Can I deduct what I paid to the school for a student trip to Japan?

No, the cost of the trip is not a qualified education expense and cannot be claimed.

Qualified expenses for the education tax credits include tuition and required fees for the enrollment or attendance at an eligible post-secondary educational institution. To be creditable, the expenses paid during a taxable year must relate to: (1) an academic period that begins in the same taxable year; or (2) an academic period that begins in the first three months of the following taxable year.

The following expenses do not qualify:

• Room and board.
• Transportation.
• Insurance.
• Medical expenses.
• Student fees unless required as a condition of enrollment or attendance.
• Same expenses paid with tax-free educational assistance.
• Same expenses used for any other tax deduction, credit or educational benefit.