Akita Winter Study Trip
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Akita Winter Study Trip
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Japanese springtime is one of the most beautiful periods of the year. From Sakura and Hanami through to seasonal food, there’s beauty all around in Japan.
This three-week Spring Course Study Trip is jam-packed with the cultural delights of this amazing country. You’ll get to try your hand at making some of the traditional crafts like shibori but you’ll also get to go out and about to Kawagoe a traditional Edo period town.
The best part is, you’ll be able to take your handmade goods home with you as well as the new language skills you will have gained.
What’s included?
Japanese lessons
Intercultural Institute of Japan
Lessons are at the Intercultural Institute of Japan one of the oldest schools in Tokyo. With a central location and lots of experience, you’ll get the best teachers to help you on your way.
Trip activities
Activities included in this trip
Dine out at an Izakaya
No trip to Japan is complete without a trip to a traditional Izakaya for an after-school drink. Bond with your fellow travellers over a drink and some delicious food.
Experience Shibori
We're sure you've heard of tie-dyeing, This technique dates back to the 8th century. In Japan, the population has been using different ways of binding, stitching, folding and twisting cloth and traditionally dying the materials with blue indigo colour to create some of the most beautiful patterns. This is a great chance to create your own design and make something that you can take back home with you, to give as a gift or to keep as a memory of your time in Japan.
Get creative with sushi rolls
There are so many different types of sushi to try in Japan, it's time to craft your own and roll with it! Try your hand at becoming a sushi chef and making delicious and decorative sushi rolls. Savor the best part for last and enjoy eating your creations!
International meetup
Connect with your fellow course mates from all corners of the world in a fun-filled cultural exchange evening. Share drinks, laughter, games, and create lasting friendships!
Sample some sake
Sample the delights of a local sake brewery in a guided tour followed by some sample tasting. Spot the difference and see if you could become a connoisseur.
Sing your heart out at 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 and take it in turns to sing along to your favourite songs. If you are brave enough, why not whip out those Japanese songs you know to impress your new friends!
Spring picnic
Enjoy a Japanese spring tradition with a picnic. If you're lucky you might even catch the famous Japanese cherry blossoms known as sakura.
Tea ceremony and Kimono
Join us for an afternoon of Japanese culture, held in a traditional setting. Let's start by getting into the right mood and get dressed up in a traditional kimono. Then it's time to learn the art of serving and drinking green Japanese matcha tea. Enjoy watching the performance whilst eating a Japanese sweet, often served together with the rich green tea.
Travel in time to Little Edo
Take a tranquil trip outside of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo to the beautiful and well-preserved Edo-period town of Kawagoe. "Fish" for fortune at a local shrine, experience strawberry picking at a local farm, and visit a soy sauce factory before enjoying time to explore the winding and historic streets.
Try out Tonbodama
The art of Tonbodama, or glass ball making, has been used for centuries to make charms and decorations. Try your hand at making your own 'dragonfly eyes'.
Note
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).
Your course may also include:
- 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 heart out at karaoke
Trip Schedule
Sample schedule
Please note this is a sample weekly plan; your final schedule will be confirmed by you trip coordinator.
Accommodation
Available accommodations
Budget Hotel: Private Room (¥0)
Included
Budget Hotel: Shared room (-¥30,000)
Homestay (¥60,000)
Standard hotel: Private Room (¥240,000)
Akita Winter Study Trip
Extras
Group discount
The bigger your group, the more you save!
– 2 people: 10,000 JPY off per person
– 3 people: 15,000 JPY off per person
– 4 people: 20,000 JPY off per person
*For groups of 5 or more please contact us for more details
Akita Winter Study Trip
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FAQs
Is Japan safe?
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with Tokyo and Osaka being in the top 3 of the 10 safest cities in the world.
How can I pay for my trip?
The cost of the trip is divided into two payments. First, you pay the application fee to reserve your spot on your chosen course. The remaining balance is due by the application deadline. If you would like to split up the payments even further please contact us directly to discuss.
We accept payments by debit or credit card through WISE, PayPal or by international bank transfer. Please be sure to check the currency and include any fees before you make a transfer.
