Niigata Prefecture is located on the west coast of Honshu about two hours from Tokyo by bullet train. Western Japan has traditionally been isolated from the rest of the nation by the steep mountain range, known as the Japan Alps, that divides the country in half. Niigata City, an international port of about a half million people, is rapidly becoming a major economic hub on the Sea of Japan. Nakajo, our host community, is a small traditional town of about 30,000 built on a narrow plain that stretches about ten miles from the Sea of Japan to the foothills of the nearby mountains. Good ski runs and swimming beaches are about a half hour drive away.
Hiking trails start at our campus and go on for miles.
The people of this city welcome our students with great enthusiasm, providing them with an exceptional opportunity to experience everyday life in Japan.