Experience Tokyo Like a Resident with a One-Month Japanese Language Course

OVERVIEW

Living the Travel Lifestyle

Making such a wish come true is the 'One-Month Japanese Language Training and Tokyo Study Abroad Experience.'
During a one-month Tokyo long stay, you will learn basic everyday Japanese conversation at a Japanese language school in the mornings and explore famous Tokyo attractions in the afternoons using electronic transportation cards on the JR Yamanote Line, subway, and Tokyo Metro.
Accommodation for the one-month stay is provided in a conveniently located business hotel in Ikebukuro, Tokyo (standard), ensuring your privacy and comfort.

MORNING

The Japanese language training is instructed and supervised by the Tokyo Language and Literature Institute Japanese Language Center, which has a history of nearly 40 years since its establishment in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Our team of instructors boasts rich experience and knowledge.

AFTERNOON

Travel experts from NPO Interaction & Living Network and Affiliated Organizations will assist you. They will guide you through the intricately connected Tokyo Metropolitan area like a well-woven network.

WEEKENDS

We offer a variety of excursions. Among them, the "Hometown Experience" program in the lush town of Kanra, Gunma, which includes an overnight stay, has received great acclaim. In the town with historical ties to the feudal lord Oda clan, we have prepared a 2-night, 3-day program for history exploration and nature experiences. Enjoy the rural lifestyle to the fullest.
Furthermore, there are paid excursions available, including photography workshops, Japanese cuisine experiences, yukata dressing, and holidays at Tokyo Disney Resort, all at an additional cost.

Greetings

Chieko CHIBA
Chairperson
NPO KORYU&KURASHINET

I am the Chairperson of the Non-Profit Organization KORYU&KURASHINET. Our organization was founded in 2006 with the aim of serving as a bridge connecting travelers with local communities, fostering exchanges with people during their journeys, and providing unique and meaningful experiences that can only be found while living like a local.

We understand the desire to travel and live like a local, to immerse oneself in the culture of a new place, and to build connections with people from different backgrounds. Our mission is to ensure that travelers, even in unfamiliar lands, can feel safe, enjoy their stay to the fullest, and have opportunities to connect with the local residents, thereby helping those communities shine even brighter.

In 2011, during the Great East Japan Earthquake, we received a lot of encouragement and support from the people of Taiwan. Having personally experienced the loss of my grandparents in the tsunami in Iwate, I have always been motivated to give back and show my gratitude. That's why we have been actively engaged in various activities over the years.

Today, I am delighted to introduce a new form of travel experience, "One-Month Japanese Language Training and Tokyo Study Abroad Experience," designed for our friends in Taiwan. This program allows you to embrace the local lifestyle, navigate trains with ease using the Suica electronic money card, enjoy shopping and gourmet experiences, and venture into the countryside on weekends. Our well-established tourism NPO will help fulfill your dreams.

We believe that this one-month journey will be an unforgettable and inspiring chapter in your life. We look forward to welcoming you and creating cherished memories together.

Meisei KO
Head
KMS Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association

For over 40 years, we have been supporting the excellent relationship between Taiwan and Japan from the perspective of "tourism exchange." The Taiwanese market continues to thrive in the midst of an unprecedented boom in Japanese travel. In recent years, not only major cities like Tokyo but also rural areas, including farming, mountains, and fishing villages, have piqued the interest of people of all ages in Taiwan.

On a personal note, I have served two terms as the Director of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau's Tokyo Office and held the position of Director of the International Division at Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Communications Tourism Bureau. Leveraging my experience, I have been involved in planning and advising on product creation for this project. I wholeheartedly wish for everyone to experience a life in Japan where you can live comfortably without any language barriers, and where safety and security are guaranteed. These sentiments are deeply ingrained in the "One-Month Japanese Language Training and Tokyo Study Abroad Experience."

Language acquisition and studying in Japan are not exclusive to the younger generation. It can be a catalyst for senior couples who have retired or middle-aged individuals who are considering learning business skills in Japan for their future endeavors. We eagerly await the participation of many individuals. Let's meet in Tokyo.

