14–18 December, 2026

STEAM Winter School 2026

This winter, Primary students bring creativity and STEAM together through MAKER FAIR, a hands-on seasonal festive market project. Working in teams, they use imagination, problem-solving and design thinking to develop, create and refine original festive products. A seasonal excursion provides inspiration through local sights, sounds and traditions, culminating in a special family market where students proudly showcase their creations.

↓ Select your child’s age group

Winter School 2026

A Winter of Ideas, Making and Discovery

Join Laurus Winter School from 14–18 December 2026 for a five-day STEAM experience in English. In the Seasonal Festive Market project, children collaborate to design, make and improve original products, then share their creations with families on the final day.

Five days. One festive project. Ideas brought to life.

From first ideas to finished creations, children explore design and problem-solving through teamwork. A seasonal field trip offers fresh inspiration for their winter market.

All-English Immersion
Led by native English-speaking teachers. Basic English communication is expected; Japanese language support is generally not provided.
Design, Make and Improve
Plan products, test prototypes and refine designs together for the Seasonal Festive Market.
Seasonal Inspiration & Family Market
Find inspiration on a seasonal field trip, then present finished creations at a special market for families on the final day.

Programme Details

Dates 14–18 December 2026 (Mon–Fri)
Ages 6–11 years
Participation One full week (5 days)
Hours Regular: 10:00 – 15:30
Early Arrival: 8:30 – 15:30
Campus Shiba, Minato-ku
Deadline 7 December 2026 (Mon)
School Bus Deadline 23 November 2026 (Mon)
Theme Maker Fair
A Week in Winter School

Sample Weekly Schedule

Our five-day Winter School combines hands-on STEAM activities, teamwork and a seasonal excursion. The schedule below gives a sample of how the week is structured.

Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Theme Day Introduce Inquiry Investigate Build & Test Create & Refine Field trip
10:00 – 10:30 Welcome & Introduction Welcome Game Welcome Game Welcome Game Welcome & Prep
10:30 – 10:55 Intro to Today's Theme Intro to Today's Theme Intro to Today's Theme Intro to Today's Theme Field Trip
10:55 – 11:05 — Break —
11:15 – 11:40 Activity 1 Activity 1 Activity 1 Activity 1
11:40 – 12:40 Lunch & Recess
12:40 – 13:30 Reflection & Activity 2 Intro Reflection & Activity 2 Intro Reflection & Activity 2 Intro Reflection & Activity 2 Intro Field Trip
13:30 – 13:40 — Break —
13:40 – 15:00 Activity 2 Activity 2 Activity 2 Activity 2 Return to School
15:00 – 15:15 Cleanup & Reflection
15:20 – 15:30 Dismissal · Bus students collected by assigned staff

* This is a sample schedule. Activity times, excursion schedules, and programme content are subject to change.

Winter School 2026 Pricing

Tuition Fees

Weekly pricing, tax included. Winter School runs from 14–18 December 2026 (Mon–Fri). Fees cover instruction, materials, lunch and field-trip transport.

Time Options
Regular
10:00 – 15:30
Early Arrival
8:30 – 15:30
Pricing (per week, including tax)
Course
Laurus Students
Non-Laurus
Regular 10:00 – 15:30
¥80,000
¥85,000
Early Arrival 8:30 – 15:30
¥95,000
¥100,000
Extended Care (AM only) ¥1,000 / 30 minutes

School Bus

Bus Fare One Way ¥4,300
Bus Fare Round Trip ¥8,600
Kawasaki Bus Fare One Way ¥5,500
Kawasaki Bus Fare Round Trip ¥11,000

School bus service is available only to children in Grade 3 (Year 4) or below who are enrolled in Early Arrival.

The school bus follows the regular school routes. Laurus Bus Stop Locations ▷

School bus application deadline: Monday, 23 November 2026. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, but we are unable to accept applications submitted after the deadline. Thank you for your understanding.

Our staff will contact you about your pick-up and drop-off times by the Wednesday before the week your child attends.

