Japan: Football, Language & Culture
A 7-day study tour in Kobe and Osaka combining Iniesta Academy training, English and Spanish immersion, and Japanese cultural discovery.
Choose Your DatesExpedition Overview
Train at the football academy founded by Andrés Iniesta and experience a journey designed around development on and off the pitch. Docere combines academy coaching, language learning and cultural exploration in one of the world’s most student-friendly destinations. The program is suitable for youth players, school teams and football groups, with bilingual Docere staff accompanying the group throughout.
- Four academy training days, including a friendly match and closing session
- Live video Q&A with Andrés Iniesta in English or Spanish
- English and Spanish activities led by native-speaking Docere teachers
- Kobe city tour, Kitano-cho historic district and Harborland
- A full day at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka
- Diploma ceremony and a customizable balance of training, culture and free time
Growing within a legendary methodology
Iniesta Academy passes Andrés Iniesta’s style, technique and vision on to the next generation. Training is supervised by the academy’s Technical Director, with equal attention given to developing thoughtful players and respectful teammates.
Decision-making first
Players learn to read the game and choose the best option themselves in realistic situations.
Mistakes as learning tools
Discussion and reflection help players learn from success and failure and find their own solutions.
Every child is the protagonist
Training is adapted to each player’s abilities, level and personal growth.
Barça DNA × Iniesta’s values
Humility, respect and teamwork shape the experience on and off the pitch.
Iniesta Cup · Special opportunity: where tournament schedules and age categories align, participating teams may be able to compete in Kobe’s Iniesta Cup youth tournament.
Meet Andrés Iniesta
One of the greatest midfielders of all time chose Kobe as his second home—and founded his football academy here.
- World Cup champion and scorer of the winning goal in the 2010 final
- 4× UEFA Champions League winner with FC Barcelona
- 9× La Liga champion and 2× European champion
- Vissel Kobe captain (2018–2023) and Emperor’s Cup winner
A conversation to remember
A live video call with Andrés Iniesta gives players the opportunity to ask him questions directly, in English or Spanish.
More than a football trip
Language immersion, woven into every day
English and Spanish practice runs throughout the journey, led by Docere’s native-speaking teachers. Players use language in real situations: ordering food, interviewing coaches, writing travel journals and speaking with Iniesta during the Q&A.
Japan is a classroom in itself
Discover Kobe’s historic Kitano-cho district, Harborland and food culture while experiencing the order, courtesy and self-discipline of everyday Japanese life.
Universal Studios Japan—a full day of fun
Celebrate a week of hard training with Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, rides and shows. Park tickets and return transport to Osaka are included.
Kobe & Osaka—7-Day Journey
An indicative schedule that can be adapted around your group, players and preferred travel dates.
Arrival
Arrive at Osaka Kansai Airport, transfer to Kobe, check in and enjoy a welcome dinner.
First academy session
Meet the Iniesta Academy coaching team and begin training; take an afternoon Kobe city tour.
Training day 2
Continue academy training; visit Kitano-cho historic district and write evening language journals.
Training day 3
Train with the academy; join an English/Spanish workshop and spend the evening at Kobe Harborland.
Friendly match & closing session
Complete the fourth training day with a friendly match, closing session and live video Q&A with Andrés Iniesta.
Fun Day
Spend a full day at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.
Farewell & departure
Celebrate with a diploma ceremony before transferring to Kansai Airport.
Trip length and the balance of training, culture and free time can be tailored to your group.
What the Trip Includes
- Iniesta Academy football camp and professional coaching
- Hotel accommodation in Kobe
- All meals during the trip, except lunch at Universal Studios Japan
- Universal Studios Japan admission
- Local transport, including Kansai Airport transfers
- Docere-led language activities, including 10 live online lessons with native teachers
- Live video Q&A with Andrés Iniesta
Not Included
- International flights to and from Japan
- Visa costs
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal expenses and anything not listed above
Photo Gallery
Give your players an unforgettable week
Tell us your preferred dates, group size and player ages. We will shape the itinerary, safety plan and trip details around your group.
Choose Your Dates