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Welcome to our virtual tour. The tour in the main directory consists of 12 HTML files which are designed for maximum accessability. The files will adjust to suit the size of your browser. Each file consists of text with light quick downloading thumbprint photographs. Click on any thumbprint if you want to enlarge the photo size. If you wish to see more photos, there is actually a photographic slide show for each of the tour files. There are no frames in use. Javascript is only used for the photographic slide shows.
In this text version, we have combined the text of the files into the "about_yamasa.html" file that you are currently browsing. We have removed the photographs from the text version, however if you wish to see images there are links provided. Also, please note that if you have faster access speeds, (or patience) you may like to see the video files. At the bottom of each of the 12 HTML files you will see a link to a html file with a list of the video formats.
There are currently 12 sections in the tour.
The Yamasa II Building
This is part 1 of 12.
Light Graphics Version of this section
This is the modern 5 story YAMASA II building at the eastern end of the campus. This building contains the classrooms and staff facilities for the Academic Programs (AIJP, AJSP, Acceleration), a Library, Computer/AV laboratory as well as faculty and administration offices.
The building is western style with large amounts of space and modern facilities. It is well wired with fiber-optic cables for Yamasa's Local Area Network (LAN) and hosts the Internet access point.
The lobby contains artwork and some curios of Tarokichi Hattori (who founded the Hattori Foundation in 1919) in a glass display case. They include items from the 1900 Paris Exposition.
The lobby is the designated smoking area - all remaining areas are smoke-free. It is a common meeting area for students after class with wide amounts of space and public telephones (ISDN) available. The glass frontage ensures that there is plenty of natural light, while the double insulation provides year round comfort.
Click here for photograph slide show of Yamasa II building.
Click here for video file html index (new window)
AV/Computer Laboratories
This is part 2 of 12
Light Graphics Version of this section
There are 2 computer laboratories on campus. One is in the Yamasa II building and the other in Aoi Hall. Both have PC's permanently connected to the Internet via Yamasa's LAN (local area network). They are also open on Saturdays and late into the evening on weekdays. Access to these computers and the internet is free, untimed and unrestricted.
The operating systems are Japanese and a range of educational software is available to support self-learning. All students can receive their own browser based Yamasa email addresses - "name"@yamasa.org (a free service) and all students are able to communicate with friends or faculty in real time. In addition to self-learning, the labs are also used as classrooms when teaching students how to use Japanese language software and when assisting students to make their own Japanese language homepages. Furthermore, as well as using Yamasa supplied PC's, students are able to connect their own computers to the network via LAN cards.
The Lab in the Yamasa II buidling has a Language Learning corner with TV/Video and cassette players for improving comprehension. A video/audio cassette library is maintained by faculty members and students can borrow study materials to match their proficiency level.
Many students also have part-time work online or have special software requirements - Yamasa does everything possible to make things easier for them.
Click here for photograph slide show of Yamasa II building computer lab.
Click here for video file html index (new window)
Library/Reading Room
This is part 3 of 12
Light Graphics Version of this section
Our new library is now located on the ground floor of the Yamasa II building next to the Student Services office so that the facilities can be open as late as possible. There are large common reading areas as well as individual study stations.
The individual study stations have AC power access for electronic study aids as well as individual lighting. A new feature is the additional of LAN access. Students who wish to use online dictionaries and other web based applications can use jacks located in the walls.
There is a range of reading material, dictionaries and information regarding Japanese universities and colleges, scholarships etc - although the later information is increasingly provided through Yamasa's online ACCESS databases. Students can obtain past test-papers, additional study materials and a range of books on request.
Click here for photograph slide show of Yamasa II building library/reading room.
Click here for video file html index (new window)
Our Classrooms
This is part 4 of 12
Light Graphics Version of this section
There are 24 classrooms in total, these include 12 standard size classrooms in the Yamasa II building, 8 standard and 4 seminar classrooms in Aoi Hall. Facilities such as this distance learning theater, consultation rooms etc offer additional flexibility. All rooms have excellent light, air-conditioning and large amounts of space per student. Power access is available and teaching technologies shared amongst the rooms. Aoi Hall also has internet access in every classroom.
Each of the standard classrooms are large enough to accommodate the 20 students stipulated as the maximum class size by the accreditation body. However at Yamasa the maximum class size is just 15 students for standard format classes, and 6 for seminar format classes. At Yamasa we simply believe that 20 is too many for quality language study.
Each classroom has wide desks that are arranged in a U shape configuration so as to maximize student/faculty interaction. The reason we do this instead of the usual Japanese practice of having students sit in rows is because it works - rote learning has no place at Yamasa. You can't learn a language unless you speak it. With teaching teams of 4-5 faculty per class, the classroom configuration becomes an important part of the learning process.
