Welcome to our Japanese-English community in Japan!

Program Description

Experience authentic Japan with your host family and new friends!

In this program, you will do more than just learn the language. You will dive into Japanese spirituality by:

● Connecting with locals

● Staying in a homestay

● Exploring Japanese culture

● Learning hands-on Japanese in small groups, organized by level

● Engaging in sustainable activities

● Discovering the natural beauty of Setouchi

● Savoring gourmet experiences

The friendships you forge in this program will last a lifetime, enriching your life in countless ways!

We organize classes into very small groups, so we welcome participants of various levels, from beginners to advanced learners. Participants of various Japanese proficiency levels joined us.

Message from the Program Manager

Are you looking to improve your Japanese in a real, meaningful way?

Our Friendship Program combines Japanese lessons with a homestay experience, giving you the perfect environment to boost your conversational skills while enjoying everyday life in Japan.

You’ll learn practical Japanese, connect with local people, and experience authentic culture — all at your own pace and with plenty of support.

Although the program lasts only 11 days, many past participants have found that they lose their hesitation to speak Japanese and gain real confidence in using the language.

Spots are limited and filling up quickly.

If you're thinking about joining, this is your moment.

We can’t wait to welcome you.

Aki Kajihara, the program manager

Program Itinerary

*The schedule is subject to change depending on local conditions. 

Upcoming Schedules and Local Activities

Activities vary by month. Please check each webpage for details.

 <2026>

●Special Friendship Program with Fumi-sensei: June 19th-29th ➡ We are fully booked. — thank you! 

●Special Friendship Program Featuring the Shrine Festival: July 13th-20th

  We are now close to closing applications.

●Friendship Program: September 4th-14th ➡ 1 sport left!

●Friendship Program: October 9th-19th ➡ 3 spots left!

●Friendship Program: November 6th-16th ➡ 2 spots left!

The upcoming schedule will be announced on Instagram as soon as it is decided. We would really appreciate it if you could follow us.

July Special Friendship Program

Featuring the Shrine Festival

●July 13th-20th

The July Friendship Program is a special edition featuring a traditional shrine festival! Please check the details, as the duration and participation fee differ from the regular program.

Meetup with locals

There are many locals looking forward to meeting you!!

Japanese Language Class

Join a small group to learn Japanese. Engage in lively conversations with our friendly teachers!
Everyone, regardless of their Japanese proficiency, is welcome! You will be placed in a class that suits your level.

Transportation

Our support members, Japanese teachers, and host families will serve as your personal guides. In this area, public transportation options are limited, making car travel necessary for most destinations. We will provide transportation to various locations. All transportation expenses are covered in the participation fee. Discover hidden gems that many tourists never get to see!

Appropriate age: Ages 15 and above

Maximum number of participants: 6 people each month

Participation fee for 11-day program: 334,500 Yen

 The fee includes the lesson fee, local activities, transportation during the program, homestay, breakfast, dinner, travel insurance, and guide services.

Please note that transportation costs to get to the meeting spots, airfare, lunch, snacks, and souvenir expenses are not included.

* Since June and July are special programs, the participation fees differ. Please check the respective pages for details.

Meeting Details

Complimentary pick-up on the first day of the program:

● 4 PM at Hiroshima Airport

● After 5:30 PM at Fukuyama Station

Message from Program Manager and Japanese teacher

Application Process

To inquire or apply, please use the form below. We will respond to your email within 3 days.

If you do not receive a response within 3 days, please contact us at <friends(at)cheers-e.com>. We will reply to you via email or WhatsApp.

Before you apply, we will provide you with a document explaining the detailed terms and conditions. Please review it in advance before completing your application.

☟Check out our daily updates on Instagram☟

FAQs

◆Is there an age limit?

Anyone aged 15 and over is welcome to join. We've even had participants in their 70s!

◆I'm just starting to learn Japanese—can I still participate?

Absolutely! Lessons are held in small groups tailored to different levels, so everyone can feel comfortable. English support from our staff is also available. If you'd like to stay with a host family that speaks English, we can help arrange that too.

◆What are the Japanese lessons like?

Since you're in Japan, we make the most of it by offering fun and engaging lessons that let you experience the culture while learning the language. With small groups, questions are always welcome!

Reviews from Last Year

What is Cheers Japan?

Cheers, originally launched as an English language school in Japan, now welcomes Japanese learners from abroad, supporting them with Japanese lessons and opportunities to build meaningful friendships with locals.

At Cheers, our local English learners range from children to adults—all eager to connect with people from around the world. Through our Friendship Program, you'll have the opportunity to meet and chat with them in both English and Japanese.

What truly matters is the spirit of mutual respect—it transcends language and brings us closer together.

Planning Company: ACCORD CO., LTD.

Address: 3-5-5 Nogamicho, Fukuyamashi, Hiroshimaken, Japan

Registration No.: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agent (No. 2180)

Name of Branch: Cheers

Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents