Study Tour & Trade Mission Japan 2025
Dive into the world of innovation and tradition. This trip offers you the opportunity to not only expand your professional knowledge, but also experience personal growth. Join a company of like-minded professionals and be inspired by Operational Excellence in practice.
Why Japan?
Japan is a land of contrasts and harmony. It is a place where ancient traditions and futuristic technologies blend seamlessly. Imagine walking through serene temple gardens full of history in the morning, and seeing state-of-the-art production lines run by robots in the afternoon. This combination of culture and technology makes Japan unique and a source of inspiration for anyone who wants to be challenged by new insights.
Despite a shrinking and aging workforce, Japan has proven to be at least as productive as other major economies. According to OECD data, Japan is among the top 20 countries with the highest labor productivity per hour worked. This achievement is remarkable considering the demographic challenges facing the country such as massive aging and shrinking labor market. This study tour is not just another trip. It is an opportunity to reinvent yourself, to be inspired by a culture that lets innovation and respect go hand in hand.
What will you learn?
Not only will you see how companies like Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Omron, and Denso optimize their processes – you will experience how the Japanese mindset of continuous improvement works. From Kaizen to Monozukuri, you will not only discover theories, but see them in practice. In addition, you will have the opportunity to visit the World Expo in Osaka, where the latest innovations and technological developments will be presented. This offers unique opportunities to gain insights for both the Dutch market and explore opportunities in Japan itself. This trip is designed for professionals who want to broaden their horizons and find new perspectives. From innovations at the World Expo to the in-depth knowledge of local CEOs and Senseis – you will take back home valuable insights that can strengthen your own business operations.
Experience Japan like a local and discover the power of diversity
Japan is more than just businesses and technology. On this trip, you will experience not only the cultural depth and hospitality that characterize Japan, but also the unique dichotomy in business. Companies that remain true to old principles such as Kaizen and craftsmanship on the one hand, and the innovative vanguard embracing digital transformation on the other. You’ll walk through the serene temple gardens of Kyoto, dive into the vibrant nightlife of Osaka, and experience the unprecedented punctuality of the Shinkansen. Omotenashi, the Japanese form of hospitality, will make you feel right at home. At the same time, you will learn from both traditional and progressive companies and discover what best suits your organization. This trip focuses on learning and inspiring, not just by watching, but by engaging with the people who make Japan a world leader in quality and innovation.
Travel itinerary
DAY 1
Departure from Schiphol
Saturday – May 17, 2025
We leave at 12:15 from Schiphol Airport with Cathay Pacific, via Hong Kong, to Tokyo. We will gather at the gate before starting our journey.
DAY 2
Arrival Osaka
Sunday – May 18, 2025
At 15:15 we land in Osaka, where we are picked up by a tour bus and local guide. In the evening we explore bustling Dotonbori, famous for its neon lights, street food and lively bars.
DAY 3
Visit World Expo
Monday – May 19, 2025
After breakfast, we leave for the World Expo, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives. Here we will see innovative exhibits, technologies, AI, robotics, and sustainable solutions from more than 160 countries. There are also workshops and cultural performances.
DAY 4
Expo & NL embassy
Tuesday – May 20, 2025
Today we continue our visit to the World Expo and dive deeper into interactive demonstrations. Among other things, we visit the Dutch pavilion and are welcomed by representatives of the Dutch embassy.
DAY 5
Sightseeing Kyoto
Wednesday – May 21, 2025
We travel to Kyoto, known for its temples and rich history.
We visit the Fushimi Inari-taisha, the Rokuonji Temple (with the golden pavilion) and Kiyomizu-dera. Kyoto offers an unforgettable introduction to Japanese culture.
DAY 6
OMROM Kyoto
Thursday – May 22, 2025
We visit the Omron Taiou plant, where people with disabilities produce high-quality technical components. Despite these limitations, productivity is impressively high, thanks to workplace optimization and automation. After lunch, we travel on to Nagoya, taking in some sights along the way.
DAY 7
Toyota & Mitsubishi Electric
Friday – May 23, 2025
In the morning, we visit Mitsubishi Electric in Nagoya, a leader in electrical systems. In the afternoon, we go to the Toyota Commemorative Center, where we explore Toyota’s history and learn Toyota’s manufacturing principles, such as Lean production and quality management, through workshops.