Click here for photograph slide show of Yamasa Institute classrooms.
Click here for video file html index (new window)
Multimedia Studio
This is part 5 of 12
Light Graphics Version of this section
Located across the road from the Yamasa II building, the multimedia studio is located in a renovated Japanese house. This house is the oldest of the 4 buildings on the campus, however it is actually the leading edge of some of the Institute's programs providing much of the technical support and expertise.
The traditional tatami matting has been removed and the floor elevated to accommodate the large quantities of fiber-optic cable and pipes that the studio requires. This is where a significant part of the yamasa.org website, publications, online learning resources and student email systems are constructed or maintained. The technical support for the Online Center for Japanese Studies - particularly regarding streaming video and video editing is based here.
Inside the studio itself there is a large number of PC's and Macintosh computers, scanners, color copiers and associated infrastructure. All of the support staff are full time. Yamasa is the only Japanese language school with these services.
Click here for photograph slide show of Multimedia Studio.
Click here for video file html index (new window)
Aoi Hall
This is part 6 of 12
Light Graphics Version of this section
Aoi Hall is a large 2-story building at the western end of the campus that accommodates Yamasa's extension programs (Continuing Education), all short duration programs, distance learning and computer-based instruction.
On the second floor there are 12 classrooms - 8 of which are large enough to accommodate the 20 students stipulated as the maximum class size by the accreditation body even though our maximum class size remains 15. There are also 4 dedicated seminar rooms (maximum class size 6). There is a computer laboratory with PC's provided as well as space for students with laptops. The 2nd floor also has a large faculty office, the International Office and a TV lounge. Each classroom is spacious with excellent light and reverse cycle air-conditioning. A key feature is that EVERY classroom has AC power access (100V) and jacks providing direct access to the Internet via Yamasa's LAN. Teaching technologies are shared amongst the rooms.
On the ground floor there is a large hall with recreational facilities. The hall is used for parties, ceremonies and exams. There are also recreational facilities such as table tennis. A basketball hoop is provided in the courtyard outside. Also located on the ground floor is the distance learning theatre (a large classroom custom designed for synchronous and asynchronous internet based learning and online conferencing) and its support rooms (Audio Visual Control room, Film Projection booth, Simultaneous Translation room). There is also office space for the Yamasa Institute's small technology company "Frontia". This company maintains and develops the digital infrastructure and networks, as well as web based learning materials and faculty support.
As with the classrooms in the Yamasa II building, there are wide desks that are arranged in a U shape configuration so as to maximize student/faculty interaction. Each class has a team of faculty members providing instruction and guidance and the offices of the faculty members are located on the same floor.
Click here for photograph slide show of Aoi Hall.
Click here for video file html index (new window)
Sakura House
This is part 7 of 12
Light Graphics Version of this section
Located next to Aoi Hall at the western end of the campus, Sakura House (Sakura means Cherry blossom) is a traditional wooden-beam Japanese house that has been renovated to provide a coffee shop and a common room for Yamasa students.
The coffee shop (called "Woodpecker") is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday. A low cost breakfast (Morning Set) and lunch (Lunch Set) are provided daily - the menu changes daily. Yamasa students receive a discount (you need to have your Yamasa ID card with you) on all purchases.
The common room is a Japanese style tatami mat area. Students can use the common room at any time as a meeting place where students can organize parties, study Japanese or just hang out with friends. It is often used as a venue for cultural exchange activities, as well as being the meeting place for the Okazaki International Interchange Center - which organizes a number of activities as well as the homestay program. Outside the house there is a roofed bicycle parking area and a basketball hoop. The courtyard is sometimes used for barbecues during the summer.
Click here for photograph slide show of Sakura House.
Click here for video file html index (new window)
Studio Apartments
This is part 8 of 12
Light Graphics Version of this section
Another unusual feature of Yamasa is that comfort isn't restricted just to the campus. Many of the students stay in Yamasa's studio apartments. There are currently 85 apartments in 3 locations (Yamasa Villa, Residence K and Residence U) - all of which are within easy walking distance of the campus.
All of Yamasa's apartments are located in residential areas close to shops and restaurants, and they are all fully furnished. For detailed information on the apartments click on the accommodation section after you finish the tour.
SIZE! Each studio apartment is significantly larger than apartments of the equivalent size/style in Tokyo or Osaka, and for much cheaper rents (about 50% cheaper for stays of one year - even greater cost saving for shorter stays). Also as these apartments are fully controlled by Yamasa's Housing office, we are able to refund the remainder of the small deposit after cleaning costs are deducted. Usually in Japan key money deposits total about 3 month's rent and are never refunded - something that many foreign students do not discover until too late.
