JETThrive Tokyo
Autumn JET
Community Weekend
Presented by Positive Global Learning
More than a weekend getaway, JETThrive Tokyo brings together current JET Programme participants from across Japan to experience Tokyo and Yokohama through creativity, community, and authentic local experiences.
During our first Positive Global Learning programs in Japan, we heard the same thing from JET participants again and again:
"I wish I had more opportunities to explore Japan with other JETs."
JETThrive Tokyo was created to make that experience possible.
Spend four days exploring Tokyo and nearby Yokohama alongside fellow JET participants through hands-on cultural experiences, shared meals, local neighborhoods, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to connect with both current JETs and alumni. Along the way, you'll build friendships across the JET community while discovering a side of Tokyo that goes beyond the typical tourist experience.
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Experience Tokyo beyond the typical tourist attractions
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Explore Tokyo and Yokohama alongside fellow JET participants
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Participate in hands-on cultural experiences and workshops
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Connect with current JET participants and JET alumni
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Build lasting friendships through shared experiences
October 15–18, 2026
Tokyo & Yokohama, Japan
A four-day community experience designed to help you explore Tokyo, build meaningful friendships across the JET community, and create memories that will last long after your time in Japan.
Intentionally small cohort
$649 per person
✨ Program at a Glance
A four-day community experience designed for current JET Programme participants to explore Tokyo and Yokohama, build meaningful friendships, experience Japanese culture through hands-on activities, and connect with fellow JET participants from across Japan.
October 15–18, 2026 • Tokyo & Yokohama, Japan
💰 Program Fee: $649 USD (transportation to Tokyo not included)
Includes accommodations, transportation during program activities, cultural workshops, admissions, select meals, and opportunities to connect with current and alumni JET participants. Transportation to and from Tokyo is not included.
Includes:
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Welcome Dinner with fellow JET participants
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Three nights of shared accommodation
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Transportation associated with program activities
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Guided exploration of Tokyo and Yokohama's neighborhoods, hidden gems, and cultural highlights
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Hands-on Japanese cultural workshops (examples include chopstick making, Japanese food replica art, and traditional crafts)
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Authentic Japanese noodle-making experience in Yokohama
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Opportunities to explore neighborhoods beyond the typical tourist attractions
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Community gathering with current and alumni JET participants through JETAA Tokyo (pending confirmation)
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Shared meals and meaningful conversations throughout the weekend
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Optional guided reflection circle
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Celebration Dinner
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Access to the JETThrive community
🌍 Core Experience
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Connect with fellow JET participants from across Japan through shared adventures and meaningful conversations
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Explore Tokyo beyond the typical tourist attractions by discovering local neighborhoods and hidden gems
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Participate in hands-on cultural workshops and authentic Japanese experiences
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Experience both the vibrant energy of Tokyo and the relaxed waterfront charm of Yokohama
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Meet current and alumni JET participants while expanding your community across Japan
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Take time to reflect, share stories, and create memories that last long after the weekend ends
🎯 Designed For
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Current JET participants interested in exploring Tokyo and Yokohama with fellow participants
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Participants looking to build friendships beyond their own prefecture
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Those who enjoy meaningful travel centered on culture, creativity, community, and authentic local experiences
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JET alumni currently living in Japan who would like to reconnect with the JET community
🌱 Outcomes
By the end of the weekend, you'll leave with:
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New friendships with JET participants from across Japan
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Meaningful connections with current and alumni members of the JET community
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A deeper appreciation for Tokyo and Yokohama through experiences most visitors never have
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New perspectives gained through shared experiences and conversations
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Fresh inspiration for making the most of your remaining time in Japan
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Time to reflect on your experiences and the journey still ahead
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Lasting memories created through authentic experiences, meaningful connections, and shared adventures
🌏 Why JETThrive Is Different
Many trips are about seeing as much as possible.
JETThrive Tokyo is about experiencing a city together.
