Residential
Iwanai Resort
Camp Onward · Iwanai · Adventure · 6–18 yrs
Typically open in June — 2027 dates coming soon
1 / 18
Ages12–18 yrs
FocusLifesaving & sea rescue
Language lessonsEnglish
SeasonMar – Jul 2027
Atlantic Pacific runs this residential lifesaving camp in Kamaishi, Japan. The camp welcomes children aged 12–18, with sports, languages, and adventure on the programme. 3 sessions scheduled Mar 24 – Jul 30, 2027, each lasting 4 nights. Activities run in English.
Residential lifesaving & sea rescue camp in Kamaishi, Japan
Atlantic Pacific Summer Camp Japan offers a transformative coastal learning experience in Nebama, Kamaishi City, a beautiful Sanriku shoreline community shaped by resilience and recovery following the 2011 tsunami. Now an Approved Activity Provider for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award — this course counts towards your DofE Gold Award residential section. Designed for globally minded students aged from 12 to 18 years old, the camp brings together participants from Japan and around the world to learn, collaborate, and grow in a safe and supportive environment. What sets this camp apart is its unique integration of ocean-based experiential learning, disaster resilience education, and global citizenship development. Participants engage directly with the natural environment while gaining a deeper understanding of climate change, marine conservation, and the human impact on coastal ecosystems. Through interaction with local residents, students learn firsthand about disaster recovery, community strength, and the importance of preparedness. These experiences help participants connect global challenges to their own lives and future responsibilities. The program emphasises practical action and personal growth. Students develop real-world skills to protect themselves and others in emergencies, build leadership and teamwork abilities, and learn to communicate and collaborate across cultures. Working in English within an international group, participants gain confidence, independence, and a broadened worldview. Delivered by internationally trained instructors and conducted in small groups, the camp ensures individualised support, strong safety standards, and a high-quality learning experience. Part of the United World Colleges (UWC) X Initiative, the camp encourages young people to challenge themselves, form meaningful friendships, and discover their potential. Alumni frequently describe the experience as life-changing — fostering resilience, initiative, and a sense of purpose that continues long after camp ends.
Dates & Pricing
What's Included
accommodation
meals
all programme activities during the camp
Not provided
Flights and travel to Kamaishi
Activities
Special focus
Lifesaving & sea rescue · Water Activities
Teaching core skills like ropes & knots, navigation, tides & weather and sea safety. Experiencing our Search and rescue boat. Working with the local fire fighter to learn some rope techniques for swift water rescue on land.
Other included activities
Videos
Reviews
H
Hattie Marson
I decided to join the summer camp after thoroughly enjoying doing a course with Atlantic Pacific in England. My first impression was everything was very organised and brilliantly coordinated. I was slightly nervous for the travel coming from the UK but we were met and collected at the station and immediately very well looked after. From the very first day the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and it was very exciting meeting students from different countries. From day one the instructors were incredibly supportive and friendly, going out of their way to make me feel comfortable. Everything we were taught was made fun and engaging, with extra care around the more sensitive topics surrounding natural disaster awareness and what to do. The instructors didn't hesitate to help and support participants who were a little uncomfortable with trying new things and supported us to push our boundaries, ultimately creating a brilliant learning environment. We participated in activities like first aid and emergency response, team challenges and plastic workshops, outdoor games and ocean activities as well as cultural experiences in Japan. The experience helped my confidence to grow both through meeting new people and learning new life skills. The camp is held on the coast in an absolutely stunning area which allowed me to experience a new side of the world, with the gorgeous trees and sea. I would definitely recommend this program to any students who want to challenge themselves, meet new people with new ideas and learn vital life skills. It’s an adventure that has stayed with me and helped shape my confidence and interest in learning about the complex issues in the world.
Mar 2026
Response from Japan Summer Camp13 days ago
Thank you so much for your review. The APJ team are so delighted that you had a great time and that you learnt a lot, but also that you enjoyed being in such a beautiful place with the local community too. Kamaishi community are always so pleased to welcome young people from all over the world!
Safety & Supervision
First-aid trained staff
24/7 supervision
Participant safety is our highest priority. The camp operates under comprehensive safety protocols, including: - Detailed emergency response and evacuation plans - Tsunami and earthquake preparedness procedures - 24-hour staff supervision and on-call support - Participant insurance coverage - Health monitoring and incident response procedures - Risk assessments for all activities - We maintain close coordination with local authorities and community partners to ensure a safe environment.
Meals
Meals are included in the programme fee for the full duration of the camp.
A day at camp
14:15
Arrival
18:00
Dinner
18:00
Dinner
14:00
Dismissal
Screen time policy
To encourage engagement and meaningful interaction: - phones may be used during designated free times - use is restricted during activities and learning sessions - staff may limit use if it interferes with participation or wellbeing This policy helps students stay present, build friendships, and fully engage in the experience.
Cancellation Policy
What you get back depends on when you cancel — select a session for exact dates.
100% refund
60+ days before start
50% refund
30–59 days before start
No refund
Under 30 days before start
Booking60 days30 daysCamp starts
The booking deposit is non-refundable — the refund percentages above apply to the remaining balance only.
Accommodation & campus
Where your child sleeps
Per bedroom
4 campers
Bedrooms
Shared bedrooms
Bathrooms
Bathrooms shared between rooms
Atlantic Pacific work with our partners, Nebama Mind, who provide us with a very special and unique place for our participants. Staying in traditional Japanese rooms, sharing with 3 others, you will be staying at Houraikan Hotel or Minshuku Maekawa, where you are looked after with the best Japanese 'Omotenashi.' On arrival, you will be fully briefed on evacuation procedures bytheir accommodation and what theyshould do in the event of an earthquake and a tsunami.
The campus
Campus facilities
Laundry
Location & getting there
Dai 21 Chiwari-２３番地１外 Unosumaicho, Kamaishi, Iwate 026-0301
Nebama Sea Side Resthouse
Map loads with your permission — it connects to Google Maps.
Getting your child there
Airport
Hanamaki Airport (or Haneda/Narita)
Pickup service · We offer pick-up service at the airports for an additional fee. Details are to be confirmed. Please contact us if you would like to be picked up at the airport.
By car
Dai 21 Chiwari-２３番地１外 Unosumaicho, Kamaishi, Iwate 026-0301
Frequently asked questions
Run by Atlantic Pacific
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from $1,500
Mar – Jul 2027