Study Trip Japan 2026
Experience Japan’s unique combination of tradition and innovation. During this inspiring study tour, you will discover how Japanese companies continuously improve and how Operational Excellence is deeply embedded in their culture.
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.
Experience Japanese improvement culture up close
During this study tour, you will experience up close how Japanese organizations have refined continuous improvement to perfection.
You’ll visit leading companies like Toyota, Denso, Omron and Subaru – each an example of how Kaizen, craftsmanship and innovation reinforce each other. From automated factories to DOJO training centers, you’ll see how people and technology come together in a culture that sees quality as a way of life.
In addition to company visits, there is room to experience Japanese culture: from the temple gardens in Kyoto to the precision of the Shinkansen. This combination of content and experience provides new insights that you can immediately translate to your own organization.
Travel Program
DAY 1
Departure from Schiphol
Friday – May 15, 2026
We will depart from Schiphol Airport at 8:15 in the evening and fly to Tokyo via Shanghai Pudong. We will gather at the gate before starting our journey.
DAY 2
Arrival Tokyo
Saturday – May 16, 2026
At 8:05 p.m. we land at Tokyo Haneda, where we are picked up by a tour bus and a local guide.
DAY 3
Sightseeing Tokyo
Sunday – May 17, 2026
We begin this day with an introduction to each other, during which we also coordinate the program and learning objectives. This is followed by an extensive sightseeing tour that includes visits to Tsukiji Fish Market, Kita-No-Maru Park, 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. In the evening we explore the bustling downtown area, and karaoke is on the program.
DAY 4
Dutch Embassy & Denso
Monday – May 18, 2026
We start the substantive part of our study tour with a visit to the Dutch Embassy. They tell us about the history of the long-standing cooperation between the Netherlands and Japan and the cultural differences. We visit Denso, one of the largest automotive parts suppliers in the world, where we gain insight into their advanced production techniques and innovative processes.
DAY 5
Subaru & SBS logistics
Tuesday – May 19, 2026
In the morning we visit the Subaru factory. Although you might not expect it, this factory is more modern than some other automotive factories. In the afternoon, we visit one of Japan’s most modern logistics centers: SBS Logistics.
DAY 6
Shinkansen & Toyota
Wednesday – May 20, 2026
We will travel on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya, a high-speed train known for its unprecedented punctuality and speed of up to 300 mph. This is a unique experience where we may catch a glimpse of
DAY 7
Omron & DOJO training
Thursday – May 21, 2026
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. In the afternoon, we go to a DOJO training centerwhere we attend a Kaizen workshop taught by former Toyota Senseis.
DAY 8
AVEX & Tel Mic
Friday – May 22, 2026
We visit the plant of AVEX Kuwana Factory, which produces parts for the automotive industry. This is a great example of how to bring an old machinery completely up to date by automating it. In the afternoon we go to Tel Mic, a parts logistics company. At this company you will see the most extraordinary KPI dashboard you have ever seen.
DAY 9
Sightseeing Kyoto
Saturday – May 23, 2026
We travel to Kyoto, a city known for its temples and rich history. We visit the
DAY 10
Osaka to Schiphol flight
Sunday – May 24, 2026
We leave early for the Osaka Kansai airport. After checking in, there is ample time to have breakfast. The plane leaves at 9:30 a.m. and we land back at Schiphol the same evening at 6:30 p.m.
* changes subject to change.
For more detailed information on scheduling and practical matters, please download our brochure.
Curious about previous experiences and insights from our study tours to Japan? Download the 2023 trip report.
Prepare for a journey that will change your view of improvement forever.
Condensed 10-day study tour
May 15 – May 24, 2026
€ 6950
Includes flight, hotel accommodation, local transportation, professional supervision and a fully organized study program with company visits.
Own costs (not budgeted)
- Travel expenses to and from Schiphol Airport.
- Travel and cancellation insurance.
- 2 dinners (on your own in groups).
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 each other. 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.