Study Abroad in Japan
Study in Japan and learn Japanese abroad in one of the oldest countries in the world!
Explore CIEE’s study abroad programs in Japan and experience the vibrant life, history, and culture of Japan. If you’re wondering how to study abroad in Japan, CIEE has got you covered with our variety of study abroad programs offered in Kyoto and Tokyo. When you study in Japan, you can learn Japanese abroad, regardless of your knowledge of the Japanese language, and improve your cultural understanding of this fascinating city.
Choose the city in Japan that intrigues you most, from the modern, yet traditional capital of Tokyo to the temple and teahouse-rich cultural capital of Kyoto. Study for a summer, semester, or year and complete courses in Japan including communication, business, Japanese language, history, philosophy, religion, and more.
In all of these locations, CIEE Japan gives you access to homestays, internships, volunteering opportunities, and direct enrollment options with added cultural clubs, activities, and excursions that provide a uniquely immersive international experience. Come write your story of Japan with CIEE!
Best Places to Study Abroad in Japan
Kyoto
Explore Japan's picturesque cultural capital full of temples, teahouses, museums, and more.
Tokyo
Create your own adventure in Japan's capital city of Tokyo with a unique blend of ultramodern and traditional.
NEW PROGRAMS COMING SOON
- Semester in Kyoto (fall 2025)
- Semester in Tokyo (fall 2025)
Study Abroad Programs in Japan
- Study Program
Ring in the New Year and spend your winter break in Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital city.
- Big City
- Bike Friendly
- Tokyo, Japan
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
Experience international business firsthand in Asia’s largest metropolis.
- Big City
- Bike Friendly
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
Kyoto is the premier hub of traditional Japanese culture and is filled with palaces, temples, gardens, museums, and theaters.
- Ancient City
- Mountains to Hike
- Small City
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, further your studies in humanities and social sciences, and experience all that Kyoto has to offer.
- Ancient City
- Mountains to Hike
- Small City
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
- Multi-Location Offering
- Part-Time Internship
Study abroad in Kyoto – one of Japan’s most traditional cities – in CIEE’s Open Campus Block program.
- Ancient City
- Mountains to Hike
- Small City
- Tokyo, Japan
- Study Program
Spend your summer exploring Japanese language and culture
- Big City
- Bike Friendly
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
Learn Japanese language and culture, further your studies with courses on humanities and social sciences taught in English, and experience all that Kyoto has to offer.
- Ancient City
- Mountains to Hike
- Small City
- Tokyo, Japan
- Study Program
You’ve got one amazing global adventure
- Big City
- Bike Friendly
- Host Institution
- Volunteering
Study Abroad in Japan Blog
AMJ Adventures ― Hiroshima Part1
Authored by Thalo Campbell 初めまして、皆さん～。Hello everyone, I’m Thalo Campbell. I’m in the Spring Ancient and Modern Japan (AMJ) program here at CIEE Kyoto, although by the time this is posted... keep reading
What an eventful week it has been in Japan!
Week 1 in Japan! Authored by Swapomti Surampudi Flight Crazy Moments I flew in from San Antonio to San Francisco and then San Francisco to Osaka, Japan KIX airport. The... keep reading
Welcome to Kyoto
Hi everyone! My name is Izumi Wada and I am the Senior Program Coordinator at CIEE Kyoto. I appreciate this opportunity to write about myself so that you can get... keep reading
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re wondering how to study abroad in Japan, you can complete these 3 simple steps:
1. Search our study abroad programs in Japan and pick your favorite!
2. Connect with your campus study abroad office.
3. Start your study abroad application!
Japan is a good place to study abroad in Asia for students interested in studying Japanese abroad and learning about Japanese history and culture. With a unique history, traditional cuisine, ancient customs, and a variety of course options, Japan is an exciting study abroad destination for students looking for an adventure!
While the cost of studying abroad in Japan varies on your program, duration of your program, and location, there are several scholarship opportunities. Students can find more information on CIEE's scholarship offerings on our Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants page.
CIEE offers multiple study abroad programs in Japan across two locations: Kyoto and Tokyo. Japan's cultural capital, Kyoto is regarded as the more relaxed, less expensive destination full of temples, shrines, and gardens. Tokyo, on the other hand, is the larger, more urban city with exciting nightlife, modern technology, and tens of thousands of restaurants.
The cost of studying abroad in Japan varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Japan study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
While the best Japan study abroad programs are quite subjective, we can provide you with a list of some of the most popular study abroad programs in Japan:
- Ancient + Modern Japan (Kyoto)
- Arts + Sciences (Tokyo)
- Open Campus Block (Kyoto)
- Summer Global Internship (Tokyo)
- & more!
Read more: 7 Best Japan Study Abroad Programs
The weather varies in Japan, specifically Kyoto and Tokyo, so we recommend that students determine their clothing based on the city they're going to be studying abroad in. As a general guide, here are some items you should be sure to have on your Japan study abroad packing list:
- Passport
- Visa
- A second form of ID
- Plane tickets
- Proof of health insurance
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Prescriptions
- & more!
For a full guide, check out our article: Study Abroad in Japan: FAQs
CIEE Japan on Instagram
Other Study Abroad Locations in Asia
Greater China
Explore historical sites from the Great Wall and French Concession, to the Forbidden City and Summer Palace.
South Korea
With modern high-rises, ancient palaces and shrines, and a booming music scene, South Korea blends modern with new.
Singapore
Nestled in Southeast Asia, Singapore is a global financial powerhouse with beautiful sites that every student can enjoy.