A Virtual Field Trip to Japan Your Students Will Love

Have you ever wished you could take your students on a real field trip to another country, but without the cost, permission slips, or complicated logistics? Maybe you're planning a county study unit and want to bring history and culture to life, but don't know where to start.

I've got you covered!

Virtual field trips are a great option! I've designed over 100 virtual field trips around the world to spark curiosity and bring history, geography, and culture to life! Let me share with you just one example: a virtual field trip to Japan!

You can bring the magic of Japan directly into your classroom through an immersive, interactive virtual field trip! This ready-to-go resource transports your students to the country of Japan, allowing them to explore the geography, culture, and history without ever leaving their seats.

I've designed this activity with grades 5–7 in mind, but it is easily adaptable for different settings. I've had teachers share with me that they used this with an after-school program, and during an international week at school, and it worked great!

This virtual field trip blends geography, reading comprehension, and cultural exploration in one engaging activity. Students will “visit” famous landmarks, explore natural wonders like Mount Fuji, and discover the traditions that make Japan so unique. From bustling cities like Tokyo to peaceful shrines in Kyoto, every stop on the journey helps students connect classroom learning to the real world.

One of the reasons teachers love this resource is how interactive and low-prep it is. Everything is built in Google Slides, with embedded links to Google Earth 360° views and educational videos. Students can navigate through the activity independently or in small groups, making it perfect for classroom lessons, enrichment days, or even virtual learning settings. There’s no printing, cutting, or complicated setup required. Just assign this activity through Google Classroom (or your school's LMS), and watch your students light up with curiosity.

This virtual field trip isn’t just about doing a fun activity. It is academically meaningful. The activity aligns with Common Core informational text standards and supports state geography and social studies standards. Students will read informational passages, analyze maps, and use critical thinking to answer guided questions.

They’ll also develop global awareness by learning about Japan’s climate, traditions, economy, and how its people adapt to natural challenges such as typhoons and volcanoes. Teachers can easily assess understanding using the included editable response sheets and rubrics, making grading simple and efficient.

What truly sets this country study simulation apart is the sense of discovery it fosters. Instead of passively reading a textbook, students become explorers. They can zoom in on Japan’s landscapes, learn about cultural practices, and connect what they see to what they’ve learned. It’s the perfect blend of technology and learning, allowing students to experience global education in an authentic, memorable way.

If you’ve been looking for a way to make social studies more exciting and globally connected, this resource is the perfect solution. This Japan virtual field trip brings learning to life with real-world visuals, engaging prompts, and meaningful cross-curricular connections.

Whether you use it as part of a geography unit, a cultural study, or a one-day enrichment lesson, your students will walk away inspired by the beauty and diversity of Japan.

Find all the details below to take your class on an unforgettable journey to Japan!

Virtual Field Trip to Japan

What Teachers Are Saying about this Japan Virtual Field Trip:

"My students loved this resource! I used it for an after school club that I run, where we take different "field trips" virtually!" - Cassie G.

"Outstanding resource! So many things covered here. A great presentation. A very easy to use resource." - Nack M.

"These virtual field trips breathe life into a virtual classroom. They are amazing and I really love all of the interactive aspects." - Gloria D.