
– 24-7 supervision by experienced guides
– Land transportation (other than JR rail lines)
– Dorm accommodation
– Most meals
– Admission into 7 museums
– Two Japanese language classes
– Bike rentals for bike touring
– World Bound Curriculum workshops and special evening excursions
– World Bound Certificate of Completion and t-shirt
– Post-course follow-up
Does not include: Airfare, JR Rail Pass, and anything not mentioned above.
More info: office@firesideadventures.ca
Hear from our 2023 group about their World Bound Experience!
The places we’ll go
Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, is a mesmerizing blend of modernity and tradition. Skyscrapers and neon lights coexist with ancient temples and cherry blossoms. Anime culture thrives in Akihabara, while Harajuku is a fashion haven. Shibuya Crossing, a hectic spectacle, symbolizes Tokyo's vibrant energy.
Mt. Fuji
Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic peak, captivates with its majestic beauty and cultural significance. An active (but safe) stratovolcano, its symmetrical cone stands as a symbol of resilience and serenity. Whether admired from afar or climbed, Fuji offers a breathtaking panorama and a profound connection to Japanese history and spirituality.
Osaka
Osaka, Japan's lively metropolis, boasts a spirited atmosphere and a blend of modern entertainment with rich history. Renowned for its delectable street food, vibrant nightlife, and the historic Osaka Castle, it's a dynamic city where tradition meets innovation.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima, a vibrant city in Japan, is both historic and resilient. Globally recognized for its tragic past as the first city to suffer an atomic bombing in 1945, Hiroshima has since emerged as a symbol of peace and reconstruction. Its Peace Memorial Park and Museum convey a powerful message of hope and resilience.
Climate Activist Specialization: The Climate Peace-maker
An unfortunate reality is that, as climate change worsens, resources will become more scarce and the risk of conflict will increase. Due to this, any climate activist must possess a deep understanding of the possibility of conflict and what it takes to create and maintain peace. The signature feature of World Bound Young Adult: Japan is an emphasis on conflict and peace-making. During this course, we will explore the dynamic between peace and conflict from a historical, environmental, and political perspective. This focus will be explored in depth during meetings with Japanese survivors of both the Tokyo firebombing and the dropping of the nuclear bomb on Hiroshima. These talks will be paired with dedicated workshops on peace-making, giving young adults the tools to foster peace and collaboration in their home communities
Our World Bound Climate Change Curriculum
Buckle up: we are preparing a generation to adapt to climate change by immersing them 100% into an incredible culture while gaining the skills of peace-making and leadership. Even these days… with so much screen time, disconnection, and hostility… we know there is space for you to remain open while enjoying one of the most dynamic adventure experiences of your life. We do this through our World Bound Curriculum: a set of place-based, outdoor-oriented educational modules that will inform this expedition. All our courses are guided by our five World Bound Pillars, which underpin all the skill training, climate education workshops, and outdoor and volunteer experiences that our World Bound young adults participate in. For more detailed information about the curriculum, please visit our World Bound Curriculum page.
Pillar 1: Integrating Climate Change Principles and Perspectives
Intercultural: Find the meeting point between North American and Japanese understanding of the nature.
Urban-rural: Move between some of the world’s densest cityscapes and tranquil rural environments to learn how they understand nature and climate change.
Historical: Connect Japanese culture’s ancient, nature-focussed history to its modern technological reality
Pillar 2: Exploring Real-world Environments
Mountain environments: Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps
Forest environments: The Samurai Trail and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Lake environments: Lake Ashinoko
Urban environments: Tokyo, Hiroshima, Osaka
Pillar 3: Volunteering and Connecting within Communities
Peace-making talks and workshops with Tokyo firebombing and Hiroshima nuclear bomb survivors
A multi-day volunteer experience working on a traditional organic farm in a small Japanese village.
Pillar 4: Strengthening Life, Social, and Leadership Skills
Peace-and-conflict training through workshops
Organic farming practices
Camping and mountaineering skills when climbing Mount Fuji
Meditation and mindfulness practices through a Zen Buddhist lense
Urban navigation
Space exploration and leadership skills with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency
Pillar 5: Sustaining Climate Action through Solution-focused Approaches
Membership in the World Bound Youth: Climate Ambassador community
Year-round participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (which supports climate action)
Membership in the Vancouver Outdoor School Youth Network
Internships as a climate ambassador and mentor in local sustainable businesses and future expeditions
Meet your instructors:
Jeff ‘Willy’ Willis
Since 1991, I have developed and led camps and expeditions throughout Canada, Japan, Germany, Colombia, Ecuador, Yukon, Peru, Italy and the Arctic. My love of outdoor experiential education, years of experience in youth and family work, and passion for environmental education and social justice led me to create Fireside Adventures.
When I became a dad, I realized my kids did not have access to climate change education at school and/or summer camp, so I created the World Bound climate change expedition series while reworking our Explorer Series and introducing Fireside's Salty Express, Ocean to Mountains and Earth Roots experiences for school groups.
Liam ‘Barnsy’ Barnes
I started at Fireside as a junior instructor. Since then, I’ve led many epic adventures spanning BC, Yukon and Ecuador. As Director, I helped build Fireside’s World Bound and Vancouver Outdoor School’s Fieldschool from the ground up. I also created our Parkour & Filmmaking curriculum, which we’ve shared with hundreds of kids in order to help them develop physical literacy and risk management skills.
I am preparing for Jeff to pass the family business on to me when the time is right. My mission is to co-create the punk rock or electric guitar of education - we need something fast, furious, out-of-the-box and real to help us stand against modern challenges.
Taiki Ishikawa
As an educator, my commitment is to make learning fun, experiential, and relevant for all learners. I believe that educators must recognize the rapid shifts and changes in our world, which is why the development of a World Bound Japan course is incredibly important for both visitors to Japan and Japanese learners and families.
In my role, I try to inspire learners of all kinds through inquiry-based learning practices that focus on science, culture, and space. My “Space for All” passion-project for accessible space education flourished when I taught this to neurodiverse students. I strongly believe many will become world innovators in solving the problems caused by climate change. I am excited to explore "peace-making skill sets" from a Japanese perspective. It is crucial for young people to develop peacemaking skills and strategies, to navigate the conflicts that will arise due to compromised resources and environments caused by climate change.
