Experience Japanese local life beyond sightseeing

You can start any Monday!

We’re open year-round - even on public holidays - to ensure every student enjoys a full 5-day experience no matter which week they start.

※We are only closed during the New Year holidays:

• 20 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 
• 21 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027

Absolutely! Our program is designed to support everyone from complete beginners to intermediate levels. 

Before your arrival, you’ll complete an online placement test and/or have a short video call with one of our teachers to help find the best class for your level.

To make the most of your experience, we recommend learning Hiragana and Katakana in advance - so you can spend less time decoding menus, and more time connecting with people!

Beginner start dates (A0):

2026 start dates for complete beginners: 

Jan 5, Feb 9, Mar 16, Apr 20, May 25, Jun 29, Aug 3, Sep 7, Oct 12, Nov 16

2027 start dates for complete beginners: 

Jan 4, Feb 8, Mar 15, Apr 19, May 24, Jun 28, Aug 2, Sep 6, Oct 11, Nov 15

Take our online lessons before you arrive!

You’ll get a head start on the basics and start getting to know our community.

• Private lesson: ¥5,500/hour
• Semi-private lesson: ¥2,750/hour per person
• Group lessons: ¥12,000/month

Your fee covers everything you need for a smooth, immersive experience:

• 15 Japanese lessons per week
• 4 cultural activities per week 
• Homestay with a local family 
• Home-cooked breakfast & dinner
• All learning materials included
• 24/7 emergency support (Japanese & English)
• Full support from our friendly student support team throughout your stay

💰How much does it cost?

• 2 weeks: ¥230,600
• Each additional week: ¥91,800

Example: 4 weeks = ¥230,600 + ¥91,800 + ¥91,800 = ¥414,200

You'll experience real Japan - from joining local festivals to trying tea ceremony with a local expert, hands-on traditional crafts like Mizuhiki, and exploring hidden gems with locals. 

Each week is designed to help you connect with culture and community in a natural and meaningful way -  beyond the typical tourist trails.

You’ll dive into the real Japan — not just sightseeing, but hands-on, heart-connected experiences that help you feel part of the local community.

🧋 Examples of our weekly activities:

• Join local festivals and seasonal events
• Experience a traditional tea ceremony with a local expert
• Make omamori charms or colourful mizuhiki crafts
• Go on hidden-spot walking tours with our local team
• Enjoy language & culture exchanges with Japanese students
• Try fun challenges like a konbini scavenger hunt or supermarket adventure
   

✨ Every activity is designed to help you connect with people, culture, and daily life in Japan - naturally, meaningfully, and beyond the typical tourist experience.

You'll stay with a carefully selected Japanese host family, sharing breakfast and dinner each day. 

It’s more than just accommodation — it’s your chance to:

• Practise Japanese naturally 
• Experience real daily life
• Build meaningful connections
   

All our host families are interviewed and vetted, and we match you based on your preferences — whether that’s:

• English-speaking support
• A host sibling around your age
• Proximity to school
• Dietary or lifestyle needs
   

🕰️ Commute times range from 10–60 minutes, depending on your match - so you can prioritise what matters most to you: comfort, convenience, or connection.

For many students, the homestay becomes the most memorable and meaningful part of their experience in Japan.

 This program is perfect for you if you’re:

• Looking for a short-term Japanese experience (2-12 weeks)
• Wanting to speak more confidently in everyday situations
• Curious about real Japanese life, not just sightseeing
• Hoping to connect with locals — not just other tourists
• A beginner, returnee, or somewhere in between
• A digital nomad seeking community and cultural depth while working remotely
• Any age or background - we welcome learners from around the world!
   

Whether it’s your first time in Japan or your tenth, if you’re ready to live, learn, and belong - you’ll fit right in.

 Yes! We offer optional airport pickup for added peace of mind:

• ¥30,000 (one-way)
• Available from Kansai (KIX), Itami (ITM), or Kobe (UKB)
• For flights arriving between 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Additional fee applies for late-night or early-morning arrivals
   

✈️ Prefer to come by train or bus? No problem - we’re happy to help you plan your route using public transport!

 We recommend a minimum of 2 weeks to get the most out of your experience - it gives you time to settle in, build friendships, and see real progress in your Japanese.

However, 1-week stays may be available upon request.

Please email us at info@local-life-japan.com, and we’ll be happy to help.