"I had a wonderful time in Japan, and the Discovery tour in particular was an incredibly fun and educational experience, two things which rarely go together". - Jason Morrow, Harvard University - Japan Discovery September 2004.

Learn more, see more, do more, pay less. Travelling to Japan for the first time or looking to travel unbeaten paths? Try this affordable and uniquely flexible study/tour experience combining the choice of a range of Japanese classes with adventure tours discovering what Japan is REALLY like. Combine your studies of Japanese with a small group mobile classroom - and see a Japan that most visitors can barely imagine, let alone visit.

There are seven key reasons to do your discovery tour with Yamasa.

1. High Quality Teaching Component: Most 'study tours' programs are very mickey mouse and only offer 2 or 3 elementary level classes with part-time teachers, usually hired just for the summer. Only Yamasa's Discovery program combines intensive language learning with a professional faculty and a minimum of 6 different proficiency levels all year round (and up to 12 levels in summer) for group classes, as well as individualized instruction via the Acceleration and private lesson formats.

2. Flexibility: Start dates are available all year round including Spring and Autumn - the two best seasons for travelling in Japan, which for the study components are also off seasons so your average classes sizes are going to be very small. You can also adjust the length of studies, extend on demand, and even customize the tour length to suit your needs. Come to Japan just for a holiday, or to refresh your skills, or gain university credits, or prepare for a career - the program is tailored to suit your needs, not the other way around.

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3. Small groups: In the two group formats, the absolute maximum class size is 15. During the tour the average group size will usually be 7 or less. This is the one program where you will NEVER find yourself following a guide with a little yellow flag or a large group of people whose names you can't remember.

4. Accommodation: Travel light - you will be able to leave heavy items back in your Yamasa accommodation in Okazaki. By avoiding expensive hotel stays and exhausting accommodation "hops" - you can enjoy your travels more and save a lot of money.

5. Real: As a quality education provider - our tours are different to most. With Yamasa you will be using your Japanese, meeting Japanese people, travelling and eating in the same places as ordinary Japanese people. If you want to see THE REAL Japan - it's time to join a Yamasa program.

6. Lower expenses: Our program fees are at cost and includes textbooks. The tours include all entry fees and insurance and are about 1/3 cheaper than those offered by commercial operations. Single and shared accommodation is available. In the case of "shared by 2" accommodation (twin room), the average nightly stay is less than half the cost of a youth hostel - but with comfort and modern facilities.

7. Coverage: See the Japan that most tours, most tourists, most foreign residents of Japan NEVER have the opportunity to see. Instead of using the railways and traipsing along the "road most travelled", you get access to remote areas of great beauty and heritage, many of which have roads too narrow for a bus. We use small vehicles, as only a small group format opens up Japan's best sites.

8. Expertise: Even Japan's most visited areas have very little information in foreign languages, and most tours are led by guides reading from a script. One of the advantages of Japan Discovery is that each and every tour is accompanied by Yamasa staff, knowledgeable and passionate about Japan and their fields of study. With Japan Discovery you can ask detailed questions, get your answers, and understand what you see and experience.

9. DISCOUNTS! Discovery program participants can receive discounts on accommodation, weekend activities and other events. Check out the Gold Pass and other benefits.

Participants have the opportunity to experience Japan's traditional past as well as its modern hi-tech present. During your vacation you can experience a quick improvement in your Japanese proficiency. No previous study of Japanese is required for participation.

On the right hand side of this page there are links to each feature of this program. These links are also located at the end of each file. Please read through each file and also the Frequently asked questions section at the bottom of each. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to contact us