Japan Institute

June 22 – July 7, 2026*

*Dates for Japan subject to change based on flight availability

Discover Japan with Montserrat College of Art!

Now in its fourth year, the Montserrat Art Educator Japan Institute was created to show Art Educators from around the country what Montserrat students experience while being a student. Montserrat has been partnering with Niigata College of Art and Design for over 20 years.

Step beyond the studio and into the story — Montserrat College of Art’s Japan Institute offers an immersive travel and learning experience over 14 days in Niigata and Tokyo, Japan, that transforms your creative practice and expands your cultural perspective.

If you want to not just learn about art but live it—touch it, see it, let it reshape your vision—this is your chance. The Japan Institute is more than travel: it’s a creative pilgrimage. Whether you’re drawn to printmaking, design, or calligraphy, this journey gives you the tools to experiment and integrate Japanese methods into your work. What’s more, every trip includes:

COST:
Single room: $5,350
Double room: $4,850

Included in the cost:

Round-trip airfare
All in-country related travel (bus and train tickets)
Hotel accommodations
Daily breakfast
Two group dinners
Cultural site entrance fees
Studio art supplies

Registration and deposit deadline: March 1, 2026

2026 Japan Itinerary

Day 1 & 2: June 22-23
Travel from Boston to Niigata via Plane and Shinkansen

Day 3: Wednesday June 24:

Enjoy buffet breakfast at the hotel
Introduction and welcome to Niigata
Workshops begin
Get a tour of Niigata College of Art and Design
Morning Workshop: Printmaking
Break for lunch
Afternoon workshop: Bringing Manga to the classroom
Participants have a free evening to explore Niigata

Day 4: Thursday June 25:

Enjoy buffet breakfast at the hotel
Morning workshop: Printmaking
Break for lunch
Afternoon workshop: Bringing Manga to the classroom
Participants have a free evening to explore Niigata

Day 5: Friday June 26:

Enjoy buffet breakfast at the hotel
Morning workshop: Printmaking
Break for lunch
Afternoon workshop: Fabric Art
Participants have a free evening to explore Niigata

Day 6: Saturday June 27

Enjoy buffet breakfast at the hotel
Tour of Niigata including:
- Saito Villa Museum
- Sea of Japan: Dip your toes in the Sea of Japan to cool down!
- Participants have a free evening to explore Niigata

Day 7: Sunday June 28:

Enjoy buffet breakfast at the hotel
Travel to Yahiko Village by train
Explore the Village and travel up the ropeway for stunning views of the surrounding area
Free evening to explore Niigata and its nightlife
Participants have a free evening to explore Niigata

Day 8: Monday June 29: