Better Education for All
Practical Language Acquisition Platform
One Week in Japan. One Year of Family Connection.
Year-round language exchange + Japanese primary school immersion program
Palaygo Stay offers more than a traditional homestay—it is a complete family immersion experience. Designed specifically for primary school-aged children, your child will spend an unforgettable week attending a local Japanese primary school, joining neighborhood events, and making genuine friends their own age.
The connection extends to your whole family. Through secure Palaygo Talk sessions, teenage siblings can also get involved by connecting with Japanese peers their own age, while parents build relationships with host families. Paired with year-round access to our interactive language platform before and after your trip, Palaygo Stay builds meaningful, lasting international friendships for every member of the family.
2025 Palaygo Stay in Japan - Program Details
Jan 2026 - Program details
Dates:
School Visit:
Participants:
Location:
Departure:
Application:
Organiser:
Cooperation:
January 15–22, 2027
Sapporo Nishi Elementary School
Students in Years 3-7(with family connection options for teen siblings)
Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan (Homestay & Hotel Stay)
Tokyo
Direct from Families(Independent of schools)
Language Discovery Group
PUKEKO (Local Community Organisation in Sapporo)
A welcome or farewell party is also planned to be held on a weekday! Families are welcome to interact with each other too!
Student Schedule
* Program details may change
*A 2-night homestay plus a 5-night hotel stay with a parent is also possible.
Package Details
Included in Program Fee (1 Adult + 1 Child)
Flights:
Round-trip Japan domestic flights (Tokyo-Hokkaido) for 1 adult + 1 child
Accommodation:
Child: 2 nights homestay + 5 nights hotel stay with parent (adult)
Adult: Hotel stay
*Adults will stay at the hotel for the entire tour program.
Ski Package:
Lessons, gear & wear rentals, lift passes (~AUD $640 value) for 1 adult + 1 child
Meals Included:
Homestay meals + daily breakfast & school lunches
Transport:
All scheduled local transportation for 1 adult + 1 child
*While the children are at school and homestay, the adults are basically free to spend their time as they wish.
*Sightseeing tour for adults is optional
Not included
Snacks & Drinks:
Personal purchases & daily snacks
Dinners:
Evening meals during school days
Benefits Beyond Exchange
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Transformative Cultural Growth: Empower primary school students with early, real-world international exposure that builds confidence and broadens worldviews for life.
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Authentic Language Learning: Help children learn and speak natural, conversational Japanese through real school experience and our innovative pre- and post-trip platform.
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Immersion for the Whole Family: Connect primary kids, teen siblings, and parents with local Japanese hosts—building a supportive global community before, during, and after the trip.
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Lifelong Global Friendships: Form deep, personal bonds with Japanese families through homestays, and neighborhood events.
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Year-Round Exchange: Turn a single week in Japan into continuous language practice and cultural exchange that extends long after returning home.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Messages from your English class friends
Our Support System
- Full peace of mind, even on your first trip to Japan.
Features of our program
Authentic and Safe School & Homestay Immersion
The program offers the best of both worlds: weekday immersion in local schools for an authentic educational experience, combined with weekend homestays with Japanese families in the Palaygo network. The host famlies are trusted and selected members of both Palaygo and PUKEKO (local community organisation)'s joint community.Students will experience Japanese culture firsthand while forming lasting bonds with their host families and their children of similar age who are learning English. (No Japanese proficiency is required to join the program!)
Connect all year through Palaygo — before and after your Japan stay
Experience the best of both worlds: weekday immersion in a local Japanese primary school paired with a welcoming homestay experience. The host famlies are trusted and selected members of both Palaygo and PUKEKO (local community organisation)'s joint community. Students live daily Japanese culture firsthand, forming lasting friendships with host siblings who are also learning English. (No prior Japanese required!)
What are Palaygo Talk & Mail?
Children can easily communicate and stay in touch with similar-aged children in Japan! The special and safe mail system allows accurate communication in both Japanese and English, even with zero Japanese proficiency. Our unique proprietary program allows students to engage one-on-one or with many students across Japan and use Japanese and English in real-life situations.
Experience World-Class Winter Activities in Hokkaido
In Hokkaido, skiing is so integral to local life that it's even part of the school curriculum. The region is renowned for its exceptional snow quality, attracting visitors from around the world year after year. Whether with your family or alongside your host family, immerse yourself in the full range of snow activities that make Hokkaido a winter paradise. The program offers a full-day ski lesson to start, followed by another visit to the snow mountains to enjoy skiing and snowboarding with local Japanese children and their families!
Student Voices
Voices from Japanese students who took part in a homestay and local Australian school experience program
"Playing football and basketball with my new friends at school was the best part!" – Grade 7
“Just 9 days changed my view on life. I can’t wait to visit again!” – Grade 6
“I was nervous at first, but my host family was kind and made me feel at home.” – Grade 6
“It was amazing to feed horses and talk to my host sister about Japan!” – Grade 4
Application Flow
By November 13 | Application & Selection
Submit your application form. As part of the selection process, we will conduct a brief online interview with applicant families to ensure the best fit. Places are limited, and applicants will be notified of final selection results shortly after.
By November 30 | Host Family Matching & Palaygo Talk Access
We match your family with a local host family. Once confirmed, you’ll receive your Palaygo Talk & Mail account credentials so your child can start practicing Japanese and building relationships before departure.
Mid-December (Before Christmas) | Online Participant Orientation
Join our pre-departure briefing covering meeting locations, program schedules, daily life tips, and essential Japanese culture and etiquette.
