Summer High School Programs in Japan

This four-week program is designed to provide an intensive Japanese language learning experience through both formal study and first-hand cultural experience through living with a Japanese host family. Throughout the course of the program, you will receive 80 hours of Japanese language classes at a professional language school. You’ll also participate in many cultural activities such as ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) and shodo (calligraphy) as well as attend sightseeing trips to nearby historic locations. Food is an art in Japan, and your host family will most likely prepare some amazing meals. The Japanese diet consists largely of rice, noodles, fresh vegetables, fruit, meat (mostly pork and chicken), and seafood. You'll also have the chance to discover the culture of kawaii (a word used to describe everything cute and lovable), listen to J-Pop (Japanese Pop music), and explore the latest fashion trends! It won't take long before you feel right at home in Japan!

Take your Japanese to new heights in the ancient and modern city of Kyoto. Step back in time and hone your Japanese for four weeks in the ancient capital of Japan. After language classes, delve into conversations with locals at bustling shopping districts, serene teahouses, and teen-filled video-gaming arcades. Enjoy a perfect mix of all that Kyoto offers on visits to the Manga Museum, the Kiyomizu Temple, the banks of Kamogawa River, and some of the world’s most iconic shrines—Fushimi Inari, Heian, Kitano Tenmangu, and Yasaka. For a one-of-a-kind experience, live with a host family where you join in the daily routines of Japanese family life. On weekends, captivating excursions take you to Arashiyama to visit the Toei Movie Studio Park—a historical film set and theme park in one—and the sprawling, stunning bamboo forest as well as the historic city of Nara, famous for its more than 1,000 deer that roam freely in its park. This fully immersive program in Kyoto helps improve your language skills and opens your eyes to Japanese traditions and culture.

Volunteer in Kyoto, Japan, for an alternative teaching program that promotes cultural exchange and sustainable education. This unique opportunity allows you to teach English and other subjects to local students, while sharing your language and culture in a dynamic and creative setting. As a volunteer, you'll collaborate with local teachers to develop engaging lessons, focusing on fostering communication skills, critical thinking, and creativity. This immersive experience offers you a chance to live in the culturally rich city of Kyoto, contributing to the educational development of students while learning about Japan’s traditions and lifestyle. Ideal for those passionate about education, cultural exchange, and making a meaningful impact.

Our Tokyo summer programs offer students an immersion experience in Japan with intense language learning and cultural exploration. Our Japan programs combine premium quality with unmatched value — delivering the same depth of learning and cultural engagement as other programs, but at a much lower cost. From intensive classes conducted by experienced instructors and a broad spectrum of culture and trip activities to living with our warm-hearted host families (alternative housing such as dormitory can be arranged), we make sure that all students get a rich and smooth experience. The airport pick-up is included in all the programs for peace of mind upon your travel.

Explore ancient castles, Buddhist temples, and modern trends as you learn about Japanese culture during this unforgettable journey through Tokyo and Kanazawa. During the Tokyo Fusion program, you’ll spend time with local students and learn about their school day. You’ll dive into language lessons, draw manga art, and try the art of sword fighting. You’ll see the hot districts in Tokyo and also the hidden gems. Along the way, you’ll savor the food and the new friendships you’ll make on this one-of-a-kind adventure. We also offer a combination program that combines our popular programs, Japan: Tokyo Fusion and Seoul Searching: Modern Korea. For one week, you will explore the hidden alleys of Tokyo and a classic castle in Kanazawa. The next week, you will be off to Seoul, learning to dance like a K-pop star and diving into Korea’s delicious cuisine.

Experience Japan’s dynamic blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modern life on this immersive summer exploration program. Wander through neon-lit Osaka, visiting street markets and sampling regional cuisine before traveling to the historic temples of Nara. In rural Tajima, stay in traditional ryokan and learn local crafts, ceramics, and soba-making while connecting with community hosts. Continue to Kyoto to explore tranquil shrines, Zen gardens, and participate in a traditional tea ceremony. Conclude in Tokyo, riding the bullet train and diving into contemporary art, fashion, and technology.

Developed in collaboration with the New York Institute of Finance (NYIF), this immersive summer experience in Tokyo is an outstanding opportunity for ambitious high school students to pursue their passion and gain practical insights into the ways that emerging technologies are transforming global finance. Dynamic sessions led by NYIF experts will cover topics from digital assets to AI-driven investments, while collaborative innovation labs and a competitive Fintech Pitch Challenge helps students develop both the insight and confidence to become the next generation of financial innovators. Beyond the classroom, students will visit major financial institutions and other industry sites for a behind-the-scenes look at how they shape the global economy. Beyond the classroom, students will experience the dynamic culture of Tokyo while visiting iconic sights including the Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa Temple, and TeamLab’s digital art exhibit, experiencing the energy and creativity that define Japan’s capital.

Embark on the unique journey of spending a school year or semester abroad with ASSE! Living with a host family abroad and attending a public high school allows for a long-term immersive experience in the culture of the host country of your choice. There are so many reasons to decide to go on exchange: - Become fluent in another language - Get to experience the culture as an insider - not a tourist - Build a stronger resume for college applications - Develop leadership skills, self-confidence, independence, maturity - Discover another school system - Learn about building friendships, respecting differences, and tolerating the beliefs of others. By becoming a high school exchange student, you will better understand the complexities of the world around you and become a true world citizen. As one of the oldest and largest international student exchange organizations, ASSE can offer the most comprehensive Study Abroad Programs with the lowest possible fees for your school year or semester abroad. Take the leap today!

Explore unique art, culture, and food through workshops, cultural activities, and language lessons. The three-week summer abroad program, Japan: Arts, Food, & Culture, is for students drawn to the region and interested in topics such as Japanese cuisine, contemporary and traditional art forms, and an immersive experience in a new environment. Amidst the push toward cultural globalization in the internet age, Japan continues to uniquely blend long-held traditions with innovative trends in technology and art. Through immersive workshops, interactive cultural experiences, and language lessons, students delve into the fascinating history, refined elegance, and cutting-edge modernity that define Japanese culture. Visit our website or inquire today to learn more about this program.

Immerse yourself in Japanese language and culture with intensive classes, hands-on practice, and exciting cultural experiences. Begin in Tokyo, where you’ll develop your skills in hiragana, kanji, and conversational Japanese through 20+ hours of formal classes, peer practice, and daily immersion. Explore Tokyo’s vibrant districts, from anime and manga in Akihabara to fashion in Harajuku, and enjoy authentic cuisine like sushi and ramen. Deepen your understanding of Japanese daily life during a 3-day homestay with a local family, learning to cook traditional dishes, participating in school activities, and exploring shrines and museums. Depending on the group size, students may also have the opportunity to visit other cities, such as Osaka, for a broader perspective. Conclude your journey in Tokyo with a reflection on your growth and receive a language certificate documenting your hours of formal and experiential Japanese learning.