What is the best season/time to travel to Japan?
Spring is possibly the most popular time to visit with beautiful cherry blossoms and pleasant weather. Autumn is also a favourite due to the warm but not humid temperatures and the autumn leaves. Winter, whilst cold, offers great conditions for winter sports and snow festivals and finally the summer months, although they can be rainy and very humid, tourist areas are generally quieter and there are tonnes of fun festivals and firework displays to enjoy.
Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?
There are many countries and regions that have visa exemption arrangements with Japan. This allows nationals to enter Japan without the need of a visa for short stays. For more information about the period of stay allowed and whether your country is exempt, please get in contact with us.
Are there any vegetarian options in Japan?
Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian options in Japan but it’s best to do some research before coming, as not all restaurants have vegetarian options. It’s also easy to mistake simple ingredients used in every day cooking as vegetarian, such as dashi, a type of stock or bouillon, which is typically made from fish.
Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Japan?
Yes, you can use your mobile phone in Japan, but be careful as not all phones work on the frequencies used here. Also be sure to turn data roaming off if you want to avoid hefty fees from your provider back home. Internet is not widely available in public spaces, so that’s why we recommend booking a SIM or eSIM through Mobal pocket WiFi. You can book yours when applying for your trip and you can even connect up to 10 devices!
Who will lead the tours?
We have our own highly knowledgable, qualified, multilingual and multinational local staff who act as guides, translate, and provide general support during the trip to ensure everyone has the best possible experience.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling to Japan?
With most of our trips travel insurance is already included. You can find out more information here. For a small number of our trips that does not automatically include travel insurance, it is still possible to choose this as an option when booking. For those that do not select the travel insurance when booking individuals should book their own. Travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of travelling.
Are meals included?
Meals are typically not included unless noted on the course page or as part of an activity, like the izakaya dinner. Please ask our staff if you have questions about your specific course.
Are credit cards accepted in Japan?
Most major international credit, debit, and even some pre-paid cards are accepted in Japan. But note that some smaller businesses only accept cash in local currency.
How can I apply?
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Step 1: Choose a trip! (Of course we’ll help you with any questions you have) Book your spot by choosing your options and paying the application fee. Once you’ve completed this step, your spot will be secured!
Step 2: Nearly there! Ok next, you’ll have to pay the remaining fees. Don’t worry as long as it’s by the deadline for your chosen course, you’re good! We’ll also ask for some extra information. Then we can do the work behind the scenes and get everything booked!
Step 3: Finally, there’s just one last thing…..Your flights! Once the deadline has closed, get those flights locked in and you’ll be at your destination in no time! That’s it! You’re done! Now you just have to pack (we can always help with some seasonal suggestions), fly and the most important thing is to have fun!
I have a disability, can I still join the course and activities?
Studytrip tries to make our courses as accessible as possible, however as the activities take place in a variety of locations, this can largely depend on the activity itself. Although we are unable to provide any special assistance but will accommodate you where possible. We recommend contacting us to discuss the course that you are interested in to see what we can do. Please note that we will require information on all disabilities both seen, unseen and mental illnesses prior to attendance of the course as part of our standard procedure. Our standard cancellation policy applies in cases of sudden injury or disability.
Are the flights included in the price?
The flights are not included in the course cost but everything else is. This is to allow as much flexibility as possible for your trip. You can choose how, when and where you arrive and depart from so that you can add extra fun times to either end if you want. Perhaps explore more of the city you’re in or even more of the country! Once you reach us at the start of the trip, we take over and show you where you need to be and what you need to do so you don’t have to worry about anything else.
Which courses are suitable for my language level?
For most of our courses, we can accommodate all levels of language skill and we’ll ask you for details on the booking form. However, we would recommend checking the individual course pages for details and to get in touch with us to discuss your needs.
Do you have a refund policy?
Yes, this information can be found here
How old are people who come on Study Trips?
While the average age varies from trip to trip, most of our participants are between 18-35 years old.
However, did you know that we have courses specifically designed for young people that are 15-17 years old?
Have more questions?
Contact us
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