Akita Inaka School
A unique experience in the beautiful Japanese Countryside.
Location: Akita Prefecture.
In Northern Japan, where the Summers are cooler and snow is plentiful, escape the crowds and surround yourself in the amazing nature of the mountain ranges.
Distinctive Features:
Classes focused on conversational, practical Japanese.
Limited number of students per course.
Make friends from across the globe: Previous students from: Europe (Germany, Norway, Finland, London, Scotland, Netherlands, Denmark), U.S.A., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico & more!
Many activities available throughout the week!
Environment:
Rich in nature, feel like you have stepped into a Ghibli movie in the breathtaking surroundings. The quiet environment is perfect for learning!
Surroundings during Summer
Requirements:
No prior knowledge of Japanese, or prior education is required.
You will be placed in a class suitable for your level (placement test on the first day).
You only need to know Hiragana (the Japanese alphabet) before you start the course in Japan; we will provide free resources to help you learn this after you apply, if needed.
No minimum age, with parental permission.
No maximum age either: We’ve had students in their 60s keep learning & growing with us!
Tip:
Complete beginners welcome.
Even if you know Japanese already, you’ll be able to improve your conversation skills through class and interacting with the friendly locals!
-> Sample schedule (Click To Expand)
(Actual schedule may differ.)
Lessons Monday - Friday, 5 days a week.
Wake up, get ready for the exciting day!
8:45am, catch a car ride to school (sign-up available). Pit-stop at the convenience store. 10 minute ride to school, with views of the beautiful mountain ranges.
AM: Classes from 9:10-12:00, with breaks in between. Practical conversational Japanese lessons.
PM: From 12:05-12:35, mini culture lesson, e.g. about the local festival.
12:35 - Lunch at school. Can bring your own or order a local bento box (550yen).
Weekday afternoon: Cultural activity such as katana class, going to a festival, or activity with the locals.
Saturday: Day trip to Hirosaki castle + cherry blossom viewing with class.
Sunday: Free time to explore the town, or Train/bus ride to the neighbouring city with the class.
Fun & interactive lessons!
Sample Activities:
Cook traditional food with locals
Meet the locals, experience and learn about their way of life. Cook kiritanpo (a local dish) together and laugh all night long!
Kimono/Yukata wearing
Take spectacular photos in beautiful traditional Japanese wear.
Local & Seasonal Festivals (Matsuri)
Akita has many festivals in Summer & even Winter!
We can take you to famous surrounding festivals such as Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori.
Recharge in hidden hot springs
If you like, we can take you to おんせん（温泉）to relax & recharge.
Meet & interact with local Japanese students
A special opportunity for exchanging conversation and making friends.
Many community events are organised. The locals are super friendly!
Pottery Class
Make your own hand-made creation at the local pottery club.
Meet the Akita dogs (Akita inu)!
Heard of Hachiko at Shibuya Station? He is originally from Akita!
Akita inu are famous for their loyalty. Plus super かわいい (cute) ~
Katana Experience
A unique lesson with Japanese swords (刀、かたな）.
Get to cut bamboo with a real sword at the end!
Bento box making (Magewappa)
Have a seasoned artisan teach you how to make your very own magewappa bento box, made from Akita cedar wood.
Karaoke
Sing your heart out with your new friends in Japan!
Group Course Dates:
December Course 2024 (2 weeks)
December 9th - 20th, 2024
+ Click for 2025 Course dates:
Winter Course 2025 (3 weeks)
February 3rd - February 21st, 2025
Spring Course 2025 (3 weeks)
April 16th - May 7th, 2025
Summer Course 2025 (2 weeks)
July 14th - July 25th, 2025
Summer Course 2025 (3 weeks)
August 4th - August 22nd, 2025
Autumn Course 2025 (3 weeks)
October 6th - October 24th, 2025
December Course 2025 (2 weeks)
December 8th - 19th, 2025
You will be placed in a class that suits your level, after a level check test.
Please inquire now for other courses.
School fees:
Total for the 2 week course: $2200 USD
(Not including flights, transport, food and accommodation)
Total for the 3 week course: $3200 USD
(Not including flights, transport, food and accommodation)
These are the full prices including registration* to school.
*Please note that the school charges this whether you use our website or not.
Choose 2 weeks or 3 weeks.
Cannot participate for a lesser duration.
For short durations without Japanese lessons, see Akita Inaka Experience.
Don’t mind more people in a class and on a budget? See the Conversation Course in Tokyo.
Accommodation
+ 2 Weeks Course: (Click To Expand)
Japanese sharehouse
$300 USD/per week single room (limited availability)
$150 USD/per week for shared rooms
Hotels may also be arranged (depending on availability).
+ 3 weeks course: (Click To Expand)
Japanese sharehouse
$250 USD/per week single room (limited availability)
$160 USD/per week for shared rooms
Hotels may also be arranged (depending on availability).
+ More information about sharehouses:
All sharehouses have a shared kitchen, lounge, and bathrooms.
Laundry machines are provided free of charge.
Only a 10 minute drive or a 25 minute bike ride to the school.
You can experience living in a Japanese style home with either tatami mats and futon (+very comfortable cushion mattress), or wooden floor and western style bed.
The best part about it is being able to interact and make friends with the local community and also people from all around the world, having takoyaki parties and cooking nights.
By making friends with your friendly Japanese neighbours, you may be invited over to their houses, get to talk about daily life and really be a part of the community.
FAQs
(Click question for the answer)
+ Where is the school located?
In beautiful Kosaka town (小坂町), literally meaning ‘small hill town’ in Akita Prefecture.
+ How do I get there?
Recommended places of arrival from Tokyo:
Odate Noshiro Airport (ONJ),
Aomori Airport (AOJ),
Shin-Aomori Station (for Shinkansen bullet train arrivals).
From the above locations the school can offer paid pick up services (fees below) or can guide for the public transport (not recommended due to multiple transfers, long connection time and no English speaking staff on the route).
Pick up fees (per person) are:
Odate Noshiro Airport (ONJ) - 5000 JPY
Aomori Airport (AOJ) - 9000 JPY
Shin-Aomori Station (for Shinkansen bullet train arrivals) - 9000 JPY
+ Are flights included?
Flights are not included.
+ How to get to school?
Depending on the season, here are the available options:
Bicycles (provided free for each student) - 25 minute ride
Local bus - 300 JPY one way, 30 minute ride
School pick up by car - 200 JPY one way, 10 minute ride
+ Can I attend for a shorter duration than the full course?
There are limited spots, so it is not allowed.
+ Are meals included?
Meals are not included.
+ Average costs of living?
A bowl of ramen is 600-900yen, and bento boxes that can be ordered at the school are 550yen. Most food is at this price range.
Depending on your lifestyle, you should budget for 1500yen/day.
Application process:
Choose course -> Apply -> Receive confirmation and pay school -> Prepare for Japan (we can assist), receive instructions -> Arrive in Japan!
Begin your application today before spaces become full.
Remember to mention you came from ‘Take Me to Japan’.