Utsuho Academy primary school
- Exploring animals, art, music, and more
- The World Heritage Kumano Kodo as the daily adventure field
Reviews
See all 1 reviewsOnce-in-a-Lifetime Experience for the Whole Family
The Ihara family (8 years 2 months)
1st time in the program
February 10, 2026
From the very first day, the teachers welcomed us so warmly that it hardly felt ... Read more
From the very first day, the teachers welcomed us so warmly that it hardly felt like our first time there. When we entered the classroom, my daughter already had her own cubby prepared, complete with a name tag decorated with a photo of a kiwi bird, a symbol of New Zealand, where we came from. Seeing my daughter shyly smile as she looked at it was truly memorable.
Although we are a Japanese family, my daughter is not very strong in Japanese. The teachers were incredibly thoughtful and adjusted their approach to support her learning, and we could clearly see her growing confidence in using Japanese. The school places great importance on respecting children’s thoughts and ideas, which allowed for so much active, self-motivated learning.
On the morning of the final day, my daughter woke up in tears because she didn’t want to leave. In that moment, I truly realized how deeply meaningful those five days had been for her, and how strongly the experience had already been etched into her young heart.
Spending a week living in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture allowed us to experience the grandeur of Japan’s nature, the warmth of a small community, and the depth of its history. It was an extraordinary experience that goes far beyond what ordinary travel can offer.
Thank you so very much for everything.
Message to Preschool Teachers
Thank you so much for warmly welcoming not only our daughter, but our entire family. The teachers’ consistently positive feedback truly touched both my daughter’s heart and my own.
An environment that places such deep trust in children’s ability to think, express themselves, and share their ideas is incredibly rare and valuable. We found ourselves wondering whether there could be any other school that could offer such a meaningful five-day experience—one that makes you wish your child could attend forever.
It was truly a wonderful experience.
Message to Local People
The accommodation was clean and thoughtfully equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable long stay, all in a compact and well-organized space. If the weather had been warmer, we would have loved to make more use of the outdoor kotatsu that had been set up for us. We would very much like to visit again during a warmer season.
- Number of People
- 3 People (2 Adults, 1 Child)
- Children Age
- 8 years 2 months
- Period
- 1 Week (From Jan 18, 2026)
- Educational Facility
- Utsuho Academy primary school
- Accommodation
- SEN.RETREAT Family A
Access
From Nanki-Shirahama Airport, rent a car and drive for approximately 40 minutes to reach your destination.
From Haneda Airport, take a domestic flight to Nanki-Shirahama Airport (approximately 1.5 hours). At Nanki-Shirahama Airport, transfer to a rental car and drive for approximately 40 minutes to reach your destination.
Take the Limousine Bus to Haneda Airport, then fly from Haneda to Nanki-Shirahama Airport (approximately total 3.5 hours). At Nanki-Shirahama Airport, transfer to a rental car and drive for 40 minutes to reach your destination.
Features of the Preschool
In the sacred landscape of the Kumano Kodo, children learn through inquiry that begins with “Why?”, discovering answers through nature and community.
Combining Japanese and English, children learn through real experiences — fieldwork, food, and festivals — that awaken curiosity and confidence.
Through project-based learning across subjects, students develop relational, inquiry, and creative skills for life.
A Day of the Children
Attend school in a town blessed with a World Heritage Site
Discover the joy of movement in the spacious gym
Enjoy free play outdoors with friends during breaks
Lunch features healthy, home-style Japanese meals
In the afternoon, children explore their own questions through inquiry-based learning
After school, children explore nearby hills with friends — today, they’re collecting chestnuts
Accommodation
NULLM KAZE Rental House
5
minNo floor plan available
Accommodation Type
Whole building rental
Capacity
12 people
Kitchen
Shared Kitchen
Bedroom
Futon
Bathroom
Shared Bath Facility, Shared Shower Booth
Laundry
Washing Machine
Features
Coworking Space, Within 15-Min Drive to Preschool
Work Environment
Wi-Fi Available / Separate Workspace for Couples Available / Coworking Space Available
NULLM SORA Rental House
5
minNo floor plan available
Accommodation Type
Whole building rental
Capacity
12 people
Kitchen
Shared Kitchen
Bedroom
Futon
Bathroom
Shared Bath Facility, Shared Shower Booth
Laundry
Washing Machine
Features
Coworking Space, Within 15-Min Drive to Preschool
Work Environment
Wi-Fi Available / Separate Workspace for Couples Available / Coworking Space Available
NULLM KAWA Rental House
5
minNo floor plan available
Accommodation Type
Whole building rental
Capacity
12 people
Kitchen
Shared Kitchen
Bedroom
Futon
Bathroom
Shared Bath Facility, Shared Shower Booth
Laundry
Washing Machine
Features
Coworking Space, Within 15-Min Drive to Preschool
Work Environment
Wi-Fi Available / Separate Workspace for Couples Available / Coworking Space Available
SEN.RETREAT Family A
10
minNo floor plan available
Accommodation Type
Whole building rental
Capacity
8 people
Kitchen
Private Kitchen
Bedroom
Bed
Bathroom
Bathtub Available
Laundry
Washer-Dryer
Work Environment
Wi-Fi Available / Separate Workspace for Couples Not Available / Coworking Space Available
SEN.RETREAT Standard A
10
minNo floor plan available
Accommodation Type
Whole building rental
Capacity
6 people
Kitchen
Private Kitchen
Bedroom
Bed
Bathroom
Bathtub Available
Laundry
Washer-Dryer
Work Environment
Wi-Fi Available / Separate Workspace for Couples Not Available / Coworking Space Available
Destination
1451 KAWAI, NAKAHECHI TOWM, TANABE CITY, WAKAYAMA, WAKAYAMA
Kumano-Kodo
The Kumano Kodo was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004 as part of the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” Rather than its scenery or monuments, it was the spirit of harmony — embracing all people and living with nature — that earned this recognition. In today’s world that values diversity and inclusion, Kumano continues to embody that timeless spirit.
Official SiteSample Itinerary
Famous for the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes and Kishu Nanko Plums, Tanabe offers historical trekking and woodworking in Ryujin Village. Spring and autumn are best for hiking, or early summer for the plum harvest. Buy premium umeboshi or plum wine as souvenirs, then relax at the unique Kawayu Onsen or the famous Ryujin Onsen.