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
🥣 Prepare and eat breakfast together while experiencing “kitchen English.” Enjoy English conversation at the table.

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

🕛 12:00–13:00｜Lunch Time
🍱 Prepare and eat lunch together with the host again. Say “Itadakimasu” in English!

🕐 13:00–16:30｜Activity or Free Time
🧩 Afternoon activities in English (adjusted based on season and guest preferences)
Examples:
・English picture book reading 📚
・Bonfire and s’more making 🔥
・Crafts and English games ✂️🎲
・Nature walks and observation 🌲

🕟 16:30–18:00｜Dinner Time
🍽️ Prepare dinner and converse together—English in the evening.
(Children can take a bath before or after dinner.)

🕕 18:00–19:30｜Evening Activity
🌌 End the day with a fun English session
・Conversations around the bonfire
・Card games or watching English programs

・Snacks and dessert time

🕢 19:30–20:00｜Daily Reflection & Next Day Planning
📅 Reflect on the day and discuss the schedule for tomorrow in a relaxed way.

💡 Note
Main English interaction time is during meals and afternoon–evening activities (breakfast + 12:00–19:30).
Morning (8:30–12:00) is free time to enjoy the stay at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. If there are other guests, will meals or activities be shared?
A. We do not accept multiple homestay groups at the same time unless both parties agree. Generally, the accommodation building is fully reserved for your group.
However, there may be times when international English-speaking volunteers are staying at the host’s house. In such cases, you may share meals and some activities with them. This becomes a great opportunity for children to interact with diverse English speakers and cultures.

Q. Is there a calendar to check availability?
A. Currently, we don’t have a calendar for availability. As a rule, we do not accept bookings more than 2 months in advance, but please feel free to contact us via email with your preferred dates.

Q. Are there nearby spots where children can have fun?
A. Yes, within a 5–10 minute drive, there are places like:

• Karuizawa Toy Kingdom

• Asama Farm

• Onioshidashi Park

• Asama Waterfall

• Deep Gorge pottery/craft workshop

We’ll be happy to make suggestions based on your preferences.

Q. Are meals included in the fee?
A. Yes, lunch and dinner are included in all programs. However, due to minpaku (private lodging) regulations, we ask for simple help (e.g., cutting vegetables, setting the table). Many guests enjoy this as part of the English-speaking experience.

Q. Do we need to speak only English during our stay?
A. No, please don’t worry. For young children and beginners, we also provide Japanese support. You’ll be guided at a pace that makes the experience enjoyable and stress-free.

Q. What are the English program activities like?
A. Rather than formal classes, the focus is on “using English in daily life.” For example:

• Picture book reading and sharing impressions

• Learning ingredients and cooking actions in English while cooking together

• Making s’mores around the fire and practicing casual conversation

• Nature walks with word games

Content is customized based on age, level, and interests.

Q. Can children enjoy it even if they don’t speak English well?
A. Yes, even without words, children can gain “I got it!” and “I made myself understood!” experiences through gestures and facial expressions. Many children who aren’t confident in English still enjoy the experience.

Q. Are there any additional costs?
A. At this time, there are no extra costs unless there is significant damage or dirtiness to the accommodation.