DAY 8
Shinkansen Nagoya Tokyo
Saturday – May 24, 2025
We will travel on the Shinkansen from Nagoya to Tokyo, a high-speed train known for its unprecedented punctuality and speed of up to 300 mph. This is a unique experience where we may have views of Mount Fuji. In the evening we explore the entertainment district of Shibuya, famous for its iconic, busiest crosswalk in the world and its lively atmosphere with karaoke bars and neon lights.
DAY 9
Sightseeing Tokyo
Sunday – May 25, 2025
We visit sights in Tokyo, including the Tsukiji Fish Market, Kita-No-Maru Park, the Imperial Palace and Meiji Jingu Park with its iconic temple. These sites offer a mix of historical value, cultural richness and the serene beauty Japan is known for.
DAY 10
Nissan Yokohama & Tokyo
Monday – May 26, 2025
In the morning we will visit the Nissan Yokohama Plant, where we will gain insight into the production of automobile engines and the advanced technologies involved. The afternoon is free to spend in Tokyo, with options including the Koishikawa Korakuen garden or the Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest observation towers in the world that offers stunning views of the city.
DAY 11
Denso Tokyo
Tuesday – May 27, 2025
We will visit Denso, one of the largest suppliers of automotive parts in the world, where we will gain insight into their advanced manufacturing techniques and innovative processes. After the tour, we have a farewell lunch at a special location, after which we depart for the airport for our flight back to the Netherlands.
DAY 12
Arrival at Schiphol Airport
Wednesday – May 28, 2025
We land at Schiphol Airport around 06:55. The end of this trip marks the beginning of something new: with fresh insights, inspiration, and practical ideas, you’ll return to daily practice, ready to put what you’ve learned to use and make a difference.
* minor changes subject to change.
For more detailed information on scheduling and practical matters, please download our brochure.
Curious about previous experiences and insights from previous study tours?
Abbreviated 7-day study tour costs but all-in
€ 5250
Study Trip & Organization: € 2,400 for 7 days
- Visit World Expo.
- Visit leading companies and Smart city.
- Social and cultural program.
- Interpreter, entrance fees and gratuities.
- Transfers via Coach.
Flight ticket: € 1,350.
- Outbound flight Amsterdam – Osaka.
- Return flight Osaka – Amsterdam.
Accommodation expenses: €1,500.
- Overnight accommodations (4 or 5 star hotels).
- Breakfasts, lunches.
- 4 dinners, including drinks.
Personal expenses
- Travel expenses to and from Schiphol Airport.
- Travel and cancellation insurance.
- 2 dinners (in small groups, independently).
This unique 11-day study tour costs only all-in
€ 7200
Study Trip & Organization: € 3,600 for 11 days
- Visit World Expo.
- Visit leading companies and Smart city.
- Social and cultural program.
- Interpreter, entrance fees and gratuities.
- Transfers via Coach and Bullet train.
Flight ticket: € 1,350.
- Outbound flight Amsterdam – Osaka.
- Return flight Tokyo – Amsterdam.
Accommodation expenses: € 2,250.
- Overnight accommodations (4 or 5 star hotels).
- Breakfasts, lunches.
- 5 dinners, including drinks.
Personal expenses
- Travel expenses to and from Schiphol Airport.
- Travel and cancellation insurance.
- 4 dinners (in small groups, independently).
Networking with like-minded people
Participating in this trip also means finding yourself in a company of ambitious, curious professionals from different sectors. The conversations that arise over dinner in Tokyo or a ride in the coach can lead to valuable insights and collaborations. The network you build here goes beyond the duration of the trip.
More than a study tour
Join us for this unique experience
Don’t wait too long to register – there are a limited number of spots available.
We want to keep this trip personal and make sure there is plenty of room for interaction, both with the local experts and among ourselves. Are you ready to be inspired by a country where tradition and innovation go hand in hand?
Where operational excellence is not a buzzword, but a way of life? Then register now and be assured of your place in this unique adventure.
Booking or questions?
Are you excited and ready to enroll, or do you have any questions? Fill out the form to enroll immediately or to ask your questions. We are ready to assist you further with enrollment or to tell you more about the format, the program, and the impact this journey can have on you and your organization.