Background
Established in 1988, the Sister City relationship between Hitachi City, Japan and Tauranga, New Zealand has laid the foundation for a long-standing and deeply valued cultural and educational exchange.
Since 2002, NZ Study Tours (formerly Let’s Homestay) has played a pivotal role in this connection by hosting students from Hitachi in Tauranga homes. These homestay experiences have fostered authentic friendships and cultural understanding at a grassroots level.
In 2018, NZ Study Tours expanded this bridge further with the launch of the Japan Cultural Experience — a reciprocal programme allowing Tauranga-based students to travel to Hitachi City. Through immersive homestays and guided cultural activities, participants gain first-hand insight into Japanese life, traditions, and community values.
Thanks to a trusted and long-standing partnership with the Hitachi City Office, NZ Study Tours is able to offer a seamless and enriching experience. Host families are carefully selected, and every itinerary is underpinned by warm hospitality and thoughtful local engagement.
Delivered under the banner of Tauranga’s Sister City activities, this programme continues to grow as a platform for global citizenship, encouraging young people to broaden their horizons and build enduring international connections.
About this program
This programme is designed for students living or attending school in and around Tauranga City, New Zealand, as part of the sister city activities. Open to students in Years 9 to 13 who have a genuine interest in Japanese culture and lifestyle. While knowledge of the Japanese language is not required, students must demonstrate an openness to cultural difference, a willingness to engage, and a positive, adaptable attitude.
Personal Qualities & Readiness
The programme does require a level of resilience, independence, and maturity. Participants are entrusted with a degree of freedom during the trip, balanced by a strong support network.
It’s important for parents and caregivers to understand that students are always under the care of programme coordinators, Hitachi City representatives, or their host families. Supervision is constant and structured to ensure student safety while still allowing for meaningful personal growth and cultural immersion.
Participants agree to the following;
- Follow schedules and attend all planned activities.
- Remain in assigned areas at all times.
- Show courtesy at all times, especially in restaurants, hotels and public places.
- Leave sites and public areas neat and clean.
- Respect the suggestions of all adults connected to this program, even if they are not my assigned leaders or teachers, and even if they are from other countries or organisations.
- Dress appropriately at all times while in public.
- Participate in the life of my host family, and in meetings and other planned activities.
- Show respect to my host family and others I meet in Japan.
- Abide by the laws of Japan and my home country.