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!"

2025 Program
Homestay Location: Greater Tokyo Area*
Camp Location: Iiyama, Nagano
Estimated Member Program Fees: $1,799 + airfare & insurance
Estimated Non-Member Program Fees: $1,979 + airfare & insurance
Some scholarships available
Application Deadline: January 8

Tentative Itinerary
Tuesday, March 18: Depart USA
Wednesday, March 19: Arrive Tokyo International Airport, Begin homestay (6 nights)
Tuesday, March 25: Travel to Snow Camp  
Tuesday, March 25-Friday, March 28: Snow Camp! (3 nights) 
Friday, March 28: Return to same host family (2 nights) 
Sunday, March 30: 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)

​Youth ages 12-17 will be matched with a same gender and same age (within 3 years) host. Adults 18+ may be placed at LEX's discretion with any of a variety of wonderful host families with young children, older children, or no children. Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

*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.