February 3rd - February 21st
Akita Winter Course – 3 weeks
Immerse yourself into the Japanese countryside's culture and language!Limited spots - apply in advance!
DiscoverImmerse yourself with the first school in the Japanese countryside – AKITA INAKA SCHOOL!
Study conversational Japanese in the morning and explore the beautiful Akita inaka (countryside) after classes. Many activities together with the locals, teachers, and high school students, which no other school can offer.
The course has been designed to connect culture, language and experience, with a focus on practical conversation and interactions with locals. Mini culture lessons are also included in the curriculum, so you can truly make the most our of your time in Japan.
You will discover the real Japan and things you would never be able to experience in a big city! Hand-made crafts, local specialty food, and the friendly locals will change your life.
Originally a local primary school, the building has been repurposed as a community center. The upstairs classrooms have been untouched, meaning you can immerse yourself like you are in a real-life anime or manga.
Rediscover the simple things in life by immersing yourself in the beautiful nature that surrounds the school, and by gazing at the impeccable stars above.
You will be using your Japanese in day to day life, unlike in the other parts of Japan where English is prevalent.
Since only 1% of tourists visit Northern Japan, it is truly a special experience like no other.
School
Classes
Live
Activity Schedule
Week One
DISCOVER HIDDEN ONSENS KNOWN ONLY FOR LOCALS!
TOWADA WINTER FESTIVAL
KIMONO AND TEA CEREMONY IN A TRADITIONAL SAMURAI HOUSE
Farm Stay
Week Two
SKIING/SNOWBOARDING
SNOW MONSTERS AND MT. MORIYOSHI!
MEET AKITA INU DOGS!
BONFIRE WITH LOCAL STUDENTS
Week Three
LAKE TOWADA
MOCHI FESTIVAL
MEET WITH LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Additional Sample Activities
-A chance to discover Geisha and Maiko
-Snow shoeing adventure
-Seasonal festivals such as The Namahage Sedo Festival or Candy Festival
-Get creative with pottery, bento making, or calligraphy
-Meet local high school students
-Sing your heat out at karaoke
Choose your plan
- Discover hidden onsens known only for locals! You will be taken to the hot springs that only locals know! You will also be able to see all other onsens (some are mixed bath, some are natural in the mountains, some outside with a beautiful view, some historic with over 200 years of tradition).
- Skiing/Snowboarding February is a great time to ski in Japan and Akita has several ski areas nearby. There are courses for everyone from first-timers to hardcore back-country skiers, so you can partake in this Japanese winter tradition no matter your level!
- Towada Winter Festival Held at Lake Towada, highlights include a fireworks show overnight, lots of festival stalls serving food, and a kamakura (igloo) bar!
- Farm Stay Enjoy farm stay with friendly locals who will take you to onsen and you will cook dinner together. You will experience local, fresh dishes and products and taste Akita Inaka life style. Staying overnight in tatami rooms and eating breakfast in the morning made from locally picked fresh ingredients. This is one of the most rated experience by our students.
- Meet with local high school students Enjoy a chance to meet with local high school students to learn about what it's like living in Akita and going to school in Japan. Of course, you'll also get to practice your Japanese skills!
- Lake Towada Enjoy a unique experience as you BBQ near Lake Towada, a giant caldera lake that doesn't freeze over in winter.
- Bonfire with local students Join our big bonfire with high school students, and enjoy the night with food and locals! Especially in the winter time with lots of snow around, it is a really magical experience!
- Snow Monsters and Mt. Moriyoshi! Visit snow monsters at Mt. Moriyoshi, take in the amazing views and the ride gondola to the top! Also, enjoy many festivals during winter time in Akita!
- Bento box making Surely you've heard of Japanese bento lunches, and you'll get to try out making your own wooden bento box made from Japanese cedar wood. A local artisan will show you how it's done and you'll have a great souvenir to bring home!
- Candy Festival At this festival, which has been celebrated for more than 400 years, you can enjoy performances, an Akita dog parade, and more! Legend has it that people who eat the candy sold at the festival will not catch a cold for the rest of winter- what a great excuse to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Pottery class Create your own unique pottery at a local pottery studio.
- Calligraphy class Learn from the master calligraphy teacher to write beautiful kanji using washi paper and brushes with ink that Japanese people are using for the art of calligraphy!
- Karaoke We're sure you've heard of karaoke, but have you experienced Japanese style karaoke? In a private booth for your group, two microphones taking it in turns singing along to your favourite songs. If you're brave enough, why not whip out those Japanese songs you know to impress your new friends?
- Mochi Festival Attend a small local festival where local mochi makers gather to sell their traditional sweets. While you're here you might want to stop by the nearby Taiko museum which holds the largest drum in the world.
- Meet Akita Inu dogs! Meet adorable and famous Akita Inu dogs and play with them together with the local students.
- Activity Transportation
- Language Classes
- Katana Experience Join expert instructors, some of whom have even acted in movies, for a Katana Sword Experience, where you will have the chance to wield a katana sword to cut through tatami mats.
- Hirosaki Castle Winter Festival Witness the magic of Hirosaki Castle covered in snow and admire the beautiful ice sculptures.
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Priority list
Booking of this trip is not possibile in this moment, please enter our priority list for upcoming trips.
The list of activities are examples of what have been included in the past and the confirmed activity list will be released 30 days before the course starts. You can expect to have at least 4 activities per week. Please note that a 50% deposit payment is required by this school to secure your spot on the course. The deposit will be discounted from the total cost. Once the deposit has been paid and you have completed your application, the school will review your application and confirm whether or not you have been accepted into the program. Please note you will be required to purchase travel insurance that covers minimum $50,000 in hospital expenses in case of any accident and provide proof of coverage prior to arrival.
For Akita School courses, the initial deposit and remaining tuition fees are non-refundable.
However, students are allowed to change the booking to any future Akita course within 24 months of the original booking without additional fees (a written notice of minimum 30 days before the course starts is required).
What You Need To Know
Study Trip Dates
To February 21st