Chino, Japan
Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Chino is a mountain city where history and nature meet. For over 10,000 years, people have lived here in harmony with the land, beginning with one of Japan’s earliest Jomon communities. Today, Chino offers a peaceful environment surrounded by forests, hot springs, and traditional villages—an ideal setting for students to experience authentic Japanese culture and connect with local life.
A City Steeped in Culture and Myth
Chino is part of the historic Suwa region, known for its deep spiritual roots and ancient traditions. The nearby Suwa Taisha Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest, is famous for its Onbashira Festival, where locals renew sacred pillars through a dramatic mountain ritual held every seven years. From the stories of gods in the Kojiki to centuries-old festivals still celebrated today, students can experience how Japan’s mythology and modern life intertwine in everyday culture.
Nature as a Classroom
Surrounded by the Yatsugatake Mountains, Chino is an outdoor paradise. Students can hike mountain trails, visit volcanic hot springs, or learn about local ecology through hands-on programs in the fields and forests. The area’s clean air, clear water, and changing seasons create opportunities for both exploration and reflection—whether trekking up Mt. Tateshinayama or joining a community project in one of Chino’s rural villages.
Connecting Through Everyday Life
Life in Chino moves at a gentle pace. In the Yamaura villages, students can stay with local families, help with farm work, or learn traditional crafts and cooking. This exchange isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about sharing experiences, practicing language skills, and forming lasting friendships. Through these interactions, students gain a deeper understanding of Japanese values such as cooperation, respect for nature, and appreciation of simplicity.
A City Steeped in Culture and Myth
Chino is part of the historic Suwa region, known for its deep spiritual roots and ancient traditions. The nearby Suwa Taisha Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest, is famous for its Onbashira Festival, where locals renew sacred pillars through a dramatic mountain ritual held every seven years. From the stories of gods in the Kojiki to centuries-old festivals still celebrated today, students can experience how Japan’s mythology and modern life intertwine in everyday culture.
Nature as a Classroom
Surrounded by the Yatsugatake Mountains, Chino is an outdoor paradise. Students can hike mountain trails, visit volcanic hot springs, or learn about local ecology through hands-on programs in the fields and forests. The area’s clean air, clear water, and changing seasons create opportunities for both exploration and reflection—whether trekking up Mt. Tateshinayama or joining a community project in one of Chino’s rural villages.
Connecting Through Everyday Life
Life in Chino moves at a gentle pace. In the Yamaura villages, students can stay with local families, help with farm work, or learn traditional crafts and cooking. This exchange isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about sharing experiences, practicing language skills, and forming lasting friendships. Through these interactions, students gain a deeper understanding of Japanese values such as cooperation, respect for nature, and appreciation of simplicity.