Tokyo Study Week for Escape Animation Students

Digital Hollywood University September 7-11 2026

Escape Studios is delighted to announce our first "Tokyo Study Week" for our animation students - an opportunity to study for five days at Digital Hollywood University in Tokyo.  

The Tokyo Study Week will run from Monday 7 September to Friday 11 September 2026 and is a chance to learn Japanese animation techniques, with a focus on the unique Japanese visual styles of anime and manga.  Classes will take place every morning, with afternoons left free for students to explore Tokyo and potentially visit animation sites such as the Studio Ghibli Museum and Studio Ghibli Park.  

Digital Hollywood University
Digital Hollywood University

Digital Hollywood University

 (DH) is a higher education provider in Japan, specializing in computer graphics, visual effects, programming, Japanese animation, web design and graphic design.   In short, the Escape Studios of Tokyo. 

Industry Links

"Father's Blade", created at Escape Studios

Many Digital Hollywood graduates have gone on to careers in the creative industries in Japan and overseas.  Like Escape Studios, Digital Hollywood maintains close links with industry and brings in instructors with industry extensive experience.

Study Week September 7-11 2026

During the Tokyo Study Week students will attend morning workshops and lectures with Japanese industrial professionals.  Students will develop an understanding of Japanese design and animation techniques as well as studio production processes.

Teaching Schedule

Goal

Imperial Palace, Central Tokyo 

Through workshops and lectures by Japanese industrial professionals, students will develop a deeper understanding of Japanese game and animation business, their surroundings, and production processes.

Logistics

Accommodation

Accommodation has been arranged by Digital Hollywood University.

Hotel Mystays Ochanomizu Conference Center

https://iconia.co.jp/hotel-mystays-ochanomizu-conference-center-tokyo.

Breakfast at the Hotel Mystays is included. 

Important Dates

"Kueh" - Anime created at Escape Studios 

• Sunday, 6th September 2026 - Arrive Tokyo and check-in to Hotel Mystays Ochanomizu Conference Center
• Monday 7th September 2026 Classes begin. Afternoon free 
• Tuesday 8th Sept - Morning Classes. Afternoon free
• Wednesday 9th Sept - Morning Classes. Afternoon free
• Thursday 10th Sept - Morning Classes. Afternoon free
• Friday 11th September 20226. Last day of class. Afternoon free. 
• Saturday, 12th September 2026, Check out of Hotel, leave for London. 

Length of Stay: Six Nights

Location

Digital Hollywood University is located in central Tokyo, very near the Imperial Palace. 

Flights

Travel partner StudyLink Tours

Flights from London to Tokyo are being booked through our travel partner StudyLink Tours, and will cost approximately £1,300. 

Flight Schedule - Qatar Airlines

• Saturday 5 Sept lv LHR Terminal 4 at 4pm on Qatar Airways. Arrive Doha at 12.45am
• Sunday 6 Sept lv Doha at 2.50am on Qatar Airways. Arrive Narita at 7.10pm
• Saturday 12 Sept lv Narita at 5.25pm Qatar Airways. Arrive Doha 10.20pm 
• Sunday 13 Sept lv Doha at 1.35am Qatar Airways. Arrive LGW 6.40am. 

Qatar Airways Flight Schedule

Luggage Allowance

Qatar Airways permits one Carry on Bag 1 x up to 7kg 

1 x 23 kg bag (checked luggage)

Back to Escape for Welcome Week

Digital Hollywood University, Tokyo 

Welcome Week at Escape Studios starts on Monday 14 September 2026. Teaching at Escape Studios starts on 21 September 2026.  See 2026-27 Undergraduate Term Dates here. 

FAQs

How much will it cost?

The overall cost of the Tokyo Study Trip, including flights, accommodation and classes is around £2k. 

Is this the only Tokyo Study Trip Escape Studios has planned - or will there be others?

This is the only trip we have planned at present.  However, if things go well, we will consider going again next year. 

Can I Book my Own Flights?

"Kueh" - Anime created at Escape Studios 

Not this year, however we may have more flexibility in the future.. 

I have a Special Dietary Requirement - Can This Be Accommodated?

Food is not included in the trip package, apart from the hotel breakfast, which is included. 

However Tokyo has a vast array of dining options and students are encouraged to explore these in advance. 

Is Travel Insurance Included?

Yes, Travel insurance is included through our travel partner StudyLink Tours. You can read about the level of coverage here. 

Will Escape Studios Organise Visas to Japan?

"Father's Blade"

No, Escape Studios is not organising travel visas. UK Citizens do not need a visa for travel to Japan for up to 90 days.  

According to the Japanese Embassy in the UK, the visa exemption for short-term stays (up to 90 days) explicitly covers tourism, business, conferences, and short-term study or participation in unpaid lectures. Because the trip is only for a week and does not involve paid employment or work placements within Japan, a formal student visa is not required

Any students who think they might need a travel visa should visit the official Japanese Embassy Website. 

Who Should I Ask If I have Questions?

Email me at alex.williams@escapestudios.com

The Escape Studios Animation Blog offers a personal view on the art of animation and visual effects. To apply for one of our courses, follow this link.