Introduction
Imagine stepping into the shoes of a Japanese high school student for a day—wearing the uniform, attending classes, participating in traditional activities, and experiencing the unique culture firsthand. This immersive opportunity is now available to foreign tourists in Japan, offering a blend of education, nostalgia, and cultural exchange.
Japan is a country full of surprises. From robots in restaurants to vending machines on every corner, it always gives something new to travelers. But now, something even more unique is happening. Foreign tourists are getting a chance to live like Japanese high school students. And no, this is not a joke.
Yes — real people from all over the world are stepping into classrooms, wearing uniforms, eating school lunch, and doing drills. This is not watching anime or reading manga. This is the real deal.
Why Are People Doing This?
It’s not just for fun, though many people are smiling. Some tourists say they love Japanese school culture because of what they saw in anime or dramas. Others say they just want to try something different. And others? They say it’s about learning. Learning how students in Japan live, act, and grow.
A woman from France said, “I always watched Japanese high school anime. Now, I feel like I’m inside one.” A man from the U.S. said, “I never thought I’d wear a school uniform again, but here I am. It’s fun, actually.”
Where Is This Happening?
This experience takes place in a quiet town in Chiba Prefecture. It’s not Tokyo. It’s not Osaka. It’s a bit away from big city noise. The school used to be a real one — Kameyama Middle School. It closed a few years ago because there were fewer kids. But now it’s alive again.
A company called Undokaiya set it up. They are known for organizing fun events and activities. This one, they say, is about giving tourists a chance to “relive” high school — even if it’s for the first time.
What Do Tourists Do There?
The whole day is like a journey back in time. When you arrive, you get a school uniform. Then, you walk into a classroom. A teacher greets you. You sit at a desk. You even raise your hand to answer questions.
But wait, there’s more.
- You do calligraphy with a brush.
- You eat a real Japanese school lunch.
- You help clean the classroom.
- You go to gym class.
- You join a disaster drill, just like students do in real life.
By the end of the day, many say they feel different. “I didn’t expect to enjoy the cleaning part,” said one tourist from Germany. “But I did. It felt like we were all helping together.”
How Much Does It Cost?
It’s not free. The experience costs about 35,000 yen, which is around $240. That includes the whole day’s activities, the uniform, the lunch, and more. Some people say it’s expensive. But others say it’s worth it. “Where else can I pretend to be a Japanese student for a day?” asked a visitor from Singapore.
Why Is Japan Doing This?
Japan has a big problem in some towns. Many schools are closing. Fewer kids are being born. Some buildings stay empty for years. So, some towns are thinking of new ways to use them. Turning an old school into a tourist place? That’s smart.
It also helps spread tourists out. Instead of crowding into Tokyo or Kyoto, visitors are going to small towns like Kimitsu. That’s better for everyone — fewer crowds, more local business.
A New Kind of Tourism
This is called “experiential tourism.” It means you don’t just look — you do. You don’t take photos from a bus. You walk, touch, eat, and live the experience.
And in Japan, people love that. Foreigners are already learning tea ceremony, staying in farmhouses, and even making sushi with locals. Now, they are doing earthquake drills and writing kanji in schoolbooks.
Is This Only for Anime Fans?
No, not really. Sure, anime fans love it. But many others join too. Parents, backpackers, writers, students. It’s for anyone curious. Anyone who wants to try something new. And maybe, just maybe, feel young again for a day.
One woman said, “I forgot what it’s like to be a student. This reminded me — learning, laughing, being part of a group.”
What’s Next?
The company that runs the school says they want to expand. Maybe bring this idea to more towns. Maybe even let people “graduate” after several visits. Who knows?
But for now, the old middle school in Chiba is full of life. Full of laughter. Full of shoes neatly lined up at the door. And full of people — from every country — living a small slice of Japanese life.
Final Thoughts
Not all tourists want temples and cherry blossoms. Some want to feel what it’s like to live in another place. To wake up, put on a uniform, and walk to class. To eat curry rice from a tray. To sweep the floor after math class.
And in Japan, that’s now possible.
So, if you’re going to Japan, maybe skip one museum. Take a trip back to high school instead. You might learn more than you think.