Akita Inaka School runs short Japanese courses in Kosaka (小坂町), a small town in the mountains of northern Akita Prefecture. Because the courses are short term, the school does not issue student visas, though it can help with paperwork such as invitation letters for students who need a visa to visit Japan.
Akita Inaka School is a hidden gem for anyone who wants to learn Japanese away from the big cities. Practical Japanese courses at Akita Inaka suit all who share a sense of adventure as they can sign up for an authentic Japanese experience.
Chapters on Language Culture and Community
Typical Day at Akita Inaka School
Classes run from Monday to Friday, 9am to 12.30pm. Students learn practical Japanese speaking for preparation for everyday life in Japan. Akita Inaka’s aim for students is to gain as much benefit when integrating themselves into Japanese society. A combination of language, culture, and experience rolled into one course.
Classes are taught in authentic Japanese-style classrooms as the renovation was carried out but maintained each room’s original form. An endless view of nature surrounds the classrooms, giving students a peaceful atmosphere during their morning class periods.
The time for adventure begins as the clock strikes 12.30pm, when activities arranged with the local community give students a chance to practise their Japanese with the locals. Whether it’s helping out on nearby farms, bike riding through the mountains, joining a pottery club, cooking traditional Japanese food, or trying your hand at calligraphy, Akita Inaka has you covered with endless activities to explore. By getting involved with the locals, students are welcomed with open arms on their journey of experiencing the culture while studying in Japan.
After a big day of adventure, students can wind down in a traditional Japanese home. Share houses are located only a 10 minute drive or 25 minute bike ride from the school, and rides are included. Cooking nights and takoyaki parties are great for mixing with your new Japanese neighbours and fellow students. Everyone can enjoy food and drinks, chat about the day thus far while laughing the night away.
Accommodation prices are subject to course selection with hotels also arranged depending on availability.
Winter Course in Kosaka: Towada Lake Winter Story, Skiing and Akita Dogs
Akita Inaka School courses run all year round, and each season brings a different theme. Every course has the same goal in mind: learn practical Japanese by embracing the local community. Plenty of chances to put your words into practice help students understand everyday life in Japan.
The next winter course runs from 1 to 19 February 2027 (3 weeks). It is a special time for Kosaka’s local community, and students can join the Towada Lake Winter Story (Towadako Fuyu Monogatari) on the shore of Lake Towada. Food stalls, winter fireworks and a kamakura (snow hut) bar serving drinks in ice glasses bring everyone together.
For snowboard fanatics, February is the prime time for skiing in Japan. Akita Prefecture has one of the highest snowfalls in the world, with several ski areas close by.
Dog lovers can play in the snow with Akita dogs, a legendary breed. The Akita shares both name and uniqueness with the Akita Inaka School community. Here at Nakama, we have a real soft spot for our canine friends. Learning about this magnificent dog’s history would be a memorable experience to take home.
If students are feeling adventurous, some winter courses have included a local naked festival. Participants strip down to a white loincloth and headband and brave the winter cold together, an experience that will last a lifetime for those looking to study in Japan.
The 2027 winter course costs $3,500 USD. That covers classes, five activities a week, daily rides and winter heating, but not flights, airport transport or accommodation.
Winter term accommodation prices
- Single room in a Japanese sharehouse: $270 USD per week (limited availability).
- Hotels can also be arranged, depending on availability.
Akita Inaka School 2027 Course Dates and Prices
Akita Inaka School has published its 2027 course schedule, with Japanese language and culture courses throughout the year. Each course includes Japanese lessons from Monday to Friday, 9am to 12.30pm, focusing on practical conversation to prepare students for real-life situations. Organised activities and events after classes and on some weekends give students the chance to practise and to take part in local culture.
2027 Course Dates:
- Winter Course: 1 to 19 February 2027 (3 weeks)
- Spring Course: 15 April to 5 May 2027 (3 weeks)
- May Course (rice planting season): 19 May to 1 June 2027 (2 weeks)
- Summer Course: 2 to 20 August 2027 (3 weeks)
- Autumn Course: 4 to 22 October 2027 (3 weeks)
- December Course: 6 to 17 December 2027 (2 weeks)
The three week courses cost $3,500 USD, the two week May course costs $2,700 USD and the two week December course costs $2,500 USD. Prices exclude flights and accommodation, and each course page on the school’s site lists exactly what else is included. Accommodation is in Japanese sharehouses, with a single room at $270 USD per week, and hotels can be arranged depending on availability. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended. For anyone hoping to go sooner, the December 2026 course (7 to 18 December 2026) was the only 2026 course still showing spots left in October 2026.
The Spring Course, running from 15 April to 5 May 2027, coincides with cherry blossom season in Akita. Local activities include the Odate Cherry Blossom Festival, a small festival with food stalls, stage performances and cherry trees lit up at night, and there is also a chance to meet Akita dogs.
For detailed information and to apply, visit Akita Inaka School’s official website.
Family and Private Group Courses at Akita Inaka School
For families looking to escape the city or groups looking to explore Japan’s scenic countryside, Family and private group courses are available. Enjoy a holiday like no other by becoming a part of the Akita Inaka School community. Explore nature’s hidden gems rare to tourists’ eyes while learning practical Japanese speaking with those who share a similar fascination with the culture of Japan.
A sample two week course for a family or group of friends of up to six people costs $7,700 USD, with daily transport to the school and to scheduled activities included. A whole Japanese tatami house for the group costs $1,000 for the two weeks, and flights are extra. You choose the dates, as long as they avoid the scheduled seasonal courses.
Whatever your preferred season, Akita Inaka has something special for everyone. The seasonal courses for everyone run in winter, spring, May, summer, autumn and December, and each course page lists its own sample activities.
Language, Culture and Community Life in Kosaka
Akita Inaka School’s vision for language, culture, and experience combined into one immersive course continues to make it a unique destination for those studying in Japan. On every course, students have the chance to form lasting friendships with people from around the world while creating unforgettable memories that go beyond the classroom.
Culture remains at the heart of Akita Inaka’s mission. Students not only learn practical Japanese for real-life situations but also immerse themselves in local customs, festivals, and community events. This hands-on approach allows students to experience authentic Japanese living, making the journey as much about cultural exploration as it is about language proficiency.
With courses through 2027 in winter, spring, May, summer, autumn and December, students can choose the term that best fits their schedule. Each course blends intensive Japanese language lessons with cultural activities like cooking, traditional crafts, local tours, and community interactions.