Kawasaki Bus (Musashi-Kosugi / Shinjo)

The Kawasaki Bus is a school bus service for families using stops in the Musashi-Kosugi and Shinjo areas of Kawasaki.

It is faster and has more space between the seats than the regular school buses, so a different fare applies.

Minimum passenger count: 3 passengers in each direction (pick-up and drop-off).

We will confirm whether the Kawasaki Bus will operate one week before Winter School begins.

Bus and extended childcare fees are non-refundable after the application deadline (Monday, 7 December).

Payment Information

Non-Laurus Students: The fee can be paid by internet banking transfer or in cash at the following convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Ministop, Seicomart, Lawson, Multimedia Kiosks.

Overseas Transfers: Please add ¥5,000 for international transfer fees.

Laurus Students: The participation fee will be deducted from your registered bank account.

Payment Deadline: After registering, please complete your payment within two weeks. If you register after Monday, November 23rd, please ensure that your payment is completed by Monday, December 7th.

Required Documents

Please submit the following identification documents:

  • A photo of your child's face
  • A copy of your child's Japanese free medical care certificates (for locals only). (required if you have one)
  • Documents related to your child’s health insurance

    Please submit one of the following:

    • A copy of your child's Eligibility Information for Japanese Health Insurance (downloadable from Myna Portal)
    • A copy of your child's Insurance usable within Japan
  • [KA/KA Plus! members] a copy of your student ID card.
  • Please note that participation in this event will not be possible without the submission of the required medical insurance documents. Furthermore, the school cannot take any responsibility for any issues that may arise if the documents submitted are not valid.

Important Information
  • ● Tax included. All inclusive: Lunch, Craft, and Material.
  • ● First-time Non-Laurus student: A one-time entrance fee of ¥6,000 is required.
  • ● Only one entrance fee required per family if siblings apply for the Primary Winter School at the same time. Siblings that apply for the Preschool & Kindergarten Winter Camp or the Secondary Winter Programme will be charged a separate entrance fee.
  • Applications close on 7 December 2026 (Mon), one week before the start date. However, places are limited. We strongly recommend applying early to secure your place.

  • ● An administrative fee of ¥3,000 will be charged for any changes or cancellations.
  • ● We cannot make schedule changes after the closing date. There are no refunds after the deadline.
  • ● Due to safety reasons, if your child requires an EpiPen, has special needs, or requires additional support, please contact us in advance to discuss your child's needs.
  • ● Food-allergic students: Please bring your own lunch.
  • ● Please note that in some cases we may ask students to bring a home lunch on excursion day.
  • ● No make-up lessons or refunds will be provided in the event of school closure due to bad weather, disasters, accidents, or infectious diseases.
Gallery

From Previous Winters

Previous Laurus Winter School — photo 1 Previous Laurus Winter School — photo 2 Previous Laurus Winter School — photo 3 Previous Laurus Winter School — photo 4 Previous Laurus Winter School — photo 5 Previous Laurus Winter School — photo 6 Previous Laurus Winter School — photo 7 Previous Laurus Winter School — photo 8 Previous Laurus Winter School — photo 9 Previous Laurus Winter School — photo 10
Campus

Shiba — A Knowledge Amusement Park

Located on floors 7-10 of the Shiba International Building in Minato-ku, right next to Tokyo Tower, our Primary and Secondary campus opened in 2023. Designed by our founding director as a "knowledge amusement park" with science themes throughout. An unparalleled educational facility supporting inquiry-based learning through seeing, touching, and thinking.

7F Ocean
7F

Ocean

Marine science, water & the classroom atrium.

8F Planet Earth
8F

Planet Earth

Biodiversity, ecosystems & the Life Library.

9F Singularity
9F

Singularity

AI, IoT & the student makerspace.

10F Ad Astra
10F

Ad Astra

Space science, astronomy & presentation space.

Location & Access

Address
Shiba International Building, 7–10F
4-1-30 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0014
Telephone
03-6722-6310
By Train
Toei Asakusa & Mita Lines · Mita Station — 2 min walk
JR Keihin-Tohoku & Yamanote · Tamachi Station — 5 min walk

Four science-themed floors.
See the campus where winter happens.

