Location

Tokyo, Ueda, Japan

Program Description

Information Session

February 6th at 1:00pm on Zoom, register here

Come explore Japan’s hidden gem!

The Culture of the Japanese Alps offers students the unique opportunities to explore the areas known as Japan’s roof top. In this region of northern Japanese Alps, students will explore the beauty of nature, humanity, and its multi-layered culture with deep roots in history. 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, tea ceremony in 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 be earning a total of 6 credits from this four-weeks program. Courses offered are HUM 252, HM 361, JAPN 447 and FL490. Students can individually tailor a combination of two 3-credit-hours courses learning about Japanese culture, history, language and cuisine. Through these courses, students will learn about the past and present scenes of Japan, as well as the culture specific to the northern Japan alps area. All students will also be taking Japanese language classes at a local institution. No previous knowledge in Japanese language is required and all levels are welcome.

See some highlights from previous programs on Instagram.

Location Description

The program will start in Tokyo where students can appreciate the features of Japan most people know and we will then move to the prefecture of Nagano deep in the Japanese Alps.

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, its natural beauty, and its tourism industry.

Director

Samuel Hernandez | hernansx@jmu.edu | Foreign Languages, Literature and Cultures

Ayami Makino | makinoax@jmu.edu | Foreign Languages, Literature 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 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 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 GPA minimum of 2.0

No language requirement

No program prerequisites

Open to all students

Open to non-JMU students