Barrier-Free Discovery Tour to Tokyo 2026
Are you looking for a meaningful and refreshing way to spend your study break this coming June? Join our Barrier Free Discovery Tour to Tokyo 2026, where you will explore how inclusiveness, innovation, and accessibility are embraced across the city through immersive visits, experiential activities, and cultural discovery!
This 6-day, 5-night tour is specially designed for participants who are interested in gaining global exposure, learning about inclusive practices, exploring technological-driven innovations, and expanding their understanding of accessibility and universal design.
What You Will Experience
The tour aims to broaden your global perspective on inclusiveness, support personal growth, and spark new ideas for enhancing accessibility and applying technology in everyday life. After the tour, participants will be required to submit a post‑tour project (details to be provided).
During this 6‑day, 5‑night tour, participants will:
- Visit universities in Tokyo to explore their inclusive education frameworks and student support services.
- Take part in SEN and neurodiversity-related experiential activities to gain deeper insight into accessibility challenges and universal design.
- Participate in team‑building sessions that foster empathy, collaboration, and mutual understanding.
- Discover technology‑driven innovations that support individuals with SEN and neurodiversity.
- Experience Tokyo’s culture and its barrier‑free facilities while reflecting on inclusive practices.
Tour activities are subject to adjustments based on actual circumstances (e.g., weather, transportation).
Who Can Join
Participants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Current full‑time HKUST students studying UGC-funded undergraduate programs
- HKUST Students who have declared their SEN with SEN Support
- Aged over 18 by the time of travel
- Holder of a valid passport (and visa accordingly, when applicable) that permits entry to Japan, with validity until 31 December 2026
Tour Coverage
The tour package includes:
- Round‑trip group air tickets between Hong Kong and Tokyo (standard economy class) for the tour dates, arranged by SEN Support, including taxes and surcharges
- Hotel accommodation in Tokyo (shared room with a participant of the same gender), arranged by SEN Support
- Daily breakfast, plus at least one lunch and one dinner during the tour, arranged by SEN Support
- Local shuttle bus services in Tokyo (excluding self-arranged activities)
- Program fees, admission tickets & tour guide service charges arranged by SEN Support (excluding self-arranged activities)
- Student travel insurance provided by HKUST (Participants may purchase additional coverage if desired)
- Remarks:
- Any expenditure not listed above will be at participants’ personal expense.
- Participants are responsible for arranging visa applications (if required) and any arrival documentation required by Japan.
Tour Fee
Tour fee is not required. However, a refundable deposit of HK$2,500 is required upon acceptance of offer. This deposit will be refunded only to participants who complete all components of the tour, submit all required tasks and fulfill all tour requirements. Further details regarding the deposit arrangement will be provided to applicants who receive an offer after the interview.
Key Timeline
| 15 March 2026 (Sun) | Application Deadline |
| End-March to Mid-April* | Selection Interviews |
| Mid-April* | Announcement of Results |
| Late-April* | Payment of Refundable Deposit |
| Mid-May* | Pre-Departure Breifing Session |
| 1-6 June 2026 (Mon-Sat) | Tour in Tokyo |
| End-June* | Student Project Submission Deadline |
*Exact dates to be confirmed and announced accordingly once available
Application Details
- Application Form: Click Here
- Application Deadline: 15 March 2026 (Sun)
- Remarks:
- Shortlisted applicants will be notified by email and invited for an interview.
- If applicants do not receive interview invitation email within 4 weeks after the application deadline, your application should be considered unsuccessful.
- Successful candidates will receive an offer email. Upon accepting the offer, participants must submit an undertaking form and other required documents and information (details and forms will be provided at that time).
Notes to Applicants
- The organizer reserves the right to adjust the tour arrangements based on actual circumstances and may decline participation if an applicant’s health condition is assessed to pose a risk to the individual or the group’s safety. Any risks or costs arising directly or indirectly from such circumstances will be borne by the participant.
- Participants must depart from and return to Hong Kong with the group on the assigned tour dates.
- Withdrawal during the tour will result in no refund of the deposit.
- Terms and conditions of the University‑provided student travel insurance are available on the HKUST website.
- Participants are encouraged to purchase additional insurance at their own expense if extra protection is required.
