1. Winter vacation (usually called Shogatsu) is usually from 12/23 until January 1/5 for full-time teachers (the exact dates vary but it's about two weeks–the winter holiday schedule for ALTs and Corporate Liaisons depends upon the location)
 2. Summer vacation (usually called "Obon) is about ten calander days in the middle of August, (exacts dates vary but it's during the middle two weeks in August)
 3. Spring vacation (usually called "Golden Week") is about a week from the end of April through the first week of May. It is during this time that Hamamatsu hosts it's very amazing, very fun, world-famous kite festival.  Many of our teachers have been participants and have considered it a highlight of their year.
 4.  Select Japanese national holidays 

Our basic policy with regard to additional time off is that we don't allow it. Teachers are expected to take vacations within the school holidays and not to attempt to rearrange classes for their own convenience. 

We make exceptions for events involving immediate family members only. That is, for funerals, severe illnesses, weddings and graduations of immediate family members, we will try to arrange a couple extra days off, but even then, please remember that we have to ask all the other teachers to cover the classes of the teacher who leaves. It can upset the balance of the entire school.

If you are expecting to need to attend a wedding in the near future, or have a family member who is ill, or otherwise feel you may need some extra time during your stay, please advise up front.  We will do our best to accommodate events, but we need as much warning as possible.

Last updated on 10月 18, 2009 by Joe Libby