Japanese + Culture + Homestay

1. Tell us how long you’d like to stay
Just send us your preferred start date and length of stay - we’ll guide you through the enrolment process.

2. Secure your spot
Once our bank confirms your payment, our team will begin arranging your homestay, class, and everything you'll need.  

You’ll also be asked to fill out a homestay form with your personal info, preferences (language, dietary needs, etc.), and a message to your host family.

3. Take a short level test & book a call
This helps us match you with the right class and support you in planning your trip.

4. Welcome to Japan!
Get ready for a warm welcome and an unforgettable cultural experience.

*We recommend booking 4-6 weeks in advance to ensure best matching homestay! 

 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! We welcome everyone from complete beginners to intermediate learners.

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):

2025 start dates for complete beginners: 

Jan 6, Feb 10, Mar 17, Apr 21, May 26, Jun 30, Aug 4, Sep 8, Oct 13, Nov 17 

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

Take our online private or semi-private 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

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

• 15 Japanese lessons per week
• 4 cultural activities per week (3 hrs each)
• Homestay with a local family (incl. daily breakfast & dinner)
• All learning materials and registration fees
• 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

We keep our classes small - usually 3-6 students, max 9 students per class - to ensure lots speaking time and individual support. 

Monday - Thursday:

9:30 - 12:20 (3 of 50 min) Japanese lessons

12:20 - 13:30 LUNCH 

13:30 - 16:30 Social-Cultural Activities

Friday:

9:30 - 12:20 (3 of 50 min) Japanese lessons

+ Daily breakfast and dinner with your host family

+ Long weekends (from Friday afternoon) to explore, study or join local events!

*Timetable and experiences may vary slightly based on the weather and local events, ensuring you always enjoy the best of what Japan has to offer.

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 9:00 AM – 6:00 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.