For educators & Corporate leaders

A Journey to experience the cycles of Life

The journey of recovery following the disaster, the bonds forged with people around the world who offered their support, and a local culture that cherishes human connection. In Minamisanriku, Miyagi, embraced by the sea and mountains, discover a special space where human connection unfol.

In a homestay home’s warmth and the joy of exchanging words, by encountering the culture rooted in this community and its path since the disaster, your values gradually change. The encounters you gain here—encounters you cannot obtain from 100 sightseeing trips—become learning that continues into your future.

“I met someone I want to see again.” “I’ll never forget those words.”
Come to Minamisanriku for a journey of learning shaped by meaningful encounters—experiences that stay with you long after you return home.

“Discover the strength of people”, “Practical disaster preparedness”, and “The culture and everyday life of the community”
— unique learning experiences found only in Minamisanriku.

Groups welcomed from overseas

Cumulative totals, 2017–2025

Countries represented

15+

Visitors welcomed

10,000+

Groups hosted

170+

What you can learn only here

The strength of people, practical disaster preparedness, and everyday life and culture.
These are three things that Minamisanriku can uniquely share with you.

体験のあと、受入先の方と記念撮影をする海外からの学生たち — **The resilience of people who have faced hardship and moved forward**

慰霊碑の前で震災を語り継ぐ語り部と、聞き入る学生たち — **Practical disaster preparedness, learned from experience**

ライフジャケットを着て、水揚げされたばかりの海の幸を手にする学生たち — **Everyday life and culture you cannot experience in a city**

Model course

Japanese culture, Disaster preparedness & Exchange

Hands-on local learning programs

Six days of learning through local life and the cycle of life (sample itinerary)

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Schedule	Day1	Day2	Day3	Day4	Day5	Day6
Plan	Arrival in Japan ～ Travel to Minamisanriku	Welcome ～ Disaster Education	School Exchange with Local Students	Choose from a Variety of Local Experiences		Farewell & Departure
Morning ～ lunch	Tokyo / Other Area ↓ Sendai↓ Minamisanriku	・Welcome ceremony ・Orientation ・”Minamisanriku 3.11 Memorial Learning Programs” ・Lunch at the “Minamisanriku Sun Sun Shopping Village”	・Welcome ceremony ・Class experience with local students ・Group activities ・Lunch ・School tour ・Cultural exchange ・Club activity ・Closing ceremony	Local cuisine experience & Lunch with community members	Fishery experience	Farewell ceremony
Morning ～ lunch				Local cuisine experience & Lunch with community members	BBQ or Lunch at a traditional Japanese house	Lunch in Matsushima or near Sendai
Afternoon		・Local Storyteller Bus Tour ・Meeting with host family		“Kiriko” paper-cutting experience	Zen meditation experience	Return Home (Sendai → Destinations)
Evening		Homestay with a Local Family

The benefits of a long-term homestay

The unique homestay experience in Minamisanriku

A wide range of learning and hands-on experiences

Local storytelling · Disaster education · Nature experiences · Cultural experiences

Activity Menu

Our track record in hosting international educational tours

Date	School / Organization	Country
March 2017	University Student Study Tour in Japan (4 nights)	United States
March 2018	University Student Study Tour in Japan (4 nights)	United States
August 2018	Professional Training Program (3 nights)	Laos
August 2018	High School Study Tour in Japan (4 nights)	United States
June 2019	High School Study Tour in Japan (14 nights)	Taiwan
February 2023	Professional Training Program from Latin America (3 nights)	Latin America
January 2024	University Japanese Language Study Program (9 nights)	Taiwan
July 2024	Elementary & Middle School Study Tour (3 nights)	South Korea
April 2025	Soccer Team Training Camp (2 nights)	Australia
May 2025	High School Study Tour in Japan (5 nights)	Taiwan
July 2025	University Student Study Tour in Japan (3 nights)	United States
July 2025	High School Study Tour in Japan (9 nights)	Taiwan

This is a partial list of groups staying for multiple nights

Since 2017, Minamisanriku has actively welcomed international educational and study tours.
We have hosted a wide range of programs, including university study programs, school trips, and educational tours, particularly during university and school holiday periods.

170 Groups
10,000 Participants
※International Groups Welcomed to Minamisanriku from 2017 to 2025

Comprehensive Support in Minamisanriku

“What if we can’t communicate?” “What if something goes wrong?” Leave these concerns to us.
From planning your program to on-site support and issuing certificates of completion, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Fully customized programs

We can tailor programs to your needs, including disaster education, farming experiences, and exploration-based learning. We can also combine your program with sightseeing in Tokyo, allowing us to create a flexible itinerary that suits your group.

Reliable on-site support

Even if you do not have a chaperone accompanying your group, our local coordinators can support your itinerary. We provide interpretation, schedule coordination, and emergency assistance.

Certificates of Completion

For participants in long-term study programs, we can issue certificates of completion based on their activities and learning. These certificates can also be used for reports after returning home and as supporting documents for school or university applications.

Extensive Experience

We have welcomed groups from Taiwan, the United States, and other countries. With established host family selection criteria, insurance coverage, and emergency response procedures, we ensure a safe and secure stay.

FAQ about educational tours

Does a chaperone need to accompany the group throughout the entire program?: No, it is not required. Our team can provide support throughout the program, from meeting your group at the nearest airport or train station to accompanying you until your departure.
Do you provide language support? Is it okay if some participants do not speak Japanese?: Yes. Simple conversations are encouraged as part of the experience, and one of the goals is for participants to try communicating in Japanese. When necessary, we can arrange local staff who can communicate in English or Chinese.
Can you create the itinerary? Is a fully customized program available?: Yes. We offer fully customized programs. Based on your goals and interests, such as “We want students to learn about this theme” or “We would like to visit this place,” we will create an itinerary tailored to your group.
Can the length of the program be extended or shortened?: Yes. We can flexibly adjust the length of the program. While we generally recommend stays of 5–7 days, we can design programs for either shorter or longer stays according to your needs.
Can the program be combined with destinations outside Minamisanriku?: Yes. You are welcome to combine your program with sightseeing, study programs, or school exchanges in destinations such as Tokyo or Sendai.
What is the homestay arrangement? How many participants stay with each host family?: Each host family accommodates 3–6 participants, with participants of the same gender staying together. We also take cultural and religious considerations into account and carefully match participants with suitable host families after confirming any allergies and other requirements in advance.
How far in advance should we contact you before the trip?: We recommend contacting us 3–6 months in advance. May and July are particularly busy periods for hosting school groups in Japan, so we recommend contacting us as early as possible during these months.
Are there any periods when programs cannot be held or are best avoided?: During major holiday periods in Japan and around the New Year holidays, some facilities and organizations may be closed, so itinerary adjustments may be necessary. March and April can also be more difficult for school exchange programs due to the transition between academic years in Japan.
What happens in the event of an accident or illness?: In the event of an accident or illness, we will work together with medical institutions to provide support. We also ask participants to have overseas travel insurance that covers medical treatment during their stay in Japan.