Japan Japanese Language and Cultural Adventure

Orientation in Tokyo

Spend your first few days exploring the world’s biggest city. Working with Japanese college students and your group leader, delve into the world of Japanese language and culture. Check out the latest gadgets in Akihabara, wander through seafood auctions at Tsukiji fish market, ride the escalators at Ginza’s skyscraping department stores, and learn your fortune at the ancient Sensoji temple complex in Old Tokyo.

Homestay

Your understanding of Japanese culture soars and your connection to traditional family life deepens as you help your host parents cook homemade soba noodles, sing karaoke, watch anime, or hang out at the arcade with host siblings, and ease into the peaceful daily life of a Japanese town.

Sample activities:
Stroll through traditional gardens; practice Zen meditation; perfect the art of Japanese flower arrangement; watch sumo wrestling; roll your own sushi; make friends at a local high school; learn taiko drumming; wear a traditional yukata to the summer fireworks festival; learn about the Ainu culture of Hokkaido.

Sample host communities:
Okayama, Muroran, Higashikawa, Kushiro, Ishikari

Language Training

As a beginning, intermediate, or advanced student, you participate in fun, activity-based classes that focus on communication skills. In the afternoons and evenings, put your language skills to use during traditional tea ceremonies, visits to hot springs, and scavenger hunts with local college students.

Sample activities:
Practice reading and writing hiragana and kanji with Japanese teachers; go back stage at a kabuki theater; climb Mt. Moiwa with Japanese language partners; order gyoza and sushi at local restaurants.

Temples, Traditions, and Travel

Your experience concludes with a few days exploring the temples, markets, and shrines of ancient Kyoto. Then hop on the bullet train and head back to Tokyo for a final night celebration.

Sample activities:
Visit the golden-roofed Kinkaku-ji temple; drink from the pure waters of Kiyomizu shrine; participate in the Gion Matsuri, a lantern-lit festival and parade through the Geisha District; hike to the Nijo Castle, home to the ancient imperial court; enjoy some last-minute shopping and free time as you explore the ancient streets and magnificent art and architecture of Kyoto.