Ichikawa Higashi Elementary School - Trial Enrollment Program

☘️Why Choose Trial Enrollment at Ichikawa Higashi Elementary School?

Small-Scale Education

In a small-school environment where every child receives individual attention, students can enjoy their school days with confidence and a sense of security.

Satoyama Nature

Students can enjoy school life in a beautiful satoyama setting, experiencing firsthand the changing colors, sights, and sounds of the seasons.

Dedicated Support

Children and their families are warmly welcomed by the local community.
We provide comprehensive support every step of the way, from before your trial enrollment begins until the end of your stay.

Ichikawa Higashi Elementary School Official Website

💓Support

Even if this is your family's first experience living in a rural community,
we will support you every step of the way so that you can relax and enjoy your stay to the fullest.

Coordination with the School

We provide support with communication and scheduling to ensure a smooth and stress-free trial enrollment experience.

Consultation During Your Stay

We are always available to answer your questions and provide guidance on daily life and the local community during your stay.

Local Information

We can provide information on local events, recommended attractions, shopping options, and nearby facilities.

🗞️A Message From Us

As of July 2026, Ichikawa Higashi Elementary School is a small school with just 5 students in total.

The children have adopted the motto, "There are only five of us, but we are a team of five," and they approach their learning and daily activities with enthusiasm. The small-school environment allows them to enjoy experiences and opportunities that are only possible in a close-knit setting.

Surrounded by mountains and rich satoyama nature, the school offers many classes and activities that take full advantage of its unique environment. As parents, we are always excited to hear about our children's experiences, and even adults often make new discoveries through school events and learning activities.

Ichikawa Higashi Elementary School is scheduled to merge with another school in fiscal year 2032 (Reiwa 14). As a result, the opportunity for children to learn in this unique small-school environment is limited.

That is why we hope that as many children and families as possible will have the chance to experience the special charm of this school and community.

Come and experience everyday school life at Ichikawa Higashi Elementary School—where children learn surrounded by mountains and supported by a caring local community.

Enrollment Period Before the School Merger

Ichikawa Higashi Elementary School is scheduled to merge with another school in fiscal year 2032 (Reiwa 14).
Depending on your child's age, the number of years they can spend at the school may vary.

Grade in FY2026	Age (approx.)	FY2032
Final year of kindergarten (pre-enrollment)	5–6 years old	Candidate for the last graduating class of Higashi Elementary
Second year of kindergarten	4–5 years old	Transfers to the merged school in 5th grade
First year of kindergarten	3–4 years old	Transfers to the merged school in 4th grade
Age 2	2–3 years old	Transfers to the merged school in 3rd grade
Age 1	1–2 years old	Transfers to the merged school in 2nd grade
Age 0	0–1 years old	Transfers to the merged school in 1st grade

🏕️Accommodation

For your trial enrollment stay, we recommend the following family-friendly accommodations.

KuuHouse

A charming traditional farmhouse inn surrounded by beautiful satoyama nature.
Located within walking distance of the elementary school, it offers a comfortable and relaxing stay for families, with all the comforts of home.
Guests can also enjoy a variety of hands-on cultural and agricultural experiences, including vegetable harvesting, udon noodle making, washi paper crafting, and hanko (traditional seal) carving.

Lake Shibire Suimeisou

A lakeside campground nestled on the shores of Lake Shibire, with comfortable mountain lodges for families.
Surrounded by nature, every day offers a new outdoor adventure. In the warmer months, guests can swim in the lake or enjoy SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), while winter sometimes brings the rare sight of the lake frozen over.
A car is required for commuting to Ichikawa Higashi Elementary School.

Please contact the accommodation directly to make reservations and discuss the details of your stay.
If your preferred accommodation is fully booked, we can suggest other suitable options. Please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Voices from Families Who Took Part

Our children normally attend an international school, and we joined the trial enrollment program during their summer vacation.
The small class size allowed the teachers to give each child individual attention, which helped our children settle in quickly and feel comfortable at school from the very beginning.
We were also touched by the warm welcome from the local community. As parents, we felt completely comfortable sending our children to school each day, knowing they were surrounded by caring people.
Living in a city, our children do not often have opportunities to connect with nature. Being immersed in the rich natural environment of Ichikawamisato was therefore a refreshing and memorable experience for them.
One of their favorite memories was making a fire at Lake Shibire. Even after returning home, they kept talking about the experience with great excitement.
Beyond the outdoor activities, the opportunity to experience everyday life at a Japanese elementary school and to build connections with local residents was incredibly valuable for both our children and us as parents.
We believe that the unique combination of school, community, and nature offers something truly special that is difficult to find elsewhere.
We would love to participate again next year and hope that more children will have the chance to learn from the area's natural environment and the warm connections within the community.

Parent of a 1st-grade and a 3rd-grade student, Tokyo

❓Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum number of days for the trial enrollment?

In principle, we ask for a stay of at least 3 days. Adjustments may be needed depending on school events and availability, so please feel free to contact us first.

Can children of any grade take part?

The grades and enrollment periods that can be accommodated are determined in consultation with the school. Please contact us for the latest information.

Do parents need to stay together with their child?

Yes. This program requires that a parent or guardian accompany the child. Children are not able to participate on their own.

Can my child have school lunch?

Yes. By paying the school lunch fee for the days of the trial enrollment, your child can receive school lunches. Please let us know in advance if your child has any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Is there transportation to and from school?

Currently, children commute either by car with a parent, or on foot accompanied by a parent (due to the presence of wild animals in the area). If transportation is difficult for you, please let us know.

This is our first time staying in a rural area — will we be okay?

Yes. We will support you throughout your stay and help you become familiar with school life and daily life in the community. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to ask us.

Can families living overseas take part?

Yes. We welcome families living abroad, as well as children who are temporarily back in Japan. Please make use of this opportunity to experience Japanese school life and community living.

By when should we apply?

Once you have decided on your preferred dates, we recommend contacting us as early as possible. We will coordinate with the school while confirming the school calendar, special events, and accommodation availability.

A special life at a school in the satoyama mountains.

📝Program Overview