Designed specifically for current JET Programme participants, this long weekend brings together JETs from across Japan to experience Tokyo and Yokohama while building friendships that extend far beyond prefectural borders.
Rather than simply checking famous landmarks off a list, you'll experience Tokyo and Yokohama through the people you meet, the conversations you share, and the places you'll discover together. Shared meals, hands-on cultural workshops, neighborhood exploration, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to connect with current and alumni members of the Tokyo JET community.
It's an opportunity to step away from the routines of daily life, reconnect with the excitement that first brought you to Japan, and create memories with others who understand the unique experience of living here.
🤝 Connect with the JET Community
Meet fellow JET participants from across Japan, connect with JETAA Tokyo members and alumni, exchange stories, and build friendships that continue throughout your time in Japan—and beyond.
🏙️ Experience Tokyo Together
Discover Tokyo and Yokohama through experiences that go beyond the typical tourist itinerary—from creative workshops and authentic local neighborhoods to shared meals, hidden gems, and hands-on cultural experiences that help you experience Tokyo and Yokohama through the eyes of people who live, work, and call Japan home.
🎨 Create Together
Whether you're crafting chopsticks, making authentic Japanese noodles from scratch in Yokohama, or participating in other hands-on cultural experiences, you'll leave with more than souvenirs—you'll leave with stories, new skills, and memories created alongside new friends.
(Specific workshops may vary based on availability.)
🌿 Pause & Reflect
Between the adventures, we'll create intentional space to slow down, share experiences, and reflect on your experiences in Japan through meaningful conversations about growth, connection, and the journey you're creating.
🎉 Celebrate Together
Celebrate everything you've experienced together. Enjoy shared meals, explore Tokyo's vibrant atmosphere, and conclude the weekend celebrating the friendships, conversations, and memories you've created together.
🌱 Community Beyond the Weekend
The friendships formed during JETThrive don't end when the weekend does.
Participants become part of the broader Positive Global Learning and JETThrive community, creating opportunities for future JETThrive weekends, reunions, continued support, and new adventures throughout Japan and beyond.
👥 Intentionally Small Cohort
With just 6–12 participants, JETThrive Tokyo is designed to foster genuine conversations, shared experiences, and lasting friendships in a supportive and welcoming environment.
🗼 A Different Way to Experience Tokyo
When we began imagining what a JETThrive weekend in Tokyo could become, one idea kept coming up in conversations with current JET participants:
"I've been to Tokyo... but I feel like I've only seen the tourist version."
We heard it again and again. Tokyo is one of the world's most exciting cities, yet many JET participants only experience it through crowded sightseeing spots, rushed weekend trips, or quick visits between trains.
JETThrive Tokyo was created to offer something different.
Rather than racing from landmark to landmark, this weekend invites you to experience Tokyo alongside fellow JET participants through shared meals, creative workshops, neighborhood exploration, meaningful conversations, and authentic local experiences that many visitors never discover.
From crafting something with your own hands and exploring Yokohama's waterfront to making traditional Japanese noodles from scratch and connecting with current and alumni JET participants who know and love the city, every experience is designed to help you experience the region through the eyes of the people who live here.
Because long after you've forgotten the itinerary, you'll remember the people you shared it with.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits.
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🤝 The Spirit of Tokyo
The places you'll visit matter. The people you'll meet matter even more.
Throughout the weekend, you'll share meals, conversations, and meaningful experiences with fellow JET participants while connecting with members of Tokyo's local and international communities. Whether you're learning from local artisans, meeting JET alumni, or simply laughing over dinner with new friends, these moments of genuine connection are what make this weekend unforgettable.
Because long after you've forgotten the train routes and restaurant names, you'll remember the conversations, the laughter, and the people who shared the journey with you.
💛 Who This Community Weekend Is For
You don't need to have every detail of your Japan experience figured out.
All you need is curiosity, a spirit of adventure, and a desire to experience Tokyo alongside fellow JET participants.
Whether you've visited Tokyo before or this will be your very first time, JETThrive Tokyo was created to help you experience the city in a more meaningful way—with people who understand the unique adventure of living and working in Japan.