Itinerary

During your Tokyo long stay, you will attend Japanese language classes at the beginner to intermediate levels in the morning, at a school (there will be a simple screening for admission).
In the afternoon, you will use electronic transportation cards like Suica to explore places such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Ginza, Asakusa, Tokyo Tower, and Tokyo Skytree, accompanied by travel experts.
Your "Hometown Experience" in Gunma, Kanra Town, will involve experiencing rural life by waking up on futons, enjoying communal baths, and savoring Japanese cuisine and local sake. You'll undoubtedly feel the warmth and hospitality unique to rural areas.

DAY 1

Departure - Check-in - Explanation of Important Points - Accommodation Orientation

DAY 2

Enrollment Ceremony - Explanation of Important Points and School Orientation - Shopping - Welcome Reception

DAY 3 〜

Weekdays (Monday to Friday)

Morning(09:30-12:30)
● Japanese Language Training (Vocabulary, Grammar, Conversation)

Break

Afternoon (14:00 onwards)
● Tour of Tokyo's Famous Sites using Suica card
● Japanese Cultural Experiences (Charged)

Weekends (Saturday, Sunday, Holidays)

● Rest
● Optional Tour （※Charged）
● Excursion (2 Nights 3 Days, in Kanra Town, Gunma)

DAY 30

Morning: Japanese Language Training (Examination) / Afternoon: Free Time

DAY 31

Morning: Graduation Ceremony (Distribution of Certificates) / Evening: Farewell Dinner

DAY 32

Verification of Accommodation Environment (Deposit Refund) / Check-out / Return to Taiwan

※Please note: Transportation within Tokyo is self-funded (Suica deposit).

Daily Life During the Program

【Morning】At language school, you will acquire everyday Japanese conversation skills.

Our interactive approach to learning Japanese may involve incorporating games and other engaging activities to make the process enjoyable and easily understandable. Over the course of approximately one month, you will progress to a level where you can comfortably engage in basic daily conversations in Japanese and understand hiragana reading and writing. Those from Chinese character-based backgrounds may advance even faster, allowing for tailored learning experiences based on individual proficiency levels.

【Afternoon】

In the afternoon, you will use electronic transportation cards to access JR trains, subways, and bus routes, enabling you to explore famous Tokyo attractions and landmarks.

You will be staying at a business hotel conveniently located near the school (multiple nights available). Upgrade options may be available.

The plan includes breakfast only. Lunch and dinner will be at your discretion, allowing you to explore local dining options.

During your commute and in the afternoons, you will have the opportunity to savor Japan's changing seasons, including cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, and snow, depending on the timing of your visit. Please note that these seasonal sights may vary.

(Images are for illustration purposes.)

Exploring Tokyo

Asakusa, one of Tokyo's most iconic tourist destinations, can be reached by transferring between JR and subway lines. Enjoy exploring Asakusa, including Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise-dori Street, and Asakusa Rokku (six traditional entertainment districts).

rom JR Hamamatsucho Station, take a stroll to visit "Zojo-ji," a temple associated with the Tokugawa family, and the famous "Tokyo Tower."

Visit Ginza, Japan's premier shopping district, known for its high-end brands and luxury shopping.

You can also enjoy a day trip to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea (located in Chiba and Urayasu). If you have specific timing and preferences, arrangements can be made for professional baseball, sumo wrestling, kabuki performances, and more (ticket fees separate).

Explore the masterpiece of architect Kingo Tatsuno, the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building, which was also involved in the construction of the former Taiwan Governor-General's Office. There are plenty of highlights to discover here. After exploring the partially open Imperial Palace area, you can visit the souvenir shops.

Tokyo is a treasure trove of culinary delights. You have the chance to enjoy reasonably priced sushi at conveyor belt sushi restaurants and experience traditional Japanese cuisine.

We will guide you through Shinjuku, Japan's busiest district. You can also take high-speed buses from the "Busta Shinjuku" bus terminal for weekend getaways.

