Program Introduction

Live English. Share Culture. Make Real Connections.
Experience living English. Share culture, and form real connections.

At Karuizawa Homestay, we do not simply offer a typical accommodation facility or classroom-style English lessons. Instead, we provide a “real English experience” where English breathes naturally in everyday life. Rather than grammar-centered instruction or separating learning from daily living, we nurture practical English ability through interaction and real-life use in daily life.

It’s the ideal environment for anyone—from children to adults—who wants to try using English, become more fluent, or develop usable language skills through natural exchange. Whether overnight or day visit, guests can experience real communication that goes beyond words in an authentic English environment.

💬 What Can You Experience?

🌿 Daily Life Surrounded by English
From morning routines to evening relaxation, you’ll be in an environment where English naturally flows throughout the day. Even if you’re not confident in English, that’s okay.
Rather than cramming grammar, you’ll experience the joy of “understanding and being understood” by doing things like setting the table or picking up words while walking.

🍳 Learn English at the Table (Kitchen English)
Meals are prepared and enjoyed together with the host, from prep to cleanup.
You’ll learn practical, everyday English through naming ingredients and utensils, kitchen conversations, manners during meals, and polite expressions used around the table.

🧩 Activities Tailored to the Season and Interests
Activity content is adjusted according to season and participant.

• 🌲 Nature walks

• Visiting scenic spots nearby

• ♨ Local hot springs (*with separate cost)

• 🌌 Rooftop views of mountains and starry skies

• 📚 Reading picture books and storytelling

• 🧁 American-style baking and cooking experiences

• 🎬 Watching and discussing English movies/dramas

• 🔥 Bonfire with s’mores and roasted sweet potatoes

• 🧠 English discussions/debates

• 💼 Business English (resume, self-intro, interview prep)

• 🗒 Light English journaling

• Goal-setting workshops for English learning

• 📖 Homework support in English (optional)

Cultural Exchange & Comfortable Homestay

For overnight stays, guests stay at the home of a multilingual Japanese-American couple.
In this homey environment where cultures blend naturally, you’ll experience communication that goes beyond language and gain exposure to international perspectives.
Curiosity, questions, and conversation are valued in this safe and welcoming space.

Program Types

🏡 Overnight Homestay (Overnight Study Abroad)
For: Individuals (high schoolers, university students, working adults), groups, or parent-child pairs

• Includes 3 meals a day

• Various activities + relaxing evening time

• A few days of full immersion in English and culture

🌞 Day Homestay (Day Study Abroad)
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Recommended for guests staying near Karuizawa, Kita-Karuizawa, Tsumagoi, or Kusatsu

• Includes 2 meals (lunch and dinner) + activities

• Perfect for those who want a casual English immersion experience

Tailored Just for You

We customize each stay to suit every guest. Age, English level, personality, and goals are all considered to adjust the program flexibly.
Even if you’re a shy beginner or a seasoned returnee, we offer a space where you can relax, be yourself, and grow step by step.

🕰️Daily Schedule (Timeline)

🕢 7:30–8:30 ｜ Breakfast Time
🥣 Experience “kitchen English” while preparing breakfast together. Enjoy English conversation at the table.

🕣 8:30–12:00 ｜ Free Time
🌿 Go for a walk, relax, or explore Karuizawa—spend the time however you like.
(Hosts are at home working during this time.)

🕛 12:00–13:00 ｜ Lunch Time
🍱 Cook and eat lunch together with the host again.

🕐 13:00–16:00 ｜ Activity or Free Time
🧩 Afternoon activities enjoyed in English (contents adjusted depending on season and guest preferences)
Examples:
・English picture book read-aloud 📚
・Bonfire & s’mores making 🔥
・Crafts and English games ✂️🎲
・Nature observation and walks 🌲

🕟 16:00–18:00 ｜ Dinner Time
🍽️ Evening English time through preparing dinner and conversation.

🕕 18:30–19:30 ｜ Evening Activity
🌌 End the day with time enjoyed in English
・Conversation around the bonfire
・Card games or watching English programs
・Snack or dessert time
・Reflection and checking the next day’s plan

💡 Notes

The main time for English interaction is during meals and afternoon to evening activities (from breakfast and 12:00–19:30).
The morning (8:30–12:00) is free time, so you are welcome to enjoy it at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. If there are other guests, will we share meals or activities with them?
A. Regardless of whether you’re participating solo, as a family, or as a group, we do not accept multiple homestay guests at the same time—except in cases where both parties request it. In principle, one family per booking gets the entire guesthouse for private use.
However, depending on the time of year, English-speaking international volunteers may be staying at the host’s house, and you may share meals or certain activities with them. This can be a valuable opportunity for children to experience diverse English and cultures.

Q. Is there a calendar to check availability?
A. Currently, there is no calendar available to check availability. As a general rule, we do not accept bookings more than 2 months in advance, but feel free to contact us by email if you have preferred dates.

Q. Are there any nearby places children can enjoy?
A. Yes, within about 5–10 minutes by car, you’ll find places like:

• Karuizawa Toy Kingdom

• Asama Farm

• Onioshidashi Park

• Hot Springs (1130 Hotel, Akatsukinoyu, Jizonyu etc.)

• Asama Great Falls

• Pottery & craft experience “Deep Gorge”

There are many spots you can enjoy even with a short visit—we can make suggestions based on your interests.

Q. Are meals included in the fee?
A. Yes, lunch and dinner are included in all programs. However, due to restrictions under the Hotel Business Act, we ask for light help (e.g., cutting vegetables, setting the table).
This also becomes a chance to enjoy interaction in English and has been well received by many guests.

Q. Do we have to speak only English during our stay?
A. No, don’t worry. Especially for small children or first-timers with English, we also provide Japanese support and offer a relaxed pace for experiencing English.

Q. What is the English program like?
A. Rather than English lessons, the focus is on trying to use English in daily life.
Examples include:

• Reading English picture books and sharing impressions

• Learning food names and cooking actions in English while cooking together

• S’more making and English chat by the bonfire

• Nature walks and English word games

Programs are customized based on age, level, and interests.

Q. Can we enjoy the program even if we don’t speak much English?
A. Yes, even without relying on words, you can have the experience of “I got it!” or “I understood!” through gestures and facial expressions. Children who are not confident in English can also participate with peace of mind.

Q. Are there any additional costs?
A. As of now, unless there is special damage or contamination in the guesthouse, there are no additional charges.