Institute of Cultural Excellence Kikkajuku (ICEK)
Our Programs
Workshops in Japan:
Shimoda City, Shizuoka Pref.
WORKSHOP IN
SHIZUOKA (WIS)
3.15~3.21.2027
(Applications for the Sept. workshop are closed.)
The workshop was planned to be held in Shimoda, a historic city surrounded by beautiful beaches and mountains, and in the town of Minami-Izu, on the other side of Izu Peninsula.
The issues, such as who will take care of the abandoned farmland and bamboo forests, and how we can cope with the increasing number of animals, such as deer and boars, are focused on in 2025. The theme changes accordingly every year.
Fee: 50,000 yen (not incl. Accommodation & Transportation)
Workshop 2025 in Nagano
2025 Workshop in Suwa/Okaya, Nagano
8.11, 2025
To consider regional revitalization due to the decline of industry around Lake Suwa
Learn weaving in the town that was the number one raw silk producer in Japan
Learn Shinto at Suwa Taisha Shrine
*Date: Monday, August 11, 2025, National Holiday (Mountain Day)
Number of days: 1 day
*Participation fee: 5,000 yen (Not included in the fees: Accommodation, food, transportation)
*Capacity: Approximately 7 people. Applications will close once the capacity is reached.
*Target audience: None
*Application deadline: Sunday, March 30
Workshops in Japan:
Suwa/Okaya City, Nagano Pref.
WORKSHOP IN NAGANO (WIN)
2026.10.10 Sat.
Okaya City is located on the shores of Lake Suwa, surrounded by mountains such as the Yatsugatake Mountains, and was the world's number one raw silk producer during World War I. In this historic city surrounded by mountains, we will consider ideas for revitalizing the region. We will tour the raw silk production process and a silk factory, and experience traditional handicrafts.
The workshop in Nagano focuses more on continuing traditions, such as Shintoism and Miso/Sake making, rather than on revitalization issues.
Fee: 7,000 yen (not incl. transportation and food)
In English
Workshops in Japan:
Tsuru City, Yamanashi Pref.
WORKSHOP IN
YAMANASHI (WIY)
From 2027 Autumn
1) ICEK Kikkajuku location: Ogatayama Village in Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Ogatayama is a quiet farming village surrounded by mountains. 15 min. walk from Tanokura station on the Fujikyu Railway line that runs to Kawaguchiko Lake of Mt. Fuji region, two stations from Otsuki station on Chuo Line. Also, 10-minute taxi ride from Otsuki. (About 2200 yen.)
2) How far from Shinjuku, Tokyo: It is about an hour and a half from Tokyo by Chuo-line train, an hour and 15 minutes from Shinjuku Bus Terminal by express bus, getting off at Ogatayama. 8 minutes walk from the bus-stop.
3) Where to stay: 100+ year old farmhouse. Sleep on futon in three separate tatami rooms.
4) What to eat: Cook meals by ourselves using organically grown local vegetables. You can learn Japanese cooking if you wish.
5) Program: Experience village life, joining festivals (depending on the time of visit), meeting with locals, and talking with specialists in the field, such as college professors and priests of Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines. You'll have opportunities to talk with college students and younger children, observing how they learn in schools. You will visit Miso makers or other craftsmen and experience how they make Miso or Sake. We also discover new community revitalization efforts being undertaken by the region.
6) Language: The language is English (interpretation device may be required), but for those who wish to study Japanese, classes in Japanese language, calligraphy, as well as lectures on Japanese history are also possible.
5) Organizer/Interpreter: The programs are organized and above classes are taught by Ms. Kikuchi, the founder of ICEK, who had taught language and history for over 20 years at Keio Academy High School in Purchase, NY.
6) Dates and Fees: These are individual workshops, typically lasting 1-5 days, suitable for individuals, couples, or groups of friends (up to 6 people). In 2027, the workshops will be held in September and October 2027, April and May 2028, during the spring and autumn seasons when Japan has the best weather, so please feel free to join us! The fee is $300 per person per day, including accommodation, meals, and the workshop itself.
Since the booking calendar isn't ready yet, please contact by email (icekworkshops@gmail.com) to let us know your preferred visiting dates. We need at least 1.5 to 2 months prior to your visit to prepare a program for you.
Workshops in other countries:
Pengeragoan, Bali, Indonesia
HOMESTAY WITH FARMERS
IN BALI, INDONESIA
This is a program to experience life in a Hindu village while staying with a Balinese farmer to see their traditional lifestyles.
We will learn the Indonesian language and traditional Indonesian dance. I also visit a local elementary school, the eco-friendly Green School, and the Bamboo Village (a place building gorgeous houses entirely of different types of bamboo). We interview stories from Japanese entrepreneurs.
Please email us if interested. We will organize a trip as soon as there are enough participants.
It is a 10-day program, and the fee is around 150,000 yen, not including airfare from where you live to Denpasar, Bali.
(Photo taken by Hinako Takei, former participant of the program.)
PHOTO BY HINAKO TAKEI
In English
Workshops in Japan:
One Day Session
In 2024, we invited Professor Tim Parkinson from Winchester College in the UK, and with the cooperation of Keio High School in Tokyo, 12 volunteers from two high schools gathered in English to discuss the future of democracy from various perspectives.
In particular, even if you have an experience such as studying abroad, you often don't have the opportunity to talk or even discuss things in English afterwards, and your English ability weakens.
Let's continue discussing the topics that we don't normally talk about casually, in both Japanese and English. If you have the topics in mind, please email us at icekworkshops@gmail.com today!
