Open Learning Programs of ARI
An Open Learning Community
ARI’s unique and richly diverse educational environment is open not only to participants but also to the general public, both in Japan and abroad. Each year, many people join our Open Learning Programs—sharing meals, working with the soil, and encountering new people—rediscovering what truly matters in life.
Our multicultural community, centered around an organic farm, is a place where people of all generations can feel at home. At ARI, let us learn together how to live based on sustainable and peaceful values.
Working Visitor
This program allows you to experience the same program as long-term volunteers for a period starting from one week. It is recommended for those who want to get a feel for life at ARI, or who are considering joining as a long-term volunteer or participant.
- Period: May–March (Not available in April)
- Duration: From 1 week
- Age: 18 and above
- Accommodation: Men’s or Women’s Dormitory
- Fee: Students from ¥30,000 / General from ¥40,000 (includes meals and accommodation)
Study Camp
Study Camp is a program for groups such as high school summer camps, university clubs, and seminars. Through farming activities and intercultural exchange, participants explore themes such as life and food, co-living communities, service, and sustainability.
Programs can be arranged starting from 2 nights and 3 days. Each year, more than 500 participants from around 50 groups join.
- Period: May–March (Not available in April)
- Duration: From 2 nights / 3 days
- Group Size: 7–23 people
- Accommodation: Nasu Seminar House
- Fee: From ¥29,000 per person (includes meals and accommodation)
For details, please contact us.
Internships & Special Programs
ARI offers internships and short-term training programs for universities, NGOs, government agencies, and companies. It is an ideal place to learn about servant leadership, sustainable agriculture, international development, intercultural communication, and peacebuilding.
Internships
ARI has agreements with universities in Japan and abroad and accepts interns. Students can immerse themselves in ARI’s international, agriculture-centered community and gain hands-on learning experience.
Special Programs
Customized training programs can be arranged. Participants include programs such as pre-departure training for JICA volunteers, as well as schools and companies.
- Period: May–March (Not available in April)
- Duration: To be arranged
- Group Size: 1–23 people
For details, please contact us.
Open Campus
At ARI’s Open Campus, you can experience our learning and lifestyle through campus tours and hands-on programs. Feel the atmosphere of a multicultural community where participants and staff live together, and experience daily life supported by an organic farm with all your senses.
Open to anyone interested in sustainable living, international cooperation, or considering future paths. First-time visitors are very welcome.
Weekend Mini Farm & Forest
Why not experience a taste of farming and nature in ARI’s rich natural environment? On selected Saturdays each month, families can enjoy farm work, nature exploration, and seasonal handmade lunches—learning through play and nature.
Held in May, July, September, and November each year.
English Farm
A popular 1-night, 2-day Golden Week program!
Enjoy learning about life and food while using English in ARI’s natural and international environment. Activities include campus tours, farming experiences, and Indian curry cooking.
Held annually in May.
Study Tour: Visiting ARI Graduates
What do ARI graduates learn, and how do they impact their communities?
In this study tour, participants visit graduates’ communities and experience rural life firsthand, gaining insight into how they live and work.
With farm stays and home stays, this program offers experiences far beyond typical tourism, allowing participants to encounter life in rural areas of developing countries.
Next tour scheduled for February 2028.
No-Reservation Events
Each year, hundreds of people participate in ARI’s Open Learning Programs. By sharing food, working with the soil, and meeting inspiring individuals, participants rediscover what truly matters in life.
ARI’s multicultural community, supported by an organic farm, is a welcoming place for children, families, youth, adults, and seniors alike. Come visit ARI and learn together about sustainable, peaceful, and life-affirming ways of living.
Harvest Thanksgiving Celebration (HTC)
ARI’s largest annual event, held every October, celebrating the year’s harvest.
The day begins with a thanksgiving service, followed by a donation bazaar, multicultural stage performances by community members, hands-on activities, and a wide variety of homemade international dishes.
Used Book Fair
A popular annual event featuring donated books from across Japan—bestsellers, paperbacks, picture books, art books—from ¥100!
Indian curry and chai made with ARI’s organic ingredients are also available on selected dates. Book donations are always welcome.
ARI Friends Day
An event for supporters to deepen their understanding of ARI and connect with the community. Featuring a local market, experiential activities, and more.
Includes performances such as a Minngos gospel live show, and talk sessions where international graduates share their experiences at ARI and their work after returning home.
Lectures & Outreach Events
Through lectures and external events, ARI shares insights on sustainable agriculture, community building, and global rural challenges. Talks by staff and graduates provide valuable perspectives for thinking about the future of society.
Lectures (Online / In-person)
ARI offers lectures upon request on topics related to its work and mission, with experience at schools, companies, churches, NGOs, and NPOs nationwide.
- Topics (examples): Servant Leadership, Life and Food
- Speakers (examples): Osamu Arakawa (Principal), Tomoko Arakawa (Former Principal), Takashi Yamashita (Domestic Programs)
- Fee (example): From ¥50,000 for 60 minutes (excluding travel expenses)
For lecture requests, please contact us.
ARI Sunday
An annual program held around June, where 1–2 participants and an interpreter visit churches in Tochigi and surrounding areas to join Sunday services and share experiences.
Held at over 20 churches each year.
Ohinata Marche
An organic market in the Nasu area of Tochigi, promoting a circular lifestyle. ARI participates with its own booth every year.
Held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from May to November, 9:00–12:30.
