Japan's Innovation Journey: A STEM-focused Exploration

After following the sun over the West Coast of the United States, the Pacific Ocean and the International Date Line, you arrive in Tokyo. Settle in and get ready to discover a new world.

Get lost in advanced technology today in Tsukuba Science City. It's a zone designated to promote scientific discovery, in areas like engineering, biological and agricultural research. We'll visit the laboratories of Cyberdyne, which develops robotic limbs. Learn more about the research and development activities carried out by the firm, before having an opportunity gain some hands-on experience as your try on some of the products.

Science Square Tsukuba AIST (The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology) is one of the largest public research organisations in Japan. It focuses on the creation of technologies useful to Japanese industry and society. Discover how advanced technologies are changing our daily lives.

Then, check out Akihabara, Japan's "electric town", a hub for anime and manga lovers. It's also home to Japan's most famous J-pop groupB48.

Visit the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. One exhibition is called 'Android: What is Human?'. It makes you question where the distinction between human and robot is. By the way, there's a few not-strictly-speaking humans on the staff!

Then, head to The Panasonic Centre, where you'll learn how mathematics, science and nature interact. You can also pay a visit to the Kawasaki Robospace. In the showroom of the renowned robotics company, you can see a variety of the latest developments in robotics across industries such as engineering and medicine.

Marvel at the view from the Odaiba Waterfront. Enjoy the illumination of the Rainbow Bridge and the replica Statue of Liberty, which is a commemoration of the French Year in Japan.

Head to Harajuku, where tradition rubs shoulders with modernity. Walk through the forest until you reach the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shokun, who, in the early 20th century, began Japan's transformation from a feudal to a modern society. Then move on to the Harujuku shopping district to see maids, punks, goths, and fashionistas - anything goes in Harajuku!

This afternoon, head to the TEPIA Advanced Technology Gallery. With the latest tech in robotics, telecommunications, health & medicine, environmental & energy sciences, and more on display, this gallery introduces visitors to technology and products important to our everyday lives.

You've seen it on the big screen, now you can time lapse it yourself. This evening, see the Shibuya Crossing, famed for being the busiest intersection in the world.

Learn about Buddhism at the Sensoji temple at Asakusa and explore the district's charming streets.

Next up, roll up your sleeves for a sushi-making class led by a master sushi chef. Sample your delicious creations for lunch, and learn about how sushi evolved from a South-East Asian technique of preserving fish in fermented rice.

This afternoon, pay a visit to the Tokyo Skytree Campus, a creation of the Chiba Institute of Technology. The campus is split into two areas. AREA I is about all things robot, and features many amazing tech developments including the disaster support robots used at Fukushima Power Plant. In AREA II, visitors learn about space technology, where they can enjoy a virtual space tour or a virtual moon landing experience.

Finish up a busy day taking some seriously Instagram-worthy photos on a relaxing cruise on the Sumida River.

Sayonara... Your suitcase full of memorabilia and of photos ready to be processed, you'll arrive home eager to share your discoveries with family and friends.