Study Abroad in Tokyo
College Study Abroad
Explore Tokyo, Japan
Japan’s bustling capital city is renowned for its nightlife, shopping, public transportation, and cleanliness. Perhaps because of its mix of ultramodern and traditional, Tokyo also earns high marks for being a wonderful place for university students to study abroad in Asia.
When you study abroad in Tokyo, you’ll immerse yourself in the lively and fascinating culture of Japan. Known for its iconic landmarks, modern architecture, and technology, Tokyo is Asia’s largest metropolis with much to explore!



Study Tours & Cultural Excursions in Tokyo
Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions and a multi-day study tour uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Tokyo, past study tours and excursions have included:
- Weekend trips to Hiroshima to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
- Visits to the sacred Miyajima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
- Set out across the 918-m-long-single-span suspension bridge to Odaiba
- Weekend excursions to other regions in Japan, including Sendai, Kansai, or Nagano
- Visit the Tokyo Dome to experience a variety of events, including baseball games, concerts, mixed martial arts events, and more
CIEE’s study tours and cultural excursions in Tokyo, Japan give students the opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture, all while building their Japanese language skills. Whether you’re interested in studying music abroad in Japan, looking to learn Japanese, or explore Tokyo’s history and culture, CIEE’s study abroad programs in Tokyo allow you to do just that!

Where Students Study
CIEE Tokyo
CIEE Tokyo is located in Chiyoda City, a special ward in the heart of Tokyo. Home to The Imperial Palace, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court, this location has subway stations at nearly every corner, making it a prime spot to easily travel to other parts of the city.
Sophia University
Founded by Jesuits in 1913, Sophia University is one of the leading universities in Tokyo. It welcomes more than 13,000 students, including international students from more than 90 countries. In addition to Japanese language courses, CIEE students will take courses through the Faculty of Liberal Arts.

Internships & Volunteering
Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer in Tokyo. Students interested in interning in Tokyo can take advantage of non-credit internship opportunities at a variety of businesses or NGOs.
Students looking to volunteer in Tokyo can help out local schools, collect food for the homeless, or volunteer to support disabled youth.
Study Abroad Programs in Tokyo
Currency Spoken Languages IN Tokyo Available Transportation Famous Local Climate Local Attraction Did you Know Airport Social Norms What to Pack
Yen
Japanese, English
Subway, train, bus
Hayao Miyazaki – famous Anime director known for Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro
Humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters with an average annual temperature of 62° F
Tokyo Imperial Palace – the residence of Tokyo’s Imperial Family
The cherry blossom is Japan's unofficial national flower
Haneda Airport (HND)
Slurping noodles is perfectly acceptable – it’s actually the proper way to eat ramen!
Comfortable shoes, toiletries, passport
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS TOKYO KNOWN FOR
Click to OpenTokyo is known for its iconic landmarks, Anime, electronics, manga, and video games, to name a few. Famous attractions in Tokyo include the Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Crossing, and Tokyo Tower.
HOW TO STUDY ABROAD IN JAPAN
Click to OpenIf you’re wondering, “How can I study in Japan?” CIEE’s program offerings in Tokyo and Kyoto allow you to do just that. By simply selecting your study abroad program in Japan, connecting with your on-campus study abroad office, and filling out your application, you can explore Japan on a CIEE study abroad program.
WHAT IS TOKYO LIKE
Click to OpenTokyo, although crowded with a population of over 13 million, is regarded as a clean, safe, and exciting city. With a wide variety of shopping and entertainment options across the city, Tokyo is a vibrant city for students looking to immerse themselves in Japanese culture, history, and language.
TIPS FOR STUDYING ABROAD IN JAPAN
Click to OpenFor students studying abroad in Tokyo, we recommend that they get acquainted with the city’s public transportation system, and learn and use as much Japanese language as possible.
WHAT IS DIVERSITY IN TOKYO LIKE
Click to OpenIn order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Tokyo.
For more detailed information on diversity in Tokyo, visit our Diversity in Tokyo page.
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants

APPLY IN 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Tokyo. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Tokyo to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application

STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.