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JapanBound Hokkaido 2026

Image by Ken Shono

This program is for anyone looking for a cross-cultural experience. We created this program to provide opportunities for high school students to have a fun yet meaningful travel experience.  Students will learn to problem-solve, communicate, and plan throughout their trip.

Portions of the itinerary are flexible, so students will have the freedom to plan parts of their day. We have also planned activities for students to experience the essentials of Japanese culture. Students will meet local students in Tokyo and Hokkaido to help them navigate during excursions and experience first-hand student life in Japan.

Program Details

Dates

Destinations

Grades

June 24 – July 6, 2026

Tokyo, Hokkaido, Kanagawa

9*, 10, 11, 12

* Aged 15 years or older by date of departure.

Japanese Proficiency

Intermediate – Advanced

Included in program fee

  • Accommodations

  • Flights

  • Group activities

  • Domestic transportation in Japan

View our Terms and Conditions.

Program Opportunities

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High school immersion

Application closes on March 10, 2026

  • Attend a local high school — get a glimpse into student life in Japan

  • Build global connections and friendships!

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Homestay

  • Stay with a host family — immerse in local, daily life

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Urban exploration & sightseeing

  • Practice your leadership and collaborative skills by planning your own sight-seeing schedule!

  • Learn about Hokkaido’s culture and history

  • Discover Japan's two largest cities, Tokyo and Yokohama

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Language development

  • Immerse in the Japanese language at home and school

  • Learn practical language skills

  • Practice casual and honorific language

Program Fee

The program fee will be determined by the number of students participating in the program. ​With a range of 10-20 students, the fee may start from USD$4,000–4,500.

Included

  • All accommodations: homestays, hotels

    • Students will provide self-profiles as part of the application process. Our team uses these profiles to match students with suitable host families and roommates as applicable.

  • Flights

    • International: roundtrip ticket between Japan and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

    • Domestic: roundtrip ticket between Tokyo and Hokkaido

    • Due to the nature of group flights, flight details cannot be changed in any way (no exceptions)

  • Meals: most meals throughout the program (further details available upon request)

  • Group Activities

  • ​Transportation in Japan: between activities, daily school commute, etc.

At your expense

  • Some meals

  • Any additional travel expense (going over budget by student choice) during student-led excursions

    • Includes expenses related to activities with host families (ie. stopping by a café after school)

  • Travel medical insurance

    • All students are required to provide proof of purchase of travel insurance

    • Please ensure your travel insurance plan includes medical coverage

  • Any expenses associated with missed, canceled, or delayed flights to and from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Application Process

1. Apply

Click "Apply Now" and fill out the application​

2. Register

Upon acceptance, you will receive a follow-up e-mail with registration and payment details

3. Checklist

After registering, our team will share materials to help you prepare for your trip

4. Book

​You're ready to book your flight! We can't wait to see you at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport!

View our Terms and Conditions.

Save the date!

  • January 2026: Application opens

  • March 10, 2026: Application closes + second deposit due

  • April 24, 2026: Documents + final payment due

  • Late May 2026: Orientation and departure preparation

Online Information Sessions

Date

Times

February 9, 2026

Slot one: 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET

Slot two: 7:00pm PT/10:00pm ET

*Both orientations will cover the same information. Please attend whichever time works best for you and your family.

Zoom

Meeting ID: 896 6026 7885

Passcode: 898428

Missed it? That's totally fine! We are happy to provide recordings of previous orientations.

Contact us via email at ipaxton@gpius.net!

Hear from Our Participants

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I enjoyed being able to spend time with my homestay family and other students, and being a part of [their] everyday life (meals, school, shopping, etc.). It was very different from America, but very fun and [an] amazing cultural learning experience.

JapanBound 2025 Participant

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[As someone with no history learning Japanese,] the only thing that was slightly difficult was communication, but that was easy to get around with translator apps. Overall, my experience was extremely positive; my [host family] made me feel like I was a part of the family.

JapanBound 2025 Participant

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My classmates were very considerate, kind, and inclusive in all classes. They asked me questions, enjoyed chatting openly, and helped me out when I was struggling with Japanese.

JapanBound 2025 Participant

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I loved that the [local high school] teachers included us within lessons as if we were their own students. I loved living a typical Japanese student life, meeting new people, making memories, and doing things I normally couldn't do, [like] cleaning classrooms after school. I found it fun!

JapanBound 2025 Participant

See the Experience

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