Click here for photograph slide show of the Studio Apartments
Click here for video file html index (new window)
Student Village
This is part 9 of 12
Light Graphics Version of this section
The Student Village is another unusual Yamasa feature - it not only gives students an additional housing option but also is one of the highest quality student dormitories in Japan. It is located within easy walking distance of the campus, again close to shops and restaurants.
The village has 24 hours free internet access with common use computing facilities as well as jacks in every room for LAN access. There is room-to-room intercoms and international telephones with smart cards, cable television, a piano, study facilities, deluxe kitchen facilities, outdoor terrace, basketball court and in short excellent facilities all round. For detailed information on the Student Village click on the accommodation section after you finish the tour.
The village is usually the preferred accommodation of short term students but is available to all. There is no deposit required and the shared room option is one of the cheapest quality housing options available for students in Japan. There is a resident manager, good lighting and security. The village is centrally located so many of the students staying in the studio apartments visit the village for fun. It is one of the livelier accommodation options.
Click here for photograph slide show of the Student Village
Click here for video file html index (new window)
Infirmary & Health Care
This is part 10 of 12
Light Graphics Version of this section
Providing total support means more than just the facilities and services related to studying and accommodation. It's the detailed planning for contingencies such as health care that is another characteristic of Yamasa. In the Yamasa II building we have an infirmary where students who feel ill can rest from classes and recuperate.
Located right next door to the Yamasa II building is Minami Hospital - so any ailment requiring medical attention can be quickly dealt with. As it is right next door, it is of course no problem for members of Yamasa's multilingual student services staff to accompany you to the hospital to ensure that language problems are avoided.
Health Insurance is usually another key concern of students. Yamasa assists all of the student visa holders to obtain subsidized Japanese National Health Insurance (JNHI), and student services staff are always available to assist with any paperwork concerns. The same assistance is available for students on short-term visas with travel insurance or portable insurance. Most overseas insurers will not be able to reimburse you for expenses if the receipts are in Japanese (which of course they will be), so Yamasa will be able to provide a certified translation to assist you. There is of course no charge for any of these services.
Click here for photograph slide show
Click here for video file html index (new window)
Homestay Program
This is part 11 of 12
Light Graphics Version of this section
The homestay program at Yamasa includes short stays (known as home visits) which may be for a weekend, up to long term stays. Yamasa's homestays give you not only the opportunity to practice language skills (especially listening and speaking) and intimately experience the culture, it also provides a priceless chance to communicate across cultures and make long lasting friendships. Many students who have experienced the homestay program at Yamasa continue to maintain close friendships with their Japanese family.
The homestay hosts (Japanese families) are not part of Yamasa's facilities or campus, but the program itself is an integral part of the learning experience. We have a full-time housing office with specialist staff whose role is to plan for and look after all of the housing needs of our students. Of all of the language schools and universities in this country, Yamasa is one of only a handful who have full time staff providing specialized services just for international students.
The reason is simply that the quality of housing is crucial to the total experience of our students and therefore is something never to be left to chance. In addition to managing the studio apartments and student village, the Housing Office also coordinates the homestay program.
Click here for photograph slide show
Click here for video file html index (new window)
Local Area Introduction
This is the last Virtual Tour file
Light Graphics Version of this section
Our campus is located close to JR Okazaki station. It is only 6 minutes walk away. The station is on main Tokaido Line (the main line between Tokyo and Osaka) and is also the rail junction for the Aichi-Kanjo Line, yet our campus is in a quiet residential area known as Hane-cho. Next door to us on one side is Minami Hospital; on the other side is the Yamanaka supermarket - where many of the students buy their lunch or pickup their groceries. The surrounding area is mainly single standing houses (bungalows) with some apartments. By Japanese standards it is a very low density housing environment.
Within just 10 minutes walk in any direction of the campus you will find banks, post offices, supermarkets, travel agents, department stores, pubs and restaurants, convenience stores, in short all of the things you need - and of course, your accommodation. There is an unusual amount of greenery, the local parks are easily accessed and you can relax whenever you want. The main attractions of the city including the castle, more famous temples and the entertainment areas of Kosei-cho are within an easy bus trip. Our local area has excellent bus and rail connections.
For more information about the local area, interactive maps and extensive video, please visit the "Location" folder.
Click here for photograph slide show
Click here for video file html index (new window)
Created and maintained by Declan Murphy and the students and staff
of the Yamasa Institute Multimedia Studio
©1997-2000 Yamasa