A runnning with a piece of bread in his mouth at the school entrance, recreating a scene they had seen in anime. (©Sankei by Kazuya Kamogawa)
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A program held at a former school in Chiba Prefecture is giving visitors the chance to experience the "good old days" of Japanese student life. Participants spend a full day role-playing as students, attending classes in classrooms that were once in active use. The opportunity to step into a world many had previously known only through manga and anime has proven especially popular, attracting growing interest from foreign tourists.
The program takes place at Kimi no High School in Kimitsu City, Chiba Prefecture. It utilizes the buildings of a former municipal junior high school that has since closed, with most of the original facilities preserved through minimal renovation.
Showa School Life
The experience is modeled on high school life in the late Showa era. Upon arrival, participants select a school uniform, take commemorative photos in front of a sign reading "Entrance Ceremony," and then head to their assigned classroom.
The day begins with lessons in traditional Japanese school etiquette, including how to stand properly, come to attention, and bow. The teacher, played by an actor fluent in English, explains the purpose behind each action and clearly outlines the background of rules and manners in Japanese schools.
Classes are varied and hands-on. In Japanese language class, participants practice calligraphy, writing their favorite characters with a brush while learning kanji. Physical education is held in the gym and features classic Japanese sports day activities such as ball toss games, tug-of-war, and obstacle courses.
At lunchtime, participants change into kappogi smocks and serve the meals themselves. Desks are pushed together so everyone can eat together in the classroom.
Fees and Content
The program is run by Undokaiya, a Tokyo-based company known for organizing corporate sports day events. It was launched in November 2023, as inbound tourism began to recover following the reclassification of COVID-19 as a "Class 5" disease, placing it on the same status as seasonal influenza.
Drawing on its experience organizing Japanese-style sports day events in eight countries, the company designed the program to allow foreign visitors to enjoy authentic Japanese school culture in a real school setting.
The fee is ¥38,500 JPY (around $250 USD) per person for the full-day program, which includes all activities, lunch, uniform rental, and round-trip transportation from central Tokyo. "It may seem expensive, but overseas visitors value the opportunity to experience real student life in an actual school building rather than a studio," a staff member said.
The program has gained attention through social media posts by overseas influencers, with more than 500 people having participated so far. Currently, around 30 visitors take part each month.
Participant Review
A couple visiting from Singapore recreated a familiar anime scene — running to school with a piece of bread in their mouths after oversleeping — and exclaimed with delight, "Our dream came true."
After completing the day's classes, participants receive a certificate and officially "graduate."
Reflecting on the experience, the husband said he was surprised by the practice of students cleaning the school themselves to maintain a good learning environment, as well as by school lunches that include milk. "They're well balanced and impressive," he said.
His wife added with a smile, "It was fun to experience the dream school life I'd only seen in anime. In Singapore, we usually eat in a cafeteria, so eating in the classroom felt refreshing. The Japanese rice curry was delicious."
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Author: Kazuya Kamogawa, The Sankei Shimbun
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