Silicon Valley high school students have a remarkable opportunity this summer to experience Japanese culture firsthand through the San Jose-Okayama Sister Cities (SJOSC) homestay program. Eight students will be selected to spend a week living with host families in Okayama, Japan, from July 21 to July 27, 2026.
Now in its 69th year, the San Jose-Okayama sister city relationship (established in 1957) continues to build bridges between young people on both sides of the Pacific – and this program is one of its most beloved traditions.
Selected students will:
- Stay with a vetted host family in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
- Meet students from Okayama’s other sister cities during group tours and activities
- Go to a Welcome Banquet, special cultural activities, and Farewell events hosted by the City of Okayama
- Explore Okayama’s ancient and modern culture, from historic shrines and castles to the region’s famous white peaches
- Build friendships with peers from around the world
The program is open to all high school students in Silicon Valley.
Students enrolled in, or entering, a local high school in the fall are eligible to apply. The selection process includes one Zoom interview to identify the finalists, and eight students will ultimately be chosen.
Key dates:
- Application deadline: May 25, 2026
- Interviews: First week of June 2026
- Program dates in Okayama: July 21-27, 2026
A parent or guardian liability waiver is required for minors.
Apply here: https://shorturl.at/YfDZF
Student Responsibilities
This is a cultural exchange – not a tour package – and students play an active role in making it successful.
Here’s what participants should be prepared for:
- Travel and logistics. Students have to pay for their own round-trip travel to Japan, including travel insurance. Once in Okayama, the City of Okayama’s International Division, Citizen Affairs Office takes over and directs the program.
- Meeting your host family. Vetted homestay families will meet their student(s) on the first evening in Okayama City.
- Traveling with the group. Students are expected to stay with the group and follow instructions from the official chaperones throughout the week.
- Paperwork. A profile form from the City of Okayama will be distributed through SJOSC and must be completed before departure.
- Omiyage (gifts). In keeping with Japanese tradition, students should bring small gifts of their choosing for their host families. This is a meaningful cultural custom and a lovely way to say thank you.
- “Welcome Back!” meeting. After returning to the U.S., students must go to either a Zoom or in-person debrief to share their experiences before the new school year begins.
Why this program matters
Programs like this one do something a classroom can’t: they let students experience another culture from the inside. Living with a host family, sharing meals, navigating a new city, and forming friendships across a language barrier – these are the experiences that shape how young people see themselves and the world.
Okayama is also a beautiful place to spend a week. Known for its historic castle, serene Korakuen Garden (one of Japan’s three most celebrated gardens), and its famously delicious white peaches, the city offers a thoughtful balance of tradition and modern life.
Questions?
For questions about the program or application process, email sjokayama1957@gmail.com.
Applications close May 25, 2026 – don’t wait to apply.
The San Jose–Okayama Sister Cities organization has been connecting the two cities since 1957. Learn more about SJOSC and its programs on their website.
