The Off-Campus Program is a one-week off-campus program offered to students who wish to participate after the three-week January Session.

Participants of the January Session may apply for this program in addition to the regular three-week courses, only if they wish to do so. This program offers students the opportunity to spend several nights outside of Tokyo visiting regional cities, where they can experience traditional Japanese culture and history. In addition, participants will join Japanese cultural experience activities in Tokyo.

If you wish to participate, you must register for the program at the same time you select your regular January Session courses during the application process. Participants are required to pay an additional program fee. Please refer to the flyer and itinerary below for details.

Flyer for the Off-Campus Program

Itinerary

Eligible Applicant

Those who meet the application requirements for the January Session and have applied for the January Session. Detailed requirement can be referred on How to Apply.

When applying for the Off-Campus Study Program, you must agree to the program outline and participation conditions here.

Participants

Maximum number of participants: 20, Minimum number of participants required to run: 8

If the number of applicants exceeds the capacity, a selection process will be conducted. Those who are not selected will not be able to participate in the Off-campus Study Program; however, if they pass the general admission screening for the January Session, they will still be able to take the three-week courses.

Payment

The payment instruction will be announced in the acceptance notice*.

Accepted payment methods:
-credit card (VISA/Mastercard)
-PayPal

*Designated deadline for the payment is 5 business days from the day acceptance notice is sent.
*Only upon completion of the payment, an applicant can secure a spot to participate in the program. Payment must be completed by the designated deadline, or the application itself will be cancelled.
*For participants who need a visa, it is strongly recommended to make the payment as soon as you receive the acceptance notice in order to proceed with the visa application without delay.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your participation in this program, the following fees will apply:

• If you notify us of your cancellation by up to 5 business days before the session start date*1 (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and university closure days*2): We will refund the amount paid minus the registration fee and handling charge (20,000 JPY).
• If you notify us of your cancellation within 4 business days before the session start date*1 on wards (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and university closure days*2): NO refund will be issued.

*1 The cancellation policy is calculated from the start date of the January Session, not from the start date of the Off-Campus Study Program.

*2 Due to the Christmas and New Year holidays, no refund will be made for cancellations on/ after 22nd of December, 2025.

FAQ

1.How much does the program cost?

The participation fee will be announced in advance and will include accommodation, transportation during the tour, and program activities. Meals may be included depending on the itinerary.

The participation fee for the off-campus program in January Session 2026 is expected to be approximately 140,000 yen.

2. What is included in the participation fee?

Generally, the fee covers:

• Accommodation during the tour in the regional area (outside of Tokyo) *
• Transportation fees for all scheduled activities (excluding Tokyo half-days events)
• Admission fees for planned attractions
• Some meals (details will be provided in the itinerary)
• Lecture (one related lecture will be provided by the professor before the visit)
• English guide at the visit sites
• Health Insurance during the program period. Details of health insurance coverage should be confirmed separately.English guide at the visit sites.

*The participation fee includes only the accommodation costs during the sightseeing trip to the regional area. Accommodation in Tokyo (for the cultural experience days and the night prior to the regional tour) must be arranged individually and is not included in the participation fee.

3. What is not included in the participation fee?

Personal expenses, optional activities, and meals not specified in the itinerary, communication fees, and any related taxes, service charges, or souvenir purchases are not included. Accommodation for the cultural experience days in Tokyo and the night prior to the regional tour must be arranged individually and is not included in the participation fee.

4. What is the cancellation policy for the Off-Campus Study Program?

Please confirm the above Cancellation Policy.

5. What type of accommodation will be provided?

Accommodation during the regional sightseeing trip will be in single rooms at hotels. Hotel arrangements will be announced before departure.

6. How will we travel during the tour?

Transportation will be by public transportation, depending on the itinerary. All transportation costs for scheduled activities are included in the participation fee.

7. What should I bring?

There are no specific requirements regarding what to bring, but we recommend wearing comfortable clothing. Essentials typically include comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, personal toiletries, and any necessary medications.

8. Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions. While we will do our best to accommodate your needs, certain restrictions may be difficult to meet depending on the region visited.

9. Who will be leading the tour?

The tour will be led by Sophia faculty member or program staff, who will provide support throughout the trip.

10. How will I receive the detailed itinerary?

The final itinerary will be provided upon your arrival in Japan or via email prior to the program.

11. Will I receive academic credit for this program?

No academic credit will be granted for this program. It is a non-credit cultural and experiential program. A certificate of participation will be issued in place of a transcript.

12. Can I bring a suitcase on the regional tour?

Due to the limited space on the Shinkansen, large suitcases cannot be brought on board. Please bring only what you need for the two-night, three-day regional tour.

If your accommodation in Tokyo (such as your hotel) can store your luggage, please request this directly before departing Tokyo. Alternatively, you may check in advance for large coin lockers at stations near your accommodation. If you cannot find one, there are coin-lockers and cloak services available at Tokyo Station as well, but we do not recommend relying on this on the day of departure as it may cause problems.
Students participating in the regional tour may arrange to send their suitcases from Tokyo to the hotel at the tour destination at their own expense; however, please note that delivery usually takes about two days.

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