Activities

More Than Just a Language School

At Meiji Academy, learning Japanese extends far beyond the classroom. Every week, our students have the opportunity to explore Japan through exciting activities, cultural workshops, seasonal events, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you're making sushi with your classmates, singing karaoke after class, skiing down Hokkaido's powder slopes, or watching cherry blossoms bloom for the first time, every experience becomes part of your Japanese journey. Our activities are carefully designed to help you practice Japanese naturally, discover local culture, and build meaningful friendships with students from all over the world. They provide the perfect opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, experience authentic Japan, and create memories that will stay with you long after you've returned home.

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Traditional Culture Classes

Japan's rich culture is best experienced by doing. Our cultural activities give you the chance to learn directly from local instructors while creating unforgettable memories with classmates from around the world.

A man in a blue robe and a woman in a striped shirt hold large wooden sticks over a Japanese taiko drum in a room.
Taiko Drumming

Experience the power and energy of traditional Japanese drums as you learn basic rhythms and perform together as a group.

Two people in Kendo armor face each other with bamboo swords as one prepares to strike inside a dojo.
Kendo

Experience the discipline and spirit of Japan's traditional martial art while learning its history and basic techniques.

A woman sits on a tatami mat floor and uses a brush to write Japanese characters at a low desk.
Japanese Calligraphy

Create beautiful Japanese characters using traditional brushes and ink while discovering the artistic side of Japanese culture.

A man in a red kimono and a woman in a black-and-white patterned kimono stand together in front of a gold screen.
Kimono Experience

Dress in an authentic kimono, learn about one of Japan's most iconic cultural traditions, and capture unforgettable memories with your camera.

A smiling woman with black hair holds up a piece of Santa Claus-shaped onigiri against a plain, light-colored wall.
Sushi Making

Learn from local experts as you prepare, enjoy, and discover the art behind one of Japan's most famous dishes.

Two men smile, one holding a wooden mallet and one kneeling by a stone mortar with white dough, inside a restaurant.
Mochi Tsuki

Join one of Japan's most beloved traditions by pounding fresh rice into delicious mochi and tasting it together.

Two women hold watermelon slices to their mouths while posing behind a noodle-wrapped frame in a food-themed hat shop.
Food Sample Making

Create your own realistic Japanese food replica using traditional techniques and take home a uniquely Japanese souvenir.

Four people in kimonos and yukatas stand holding shamisen instruments in a room with a samurai armor display.
Shamisen Performance

Discover the beautiful sounds of the traditional three-stringed instrument and try playing it yourself.

A man in a blue robe and a woman in a striped shirt hold large wooden sticks over a Japanese taiko drum in a room.
Tate sword fighting

Master Japan's traditional stage sword fighting with elegant sword movements and choreographed action scenes.

Meiji Events

Some of the best memories you'll make in Japan happen outside the classroom. Our events are designed to bring students together, help you practice Japanese naturally, and explore Japan with new friends. Studying abroad is about so much more than learning a language, it's about the people you meet and the memories you create together. Our social events are designed to help students from all over the world connect, practice Japanese in real-life situations, and experience Japan in a fun and welcoming environment. Whether you're sharing dinner at a local izakaya, exploring hidden neighborhoods, or singing your heart out at karaoke, every event is an opportunity to build friendships that last long after your time in Japan.

A group of people sits around a low table, smiling and eating food cooked on a tabletop grill with chopsticks.
BBQ Parties

Enjoy delicious grilled food, outdoor games, and relaxed conversations while getting to know classmates in a casual atmosphere.

Three people sit at a table on an outdoor patio making peace signs for the camera.
International Gatherings

Meet students from around the world, exchange cultures, and make new friends through fun games and group activities.

Two women smile with their hands raised in front of a display case of Japanese plastic food models.
Night Parfait Parties

Discover Japan's beloved night parfait culture, where dessert is the perfect finale to an evening out.

Two women holding bowling balls smile for the camera while standing next to a lane in a bowling alley.
Bowling

Enjoy a fun evening of friendly competition, laughter, and great company as you bowl together with classmates and make new friends.

Three people are in a room, where one woman holds a microphone, another makes a peace sign, and a man smiles.
Karaoke Nights

No trip to Japan is complete without karaoke! Sing your favorite songs, cheer on your classmates, and enjoy one of Japan's most popular pastimes.

A person in a white sweatshirt and black cap aims a dart at an illuminated electronic dartboard machine indoors.
Dart Nights

Challenge your classmates to a friendly game of darts while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere, great conversations, and an evening of fun together.

A group of people sits together on a long wooden boat in a canal lined with houses and trees.
River Boat Cruise

Take in the city from a different perspective as you enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the river.

Two women in bunny and cat ear headbands smile while holding colorful drinks in a cafe booth.
Maid Café

Experience one of Japan's most unique pop culture attractions and enjoy its playful atmosphere, and distinctive hospitality.

A group of seven adults smiles while holding up their hand-drawn illustrations and comics in an office setting.
Meiji manga jam

Join fellow students for a fun and relaxed manga drawing session where you can sketch, share ideas, and unleash your creativity together.

Seasonal Events

Jan
Four people stand with their backs to the viewer, holding thick ropes in front of a traditional wooden Japanese shrine.
Hatsumōde (First Shrine Visit)
Early January

Start the new year with a visit to a local shrine or temple, where many Japanese people pray for good fortune and buy lucky charms.

