STEP INTO THE WILD, STEP INTO YOURSELF
A nature-based adventure camp for courage, connection, and growth.
Through shared adventures, we aim to cultivate the courage to take a step forward even in uncertainty, while fostering supportive relationships where students encourage one another in their own challenges.
私たちは、冒険体験を通して、不安の中でも一歩踏み出す勇気を育み、一人ひとりが挑戦を応援し合える関係性を育てていくことを目指しています。
This is more than just an outdoor experience.
It is a journey that nurtures an adventurous spirit students can carry into everyday life.
This program is not simply about playing in nature. It is a space where each student is encouraged to take on their own challenges while supporting and encouraging one another along the way.
Through these experiences, students develop the courage, resilience, and mindset to continue embracing challenges in their everyday lives.
That is the true purpose of this journey.
Choose Your Own Adventure
What is the adventure or challenge you truly want to pursue?
What fears or inner barriers might be holding you back?
Every meaningful adventure requires both preparation and the courage to face uncertainty.
Through activities such as river trekking, surfing, free diving, and outdoor cooking, participants learn to read the conditions of nature and respond with awareness and adaptability.
At the same time, camp life nurtures the fundamental skills of living closely with nature — cooking, shelter, teamwork, and self-reliance — which form the foundation of every adventure.
自分のやりたい冒険や挑戦は何なのか？
何がその心の壁になっているのか？
いい冒険には『準備』と『葛藤』が大切です。
自然の状況を読み取り心をアジャストしていく
波乗り、沢登り、素潜りなどを通して
その感覚を養うとともに
キャンプ生活で冒険の根底にある衣食住を身につけます。
Program Overview
This journey is not simply about following a schedule.
It is designed as a gradual process of self-discovery and personal growth.
August 17–21, 2026 (4 nights / 5 days)
■Day 1 | August 17 | The Beginning
Purpose:
To help students become familiar with the nature of Yakushima and build trusting, supportive relationships with one another.
A day to meet new companions and begin discovering your own personal adventure.
Through Project Adventure (PA) activities, students build connections while putting into words both the challenges they want to take on and the fears or uncertainties that come with them.
This is where each participant’s adventure begins.
目的：屋久島の自然に馴染み、参加者同士と安心できる関係性をつくる。
仲間と出会い、自分の冒険を見つける時間。 プロジェクトアドベンチャー（PA）を通して、 関係性をつくりながら、 「やってみたい」と「少し怖い」を言葉にします。 ここで“自分の冒険”が生まれます。
Day 2 | August 18 | River Trekking
Purpose:
To develop the ability to face challenges together through teamwork, while learning how to recognize and manage risk in nature.
The streams of Yakushima are so pure that the water is safe to drink.
Students will first become comfortable in the water by swimming, jumping in, and spending time in the stream.
From there, they will gradually take on more demanding challenges, such as jumping from higher places and climbing rocky sections that require courage, focus, and cooperation.
目的：リスクを回避しながら、仲間と協力して壁を乗り越えていく力を育む。 屋久島の沢は飲めるほど清らかです。飛び込んだり泳いだりしながらまずは水に慣れてもらいます。そして、すこし高い場所から飛び込んだり、登るのに困難な岩壁を登る挑戦をしていきます。
Day 3 | August 19 | SUP & River Kayaking
Purpose:
To immerse ourselves in the water and experience a deeper sense of connection with it.
The Anbo River, the longest river in Yakushima, can be seen as the island’s lifeline — much like a main artery in the human body.
The water that flows through this river nourishes all life on the island.
While its importance is difficult to fully express in words, we hope that by spending an entire day on the river, students will come away with a lasting sense of both the beauty and the comforting presence of water.
目的：水ととことん遊び、水と一体化する感覚を知る。 屋久島で最も長い「安房川」は、人間の体で言うと島の大動脈のような存在。 島のあらゆる命を育んでいる水の有り難さは言葉で形容することができませんが、この川で1日過ごすことで子どもたちに水の大切さと心地よさが心に残る体験にしたいと思っています。
Day 4 | August 20 | Free Time
Purpose:
To develop the ability to turn the feeling of “I want to try this!” into action.
A day for students to bring their own ideas and curiosities to life while immersed in the nature of Yakushima.
Supported by staff members in small groups, students will spend the day exploring, creating, and taking on challenges inspired by their own interests and ideas.
A day shaped not by someone else’s decisions, but by your own.
In the evening, students gather around the campfire to share stories and reflections from their individual adventures.
目的：「やってみたい！」という思いを形にする力を育む。 屋久島の自然の中で心に湧き上がった思いを実現してみる1日。複数人いるスタッフがグループに分かれてサポートします。
誰かに決められるのではなく、 自分で決める一日。 夜は、それぞれの冒険体験を焚き火を囲ってシェアしあいます。
Day 5 | August 21 | Departure Ceremony
Purpose:
1. To learn about regenerative ways of living that honor and protect the natural environment that has supported and welcomed us throughout the journey.
