Sign with Japanese characters and steam symbol, indicating a Japanese bath or hot spring.

Nihongo-yoku: Japanese Language Bathing

A cartoon character with a smiling face and furrowed eyebrows is bathing in a wooden tub filled with water, with steam rising from the water.

Learn Japanese the Natural Way

Immerse yourself like a child learning their first language. Through sound, play, and cultural experience.

Blue and white illustration of a watercolor set, paintbrushes, a palette, and decorative floral corner borders.
A blue-colored origami paper crane with decorative floral borders in each corner.
Two onigiri rice balls with seaweed, resting on a leaf, decorated with floral blue patterns in each corner.

Nihongo-yoku is a three-day, non-residential retreat in a warm, welcoming space with tatami, kotatsu, and shōji. Each day begins with rajio taisō, the Japanese morning exercise. Cultural lessons bring language to life through hands-on experiences; calligraphy, kintsugi, onigiri-making, and shared homemade bentō lunches. Small groups ensure personalized attention and a sense of community as we learn together.

Join a Session

Japanese Language Bathing in Rotterdam

Learn Like It’s Natural, Not Forced

Children learn simply by hearing and using the language daily. Nihongo-yoku recreates that same environment. You hear Japanese constantly, not only during lessons but while enjoying cultural activities. Gradually, you start recognizing words, forming sentences, and expressing what you truly want to say.

This immersion makes language learning intuitive, engaging, and joyful.

Blue floral border framing a hand-drawn image of traditional Japanese tea utensils, including a tea whisk, tea bowl, tea scoop, and a small plate with a fruit.

Is This You?

You know some Japanese, but…

  • You can’t use it comfortably in conversation.

  • You understand words but struggle to form sentences.

  • You don’t want to study alone or attend endless weekly classes.

Nihongo-yoku fits your lifestyle. Three focused days, one transformative experience.

Your Journey Doesn’t End Here

Start your path with the Daruma Quiz to learn how to study smarter, not harder. Then connect with others in our Facebook community — ask questions, share progress, and continue your Daruma journey of falling down and getting up again.

Take the Daruma Quiz!
A stylized illustration of a Daruma doll with a face, decorated with blue flowers and swirls, surrounded by blue floral designs.

Come as You Are.

We’ll Take Care of You.

Join us for three days of language and culture, connection and self-discovery.
Each session is inspired by the season—and by you.

Reserve Your Spot

  • "Making onigiri in a house that transports you to Japan was a great way to mentally prepare for my next Japan trip. The teachers are very friendly and always remind you that it is okay to struggle, creating a safe atmosphere to practice your Japanese."

    —Cas

  • "I can definitely recommend the Nihongo-yoku programm with Kumi-san en Misato-san as you will experience Japanese culture and improve your Japanese, while having fun as well!"

    “When I joined Nihongo-yoku I felt right at home from the beginning. Due to the starting activities, I got to know my fellow participants at the beginning which made speaking and exercising with them much more comfortable. The teachers were well prepared and guided us through the day with several cultural activities from calligraphy to making nigiri. Along the way we practiced speaking Japanese, learned new vocabulary (do you know the difference between unagi and usagi, and which of the two you will find in your bento?) and practiced what we already knew. ”

    —Maarten

  • "Sharing Japanese bento’s and doing Japanese style activities like shodō while learning more about the language greatly contributes to the individual and collective experience. Nihongu Yoku is the best possible immersion, apart from being in Japan!"

    —Diederik

  • "Nihongo-Yoku reikt in een losse, huiselijke setting veel leerzaams aan, zowel theoretisch als praktisch. De focus op de gezamenlijke activiteiten in een kleine groep, en de aandacht voor de Japanse cultuur geven de cursus een grote toevoegde waarde ten opzichte van reguliere taallessen. Taal komt zo echt tot leven!"

    -Casper