Location

Tokyo, Nagano, Japan

Program Description

Come explore Japan’s hidden gems!

The Culture of the Japanese Alps offers students the unique opportunity to explore the areas known as Japan’s rooftop. In this region of the northern Japanese Alps, students will explore its multi-layered culture with deep roots in history, the beauty of nature, and humanity. The program puts its focus on experiences with the locals, allowing students to get to know the people of the area and visit the places that few ever get to see and do. Experiences such as visits to national treasures, exploration of a 400-year-old magnificent Samurai castle, hikes with snow monkeys, a tea ceremony in a kimono, and wet-rice farming experiences are some of the highlights --- right along with discovering the savory flavors of Japanese cuisine and its art.

Courses:

The program is open to all majors and minors. Students will earn a total of 3 credits from this 3-week program. Courses offered are HUM 252, HM 361, JAPN 447, and GEOG 200. Students can individually tailor a course of study to a 3-credit-hour course learning about Japanese culture, history, language, sake culture, and geography. Students will learn about the past and present scenes of Japan, as well as the culture specific to the northern Japan Alps area. No previous knowledge of the Japanese language is required, and all levels are welcome.

We will learn by meeting artisans and experts of trades and arts at their facilities. The program allows students the opportunity to explore and engage the cultural aspects students wish to study and reshape their conceptions of Japan.

See some highlights from previous programs on Instagram.

Location Description

The program will start in Tokyo, where students can appreciate the features of Japan that most people know. Then we will move to the prefecture of Nagano, deep in the Japanese Alps. We will visit the Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa, Team Labs, Odaiba, and Akihabara (the anime district), among other sites.

The Japanese Alps are full of life, history, and culture to offer students who wish to explore the unexplored parts of Japan. Much is known of the urban centers, but few get to experience what central Japan has to offer.

Nagano prefecture is a gateway to the Northern Alps area. The city of Ueda in Nagano prefecture is accessible by a 1.5-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo. Nagano prefecture hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and is famous for its rich culture, natural beauty, and tourism industry.

Director

Samuel Hernandez | hernansx@jmu.edu | World Languages and Cultures

Ayami Makino | makinoax@jmu.edu | World Languages and Cultures

Accommodations

The Nagano Business College campus will offer housing accommodations with dorm-like facilities. These dorms are equipped with all the same amenities JMU dorms offer, in addition to a personal refrigerator. Take a virtual tour here.

Students will be given a weekly stipend for meals. Additionally, there will be weekly meals covered by the program.

Additional Items to Consider

There are some readings and some assignments to be completed online prior to departure. There will be 2-3 face-to-face sessions and additional readings and assignments prior to departure.

There is no visa requirement for U.S. citizens visiting Japan for less than 90 days.

A COVID-19 vaccine is not required but is highly recommended.

Cell phone cards can be purchased for Internet access.

Wi-fi spots are available in train stations, public parks, and on most trains and buses.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0

Open to all class levels and majors, including graduate students and non-JMU students.