Explore the Campus
Voices

What Families Tell Us

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My child seems to have had a wonderful time and still treasures and reads the picture-book booklet used in the programme. Thank you very much.

Parent of a Non-Laurus Student
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Seeing how happily my child took part, I could tell they were truly enjoying the experience.

Parent of a Laurus Student
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This was my child’s fourth time attending, and they seemed much more comfortable and enjoyed themselves. They also said they had a good relationship with the teacher.

Parent of a Non-Laurus Student
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We are deeply grateful for such a fun and wonderful experience. Thank you very much. My child was delighted by the class teacher, the other staff and the enjoyable programme, and said they would like to attend again.

Parent of a Non-Laurus Student
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Programme

Are there any visa requirements for overseas families? +
There is no specific visa type required to join. Children can participate on any visa status. We simply ask that you submit a copy of an insurance policy that is valid for use in Japan to cover your child during the programme.
What's the difference between Winter Camp and Winter School? +
Winter Camp (ages 1.5–6) is a play-based preschool programme running from 21–25 December 2026, which you can join from a single day. Winter School (ages 6–11) is a five-day, inquiry-led STEAM programme running from 14–18 December 2026. Winter Programme (ages 11–16) is for secondary students and runs during the same week as Winter School.
Can my child join for less than a full week? +
Winter School runs for one full week, from Monday, 14 December to Friday, 18 December 2026. Children join all five days, working together on a single STEAM project. Single-day bookings are not available.
How does the field trip work? +
The programme includes a seasonal field trip connected to the STEAM theme. Transport and entry are included in the weekly fee. Students are supervised by Laurus staff throughout.

English Level

My child has limited English — can they still participate? +
Winter School is taught entirely in English, and children are expected to communicate in basic English. Japanese language support is generally not provided. If your child is completely new to English, please contact us before applying.
Do you accept children of other nationalities? +
Absolutely. Laurus is internationally diverse. English is our working language — no Japanese is required to participate.

Logistics

Is lunch provided? +
Lunch is included in the programme fee. Children with food allergies should bring their own lunch. Please contact us before applying if your child has severe allergies or requires an EpiPen.
Is extended care available? +
Early Arrival is our morning extended care programme, available only between 8:30 and 10:00, when lessons begin. Families enrolled in the Regular course (10:00–15:30) can book care within this time slot in 30-minute increments at ¥1,000 per 30 minutes. Please select your preferred arrival time on the application form. Care before 8:30 is not available.
When is the application deadline? +
Applications for Winter School close on Monday, 7 December 2026. The school bus application deadline is earlier: Monday, 23 November 2026. Bus applications submitted after this deadline cannot be accepted.
Is a school bus service available? +
Yes. School bus service is available to children in Grade 3 (Year 4) or below who are enrolled in Early Arrival. Buses follow the regular school routes. Our staff will contact you about pick-up and drop-off times by the Wednesday before the programme. The Kawasaki Bus serves the Musashi-Kosugi and Shinjo areas and requires at least 3 passengers in each direction. We will confirm whether it will operate one week before Winter School begins. Please see the School Bus section above for fares and bus stop locations.
How can I pay, and when is payment due? +
For non-Laurus students, the fee can be paid by internet banking transfer or in cash at the following convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Ministop, Seicomart, Lawson, Multimedia Kiosks. For overseas bank transfers, please add ¥5,000 to the total fees. After registering, please complete your payment within two weeks. If you register after Monday, November 23rd, please ensure that your payment is completed by Monday, December 7th. Laurus students’ fees will be deducted from their registered bank account.
What is the cancellation policy? +
An administrative fee of ¥3,000 applies to changes and cancellations. After the application deadline of 7 December 2026, course changes and refunds are not available. Bus and extended childcare fees are non-refundable after their applicable application deadlines.
Will I receive updates about my child's day? +
Yes. We share daily photos and key moments from each day, and contact you immediately in the event of any incident.