Japanese Language & Culture
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
Live the Language
Have fun experiencing authentic immersion in the Japanese language and culture.
Network
Meet new friends and gain a new family. Make lasting memories and connections.
Get Inspired
Launch your future today! Jump up a level in Japanese. Shine on college applications.
The Destination
Welcome to Tokyo, the high-tech, fast-paced capital of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Japan’s capital city is a shapeshifting mix of centuries-old tradition and innovation. This small island in the Pacific Ocean has been at the forefront of global pop phenomena for decades. From Godzilla to Hello Kitty to Pokémon, the influence of Japan on mass media is undeniable. Manga are some of the best-selling comic books in the world and anime is watched by hundreds of millions. For a manga and anime lover, Tokyo’s “electric” district, Akihabara, is a dream come true.
With its unique shops, arcades, karaoke, Tokyo’s kawaii (cute) aesthetic and playful excitement is everywhere. The Shibuya and Harajuku districts offer what’s next in fashion while the vibrant food scene is a peek into globally innovative cuisine. During the summer, people swarm the street stalls for food on sticks and shaved ice treats on the go. Along with skyscrapers and stores galore, you can also find peace from the bustling Tokyo streets at public gardens, temples, shrines, imperial palaces, and Japanese history museums.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.
Sample Itinerary
Sample Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
Experience the magic of Tokyo at teamLab, where art, technology, and imagination come together to create a dazzling, immersive world of light and sound.
Unleash your inner artist while you try the art of traditional Japanese calligraphy origami.
Step foot in the biggest Shinto shrine in Tokyo, Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. The iris garden is in full bloom in the summer months!
Hone your culinary skills making your own authentic and traditional Japanese specialties. Travel to the mountains north of Tokyo and enjoy the beautiful Japanese mountains scenery, with shrines and temples and rich nature. On a clear day, if you’re lucky, you may also spot Mt Fuji!
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.
Classroom Language vs. The Streets of Tokyo & Buenos Aires
Learning a new language is a transformative journey—one that truly comes alive when you move beyond the classroom and use it in everyday life on the streets of a new... keep reading
My Summer In Japan - Meet Global Navigator Khang
Meet Khang, a senior from Boston Latin Academy who spent last summer studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan, through our Language & Culture program! From temple visits to playing Mario Kart... keep reading
Why Choose High School Summer Abroad in Japan with CIEE?
Imagine ancient temples tucked amidst glowing city streets, bamboo groves complete with frolicking deer, and arcades jam-packed with teens and games you’ve never seen. You eat sushi every day and... keep reading
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—of all Japanese language proficiency levels.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Optional College Credit Fee
$250
Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2026 4 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $8,150 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2026 4 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $8,150 |
Ready to change your life?
What’s Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Our Staff
Brendan Delahunty
Center Director
Brendan has traveled extensively and believes that interaction with other cultures can be an incredibly life-enriching and rewarding experience.
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
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