2. To reflect on the insights and emotions gained through adventure, and to develop the ability to express one’s inner experiences in words.
Students share what they have learned through their adventures and express gratitude to one another.
目的：1.めいいっぱい遊ばせてもらった自然を壊さない、リジェネラティブな循環の暮らしを学ぶ。
2. 冒険を通しての気づきや感動を伝え、心に思った思いを言葉にできるようになる。
冒険体験をとおして学んだことを仲間とシェアし、感謝を伝えあう。
仲間とともに過ごした時間を糧に、新しい旅路へ出航する。
This journey does not end when the camp is over — it continues into everyday life.
Participation Eligibility
Open to children living in Japan, from 1st grade elementary school students through high school students.
Arrival & Departure
Arrival: Around midday on August 17, 2026 (Yakushima)
Departure: Around midday on August 21, 2026 (Yakushima)
Additional accommodation before or after the program may be arranged upon request.
Group Size
Approximately 15 students
(Minimum of 5 students required)
Participation Fee
JPY 195,000
What’s Included
- consumption tax of 10%
- Accommodation (primarily tent camping)
- Meals (from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on the final day)
- All activity and program fees
- Full camping equipment rental
- Accident and liability insurance
Not Included
- Transportation to and from Yakushima
- Lunch on Day 1
Support & Safety
- Five staff members will accompany the group throughout the program
- Female staff members will be present at all times
- Additional support provided by volunteer staff
- Safety management and medical support systems are in place
- All students are covered by accident and liability insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it okay if this is my child’s first time participating?
Absolutely.
Many children join the program for the very first time.
The program is carefully designed step by step, allowing participants to gradually become comfortable in the environment and with one another.
As they settle into the experience, connections with nature and the group naturally begin to grow.
Q. How is safety managed during the program?
Five staff members will accompany the group throughout the program, including one native English-speaking staff member from the United States.
All students are covered by insurance, and we coordinate with medical institutions whenever necessary.
While outdoor activities naturally involve certain risks, we carefully assess conditions at all times and adjust the program as needed to ensure a safe and supportive experience for everyone.
Q. Can students bring smartphones or video games?
Video games are not allowed.
Smartphones and tablets will be collected by staff at check-in and returned only when students need to contact their parents or guardians.
Throughout the program, we prioritize direct connection with nature, with one another, and with the present moment.
By stepping away from everyday digital distractions, students are encouraged to fully engage with their senses, experiences, and surroundings.
Q. What happens in case of rain?
Program activities may be adjusted flexibly depending on weather conditions.
Yakushima is an island known for its abundant rain, and we believe there is meaningful learning and beauty even within those changing conditions.
While safety always remains our top priority, we will provide the best possible experience according to the environment at the time.
If outdoor activities become difficult due to weather, indoor programs such as Project Adventure (PA) will be incorporated so students can continue engaging in meaningful experiences.
Q. What kind of meals will be provided?
Meals will be prepared using seasonal organic ingredients. On the evening of the fourth day, we plan to have an outdoor cooking session, where everyone will gather firewood, build a fire, and the children will work together to prepare dinner. The outdoor cooking process will involve many new challenges and adventurous elements.
If your child has any allergies or dietary restrictions, please consult with us in advance.
Q. How involved are parents during the camp?
This program is designed for children to participate independently, without parents or guardians accompanying them.
Throughout the program, we aim to create an environment where children can step slightly away from adult support and learn to think, choose, and act for themselves.
For that reason, parents are asked to support their children not on-site, but from a place of trust and encouragement from afar.
We will provide updates and communication as appropriate so families can feel safe and reassured while their children are with us.
We believe that this balance of distance and support becomes an important part of each child’s growth.
Q. Will children need to travel to and from Yakushima on their own?
As a general rule, children travel independently using domestic flights or ferries, and our staff will meet them upon arrival at Yakushima Airport or the designated meeting location.
We understand that this may feel like a big step for both children and parents, especially for first-time students. For that reason, we will communicate closely with families in advance and support the travel process as carefully as possible.
We will also check participants’ travel schedules in advance, and if children are traveling on the same flight or ferry, we can help connect families beforehand so students can travel together when possible.
In addition, JAL domestic flights offer a support service for children traveling alone, which many families find reassuring and helpful.
If needed, we are happy to discuss individual travel arrangements and support options depending on your child’s age and situation.
Contact
info@takashikadokami.com
090-6676-4546（Takashi Kadokami）
Application Form
The facilities where we will be staying during this camping trip
Past Activity Reports
in 2024
An article featured by MBC Minaminihon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
in 2023
Staff Introduction
Takashi Kadokami
Born in 1991 in Kobe, Japan. Father of two children.
