View of Tokyo skyline at sunset in Japan
Tokyo, Japan

Japanese Language & Culture

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$8,150

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Homestay

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$8,150

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Homestay

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Jump up a level in Japanese in the vibrant and trendsetting city of Tokyo. 

Improve your Japanese with four weeks of language immersion in the mega-metropolis of Tokyo. After language classes, practice your language skills in conversation with locals in the community. Explore popular areas, such as Akihabara, the heartland of otaku, and the youth fashion districts of Shibuya and Harajuku—meet local teens and get inspired by their cutesy and colorful kawaii style. Practice your new skills at restaurants as you order traditional sushi, ramen, and okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes). Navigate the city like a Tokyoite and explore landmarks like Sensō-ji, the oldest temple in the city, and the man-made island of Odaiba.

Living with a Japanese host family, you’ll share traditional meals and participate in family routines and customs. On weekend excursions, explore beautiful cities nearby, such as Yokohama, or take a break from the bustle of the city with a relaxing journey into the Japanese nature of the mountains surrounding Tokyo. Immersed in Tokyo, you’ll build on your Japanese language skills while gaining insider's knowledge into the country’s traditions and its world-famous pop culture trends. 

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.

Destination
  • tokyo street with neon lights
  • Plate of sushi in Tokyo
  • tokyo boat girl cherry blossoms lake

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.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Activities

Sample Activities

tokyo sample activites

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. 

Testimonials

What Students Are Saying

  • “My favorite thing about the program was the process of learning how to be more comfortable with myself. That came from a lot of places: making friends, learning more about fashion, and realizing that there is no shame in liking pop culture!” 

    Sofia D.., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “The experiences you gain from this program are great. I thoroughly enjoyed talking with my host parents and seeing life through a native Japanese person!” 

    Timothy N., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “Tokyo was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I made some of the most amazing memories and made friends that will hopefully stay with me forever. My friends made me feel at home in my host country!” 

    Nazifa S., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “It was a safe and educational way to experience a whole new culture and language while still having a lot of fun. I’m grateful for all the friends that I have created that I may not have ever met if it weren’t for our interest in Japanese pop culture.” 

    Murphy V., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

From CIEE

Retreat in the Mountains: A Journey to Nikko

By Yan Zhen at CIEE

As the first half of our immersive language program in Japan drew to a close, our students bid farewell to their host families and hotel friends, brimming with excitement for the next chapter of their journey. Whether it was mastering the art of independence in a hotel setting or adapting to life in a traditional Japanese household, the second half promised new challenges, opportunities, and connections. But before embarking on this next phase, our students were treated to a memorable weekend in the historical mountainous countryside of Nikko.

From CIEE

2 Essential Ways to Prepare for Your Teen’s High School Summer Abroad

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

Once your teen is accepted on their CIEE high school summer abroad program and you have confirmed their participation, anticipation will fill your home. There are two very important tasks... keep reading

From CIEE

How To Write a Great Scholarship Application Essay

By HS Summer Abroad Program Leaders at CIEE

Earning a CIEE Global Navigator Scholarship is a prestigious honor that can help you stand out for years to come, especially on college applications! Plus, these scholarships give hundreds of... keep reading

Eligibility

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

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

Staff

Our Staff

Brendan Delahunty

Center Director

Brendan is a long-time resident of Japan, originally hailing from Sydney, Australia

Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.

Request Info