Visit the former Tsukiji Fish Market, known as Tokyo's kitchen. The outer market area is still bustling with shoppers.

Kanra Town Introduction

Famous water flows through
the castle town of Oda Clan's legacy, Obata.
A town where nature and tradition blend harmoniously.

Obata, a castle town with a backdrop of old traditional houses and cherry tree-lined streets, is graced by the serene flow of the Yuukawa Dam, a designated member of Japan's Top 100 Famous Waters.
Within this charming town, it feels as if time has stood still, as it boasts well-preserved samurai residences from the Edo period.
For a taste of rural life, visit the 'Kanra Furusato-kan,' where you can experience activities like bamboo shoot cuisine and harvest experiences.
Indulge in a wide array of delicious local products at the 'Michi no Eki Kanra' (Roadside Station Kanra).
As you interact with the warm-hearted locals, take your time to savor the blend of tradition and nature in Kanra Town, your hometown away from home.

Access to the Kanra Town Center

By car: Approximately a 2-hour drive from the Tokyo area or Utsunomiya area
By train (Joshu Fukushima Station): Approximately 1.5 hours from Omiya Station

Kanra Town Sample Itinerary
(2 Nights, 3 Days)

DAY 1

Gather and depart from Ikebukuro Station West Exit.
Arrival at 'Michi no Eki Kanra' (Roadside Station Kanra) for lunch (individual choices).
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Tomioka Silk Mill' in Tomioka.
Check-in and have dinner at 'Kanra Furusato-kan' in Kanra Town.

DAY 2

Experience countryside life in Kanra Town with a stroll through 'Rakuzan-en.'
Visit 'Mentai Park' for observation (lunch at your own discretion).
Explore 'Konjac Park' and enjoy shopping.
BBQ dinner at 'Kanra Furusato-kan' in Kanra Town.

DAY 3

Participate in experiential activities at 'Kanra Furusato-kan.'
Afternoon departure from Kanra Town.
Arrive at Ikebukuro Station West Exit in the evening for the conclusion of the tour.

Obata Castle Town

Obata Castle Town, which has continued for over 250 years and still retains the vivid traces of the Edo period, was the castle town of the Oda family. Lined with white-walled samurai residences and silkworm farming communities, it exudes charm alongside the cherry tree-lined path and the scenic Yuukawa Dam, selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Famous Waters.

Konjac Park

A facility dedicated to sharing the deliciousness and culture of Japan's traditional ingredient, 'konjac,' with a wide range of visitors. It offers factory tours, hands-on konjac making experiences, a shop, a complimentary buffet, as well as foot baths and a ferris wheel for a full day of enjoyment.

Rakuzan-en

Rakuzan-en is the only daimyo garden in the prefecture, built by the Oda clan during the early Edo period. It has also been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Enjoy a moment of tranquility while sipping matcha tea in this serene garden, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Mentai Park

A theme park operated by the renowned 'Kanefuku,' a traditional producer of mentaiko (spicy cod roe). Indulge in unique dishes such as freshly made mentaiko rice balls and mentaiko soft-serve ice cream that can only be savored here.

Kanra Furusato-kan

A lodging facility with tiled roofs, adjacent to the lush Kanra Comprehensive Park, overlooking the gentle flow of the Yuukawa River. Here, you can experience activities like barbecue featuring local Joshu beef and catching trout. Day trips to the onsen (hot spring) are also highly recommended.

Seitoku Meijo

A sake brewery located in the pristine waters of Kanra Town. Their flagship brand, 'Seitoku,' offers a delightful balance of rice umami, smoothness, and a pleasant sharpness, making it an appealing sake that can be enjoyed night after night without getting tired.

Roadside Station Kanra

A shop where you can purchase fresh agricultural products from Kanra Town and wines directly imported from its sister city, Chieti in Italy. In the dining area, the popular dishes include mixed rice with pheasant meat and sticky rice, as well as stone oven-baked local wheat pizza.

Study Tour in Tokyo