Yomitan Nature School
Cultivating Sensitivities Through Connection with People and Nature
よみたん自然学校は、豊かな自然環境と昔ながらの赤瓦木造家屋が魅力の校舎を持つ学びの場です。
敷地内には自然が息づく空間が広がり、庭には4本の大きなガジュマルの木がそびえ、子どもたちに豊かな木陰を提供しています。また、中庭には子どもたちが自由に遊べる砂場があり、裏庭には小さな畑が設けられ、土に触れながら自然と向き合う経験を育んでいます。
さらに、周囲には海や畑が広がり、子どもたちが五感をフルに使って遊び、学べる環境が整っています。自然と触れ合いながら、体験を通じて成長できる特別な場所です。
Yomitan Nature School is a unique learning environment featuring a charming campus with traditional Okinawan red-tiled wooden buildings surrounded by lush nature.
The grounds are alive with natural beauty; four majestic Banyan trees stand tall in the yard, providing cool, refreshing shade for the children. The courtyard features a sandbox for free play, while the backyard holds a small garden where children can connect with the earth. Surrounded by the sea and local farms, the school offers an environment where children can play and learn using all five senses—a truly special place for growth through authentic experience.
At Yomitan, we nurture growth by respecting children's "wants." They flourish by freely choosing and leading their own activities.
Under the watchful eyes of our staff, children dive into the crystal-clear Okinawan sea, building courage and a deep connection with the water.
Cooking together is a vital part of our curriculum, where children learn life skills and the joy of creating a meal from scratch with their mentors.
At Yomitan, we nurture growth by respecting children's "wants." They flourish by freely choosing and leading their own activities.
①自然に触れ五感で学ぶ - Learning Through the Five Senses
子どもたちは自然に触れながら遊び、五感を養い、失敗を繰り返し学んでいくことを重視しています。
The school emphasizes play that touches nature, nurturing the five senses and allowing children to learn through the valuable process of trial and error.
②子どもの主体性を尊重 - Respecting Child Autonomy
子どもたちの「〜したい」という気持ちを尊重し、自由に自分の意思で活動を選びながら成長していくことを大切にしています。
Respecting each child’s desire to explore ("I want to do this!") is at the heart of the school. Children grow by choosing their own activities based on their own will.
③感性と体を育む食 - Food that Nurtures Body and Soul
食事は体の成長を促すと同時に感性を育むよう工夫され、家庭的な雰囲気の中で子どもたちが安心して食事を楽しむことができます。
Meals are thoughtfully prepared to encourage physical growth and refine sensitivity. In a cozy, home-like atmosphere, children can enjoy their food with a sense of security.
The Program
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Target Age | 3 to 12 years old (Preschool & Elementary school age) |
Duration | From 1 week Available year-round (subject to availability). Special seasonal programs like Summer School and Winter School are also held. |
Language & Spirit | Japanese Immersion Participants are expected to respect and embrace Japanese culture and language. While the main environment is Japanese, English-speaking staff are available to provide necessary support and follow-up. |
Lunch & Nutrition | School Lunch (3 days/week) & Home-packed Lunch (2 days/week) Experience authentic Okinawan flavors with school meals prepared using fresh, local, and seasonal vegetables. |
Location | Yomitan Village, Okinawa |
Typical Day
Time | Activity | Summary |
|---|---|---|
09:00~ | Morning Gathering | 「今日、何をするか」を自分たちで決める Deciding "What to do today" together. Children share play ideas and create a plan. Through dialogue with staff, they also check their health and prepare necessary tools. |
09:30~ | Morning Activity | 自ら決めた「やりたいこと」を全力で Engaging fully in self-chosen activities. Whether it's making fire, playing in the sea, or searching for insects, children choose from infinite options. This builds their "inner compass." |
12:00~ | Lunch Time | 五感で楽しむ、沖縄の旬の味 Savoring seasonal Okinawan flavors. An exciting time filled with sounds and aromas from the kitchen. Once a month, children experience "outdoor cooking" using real fire. |
12:45~ | Afternoon Activity | 交流と創造を深めるひととき Deepening creativity and social bonds. From indoor crafts and reading to outdoor group games and walks, children enjoy quality time connecting with friends and staff. |
14:30~ | Closing Gathering | 一日の経験を「学び」に変えるふりかえり Turning experiences into learning. After tidying up, everyone shares their feelings from the day. By listening to each other, play is solidified into certain learning. |
Team
子どもたちの「やりたい！」を形にする、一番の理解者たち。
The ultimate supporters who give shape to a child’s "I want to try!"
The staff members at Yomitan Nature School are more than just "teachers" who impart knowledge; they are professional supporters who cherish the curiosity overflowing from within each child. Whether quietly observing or getting muddy together, they stay close to each child's physical and emotional needs. By accepting each child's unique personality, they provide the heart and soul of support that empowers children to step confidently into the future.
Summer School 2026
An Unforgettable Summer Adventure in the Heart of Okinawa
沖縄の豊かな自然に飛び込む、一生モノの夏休み。
教室を飛び出し、太陽の下で海、森、そして仲間と過ごす特別な時間。
よみたん自然学校のサマースクールは、子供たちが自ら遊びを創り出し、たくましく成長する5日間です。