[Scholarship Opportunity]: Winter Japan Culture Camp 2026

Welcome to Osaka — the vibrant gateway to your Japan Culture Camp adventure! Upon arrival, participants will check in to their accommodation starting at 15:00, settling into a comfortable base for the exciting days ahead. This is more than just check-in — it’s the beginning of lasting friendships.

Participants will gather to introduce themselves, share their stories, and begin forming bonds across cultures and continents. Laughter, curiosity, and shared excitement will fill the air as young minds from around the world come together, ready to explore Japan not just as tourists, but as global friends embarking on a shared journey of discovery.

Then, shift gears and dive into the energy of downtown Osaka with a thrilling exploration of its bustling shopping arcades. No visit is complete without indulging in the culinary soul of Japan—experience the irresistible flavors of authentic Japanese street food in Dotonbori. From sizzling takoyaki and golden taiyaki to savory okonomiyaki and steaming ramen, every bite is a celebration of taste and tradition. This is more than a tour—it’s a sensory journey that captures the spirit of Osaka in every moment.

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty and timeless spirituality of Kyoto with a captivating journey through some of its most iconic sites. Begin your adventure at Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社, Fushimi Inari Taisha), one of Japan’s most revered Shinto sanctuaries. Famous for its seemingly endless path of glowing vermillion torii gates that wind up the forested slopes of Mount Inari, this sacred site offers both awe-inspiring visuals and a peaceful retreat into Japanese tradition. 

Step into the heart of Japan’s rich history and vibrant modern culture with a memorable visit to Osaka Castle, where centuries-old heritage rises proudly amidst serene gardens and majestic architecture. Wander through the castle’s fascinating museum, and imagine the days of samurai and shoguns as you take in panoramic views of the city from its grand keep.

Continue your cultural exploration with a visit to Terunji Temple, a hidden gem nestled in the hills, where tranquility and history blend in perfect harmony. Conclude this enchanting day with a walk through the legendary Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering stalks of bamboo sway gently overhead, creating a mesmerizing tunnel of green light and whispering leaves. This magical atmosphere invites reflection and wonder, making it one of the most unforgettable natural wonders in Japan.

More than just sightseeing, this experience is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and absorb the quiet elegance that defines Kyoto—a city where past and present coexist in graceful balance.

Step into the enchanting heart of Kyoto with a cultural adventure that begins at the gracefully illuminated Yasaka Shrine, nestled in the bustling Gion district. Next, wander through the historic charm of the Higashiyama district, where centuries-old wooden machiya houses line narrow, winding streets. This is where old Kyoto truly lives, breathing history with every step.

The journey culminates at the magnificent Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched on a hillside with breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Famous for its vast wooden terrace that juts out over the treetops, the temple is especially magical during sunrise or autumn’s fiery foliage. Explore its sacred halls, drink from the Otowa Waterfall—believed to grant health, love, and success—and walk beneath towering pagodas that echo with centuries of devotion.

This day is more than a tour — it’s a heartfelt immersion into Japan’s spiritual soul, where nature, tradition, and human connection intertwine in perfect harmony.

Step into a world where nature and tradition harmonize in perfect balance with a delightful day in Nara, Japan’s ancient capital and home to some of the country’s most iconic treasures. As you stroll through the expansive grounds of Nara Park, you’ll be greeted by hundreds of free-roaming deer—gentle, bowing creatures considered sacred messengers of the gods in Shinto belief. Feel your heart melt as these graceful animals approach with curiosity, offering once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities and unforgettable moments of connection.

At the center of this serene landscape stands the magnificent Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the colossal Great Buddha (Daibutsu). This monumental bronze statue, housed within one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, inspires awe with its quiet dignity and spiritual presence. As you walk beneath the temple’s towering columns, you’ll feel the weight of history and devotion that has drawn pilgrims and travelers here for over a thousand years.

This visit isn’t just a tour—it’s an immersive journey into Japan’s spiritual roots, offering wonder, warmth, and a deep sense of connection with both nature and culture. In Nara, every step feels like stepping into a living story from the past, beautifully preserved for the present.

As your journey with the Japan Culture Camp comes to a heartfelt close, it’s time to reflect on the memories, friendships, and cultural wonders you’ve experienced. After checking out of your hotel, take one last moment to savor the peaceful atmosphere of your Japanese stay — perhaps with a quiet bow to the staff who welcomed you so warmly.

From there, you’ll begin your journey home, carrying not just souvenirs, but a new perspective — one shaped by ancient temples, bustling cityscapes, quiet tea ceremonies, joyful language exchanges, and the gentle bow of a sacred deer in Nara. Saying sayōnara (goodbye) isn’t an end, but a promise to return — or to keep Japan alive in your heart wherever you go.

Thank you for being part of this incredible cultural adventure. Safe travels, warm wishes, and until we meet again — mata ne!