A man raises a wooden mallet over a stone mortar as another man kneels beside him inside a room with paper lanterns.
Mochi Tsuki
Late December – January

Celebrate the New Year like the locals by pounding freshly steamed rice into delicious mochi using traditional wooden mallets.

Mar
Four people in winter coats smile and hold up strawberries while sitting in front of a Munakata Ichigo Farm backdrop.
Strawberry Picking (Ichigo Gari)
January – March

Visit a local strawberry farm and enjoy picking and eating Japan's famously sweet strawberries fresh from the vine.

People walk along a path lined with stone lanterns toward a traditional Japanese building in a forest.
Spring Hiking
March – May

Enjoy comfortable temperatures while exploring mountains, parks, and scenic walking trails covered in fresh greenery.

Jun
A large crowd of people sits on blue tarps on the grass under blossoming cherry trees in a park.
Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hanami)
Ende März – Anfang Mai

Join classmates for a picnic beneath blooming cherry trees, one of Japan's most beloved spring traditions.

Two women pose for a photo at an outdoor street fair, one holding a camera and the other holding a spiral-cut potato.
Summer Festivals
July – August

Experience lively festivals featuring traditional food stalls, lanterns, games, music, and people wearing colorful yukata.

Oct
A person poles a wooden boat with passengers wearing conical hats down a canal lined with willow trees and buildings.
River Activities
July – September

Cool off with kayaking, paddleboarding, or relaxing river cruises during Japan's warm summer months.

Red, white, and blue fireworks explode over a river at night, with a large Ferris wheel visible through the smoke.
Fireworks Festivals (Hanabi)
July – August

Watch breathtaking fireworks displays lighting up the summer night sky along rivers and coastlines.

Two people in costumes, one with face paint and another with devil horns, make rock-on hand gestures in a crowded room.
Halloween Party
Late October

Celebrate Halloween with costumes, games, themed food, and plenty of fun with classmates.

A dense canopy of Japanese maple trees with vibrant red and orange leaves covers a path where people are gathered.
Autumn Leaf Hunting (Momijigari)
Late October – November

Visit famous parks and temples to admire Japan's brilliant red, orange, and golden autumn foliage.

Nov
A group of people sits on wooden benches with their feet in a stone-lined pool of water in a sunlit garden.
Ashiyu (Foot Bath) Relaxations
November

Soak your feet in comforting, naturally heated volcanic thermal waters at free public foot baths located right outside train stations.

A high-angle view shows a city park at night where trees and displays are illuminated with thousands of multicolored lights.
Christmas Markets
October – December

Experience Japan’s wonderful Christmas markets and breathtaking winter illuminations that transform parks and city centers into magical seasonal destinations.

Dec
A group of people sit on couches around low tables, smiling and making hand gestures for a photo in a living room.
Year-End Celebration (Bōnenkai)
December

Join classmates and staff to celebrate the end of the year with a traditional Japanese year-end party.

Experience Every Campus

Every Meiji Academy campus offers a completely different side of Japan. Whether you dream of surfing on sunny beaches, skiing through powder snow, exploring vibrant city streets, or walking among centuries-old temples, each location provides its own unique atmosphere and unforgettable experiences.

Osaka Campus

Japan's Friendliest Locals
Dotonbori Nightlife

More than 1,000 Parks & Green Spaces

Universal Studios Japan
Shopping Districts
Two women in matching happi coats and face masks make peace signs at an outdoor festival.
Osaka
Two women in patterned jackets and blue face masks make peace signs towards the camera against a white background.

More than 170 Shopping Arcades

Kobe, Nara, Kyoto around the corner
The Nation’s Kitchen
Historic Landmarks

Hokkaido Campus

Stunning Nature in All Four Seasons
Lavender Fields & Flower Parks

More than 250 Powdery Ski Resorts

Japan's Largest Prefecture
Top Seafood Destination
A smiling person in full ski gear stands with arms outstretched on a snowy mountain slope overlooking a valley.
Hokkaido
A skier in a helmet and goggles smiles with arms outstretched while standing on skis in a white, snowy setting.

More than 2,000 Kilometers of Scenic Hiking Trails

National Parks & Hot Springs
World-Famous Powder Snow
Delicious Mio Ramen

Fukuoka Campus

Coastline & Beaches
Water Sports

More than 9,500 Amazing Restaurants

Island Adventures
Gateway to Kyushu
Two smiling women with their ankles tied together run in a three-legged race on a sandy beach surrounded by spectators.
Fukuoka
Two smiling women walk arm-in-arm with their bare feet lifted off the ground against a white background.

More than 3,000 Students Graduated Meiji Fukuoka

Famous Yatai Food Stalls
Beach BBQs & Summer Festivals
Hakata Ramen

Why Choose Just One?

With Meiji Academy, you have the flexibility to move between our campuses during your studies. Many of our students spend three months at one location before continuing their adventure with another three months at a different campus. It's the perfect way to experience multiple regions of Japan while continuing your language education without interruption. Imagine starting your journey in sunny Fukuoka, enjoying beach days and Kyushu's relaxed lifestyle, then heading north to Hokkaido for breathtaking mountain scenery and world-famous powder snow. Or combine the vibrant energy and food culture of Osaka with the timeless temples and traditional charm of Kyoto.