Konnichiwa, welcome to Kanto, Japan!
TOKYO, Japan – May 3, 2026 – Nestled in the Yatsugatake Mountains of central Honshu awaits an outdoor learning center where, in less than three months, delegates from 10 countries will come together in Kanto, Japan, to connect culturally and build life-long friendships.
Honshu, the largest and most populated island of Japan, is home to the majority of Japan’s most notable cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto. The actual village, though, will take place in Kanto. about 160 km from Tokyo.
Kanto is a fusion of traditional and modern elements, sporting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hot springs resorts, beaches, and cultural treasures.
According to the Tokyo Weekender, the Kanto region, which means “east of the border,” has a population of approximately 43 million – making up about 34% of Japan’s total population.
The venue for the Village is the Yamanashi Prefectural Youth Learning Center (YOLC). The center, which will act as the host for the upcoming Village in August, boasts rolling hills, vibrant greenery, and mountainous views.
At the center, delegates will have the opportunity to learn from, connect with, and build relationships with children from other countries through sports, games, and cross-cultural learning experiences.
There are 48 total delegates attending the Kanto Village; four from CISV Massachusetts and 44 others from CISV International chapters.
In addition to the delegates, there will be numerous Junior Counselors (JCs), as well as 3 main staff members who are local to Japan.
The countries sending delegates and JCs in this Village are Austria, Germany, Japan, Spain, Turkey, Poland, Mexico, Italy, Great Britain, and the United States.
This specific location was chosen due to its beauty and versatility. With a multitude of outdoor spaces, accommodations, and indoor activity spaces, there is something for everyone at the YOLC in Kanto, Japan. Desirable destinations in the area include Mt. Fuji, the Tokyo Tower, and the Sensoji Temple.
Japan is a country rich in ancient history, tradition, and culture. Because of this, there are a few common practices that one should familiarize themself with before traveling to Japan such as bowing while greeting, apologizing, or thanking, removing shoes before entering homes and traditional restaurants and temples, and maintaining an overall calm and respectful demeanor.
Customs like these not only reflect Japan’s deep appreciation for its history, but also reinforce its reputation as a stable, safe country.
According to a survey and data insights collected by Travel + Leisure, Japan was ranked as the safest country in Asia.
“The country’s strong standing in safety could stem from several factors, including societal structure, strict laws, and cultural focus on harmony, which keep street crime and public disturbances very low,” said Taryn White, freelance travel and food writer.
In addition to its reputation of being overtly safe, Japan is widely recognized as one of the cleanest countries in the world. Cultural norms such as cleanliness and orderliness are at the root cause of this.
According to USA Today, Japanese culture highly values tidiness as a way of life, which stems from Buddhist and Shinto beliefs.
“It’s considered poor etiquette to eat or drink while walking or riding the train, eliminating the need to toss out trash such as food wrappers or containers on the street,” said Kathleen Wong, USA Today travel journalist.
Commitment to respecting Japan’s cultural norms and customary practices is expected for visitors, so learning the general aspects of what daily life looks like there is incredibly important. It will not only prove to those around you that you are considerate of foreign concepts, but also that you are interested in learning about cultures outside of your own.