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World Bound Adventures: Japan
The climate change leadership expedition that combines ancient innovation and modern wisdom for a better future
THIS IS JAPAN AND THIS IS YOUR KODAK MOMENT
Imagine standing 1,475ft above Tokyo, the largest city on Earth, gazing out from the world's third-tallest structure. Now picture yourself in a 1,300-year-old temple carved into a mountain, reflecting deeply to the rhythmic crackle of flames during an ancient Buddhist fire ritual. From the breathtaking natural scenery of rice terraces, to the cutting-edge modernity of the Shinkansen bullet train (Nothing like the Brad Pitt movie), experience everything Japan has to offer.
World Bound Adventures: Japan is a journey through Japan's rich past, vibrant present, and bright future to uncover a truly authentic Japanese experience. Unearth the gems of wisdom from each of these eras of Japan and acquire a priceless global perspective and the confidence to make thoughtful, informed decisions in your own life.
DATES
Jul 19–Aug 15, 2025 (28 days)
First and second half available separately
AGES
15–18 (co-ed) / for 19 or older, check out Gen Z Travels
LOCATIONS
Tokyo (3 days), Hokkaido (5 days), Niigata (7 days), Kyoto (4 days), Shodoshima Island (6 days), Travel & transfer (3 days)
PRICES (CAD)
Early Bird Price: $8499.00 + GST
Regular Price: $8999.00 + GST (December 1, 2025)
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 (hostels) and tent camping
– Most meals
– Admission into 7 museums
– Bike rentals for bike touring
– World Bound Curriculum workshops
– World Bound Certificate of Completion and t-shirt
– Post-course follow-up
Does not include: Airfare, JR Rail Pass, and anything not mentioned above. We can help book your flight.
More info: office@firesideadventures.ca
Experiences you won’t want to miss:.
Explore the traditional charm of Asakusa then climb the tallest building in Japan, and the third tallest building in the world, Tokyo Skytree
Enter a realm where creativity flows all around you in an unforgettable encounter with the future of art in Tokyo's teamLab
Uncover traces of Japan's earliest history at the Hakodate Jomon Cultural Center
Experience 3 Michelin Star views from the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway
Learn ancient wood carving techniques of the Ainu people
Trek rice terraces and assist local farmers with agricultural duties, and cook a delicious farm-to-table meal
Learn traditional methods of farming at an organic farm while exploring the Japanese culture of community and the initiative of Satoyama
From stealth to steel, unleash your inner Ninja and Samurai in Kyoto's Samurai Ninja museum
The Goma Fire Ritual. A moment of reflection in a 1300-year-old mountain temple.
Experience a life-changing 12-hour solo in the solitude of a hidden Japanese village. Disconnect from the world, deeply connect with yourself and the surrounding nature.
Test yourself during an astronaut training session with a Japanese astronaut trainer at the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
“A warrior is worthless unless he rises above others and stands strong in the midst of a storm.”
Journey through the Three Worlds of Japan
World One: Tokyo to Hokkaido: Indigenous and Ancient Origins of Japan Experience
“The Samurai always has to rise and move on, because new challenges will come.”
Tokyo
Japan’s bustling capital, Tokyo, is a mesmerizing blend of modernity and tradition. Skyscrapers rise above ancient temples and peaceful gardens. In Asakusa, the historic heart of Tokyo, Senso-ji temple and lively market streets showcase the city's timeless charm.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido is a land that reflects the very origins of Japan. Thousands of years-old Jomon sites remain here, offering a glimpse into how people lived in harmony with nature. The culture of the indigenous Ainu people also endures, carrying forward a deep respect for the natural world. Hokkaido is a place that connects the past and the present, and inspires us to think about how we want to live in the future.
World Two: Niigata: Rural Heritage in Harmony With Nature Experience
Settle into Fireside Japan's basecamp. On an organic farm, learn traditional methods of agriculture and the culture of Satoyama while participating in a community homestay program. See how human well being and nature conservation can go hand in hand.
Niigata
Japan's largest rice-producing prefecture. This great agricultural region leads the way in the Satoyama initiative, a vision for sustainable rural societies in harmony with nature. A harmony that contributes to human well being and biodiversity conservation.