During his studies, he backpacked through more than a dozen countries and was deeply impacted by witnessing children working in poor conditions. This led him to work with an NGO in Bangladesh supporting children’s education.
From 2015 to 2020, he worked as a social worker, providing psychological care for young people struggling to find their place in society. Through this work, he became deeply interested in how people can build peaceful relationships with themselves and others, leading him to explore yoga, NVC (Nonviolent Communication), and mental models.
In 2021, he moved to Yakushima with his family in search of a deeper connection with nature and the earth. After relocating, he began working as a guide while continuing to study Native American wisdom and human potential.
Today, he creates tailor-made journeys, retreats, and adventure-based camps that help children and adults reconnect with inner peace, nature, and their unlocking inner potential.
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Relevant Qualifications :
・Japan Mountain Guides Association (JMGA) Climbing Stage 1
・Wilderness Advanced First Aid WAFA @2022
・Yakushima Registration Guide
web https://takashikadokami.com/en
HOSHI YUKINO
As a child, I struggled to build relationships with people and found comfort instead in playing in the forest with my dog.
The plants, insects, and wild animals I encountered in nature became my friends.
At the age of eight, I went on a mountain trek with my father, staying in mountain huts along the way. Experiencing the changing atmosphere of the mountains throughout the day left a deep impression on me.
During my student years, I wanted to confront environmental issues so that I could continue enjoying the natural world I loved for the rest of my life. Through my studies, I came to understand that in modern society, nature itself must hold economic value in order to be protected. This realization inspired me to help more people develop a love for nature, and in 2022 I began working as a nature guide in Yakushima, connecting people with the natural world.
Living on an island where magnificent mountains and the sea are deeply connected, I continue exploring a lifestyle in which human life and nature coexist in harmony.
In 2024, I paused my guiding work and traveled to Canada on a working holiday. After returning to Japan, I became an independent guide in 2026, began growing rice, and also started working as an illustrator.
Relevant Qualifications :
- Japan Mountain Guides Association (JMGA) Climbing Stage 1
- Wildness first aid advance level
- Red Cross Basic Life Support Provider
- Certified Instructor of the Japan Canoe Federation
Sumimoto Ashley
Born in Himeji, Japan. Moved to and grew up in Massachusetts, USA at the age of 7.
Pursued studies in philosophy and the history of science in Santa Fe, New Mexico after the disaster of 3/11. With much to digest after the heavy degree, he moved to Dakar, Senegal to teach English and surf daily.
The heavy pollution in the ocean in Dakar led Ashley to move back to the desert in the US to work in environmental conservation. There for 6 years he led land restoration projects and guided people in the wilderness through various jobs ranging from wilderness therapy guide to ranger with the US Forest Service.
The events of Covid-19 led Ashley to change course and focus on food production. He returned to school and attended the professional development agricultural school at University of Hawaii in O`ahu.
After farming for several years Ashley returned to Japan to work as project leader and environmental consultant for a project in Yakushima. Here Ashley continues to support access to and educate on wilderness and environmental stewardship.
Relevant Qualifications:
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) 2021
Kazuyuki Kumono
Driven by a desire to pursue diverse ways of living and parenting, I made the bold decision in September 2018—within just one day—to embark on a round-the-world journey with my two sons. From 2019, I spent five years traveling across 50 countries in a single camper van.
As a former firefighter guided by curiosity and a spirit of adventure, I have consistently followed what genuinely excites me. I have competed in the SASUKE three times, summited Mount Kilimanjaro, and completed the 250 km Marathon des Sables.
After returning to Japan, I relocated to Yakushima, where I am now working to build a hub that connects the world with the island.
Shunzo Tanaka
Organizer of Yakushima Summer Adventure Camp / Co-Representative of Yakushima Outdoor School Portaledge
Born in Tokyo in 1977, I left high school in my second year and since then have consistently chosen to follow my own intuition over society’s expectations.
At the age of five, I climbed Mount Fuji while suffering from altitude sickness, which made me dislike mountains for many years. However, at the age of twenty-six, I traveled through the Western Himalayas and the Karakoram Range on foot with a donkey in order to meet the people of Ladakh. That journey completely changed my relationship with the mountains and awakened a deep love for them.
In 2008, I moved with my family to Yakushima and founded Aperuy, a place dedicated to learning about the coexistence of nature and people.
For me, adventure is not about recklessly throwing yourself into the wilderness. Whenever we wish to grow or transform ourselves, obstacles — large or small — inevitably appear in front of us. I believe that the process of facing and overcoming those obstacles is what adventure truly is.
If I can help others move toward those challenges without fear, there is no greater joy for me.
Relevant Qualifications:
- Japan Mountain Guides Association (JMGA) Climbing Stage 2
- Forest Instructor
- Environmental Restoration Specialist
- Commercial Diver License Holder
