14 Summer Programs in Japan for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 10 min read
Summer programs can be your chance to explore college-level academics and new fields while you are in high school. These programs allow you to gain exposure to university-style teaching, develop practical skills, and build meaningful international connections. From learning advanced concepts to conducting research or participating in leadership workshops, these experiences provide both academic and personal growth.
Why should you attend a program in Japan?
Japan is home to various organizations and universities that offer programs that give you practical exposure to the country’s advanced educational and cultural landscape. Whether you are looking to connect with experts in the country, engage in scientific research, or join an international cultural exchange, these programs in Japan can help you learn beyond the classroom.
To help you find the right fit, we have shortlisted 14 summer programs in Japan for high school students. Each program stands out for its rigorous curriculum, networking opportunities, and the prestige of its host institution or organization, from world-class universities to renowned exchange initiatives.
If you are looking for online programs in the summer, check out our blog here.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Various sites, including London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Cost: Varies according to program; financial aid available
Dates: Two weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15 – 18
Immerse Education’s Career Insights Pathway introduces high school students to professional industries through experiential learning in major global cities. Over the course of the two-week program, you will participate in interactive workshops, company visits, and hands-on projects that simulate real-world workplace settings. Industry mentors and professionals will provide feedback and career advice as you explore sectors like business, journalism, medicine, law, or engineering. Weekly one-on-one coaching sessions will help you refine your goals and build confidence in presenting your work. The program concludes with a final presentation where you will share your findings and experiences with peers and professionals. You can find more details about the application here!
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly specified
Location: Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
Cost: TBA; full aid available through Harvard Summer School Study Abroad Scholarships
Dates: June – August (eight weeks)
Application deadline: January 29
Eligibility: Students who have completed at least one year of college or are first-year college students in good academic standing
The Harvard Summer Program in Kyoto offers an eight-week academic immersion focused on East Asian culture and Japanese society. Held on Doshisha University’s Imadegawa Campus, the program integrates classroom learning with field excursions across Kyoto and the Kansai region, allowing you to analyze art, architecture, and history through direct observation. You will enroll in two full-credit courses taught by Harvard faculty, complemented by noncredit Japanese language instruction for beginners. Living with local host families adds a layer of linguistic and cultural immersion, allowing you to engage deeply with daily life in Japan. You will also participate in guided fieldwork and site studies during the program.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Virtual!
Cost: Varies; financial assistance offered
Dates: Multiple sessions, including summer cohorts, are scheduled each year; dates vary by cohort
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students; accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~20 U.S. students/country each year
Location: First phase: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; Second phase: Kyoto, Japan + visits to other regions in the country
Cost: Fully funded (scholarship covers room, board, activities, and international travel)
Dates: Eight days in the U.S. (summer) + multi-week Japan program the following summer
Application deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
HSD is a scholarship exchange that brings together high school students from the United States and Japan for immersive cross-cultural experiences. The program is designed to help you connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and develop an appreciation for U.S.–Japan relations. The first phase takes place at the University of Virginia, where American students are paired with Japanese roommates for eight days of academic, social, and cultural exchange. Those who complete the U.S. program are eligible for HSD Japan, a multi-week summer experience exploring Japan’s history, traditions, and modern life. Run by AIG and the Freeman Foundation, HSD covers all major costs, including room, board, activities, and international transportation.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Multiple sites across Japan (including Tokyo, Tsukuba, and Aichi)