This isn't about checking landmarks off a list.
It's about discovering neighborhoods, creating something with your own hands, sharing conversations over great food, and building friendships that continue long after the weekend ends.
This experience may be a great fit if you:
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Are a current JET participant looking to make the most of your time living in Japan
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Want to experience Tokyo beyond the typical tourist itinerary
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Enjoy hands-on cultural experiences like traditional crafts, cooking, and creative workshops
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Want to meet current JET participants and alumni from across Japan while expanding your community
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Believe the people you travel with can become just as memorable as the places you visit
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Are looking for a weekend that balances exploration, culture, community, and fun
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Want to create memories—and friendships—that last long after your JET experience ends
You don't need to know anyone before you arrive.
Many participants come on their own—and by the end of the weekend, they're already talking about where they'll meet next.
By the end of the weekend, you'll have shared meals, explored new neighborhoods, laughed together, and created memories alongside people who quickly stop feeling like strangers.
Whether you're in your first year on JET or beginning to think about your next chapter, you'll be welcomed into a community that values curiosity, connection, and making the most of this incredible opportunity to live in Japan.
Sometimes the best memories aren't the places you visit—they're the people you experience them with.
🗼 Your Tokyo Weekend
Each day is intentionally designed to blend cultural discovery, meaningful connection, hands-on experiences, and time to simply enjoy Tokyo alongside fellow JET participants.
The schedule below offers a glimpse of what the weekend may include. Specific workshops and activities may vary slightly as we continue building partnerships and creating the best possible experience for each cohort.
Thursday • Welcome to Tokyo
Meet fellow JET participants and begin the weekend together.
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Arrive in Tokyo
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Check into accommodations
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Welcome Dinner
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Meet current JET participants from across Japan
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Begin building friendships with fellow weekend participants
✨ Tonight, strangers begin becoming friends.
Friday • Experience Tokyo Like a Local
Discover the creativity, neighborhoods, and culture that make Tokyo unique.
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Explore local neighborhoods beyond the typical tourist route
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Hands-on Japanese craft workshop (such as chopstick making or Japanese food replica art)
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Shared lunch
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Free time to explore together
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Evening community dinner
🌆 You'll discover that some of Tokyo's best memories aren't found on a map.
Saturday • Explore Yokohama Together
Create memories through shared experiences.
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Travel to Yokohama
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Authentic Japanese noodle-making experience
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Explore Yokohama's waterfront, neighborhoods, and local attractions
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Optional afternoon or evening at Tokyo Disney Resort*
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Shared celebration dinner
🍜 Shared experiences often become the stories you'll tell long after the weekend ends.
Sunday • Community & New Beginnings
Celebrate the friendships you've built.
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Morning reflection
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Brunch together
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Closing reflection and community gathering
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Depart with new friendships and connections across Japan
💛 You'll leave with more than souvenirs—you'll leave with people you'll want to see again.
🌱 Why We Created JETThrive
JETThrive was created to help JET participants continue exploring, building community, and growing long after orientation—and long after farewell.
One of the greatest gifts of the JET Programme is the opportunity to live in Japan—but many participants never have the chance to experience everything the country has to offer or build lasting friendships beyond their own prefecture.
JETThrive was created to change that. It began with one simple idea: the relationships you build in Japan shouldn't end when orientation does.
Each JETThrive experience brings together current JET participants to discover a different region of Japan—or beyond—through authentic local experiences, meaningful conversations, shared adventures, and a spirit of curiosity.
Whether you're exploring the traditions of northern Japan, discovering Tokyo beyond the guidebooks, restoring your wellbeing in Okinawa, or exploring another culture in Taiwan, every destination offers something unique.
The heart of JETThrive always remains the same:
Every destination tells a different story—but every JETThrive experience is built around the same belief: the most meaningful journeys are shaped by the people you meet along the way.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a long weekend in Tokyo should feel exciting—not stressful. Here are answers to a few common questions about JETThrive Tokyo.
