Culture & Nature Expedition
Dates
Jun 16 - Jun 6, 2027
3 weeks
Highlights
Japanese Language Study
Field Study in Nagano
Mountain Hikes
Costs
¥850,000
Application Deadline
March 1, 2027
0
Week
0
Days
0
Hours
Program Location
Tokyo & Nagano
Japan offers both vibrant cities and breathtaking natural landscapes—and this program lets you experience both. Begin in Tokyo, where modern culture, language learning, and anime come alive, then travel to Nagano’s mountains for hiking, shrine visits, and other nature expeditions. Nagano presents a deeper view of Japan’s cultural and natural heritage. Surrounded by mountains and shaped by long-standing spiritual and agricultural traditions, the region offers an ideal environment for experiential and field-based learning.By the end of the program, participants will have experienced two distinct sides of the country—and gained a new perspective on exploration.
What's Included
Accomondation & Meals
  • - Hostel, Shared House or Hotel
  • - Some meals provided
  • - Towls and other toiletries
Transportation
  • - Group Airport Pick-up (scheduled)
  • - Excrusion Transportation
  • - Local Transportation in Itinerary
Academics
  • - Japanese Learning Certificate
  • - Higher Education or Career Consultation
  • - Interactive Classes and Workshops
  • - All Learning Materials
Support
  • - Pre-Departure Advice
  • - 24/7 Emergency Support
  • - Language Support
  • - Local Travel Tips
*Flight tickets are not included, to find out more information, please Contact Us
Academics
Subject Areas:
Japanese Langauge
Studies
Anime & Japanese
Culture
Field Studies
Participants in this program will gain experience in:
Urban & Rural Culture
Students will explore both contemporary urban culture in Tokyo and traditional, community-based life in Nagano. Through structured activities and field experiences, participants will examine how geography, history, and spirituality shape regional identities within Japan.
Foundational Japanese Language Skills
Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students will build core Japanese language skills, beginning with Hiragana and Katakana and progressing to practical conversational expressions.
Anime & Cultural Studies
Through anime lectures, workshops, and guided discussions, students will analyze the cultural and historical development of Japanese pop culture while engaging in hands-on creative activities.
Field-Based & Experiential Learning
In Nagano, participants will engage in nature exploration, shrine and temple visits, and community-oriented activities that deepen their understanding of the relationship between environment and cultural practice.
Personal and Intercultural Growth
By navigating both metropolitan and rural environments, students develop adaptability, intercultural awareness, and reflective thinking skills essential for navigating global environment.
Expected Learning Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate basic Japanese language proficiency in everyday contexts.
  • Understanding urban and rural dimensions of Japanese culture and society.
  • Explain how environment and tradition influence regional identity in Japan.
  • Apply introductory creative techniques through anime-related workshops.
  • Reflect on intercultural development across diverse settings.
Sample Itinerary
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
AM Japan & East Asian studies Japan & East Asian studies Japan & East Asian studies Japan & East Asian studies Japan & East Asian studies FREE DAY FREE DAY
PM Japanese Foundation Traditonal Culture Workshop Japanese Foundation Animation Production Workshop Field Trip or Activity
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
AM Japan & East Asian studies Japan & East Asian studies Japan & East Asian studies Japan & East Asian studies Voice Acting Workshop FREE DAY FREE DAY
PM Japanese Foundation Traditonal Culture Workshop Japanese Foundation Japanese Foundation (Preparation for Voice acting) Voice Acting Studio Experience Moving to Nagano
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
AM Hiking in Nagano Shrine or Temple Visit Presentation/Portolio Review Nature Expedition & Field Study Education/Career Consultation (Optional) FREE DAY FREE DAY
PM Traditonal Culture Workshop Event with local Japanese Students Heading back to Tokyo
*All activities are subject to change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. However, the number of activities will remain the same. Locations and detailed information will be released approximately two months in advance.
Eligibility
  • Applicants must be 16 or above.
  • Applicants must demonstrate independent living skills, including basic navigation and the ability to manage their physical and emotional well-being.
  • Applicants must acknowledge that this is a group program and agree to respect program policies and fellow participants.
Application Timelines
Program Type Application Deadline Result Announced Program Start Date*
Program A: Anime & City Life March 1st March 15th Mid-June
Program B: Culture & Nature Expedition March 1st March 15th Mid-June
Program C: Hakuba Winter Immersion September 1st September 15 End of December
*Program start date will be announced at least two months in advance.
Our Team
People you can count on during this journey
Program Coordinators
Oversees program planning, scheduling, and on-site operations. Serves as the main point of contact and ensures a smooth, safe, and well-organized experience for all participants.
Group Leaders & Chaprones
Oversees program planning, scheduling, and on-site operations. Serves as the main point of contact and ensures a smooth, safe, and well-organized experience for all participants.
Japanese Language Teachers
Deliver beginner-level Japanese instruction using both English and Japanese at the initial stage, gradually transitioning to a more immersive direct-method approach as students build confidence.
Program Faculty Team
Lead lectures, anime workshops, and experiential learning activities, integrating academic knowledge with culture insights. All classes will be conducted in English or in Japanese with interpretation support.
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