Cost: Fully funded (all travel, housing, and program expenses covered by JST)
Dates: Typically one week in summer; dates vary by hosting institution
Application deadline: Varies by partner institution nomination window
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students nominated by schools or national science organizations from partner countries
The Sakura Science High School Program is a flagship international initiative led by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) that invites exceptional high school students from Asia and beyond to Japan for a week of scientific and cultural exchange. The program is designed to offer exposure to Japan’s science and technology landscape along with opportunities for global collaboration. You will attend lectures by leading scientists and Nobel laureates, visit top research institutions and universities such as JAXA and Hokkaido University, and take part in collaborative activities with Japanese peers. You will also explore Japanese culture through guided visits and embassy interactions, gaining insight into Japan’s innovation ecosystem.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohorts (details not publicly stated)
Location: Temple University, Japan Campus, Tokyo, Japan
Cost: 340,000 JPY ($2,191) + 20,000 JPY (~$129) registration fee (includes accommodation, meals, excursions, and classes; excludes airfare and travel insurance)
Dates: July 29 – August 6
Application deadline: Not specified; application reviews start in December. Payment deadline:
May 1 (April 1 for students requiring a visa)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 – 12
The TUJ High School Summer Program combines academic exploration with cultural immersion in Tokyo. Here, you will take Japanese language classes alongside electives modeled after undergraduate courses, gaining exposure to university-level academics. The curriculum blends coursework with field excursions, including visits to Nikko and Tokyo DisneySea, and collaborative activities alongside Japanese high school students. You will stay in Tokyo for eight nights, engaging in group events led by Temple University staff and student mentors. The program is designed to balance classroom instruction with hands-on cultural experience, helping you develop language skills, cross-cultural communication, and global awareness.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost: $4,300, which includes housing, classes, excursions, and local transportation, and excludes airfare and most meals
Dates: June 20 – July 11
Application deadline: April 1 (early discount available until December 25)
Eligibility: Students, ages 15–19
This summer camp offers a mix of language learning, volunteering, and cultural immersion across Tokyo and its surrounding regions. Over three weeks, you will participate in daily Japanese classes with certified instructors, volunteer at local elementary schools, and join cultural exchanges with Japanese high school students. The program also features a two-night homestay, allowing you to experience authentic Japanese family life. You will engage in excursions, including visits to Akihabara, Harajuku, Asakusa, and the Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park near Mt. Fuji. This program focuses on helping you build communication skills and cross-cultural understanding while exploring the linguistic and social dimensions of the Japanese culture.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Genki JACS in Fukuoka and Kyoto, Japan
Cost: Not listed; you can get cost information by contacting the Genki JACS team.
Dates: Fukuoka: June 30 – July 25 | Kyoto: Two-, four-, six- or eight-week sessions between July 7 and August 29
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students, ages 14 to 17 (Fukuoka) or ages 14 – 19 (Kyoto)
Genji Japanese Arts and Culture School’s summer courses combine Japanese language instruction with cultural experiences. You can choose the Fukuoka Summer Camp, which offers an easier introduction to the Japanese language and opportunities to engage in activities like visits to high schools in the country, festival outings, and trips to Hiroshima, Osaka, and Universal Studios Japan. You can opt for the Kyoto summer course to explore an intensive language curriculum and engage in activities such as manga drawing workshops, Kendo, Taiko drumming, and cultural excursions. You will stay with Japanese host families (homestay includes breakfast and dinner) or in designated dormitories in Fukuoka, with curfew requirements. You will also get to try out activities like Zazen meditation, traditional Japanese cooking, and Japanese paper making (Washi) during the course.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost: $3,235 – $6,795, depending on duration and program type; the fee includes tuition, housing, excursions, and insurance, and excludes airfare.
