Explore Japan’s unique art, culture, and food through workshops, cultural activities, and language lessons. For students drawn to the region and interested in topics such as Japanese cuisine, contemporary and traditional art forms, and an overall immersive experience in Japan.
From a serene meditation bell ringing out a Koyasan monastery to the cacophony of foot traffic at the Shibuya crossing, Japan is a fascinating merger of old and new.
Amidst the push toward cultural globalization in the internet age, Japan continues to uniquely blend long held traditions with innovative trends in technology and art. Through immersive workshops, interactive cultural experiences, and language lessons, students will delve into the fascinating history, refined elegance, and cutting edge modernity that define Japanese culture.
Amidst the push toward cultural globalization in the internet age, Japan continues to uniquely blend long held traditions with innovative trends in technology and art. Through immersive workshops, interactive cultural experiences, and language lessons, students will delve into the fascinating history, refined elegance, and cutting edge modernity that define Japanese culture.
Our journey starts in Osaka where students begin by transitioning to the serene mountains of Wakayama. Here, they take part in orientation activities designed to help them get to know each other and immerse themselves in Japanese culture. As they hike sections of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail and stay in traditional monasteries, students are introduced to the principles of Zen Buddhism and gain insight into spiritual practice through time with local monks.
Click on the gallery below to browse photos, videos and quotes from our participants and instructors.
Exploring the preservation and promotion of traditional arts, cuisine, and culture in modern Japanese society.
A short-term homestay (3-7 days) with a carefully selected local family. Depending on the community, students may be an individual homestay, or placed with a student peer.
Mentorship options may include Japanese tea ceremony, Buddhist painting and art, Zen meditation, flower arrangement, drumming, lacquerware, and other selected topics.
Regular small-group language lessons with professional Japanese instructors as well as ample opportunities for daily language practice with locals.
Meeting with community leaders, NGOs, and guest speakers to better understand pressing contemporary issues.
Introduction to Zen Buddhism, Shintoism, and various faith traditions prevalent in Japanese culture.
Travel on subways, buses, and regional high speed trains.
Exploration of political, environmental, and social issues impacting Japanese society.
Numerous day hikes, urban trekking, and possible overnight trek depending on group interest.
To deepen your experience abroad, you may elect to enroll in college-level courses while participating on this program. Those who enroll in optional courses will be invoiced an additional fee on top of the land cost. To learn more, click here.
Students who take a for-credit course will receive an official transcript from a School of Record after successful completion of the program.
Through our School of Record, you may take one-two (1-2) of the following courses for-college credit:
See full Course Offering descriptions.
One of the coolest and most meaningful life experiences I’ve had thus far.
Past Student