31 Mar Okayama Immersion Program 2025: Educational and Cultural Immersion Experience in Japan with Lavender Edu Camp
From 27 October to 5 November 2025, Okayama City invited students from Indonesia to participate in the Educational Tour – Okayama Immersion Program 2025, a 10-day educational journey designed to provide participants with first-hand learning experiences in Japan.
The immersion participants from Lavender Edu Camp did not simply visit tourist destinations. Centered in Okayama as the main destination, the program offered an in-depth experience where participants studied in Japanese schools, attended lectures at renowned universities, and engaged in authentic rural activities such as farm stays. Beyond the main program, participants also visited other cities to enrich their overall perspective of Japan.
Here are the highlights of the Okayama Immersion Program 2025 with participants from Lavender Edu Camp.
The journey began from Jakarta to Osaka on October 27, 2025. Upon arrival in Japan, participants rested at COGO Tennoji Hotel before starting the program activities. The following day began with a Japanese language class and a lecture with Morimoto Reiko at Toyonaka International Center.
The program then continued with an immersion session at Sakurazuka High School, where participants interacted directly with Japanese students through classroom activities and discussions.
In the afternoon, the group traveled to Okayama, the main city where the immersion program took place. During their stay in Okayama, participants stayed at One Five Okayama Hotel. This 3-star hotel offers city views with free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms, and private bathrooms. The One Five Okayama is also located near various tourist destinations including Okayama Shrine, Ujo Park, and St. James Kisai Memorial Cathedral.
On the third day, participants began their learning experience at Okayama Gakugeikan High School. They followed the daily routine of Japanese students by attending classes, listening to lessons, participating in group work, and sharing lunch together. Through these activities, they gained insight into Japan’s school culture and learning environment.
In the afternoon, participants visited Okayama Castle to learn about the history and cultural heritage of Okayama City. Okayama Castle, which stands in the middle of Korakuen Garden, is known as the “Crow Castle” due to its black color. Here, participants in the immersion program could also see various historical collections, try wearing kimono for free, and join a Bizen pottery workshop.
On the following day, the fourth day, participants from Lavender Edu Camp resumed their immersion activities at Okayama Gakugeikan High School. The atmosphere, which was initially awkward, became more relaxed with more active conversations, frequent laughter, and stronger collaboration.
In the afternoon, the activities continued with a trip to Kibichuo to take part in the Minpaku (farm stay) program. Here, participants experienced the atmosphere of rural Japan and stayed in a more personal environment, providing an opportunity to understand local life more closely.
During their stay at the farmstay, participants from Lavender Edu Camp did not only stay overnight and rest, but also gained strong cultural experiences from their hosts. Participants learned how to make traditional Japanese sushi directly, guided carefully and patiently by their hosts.
The following day, participants said goodbye to their farmstay hosts and continued the immersion program with an academic visit to Okayama University. Participants attended a lecture with Prof. Yumiko Yamamoto and gained insight into Japan’s higher education system. This visit opened new perspectives on further study opportunities and the international academic environment.
Although it felt brief, the experience of learning and exploring Okayama as well as staying at a traditional Okayama farmstay was very memorable and meaningful for the participants from Lavender Edu Camp. The journey continued to Osaka with dinner at Cafe Bintang Dotonbori as the closing destination of the day.
In the remaining four days of the immersion program, participants continued their cultural journey across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The trip began with exploring Japan’s cultural icons such as Fushimi Inari Taisha and Osaka Castle, followed by modern experiences in Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Participants also enjoyed the traditional side of Japan at Iyashi no Sato Nemba and the natural beauty of Oishi Park, along with a ryokan stay experience.
The journey continued to Tokyo with visits to Odaiba, Harajuku, and Shibuya, showcasing the modern side of Japan. Participants also explored Akihabara and experienced academic life through visits to Waseda University and Chiba University, before concluding the journey with a group reflection.
Many emotions were experienced throughout this 10-day journey, and eventually, December 10 marked the participants’ return to Indonesia. However, each participant returned home with happiness and valuable lessons, along with new insights into the international world and Japanese culture and traditions.
The “Educational Tour – Okayama Immersion Program 2025” was more than just a study trip; it served as a well-structured and meaningful cross-cultural learning experience.
Through a program that combined school immersion, university visits, regional experiences, and cultural exploration, participants were able to see Japan not merely as a travel destination, but as a place for learning and personal growth.
Beyond the activities themselves, the program left a lasting impression on the participants, shaping new perspectives, fostering international connections, and inspiring them to continue exploring opportunities beyond borders. It demonstrates how experiential educational travel can create meaningful learning experiences while contributing to deeper cross-cultural understanding between Indonesia and Japan.
Okayama City / Kibichuo Town / Maniwa City
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