Snow Camp in Japan

Understand and enjoy Japanese culture from the inside together with your own Japanese family. Participants will experience everyday life (shopping, cooking, talking, playing, sharing friendship, ideas, language, and more) with a carefully selected host family.

​Enjoy an amazing snow adventure with friends from many different countries. Three nights and four days of international friendship and bonding through snow activities and language activities. Snow activities may include: snow field day with creative relay races and capture the flag; snow shoeing; snowman contest; ice cream making; building a snow dome; bonfire, etc.* Youth and adults will stay in Minshuku (Japanese inns) in groups of 25 and work together as "family".

"Everything great here!  Host family couldn't possibly be any better. It's like a dream!"

2026 Program
Homestay Location: Greater Tokyo Area*
Camp Location: Iiyama, Nagano
Estimated Member Program Fees: $1,799 + airfare & insurance
Estimated Non-Member Program Fees: $1,999 + airfare & insurance
Some scholarships available
Program details and fees may be subject to change
​Application Deadline: January 8
​
Tentative Itinerary
Friday, March 20: Depart USA
Saturday, March 21: Arrive Tokyo International Airport, Begin homestay (5 nights)
Thursday, March 26: Travel to Snow Camp  
Thursday, March 26-Sunday, March 29: Snow Camp! (3 nights) 
Sunday, March 29: Return to same host family (2 nights) 
Tuesday, March 31: Depart Tokyo International Airport, return to USA

Included:
  • Snow Camp
  • 3 nights' meals and accommodation at Snow Camp (shared rooms)
  • Homestay in greater Tokyo area* 
  • All meals taken with host families (youth traveling without parents) 
  • Orientation materials and program support
​
Not Included:
  • Airfare 
  • ​Travel Medical Insurance (required)
  • R/T Transportation to Nature Camp or Airport
  • ​Local transportation 
  • Cost to obtain passport (and visa, if needed/not American citizen)
  • Meals outside the home (adults and families)

​This program is intended for adults and families, and an adult leader will not be provided for the travel days.  Older, mature youth may be eligible to travel on their own.  Adults 18+ and families may be placed at LEX's discretion with any of a variety of wonderful host families with young children, older children, or no children. Youth ages 12-17 traveling with their parents may choose to have their own host family, in which case they will be matched with a same gender and similar age (within 3 years) host. ​

*Please note: You may request to stay with a known family in an area outside of greater Tokyo, but you will be responsible for the extra transportation cost.

This exchange takes place during school holidays in Japan, so your hosts will be available to spend time with you. Unfortunately, you will not be able to visit a Japanese school.

Skiing and snowboarding are not permitted during the camp.

Note: Participants are strongly recommended to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

​Please contact us at [email protected] or (617) 354-1140 for more information and an application.