For educators & Corporate leaders

Scenes from the Fishing Experience in Minamisanriku

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 unfold.

In the warmth of a homestay and through conversations with local people, you encounter the culture rooted in this community and learn about its journey since the disaster. These experiences gradually change the way you see the world.
The encounters you gain here—encounters you cannot experience through 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.

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 unfold.

In the warmth of a homestay and through conversations with local people, you encounter the culture rooted in this community and learn about its journey since the disaster. These experiences gradually change the way you see the world.
The encounters you gain here—encounters you cannot experience through 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 Minamisanriku Has to Teach

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

nternational students taking a commemorative photo with their hosts after the experience in Minamisanriku.
The resilience of people who have faced hardship and moved forward
A storyteller sharing memories of the disaster with attentive students in front of a memorial monument in Minamisanriku.
Practical disaster preparedness, learned from experience
Scenes from the Fishing Experience in Minamisanriku
Everyday life and culture you cannot experience in a city

Model course

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

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ScheduleDay1Day2Day3Day4Day5Day6
PlanArrival in Japan ~ Travel to MinamisanrikuWelcome ~
Disaster Education
School Exchange with Local StudentsChoose from a Variety of Local ExperiencesFarewell & 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 experienceFarewell ceremony
BBQ or Lunch at a traditional Japanese houseLunch in Matsushima or near Sendai
Afternoon・Local Storyteller Bus Tour
・Meeting with host family
“Kiriko” paper-cutting experienceZen meditation experienceReturn Home
(Sendai → Destinations)
EveningHomestay with a Local Family

Activity Menu

Our track record in hosting international educational tours

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Book an experience directly, or talk to us about a programme for your school, university or company.

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