Japanese Culture and Language Program

Participants can enjoy a hands-on experience of the many unique features of Japanese culture: including, flower arrangement (ikebana), Japanese drumming (taiko), calligraphy (shodo), martial arts (kendo, etc.), Japanese cooking, and the tea ceremony (sado). These culture sessions are conducted by the teaching staff at Keiwa College and expert practitioners. Each session will be done bilingually, and participants will come away with a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and way of life.

We offer an average of 8-10 hours of formal instruction in Japanese Studies and Japanese language for each week provided by the teaching staff at Keiwa College.
The Japanese Language classes will be taught by professional language teachers.
The Japanese Studies classes will be conducted in English (or bilingually) by faculty members of Keiwa College on topics related to Japan, including culture, history, politics, and society.
Participants will also have a chance to meet with our own students to practice what they have learned.

Field trips are a major part of the Program and are included without additional charge.
Past field trips have included guided tours to points of architectural significance and trips to places of cultural interest, such as historic Shibata Castle, sake breweries, Shibata’s splendid traditional garden and pavilion, and ancient shrines. Other activities can include riding a cable car to see a scenic overlook of the Japan Sea, and bathing in a Japanese onsen (hot spring).

1. Total fees: 250,000 yen
(1) Please pay the 250,000-yen total by April 20th, 2026. The fee is 100% refundable before May 4, 80% refundable from May 5 to May 23, 50% refundable from May 24 to May 31, and no refund is available after June 1. You should arrive on June 29. The program ends on July 10.
(2) Please note that refunds will be made in Japanese yen, and converted to your currency on the day of refund. Some variation should be expected as a result of changing exchange rates. Handling fees for bank transfers will be deducted from the amount refunded.

2. The following expenses are not included in the fee:
(1) air and/or other transportation to and from Niigata Airport or nearby bus and train stations is not included in the fee.
(2) meals other than weekend homestay meals and meals provided during official field trips and other JCLP events.
(3) travel before or after the JCLP.
(4) insurance to cover health, injury, loss of baggage, etc.
(5) expenses such as souvenirs, clothing, snacks, entertainment, etc.

You may pay by bank-to-bank transfer. Ask your bank to send the participation fee and other fees in Japanese yen to:

Bank Name：Daishi Hokuetsu Bank, Ltd
SWIFT Code：DAISJPJT
Branch Name：Shibatanishi Branch
Bank Address：3-4-28 Sumiyoshicho, Shibata City, Niigata Pref.,957-0061,Japan
Account Number：324(Branch Number) – 1013833(Regular Account) – 01
Account Name：Keiwa College

Our address:
Keiwa College Japanese Culture and Language Program
1270 Tomizuka, Shibata-shi, 957-8585, Japan

You will be required to provide proof of travel insurance in order to participate in the JCLP. If you do not have adequate insurance, you will be required to purchase additional coverage in Japan. Travel insurance purchased in Japan might cost you more than in your home country. Reasonably-priced insurance is often sold at many international airports.

Your travel insurance must cover the following:
(1) any medical/dental expenses that might result from accident or illness (any deductibles will be at your expense, so be sure to bring adequate funds)
(2) liability in the event that you should be responsible for an accident
(3) coverage for emergency medical evacuation or the loss of your return ticket due to hospitalization or illness

You might also consider protection against loss arising from:
(1) baggage loss or delay
(2) loss of travel documents
(3) extra travel and accommodation expenses incurred to replace lost travel documents. For example, if you lose your passport, you will probably have to visit your embassy in Tokyo.

Note: We do not allow driving while participating in the JCLP. If you plan to drive before or after the JCLP, be aware that you must have a valid international driver’s license to drive in Japan and have adequate auto insurance. The JCLP cannot be responsible for accidents.

(1) For applicants from visa waiver countries:
Participants from many countries and regions (US, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, China, Taiwan) can enter Japan on a visa waiver. Please check with the Japanese embassy or consulate in your area if you are uncertain about your status.
(2) For applicants from non-visa waiver countries:
Prospective participants from non-visa waiver countries must apply early enough for the JCLP to allow time for visa processing. In order to apply for a visa, proof of payment (receipt) of all fees must be submitted.