Akita Winter Course

The Akita Winter Course (3 weeks) offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to practice Japanese every day while immersing yourself in the breathtaking winter scenery of rural Japan. Study conversational Japanese in the mornings, then spend your afternoons exploring the beautiful Akita inaka (countryside), engaging with locals, and experiencing authentic Japanese culture.

This program is carefully designed to connect language, culture, and real-life experiences. With a strong focus on practical conversation, you will use Japanese not only in the classroom but also in your daily interactions with local residents. Mini cultural lessons are included, helping you fully enjoy and understand life in Japan beyond textbooks.

You’ll experience the real Japan—something you could never find in a big city. From hand-made crafts and local specialty foods to the warmth of the community, the people of Akita will leave a lasting impression on you.

The school building itself is part of the experience. Once a local elementary school, it has been transformed into a community center while keeping the original classrooms intact. Studying here feels like stepping into a real-life anime or manga scene. Surrounded by untouched nature, you’ll rediscover the simple joys of life—quiet snowy landscapes, crisp air, and stunning star-filled skies at night.

In Akita, Japanese is not optional—it’s essential. Unlike major cities where English is widely spoken, you will naturally use Japanese in your everyday life. With only 1% of tourists visiting Northern Japan, this program offers a truly rare and unforgettable chance to experience authentic rural Japan in winter.

Price:
$3,600 USD (3-week course)

Included:

  • Japanese classes

  • 5 activities per week

  • Daily transportation

  • Winter heating costs

Not included:

  • Flights

  • Airport transportation

  • Accommodation

Course Dates:
February 2 – February 20, 2026 (3 weeks)

Japanese Lessons:

Study practical Japanese in the morning and apply what you learn through real-life experiences in the afternoon.

The lessons focus on conversation and everyday communication rather than textbooks or JLPT exam preparation. The goal is to help students speak Japanese naturally and confidently in daily life.

Students are placed into one of three speaking levels based on their conversational ability, not test scores. With an average class size of around five students, lessons are highly interactive and personalized. Students may move between levels as their speaking ability develops.

There is no fixed curriculum. Teachers adapt each lesson to the students' goals, interests, and language level. By combining classroom learning with daily interactions in the local community, students build practical communication skills that can be used in real-life situations.

Activities (Examples):

The course includes a variety of cultural and outdoor experiences that allow students to practice Japanese while exploring rural Japan.

  • Bonfire BBQ with local residents

  • Japanese calligraphy

  • Traditional fire festival

  • Katana (Japanese sword) experience

  • Kiritanpo cooking with local families

  • Kyudo (Japanese archery)

  • Visit to Lake Towada

  • Local community festivals

  • Mochi making

  • Namahage Festival (winter)

  • Onsen (hot spring) experience

  • Skiing and snowboarding

  • Snow Monster (Juhyo) viewing

  • Snowshoe adventure

  • Visits to local schools and cultural exchange

Activities vary depending on the season and weather. The final schedule will be confirmed approximately 30 days before the course begins. Students can generally expect around five activities per week.

Booking Information:

  • A 50% deposit is required to secure your place.

  • The deposit will be deducted from the total course fee.

  • Your application will be reviewed after submission, and your place will be confirmed once accepted.

  • Students must have travel insurance before arriving in Japan.

Cancellation & Course Changes:

  • Course fees and deposits are non-refundable.

  • However, students may transfer their booking to another available course within 24 months, provided written notice is given at least 30 days before the original course start date.

Sample Weekly Schedule:

Monday – Friday

Morning

  • Japanese language lessons

Afternoon

  • Cultural activities or free time

Evening

  • Free time

Saturday – Sunday

  • Day trips, sightseeing, or free time

The final schedule may vary depending on the season and course dates.

Accommodation

Share House – Private Room ($270 per week)

Students can stay in a fully furnished share house with a choice of traditional Japanese tatami rooms or Western-style rooms.

  • Private room

  • Separate houses for men and women

  • Shared kitchen, bathroom, and living facilities

  • Accommodation is not included in the course fee and must be booked separately.

Snow-covered landscape with a small stream flowing through the valley, surrounded by coniferous trees and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
Group of eight people standing on a snowy pathway, smiling and posing for the camera in a winter outdoor setting with tall trees and streetlights.
Several people wearing traditional Japanese masks and costumes, likely participating in a festival or performance. The masks are colorful with exaggerated facial features, and the costumes include long, shredded fabric resembling hair or fur. The set
Happy group of young people in a room, with mountains and a large window in the background. The girl in the center has animal ears and is making a peace sign. Others are smiling and posing, some giving thumbs up.
A young woman wearing an orange jacket performs a fire-breathing stunt outdoors at night, with other people in matching jackets in the background.
Four smiling people in winter clothing and hats, holding drinks, taking a selfie under a ceiling with colorful lights.