World Three: Kyoto to Shodoshima Island : Samurai Spirit and Island Traditions Experience
Explore how the Samurai of Kyoto lived by Bushidō, balancing discipline, respect, and duty. Principles that are exemplified on Shodoshima Island. An island that embodies the wisdom of ancient land use practices while showcasing how communities adapt creatively to new environmental challenges
Shodoshima Island
A hidden gem with breathtaking views, ancient history, and real-life examples of climate solutions in action. Japan’s “Olive Island” and its inhabitants are a symbol of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Kyoto
For over 1000 years, Kyoto was the imperial capital city of Japan. Home to esteemed historical sights, Kyoto is known for its profound serenity and timeless allure. It is steeped in rich history and tradition, once serving as a center for Samurai culture, where warriors upheld the code of bushido and shaped Japan's legacy of honor and discipline.
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 youths 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: Discover where the North American and Japanese understanding of nature intersect.
Urban Rural: Move between some of the world's densest city scapes and tranquil rural environments to learn how the people there interact with nature and approach climate change challenges.
Historical: Decode the wisdom of Japan’s ancient, nature-focused cultures and draw connections to its modern technological reality.
Pillar 2: Exploring Real-world Environments
Wetland environments: Lagoons, marshlands and rice fields
Forest Environments: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Mountain Environments: Mt. Usu
Lake Environments: Lake Toya
Urban Environments: Tokyo, Kyoto, Sapporo
Pillar 3: Volunteering and Connecting within Communities
A multi-day volunteer experience working on a traditional organic farm in a small Japanese village
In-depth learning and interaction with the indigenous Ainu people
Pillar 4: Strengthening Life, Social, and Leadership Skills
Organic farming practices
Meditation and mindfulness practices through a Zen buddhist lens
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 Adventures: 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 team:
Ami Nagata, Canada and Japanese Travel Advisor (Japan and Canada School Group Specialist)
I was born and raised in Japan and moved to Canada in 2020. So far, I’ve explored 18 countries, driven by a deep passion for discovering new cultures and fostering meaningful cultural exchange. My professional experience includes working at an immigration agency, where I helped Japanese students pursue their dreams of studying in Canada.
I believe it is essential for children and youth to explore the world—not only to learn new languages, but also to build social skills, leadership abilities, and a strong sense of identity. My motto, “一期一会” (Ichigo Ichie), or “once in a lifetime encounter”, reflects my desire to inspire more Japanese people to step into the world, embrace meaningful connections, and bring fresh energy and perspective to the global community.
Jeff “Willy” Willis, Founder, CEO & & Adventure Architect
Since 1991, I’ve been cooking up camps and expeditions across Canada, Japan, Germany, Colombia, Ecuador, Fiji, Yukon, Europe, and even the Arctic. My recipe? A big scoop of outdoor experiential education, a dash of youth and family work, and a whole lot of passion for environmental education and social justice. That mix became Fireside Adventures. Becoming a dad turned up the heat.
When I realized my kids weren’t getting climate change education at school or camp, I built the World Bound Climate Change Courses series. Then I supercharged Fireside’s Explorer Series and added the Salty Express, Ocean to Mountains, and Earth Roots experiences for schools— because the next generation deserves both adventure and answers.
Sebastian Jenkins, Canadian Independent School Travel Advisor (Canada and International)
I am a Fireside alumnus, international traveler, and hospitality and travel professional with a passion for cultural exploration. My interests include cuisine, language, history, astronomy, and education through global engagement. I first joined the Fireside community in 2006 as a teenager, participating in the second-ever program held in Alberta, Canada. In 2008, I took part in the international youth leadership program in Germany, and in 2021, I joined the Yukon Explorer paddle expedition.
Over the years, I’ve traveled to 30 countries. In 2012, I spent a year living in Mombasa, Kenya, where I volunteered in rural communities, building schools and teaching English. These experiences were pivotal to my maturation and development of an open mind. Thus, I firmly believe that people of all ages, especially children and youth, benefit immensely by exploring and interacting with the world around them. My goal is to provide students everywhere with the opportunity to gain this priceless global perspective.
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 youths to develop peacemaking skills and strategies, to navigate the conflicts that will arise due to compromised resources and environments caused by climate change.