Dates: July 4 – August 22 (3-, 4-, and 7-week sessions available)
Application deadline: Various deadlines between April 1 and May 1
Eligibility: Students, ages 14 – 18, for the Youth Immersion program | Students who are at least 16 years old for the Culture Discovery program
The LanguBridge Japan Summer Programs provide students with a structured introduction to the Japanese language and culture. You can choose between the Youth Immersion Stream, which combines intensive language learning with full homestay and strong supervision, and the Culture Discovery Stream, which offers a balance of classes, cultural trips, and independent exploration. Classes accommodate all proficiency levels, with instruction led by local teachers and complemented by excursions to sites around Tokyo. As a participant, you will experience everyday life through homestays, while activities such as calligraphy, cooking lessons, and city trips deepen your cultural understanding. The programs are designed to offer both linguistic growth and meaningful engagement with Japan’s urban and social culture.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Various host communities across Japan
Cost: Varies; multiple full and partial scholarships available (e.g., Kikkoman, JAFS, Alan Hershey Legacy)
Dates: Six weeks, typically within June–August
Application deadline: Varies by scholarship (generally December–February)
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15 – 18, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The YFU Japan Summer Program, a community-based short-term opportunity, offers U.S. students a six-week cultural exchange centered around language immersion and local integration. You will live with a Japanese host family, attend local high schools, and take part in traditional activities like tea ceremonies, martial arts, and regional summer festivals. YFU’s selective scholarships, such as the Kikkoman National Scholarship and Japan-American Friendship Scholars Program, support students with strong academic and intercultural motivation. The experience is designed to offer an introduction to Japanese society and opportunities to explore adaptability, global citizenship, and cross-cultural communication.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohorts across four regional sites
Location: Tokyo, Shinshu (Nagano), and Onagawa (Miyagi), Japan
Cost: Varies by location; limited scholarships and need-based aid available
Dates: One week (July – August)
Application deadline: Typically, March – April
Eligibility: High school students in Japan and abroad, ages 15 – 18
The HLAB Summer School is a one-week residential liberal arts program that connects high school students with mentors from top universities worldwide. The curriculum features seminars, forums, and workshops designed to encourage curiosity across disciplines, from social sciences and arts to global issues and innovation. You will live in small “houses” with mentors and peers, reflecting daily on their experiences and learning through discussions. Each site offers a distinct experience: Tokyo emphasizes urban innovation, Shinshu offers a community-based rural perspective, and Onagawa focuses on cultural resilience and local revitalization. This can be an opportunity to experience academic exploration, intercultural exchange, and personal growth.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~15 participants per cohort
Location: Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, Japan
Cost: $850 (self-funded); full scholarship available, including $950 fee waiver and flight support
Dates: July 13 – 18
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students and young learners
Hosted by AYFN Academy, this six-day program offers you the chance to explore Japanese culture through language classes, city explorations, and cultural workshops. You will travel across Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, visiting heritage landmarks like Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizudera Temple, and Osaka Castle while engaging in guided discussions about Japanese society and traditions. You will gain exposure to the Japanese language’s basics, food, and lifestyle, all while staying in safe shared accommodations with peers. The program is designed to help you build global connections and engage in experiential learning.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small classes for personalized learning; exact details unavailable
Location: Temple University’s Japan Campus, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Cost: Varies by term
Dates: May–July (Summer Term)
Application deadline: Rolling until seats are filled
Eligibility: Current high school students of all English proficiency levels
Hosted by Temple University, Japan Campus, the AEP High School program helps students boost their academic English and cross-cultural communication skills in preparation for university studies. The summer session (May–July) focuses on fluency and accuracy, allowing you to engage in discussions, presentations, and collaborative learning with international peers. Classes are held entirely in English by qualified instructors, and the course includes a mix of academic writing, reading comprehension, and oral communication practice. You will experience a university-style classroom in Tokyo, gaining exposure to college-level academics.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Various options in Japan—Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, or Nagoya, Japan
Cost: $9,550; need-based scholarships available
Dates: June 24 – July 26
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current U.S. high school students, ages 15–18, with a minimum 2.5 GPA; prior Japanese language experience (JLPT N5/A1) is preferred but not required.
Run by AFS-USA, this one-month summer immersion combines 80 hours of formal Japanese language instruction with a full host family residential experience in one of Japan’s major cities. You will attend small-group classes (of 5–12 participants) tailored to your proficiency level, focusing on building fluency and practical communication skills. Afternoons are devoted to cultural activities such as ikebana (flower arrangement), shodo (calligraphy), and guided excursions to historical sites across Tokyo, Kyoto, and other regions. Living with a Japanese host family will help you practice daily conversation and experience authentic Japanese life, from home-cooked meals to local customs like removing shoes indoors. AFS will help you with airfare, housing, insurance, in-country support, and emergency assistance.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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