January in Tokyo
Unique Experiences
Taste the World's Freshest Sushi
at Tokyo's Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can sample the catch of the day at one of the many restaurants and food stalls
Reflect on Japanese Spirituality
at the oldest established temple in Japan, where you can explore the Nakamise shopping street and pray at the iconic Kaminarimon gate
Wander the Backstreets of Asakusa and Ueno
to experience the markets and food stalls of Tokyo, where you can discover hidden gems like street performers and local artisans
Your Destination
Tokyo is Japan's vibrant metropolis, celebrated for its unique blend of traditional and modern culture. Winter is a great time to experience the city's charm with festive lights and seasonal foods like hot ramen and mochi, while exploring iconic landmarks like the Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, and Meiji Shrine. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Tokyo is the perfect place to study abroad on winter break.
Program Highlights
- Academic Course: Take one CIEE course delivered in-person at the CIEE Center.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Tokyo will open doors for you to explore Japan's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of past excursions and activities:
- Attend a kabuki or rakugo performance, immersing yourself in Japan's rich theatrical traditions
- Hand-dye a tenugui (hand towel) using Japanese indigo, learning about the ancient techniques and natural dyes that give this traditional craft its beauty
- Visit Sensoji Temple, explore the street vendors along Nakamise shopping street, and collect omiyage (souvenirs) produced by local artisans
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Top 10 Japanese Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know
Textbook Japanese is great and all, but if you really want to impress the locals, you need to know Japanese slang terms. These aren’t the phrases you’ll learn in class... keep reading
How to Study Japanese in Japan: 3 Easy Steps
If you’ve ever dreamed of ordering ramen like a pro, exploring ancient temples, or binge-watching anime without subtitles, studying Japanese in Japan is your next big adventure. With vibrant Tokyo... keep reading
Top 6 Places to Explore While Studying in Japan
By: Helena Shimeles During my experience studying overseas in Tokyo I was exposed to an array of adventures, across Japan. Each destination I explored offered a unique blend of traditions... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Tokyo provides convenient housing to ensure you’re comfortable in your home away from home. All housing is within walking distance of train stations, granting you easy access to Tokyo’s numerous sites and attractions through one of the most efficient and comprehensive transportation networks in the world.
Standard Housing: Includes a single or double room at a hotel with a private bathroom. Hotels are located within the Greater Tokyo area.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Students are responsible for their own meals. Tokyo boasts an amazing array of restaurants and eateries to satisfy any palate and diet.
Academics
CIEE Tokyo: Study in Chiyoda City, a special ward in the heart of Tokyo. CIEE Tokyo features a student lounge, a library, a student life office, and an academic advising office.
Course Information
Languages and Cultural Studies
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program January 2026 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $4,450 |
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $3,370 ** |
| Housing | $700 |
| Insurance | $80 |
| Total Fees | $4,450 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $321 † |
| International Airfare | $1,700 †† |
| Local Transportation | $75 |
| Books & Supplies | $50 |
| Personal expenses | $145 ††† |
| Total Costs | $2,291 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Brendan Delahunty
Center Director
Brendan is a long-time resident of Japan, originally hailing from Sydney, Australia
Saya Nishina
Director of Operations
Saya gained extensive experience in the language education industry, working in various departments including sales/marketing, human resources, academic affairs, new business development, and international operations in Japan for more than 20 years.
Rumi Mizusako
College Program Coordinator
Rumi is passionate about encouraging others to explore beyond what they have always known and to engage in different cultures and values.
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
You might also like
- Kyoto, Japan
- Full-Time Internship
- Tokyo, Japan
- Full-Time Internship
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship