Exchange dates

Mid July 2026-Rapid City Students visit Nikko City

Late July 2026- Nikko City Students visit Rapid City

Length of stay

This is a 10-day trip to Nikko City, Japan with 1 full day in Tokyo (2 nights)

Eligibility

Students from Rapid City and surrounding communities, ages 13 – 18

Costs

Expenses run between $2100 and $2600 (depending on flight costs/availability).  This money is paid by students and their family and pays for plane fare, insurance, and hotel.  Other costs for gifts, passport, meals in Tokyo may affect the total expense. Scholarships can be applied for and the group does fund-raising projects prior to the trip.  Membership in the Sister City Partnership Association is required.  Yearly family dues are $35 and are covered by the application fee.

Activities

Students fly as a group with adult chaperones to Tokyo, Japan and travel to Nikko City.  While in Nikko City, students home-stay with Japanese families. You will enjoy fast-paced days filled with sightseeing, group activities with Japanese students, school visits, shopping excursions and lots more, all the while learning the language, culture, customs and experiencing Japanese food.  

Apply Now!

Fill out an application by following the link above and email it to rapidcityscpa@gmail.com or return it to your school office/program coordinator by January 12th, 2026

Hosting Japanese Students

Each year, a student delegation from Nikko City visits Rapid City for two weeks.  Hosting is a great way to participate in the exchange, even if you are unable to go to Japan.  It is ideal for the student who is too young to attend this year or someone who would like to learn more about Japanese culture and language without leaving home.  If you host, your students will eat breakfast and dinner in your home and will be involved in planned daily tours and events in Rapid City and the Black Hills. Hosting is required as a part of the student exchange. If you wish to participate in our program but cannot host, it is the family’s responsibility to find a host family on their student’s behalf.