Nine hospitality and tourism management (HTM) students and two faculty from BYU–Hawaii completed an unforgettable 10-day experiential learning trip to Japan last month. The immersive study, led by Professor Jeff Christensen, aligned with the U.S. and Japanese governments’ 2024 declaration as the “US-Japan Tourism Year,” a joint initiative aimed at restoring tourism exchanges between the two countries to pre-COVID levels. The trip gave students a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most dynamic tourism markets.
“To Seek Far”
The trip, referred to as an ‘Imiloa’, the Hawaiian word for ‘to seek far’ was designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application. It allowed HTM students to step into the role of ‘explorers’ to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, innovative hospitality practices, and consumer behavior.
Reflecting on the tour’s significance, Christensen shared, “In many ways, Japan lives in the future, and yet it retains a deep respect for its past. We wanted to expose our students to all the unique things Japan has to offer from a tourism point of view. This trip was a chance for them to broaden their horizons and reflect on how they might contribute to their home countries.”
Mind-blowing Tourist Attractions
Students immersed themselves in a distinctive blend of tradition and cutting-edge technology that defines Japan’s tourism industry. Starting their journey at the Glansit Akihabara capsule hotel in Tokyo, they experienced firsthand the innovative, space-saving design of capsule accommodations, a concept born in Japan in the 1970s.
The itinerary also included a visit to the Henn na Hotel Ginza, the world’s first robot-operated hotel. There, students interviewed human staff to understand the advantages and challenges of technology-driven service models.
“It was mind-blowing. To see robots interacting with humans seamlessly seemed so futuristic,” said Bayalagmaa Bayarlkhagva, a freshman from Mongolia. “I learned valuable lessons that I can apply to my country, not just the technological advancement, but the cultural values of the Japanese as well, particularly about how they apply respect and care for other people around them.”
Japan's rich culinary scene and growing trend of interactive dining provided students with valuable insights into creating unique guest experiences. They visited tech-based sushi restaurants powered by iPads and explored interactive digital art installations at TeamLab Planets, the world's most-visited museum in 2023. These activities showcased how food, art, and technology come together to redefine the modern tourist experience.
The trip also offered students an up-close look at different tourism business models. For example, they experienced a range of walking tours from free, tip-based experiences to those provided by independent guides and established tour companies. A highlight was the Halloween ghost tour at Fushimi Inari Shrine, which offered a mix of history, culture, and entertainment. By exploring these various models, students gained valuable insights into entrepreneurial opportunities within the tourism industry."
Lorenzo Alberca, a freshman from the Philippines, said, “Back home, we don’t have any walking tours, and with the numerous amounts of tourism spots in the country, I see this part of Japanese tourism as an opportunity to add that same element to my country. This is a chance for me to give back and fulfill the reason why I’m here in BYU–Hawaii.”
They also experienced Japan’s renowned transportation systems, including the Shinkansen bullet trains, which travel at nearly 200 miles per hour.
“A transportation system like this would greatly benefit my country back home, where long distances separate various tourist spots,” remarked Saran Saker, a sophomore from India. “Guest satisfaction was one of the highlights of Japan’s customer service, and I learned a lot from the trip that I can apply back in India.”
The Spirit of Neighborly Love
The group attended local church meetings, creating intercultural and spiritual connections. These moments provided opportunities to reflect on their experiences and discuss how faith influences their approach to the hospitality industry.
Yusuke Kochiyama, a senior from Japan, said, “What I love about my country is our culture’s emphasis on loving our neighbors, which is a major part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I see customers and guests as deserving of that same love, enabling us to see them as unique and different but also learning from their experiences and appreciating them as they are.”
The trip concluded in Osaka, where students explored historic landmarks like Osaka Castle and dove into the world of health and wellness tourism at Spa World, a sprawling complex of themed onsen (Japanese hot springs).
Throughout their journey, students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and envision their future in the hospitality industry.
As Christensen remarked, "This trip enabled students to explore questions like, 'What can I learn from Japan to enhance my own country’s tourism offerings? What unique aspects of my culture can I better share with international visitors?'"
BYU–Hawaii’s Hospitality & Tourism Management Program continues to emphasize experiential learning from a global standpoint, ensuring students are well-prepared to lead and innovate in the global hospitality industry. This tour to Japan is a testament to how the program’s commitment to transforming students has enabled them to go “into all the world” and share Christlike love “to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)