Who can participate?
JETThrive Tokyo is designed primarily for current JET Programme participants looking to experience Tokyo while connecting with fellow JETs from across Japan.
We also welcome JET alumni currently living in Japan who would enjoy reconnecting with the JET community through meaningful travel and shared experiences.
How do I get to Tokyo?
Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the Tokyo meeting location.
Once the program begins, transportation associated with scheduled activities is included. We'll provide recommended arrival times, meeting locations, and travel suggestions after registration.
What is included in the program fee?
Your $649 USD registration includes:
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Three nights of shared accommodations
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Transportation throughout scheduled program activities
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Cultural workshops and hands-on experiences
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Admission fees for scheduled program activities
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Welcome Dinner
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Celebration Dinner
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Guided reflection experiences
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Access to the JETThrive community
Transportation to and from Tokyo, some meals, optional activities, and personal expenses are not included.
Where will we stay?
Participants will stay together in shared accommodations in the Tokyo/Yokohama area, giving everyone opportunities to connect, build friendships, and experience the weekend as a community.
Additional lodging details will be provided after registration.
Will there be free time?
Yes.
The weekend balances organized experiences with opportunities to explore local neighborhoods, relax at cafés, shop, or simply spend time getting to know fellow participants.
Do I need to know anyone before I come?
Not at all.
Many participants will be meeting for the first time. JETThrive is intentionally designed to create a welcoming environment where meaningful friendships develop naturally through shared experiences.
How physically active is the weekend?
Most activities involve moderate walking while exploring Tokyo and Yokohama.
Participants should be comfortable walking throughout the day, but activities are designed to be accessible for most people.
Is Tokyo Disney included?
An optional visit to Tokyo Disney Resort may be offered as part of the weekend, depending on the final itinerary and participant interest. Admission to optional activities is not included in the program fee.
How do I reserve my spot?
Because the program is intentionally limited to 6–12 participants, we encourage early registration.
Reserve your spot through the registration page to secure your place. Spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Do I need to take time off work?
Yes. Because Friday, October 16, is a regular workday, most participants will need to take one day of leave.
The remainder of the weekend takes place over Saturday and Sunday. We recommend requesting leave as soon as your participation is confirmed.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. We'll do our best to accommodate common dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and many food allergies. We'll ask about dietary preferences during registration so we can plan ahead whenever possible.
What should I pack?
We'll send a detailed packing guide before the weekend, including clothing recommendations, weather information, and anything you'll need for workshops and activities.
Can I arrive early or stay later?
Absolutely. Many participants choose to extend their time in Tokyo before or after the program. We'll provide the official meeting time and location so you can make travel plans that work best for you.
💛 Still Have Questions?
We're happy to help. If you have questions about JETThrive Tokyo or would like to talk through whether it's the right fit, we'd love to connect. We believe finding the right community matters just as much as finding the right destination.
🚀 Ready to Experience Tokyo Together?
Spend four unforgettable days exploring the creativity, culture, and energy of Tokyo and Yokohama while building meaningful friendships with fellow JET participants from across Japan.
From hands-on cultural workshops and authentic local experiences to shared meals, meaningful conversations, and new friendships, JETThrive Tokyo is more than a weekend getaway—it's an opportunity to experience one of the world's most exciting cities alongside the people who know and love these communities.
Whether you've been to Tokyo many times or this will be your very first visit, you'll discover a different side of the city through community, creativity, and authentic connection.
📅 October 15–18, 2026
📍 Tokyo & Yokohama, Japan
🤝 Intentionally small cohort (6–12 participants)
✨ Shared experiences. Meaningful connections. Lasting memories.
Take just a few minutes to reserve your spot and join a welcoming community of JET participants for a weekend of exploration, connection, and shared experiences.
Have questions? We'd be happy to connect.
Participation is intentionally limited because the most meaningful journeys aren't measured by the number of places you visit—but by the people you experience them with.