Nihongo-yoku:
Frequently Asked Questions.
General Experience
What exactly is Nihongo-yoku?
Nihongo-yoku translates to "Japanese Language Bathing." It is a mindful, non-residential experience where you immerse yourself in the language and culture naturally. Like a child learning their first words, you absorb Japanese through sound, rhythm, and shared experiences—moving beyond the traditional "study" mindset.
Who is this journey for?
It is for anyone who feels a connection to Japan and wants to deepen their skills in a supportive, cultural setting. Whether you struggle to form sentences or want to refine your flow, our "water" adapts to you.
What level of Japanese do I need?
Nihongo-yoku is designed for all levels. If you can introduce yourself in Japanese, you will have a wonderful foundation to start. Because our groups are small (max. 6-8 people), the "water pressure" and guidance are tailored to your personal rhythm.
Is it different from a regular Japanese language class?
Yes. We leave the textbooks behind. At Nihongo-yoku, language is a living thing. We combine conversation with rajio taisō, calligraphy, and shared meals. You don’t just "switch on" the language for a lesson; you exist within it.
Your All-Inclusive Stay
What is included in the price?
We believe in the Omotenashi spirit: taking care of every detail so you can focus on your growth. Your investment includes:
Your choice of immersive session (The Dip, The Soak, or The Retreat).
Fresh, homemade Japanese bento lunches daily.
All materials for cultural activities (kalligrafie, kintsugi, onigiri-making, etc.).
A personal session journal and resources to continue your journey at home.
No registration fees and No VAT (0% BTW).
Do I need to bring anything?
Only an open mind and a spirit of curiosity. We take care of all materials and refreshments.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, easy clothing suitable for sitting on tatami mats. As is Japanese tradition, we will remove our shoes at the entrance to keep the space serene.
Logistics & Planning
Where and when do the sessions take place?
Our "Sanctuary" is located in Rotterdam (easily accessible by public transport). Sessions run from 10:00 to 16:00, allowing you to return home each evening to reflect on your progress.
Is accommodation included?
While the immersion itself is all-inclusive—from your seasonal materials to a fresh Japanese bento lunch—overnight stay is not included. This allows those joining us for an intensive Japanese weekend in Rotterdam to retreat into their own private space each evening, reflecting on the day's "soak" in the language before returning to our sanctuary the next morning.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand that life happens. Refunds are available up to two weeks before your session starts (minus a small administration fee). Within two weeks, cancellations are non-refundable as we have already begun preparing your seasonal bento and materials.
Your Growth & Support
I’m shy and worried about making mistakes. Is that okay?
Mistakes are like the cracks in Kintsugi—they are where the gold goes. Our space is a safe, "low-pressure" environment. Everyone starts with a bit of anxiety, but like an Ashiyu footbath, you’ll find the tension melts away as soon as you step in.
How can I keep the "Flow" going afterward?
Your journey doesn't end when you leave. You will receive a learning resources guide, and you are invited to join our Facebook community. Here, you can share your "Daruma journey" of falling down and getting up again with fellow bathers.
Do you offer 1-on-1 guidance?
Yes. If you prefer a solo journey, I also work as a private Japanese tutor in Rotterdam. These Kashikiri (private) sessions allow us to focus entirely on your personal rhythm and specific goals within the language.
Is there a focus on culture as well as language?
Absolutely. Learning with a Japanese teacher in Rotterdam through Nihongo-yoku means experiencing the culture firsthand. From seasonal calligraphy to the etiquette of Omotenashi, the culture is the water in which the language lives.
Choose Your Immersion
We believe in the Omotenashi spirit—taking care of every detail so you can focus entirely on your journey. At Nihongo-yoku, there are no registration fees, no extra costs for textbooks, and no hidden surprises. Whether you are looking for a comprehensive Japanese language course in Rotterdam or a mindful cultural escape, everything is included.
Everything is Provided: From your seasonal cultural materials (calligraphy, origami, etc.) to your fresh, homemade Japanese bento lunch. As a dedicated Japanese teacher in Rotterdam, I ensure your focus remains entirely on the experience.
VAT-Exempt: As our primary focus is language education, all prices are exempt from VAT (0% BTW). The price you see is exactly what you pay.
The Dip – 足湯 (Ashiyu)
In Japan, an Ashiyu is a gentle way to test the waters. This 1-day Japanese lesson in Rotterdam is a gift to yourself: a moment to breathe in the Japanese atmosphere. Designed to improve your linguistic "circulation," this session transforms learning Japanese into a relaxing self-care activity.
Duration: 6 hours (1 day)
Investment: € 195,- (All-inclusive: your first splash, your curiosity, and every mindful detail taken care of.)
The Soak – 半身浴 (Hanshinyoku)
Hanshinyoku is the luxury of time—a traditional half-body bath that warms you from the inside out. Because there is less pressure on the heart, you can stay in the water longer, allowing the warmth to settle deep into your skin. This two-day intensive weekend is a commitment to deepening your connection with yourself and the Japanese world. Just like the gentle heat of the bath, this course allows the language to "soak" in naturally, improving your "metabolic" understanding of grammar and culture without feeling overwhelmed. Over two days, the rush fades away, and you move from "trying" to "being."
Duration: 12 hours (2 days)
Investment: € 365,- (All-inclusive: your connection, your flow, and every mindful detail taken care of.)
The Retreat – 湯治 (Tōji)
Tōji is the ancient Japanese tradition of staying at a hot spring for several days to heal and transform. This 3-day sanctuary is our ultimate experience—it is a commitment to yourself. You are choosing to step out of your daily life and into a Japanese reality. The "off" switch for Japanese disappears. You stop translating and start existing in the language. You emerge revitalized, with a Japanese mindset that stays with you long after you leave.
Duration: 18 hours (3 days)
Investment: € 495,- (All-inclusive: your time, your growth, and every mindful detail taken care of.)
The Private Hot Spring (Kashikiri)
For those seeking a 1-on-1 journey, I offer Kashikiri sessions as a private Japanese tutor. This is your personal hot spring where the focus is 100% on your specific goals and rhythm.
Note: While we highly recommend the community spirit of our group sessions, private paths are available upon request for a truly bespoke transformation.
The Water Adapts to You (All Levels)
Just as the warmth of an Onsen embraces everyone differently, Nihongo-yoku is designed for all levels. Whether you are a total beginner or an intermediate speaker, our small groups ensure the experience is tailored to your pace.