Tenkawa Village Højskole 2025: A Social Study Trip for Adults in Japan
NARA FOLKE, Nara, Japan — NARA FOLKE, led by Representative Yoko Okuda, is delighted to announce the opening of applications for the Tenkawa Village Højskole 2025. This special experiential program is designed to provide a valuable opportunity for adults to deeply reflect on their way of life and personal growth.
The program consists of weekly themes, offering a unique chance to live and learn alongside the rich nature and local community of Tenkawa Village. Our approach is based on the core values of the Danish folk high school (folkehøjskole) tradition: dialogue, dannelse,hygge, and sustainability. We focus not on acquiring specific skills, but on the more fundamental concept of “being.”
In a rapidly changing world, many are searching for new paths. While governments and companies are promoting upskilling and reskilling, our program offers a space for adults to first consider what they want to learn and how they want to live.
The Tenkawa Village Højskole 2025 is a result of a pilot program from2022-2024 and will run for one month. The program is proudly supported by the Royal Danish Embassy in Japan and Tenkawa Village, Nara Prefecture.
Program Details
- Dates: October 11, 2025 (Sat) – November 9, 2025 (Sun)
- Location: Tenkawa Village, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture, Japan
- Participants: Ages 18 and over (all nationalities, genders, and backgrounds are welcome)
- Accommodation: Free Wi-Fi available for guests.
Course Themes
Our programs are designed around the principles of dialogue and community, where participants and teachers learn from one another.
- Food Exploring (Oct 11-17): Reconnect with the source of your food and the blessings of nature.
- Creating Lifestyles and Tools (Oct 18-24): Rethink your daily life and gain practical knowledge to build a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Life Exploring (Oct 25-31): A deep dive into the meaning of life and death, and an opportunity to confront fundamental questions about human existence.
- Community Exploring (Nov 1-7): Engage in dialogue with local residents and discover the essence of community.
- Tenkawa Maple Retreat (Nov 7-9, optional): A refreshing retreat to enjoy autumn colors, interact with the local community, and reflect on the future.
Pricing (including accommodation, meals, and tuition)
- One-Week Course: JPY 150,000 (General) / JPY 130,000 (Early Bird) / JPY 120,000 (Student Discount)
- One-Month Course (all courses combined): JPY 600,000 (General) / JPY 520,000 (Early Bird) / JPY 480,000 (Student Discount)
Note: Early bird rates are valid for applications submitted by August 11, 2025, 23:59 JST. For more details on pricing and discounts, please visit our website.
For full details and to apply, please visit our website:
Application Form
Please apply using the participation form below.
About NARA FOLKE
NARA FOLKE is a non-profit organization based in Nara Prefecture, Japan, that has been planning and implementing residential adult education programs since 2021. We have a proven track record of successfully running multiple programs with instructors from Denmark.
Past Programs:
- Life Exploring (2022)
- Living Lab Course (2023)
- Experience a Scandinavian-style learning environment and nature with your family (2024)
Our work has been featured in the Danish and Norwegian press, including the Grundtvig Society Newspaper.
Contact Us
For inquiries regarding the program, please contact us via the information below.
Contact Person: Yoko Okuda
Email: narafolkehojskole@gmail.com
Official Website: https://narafolke.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nara.folke
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nara.folke/