Japan Semester

Arts, Food, & Culture

A 5-Week Gap Year Program

Duration
35 Days
Description

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.

fall
Sep 15 - Oct 19, 2025
spring
Feb 11 - Apr 1, 2026
Group Size (4:1 Ratio)

12 Students
3 Instructors

Tuition

$14,950

Plus airfare & insurance

  • 4 Spaces
  • Open
Suggested Ages

17-22

Tuition Details

Beyond your budget? Learn how we increase access.

WAKAYAMA

NARA

KYOTO

OSAKA

Program Overview

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.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS & OUTCOMES
  • Engage in hands-on Independent Study Projects to learn about traditional arts and crafts
  • Interact with local communities to understand modern-day Japan beyond the tourist spaces
  • Take language lessons to build basic Japanese language skills, or to build your fluency
  • Gain deeper understanding of Japanese…

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.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS & OUTCOMES
  • Engage in hands-on Independent Study Projects to learn about traditional arts and crafts
  • Interact with local communities to understand modern-day Japan beyond the tourist spaces
  • Take language lessons to build basic Japanese language skills, or to build your fluency
  • Gain deeper understanding of Japanese life through short homestays with carefully selected families

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.  

For two weeks, students live in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, where they dive into daily language classes each morning to build communication skills and deepen their connection to the place. Afternoons are devoted to independent study projects, guided by local mentors who are masters of traditional Japanese arts such as kabuki, ikebana, pottery, and the use of historic materials. Through this immersive experience, students explore their own interests while gaining hands-on insight into the richness of Japan’s artistic heritage.  
 
After their time in Kyoto, students transition to the mountain village of Hakuba for a week-long homestay experience. Known for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba offers a unique lens into rural life in modern Japan. Living with local families, students learn about the village’s history and grapple with complex social issues such as an aging population, seasonal tourism, the arrival of migrant workers, and the challenges of preserving traditional lifestyles in a rapidly changing world.  
 
Before heading home, students spend their final days in Tokyo on a student-led expedition. Here, they take the lead—planning activities, navigating the city, and applying the skills they’ve developed over the past five weeks. Whether it’s using their Japanese language abilities, demonstrating leadership, collaborating with peers, or showing intercultural awareness, this time allows students to showcase their growth. The experience concludes with reflection activities, helping students process their journey and consider how to carry the lessons they’ve learned into their lives back home.  
Read More Read Less Sample Itinerary

Program Components

3/5
Focus Of Inquiry

Exploring the preservation and promotion of traditional arts, cuisine, and culture in modern Japanese society.

3/5
Homestay

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.

4/5
Independent Study Project (ISP)

Mentorship options may include Japanese tea ceremony, Buddhist painting and art, Zen meditation, flower arrangement, drumming, lacquerware, and other selected topics.

3/5
Language Study

Regular small-group language lessons with professional Japanese instructors as well as ample opportunities for daily language practice with locals.

2/5
Learning Service

Meeting with community leaders, NGOs, and guest speakers to better understand pressing contemporary issues.

4/5
Religious & Spiritual Traditions

Introduction to Zen Buddhism, Shintoism, and various faith traditions prevalent in Japanese culture.

1/5
Rugged Travel

Travel on subways, buses, and regional high speed trains.

2/5
Social & Environmental Justice

Exploration of political, environmental, and social issues impacting Japanese society.

2/5
Trekking

Numerous day hikes, urban trekking, and possible overnight trek depending on group interest.

Optional College Credits

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.

College Course Offerings

Through our School of Record, you may take one-two (1-2) of the following courses for-college credit:

  • COLS 191: Self & Culture in Experiential Cohorts
  • CTE 191: Introduction to Leadership Development

See full Course Offering descriptions.