In high school, summers are a time when you can get a break from school and academics. However, summers can be so much more than that: you could learn things that school doesn’t teach and challenge yourself by participating in new experiences. Doing so can contribute to personal development, help you find new interests, and improve your college applications. One of the best ways to spend your summers to meet all these goals is through summer schools in Tokyo.

Envision studying Japanese in the heart of Tokyo, learning calligraphy, or working with global peers on robotics, international relations, or environmental science. You could combine your academic work with cultural immersions, be it visiting historic shrines, exploring modern tech districts, or learning to master the art of origami. Tokyo summer schools are more than just academic programs; you will be part of an immersive experience that blends rigorous learning with cultural discovery in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Even if you’re someone who lives in Tokyo, participating in a summer school could be useful. You will interact with global peers, view familiar traditions through their perspectives, and get a glimpse of university life in a structured academic setting.

What kinds of Tokyo summer schools for high school students are there?

Finding good, useful summer schools can be difficult. You don’t want to end up with a program that only involves sightseeing, or one that ignores cultural immersion entirely. That’s where the right guidance matters, because not all opportunities are the same.

Various universities and educational institutes in Tokyo offer programs focusing on language, STEM, global studies, arts, business, and more. You could deep-dive into an existing interest or explore a newfound passion. You will be taught by expert instructors, participate in hands-on activities, go on cultural excursions across the city, and connect with like-minded peers from around the world.

No matter what the program, you will be putting in your best effort. To ease the process and help you choose, we’ve crafted a list of 12 Tokyo Summer Schools for High School Students. We picked these for their academic value, cultural immersion, and international reputation.

For more options, you can also consider summer programs in Japan.

12 Tokyo Summer Schools for High School Students

1. Immerse Education’s Tokyo Summer School

Location: Central Tokyo, Japan (near the University of Tokyo)
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school, open to international students

The Academic Insights Program in Tokyo lets high school students experience university life firsthand. You will live on campus and study in small groups of 7-10, and learn from tutors from eminent top universities like Oxford and Cambridge. Participants can explore a wide range of subjects, spanning over 20 options, including Architecture, AI, Business Management, Computer Science, Economics, Medicine, Philosophy, and more.

The courses are experiential and focus on hands-on learning. You may find yourself conducting dissections in medicine, designing a robotic arm in engineering, participating in a moot court for law, or building creative writing portfolios and business case studies. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a personal project, receive written feedback, and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: it blends academic rigor, small-group mentorship, practical learning, and a genuine university-style experience — making it more than just a summer enrichment program.

2. TUJ High School Summer Program

Location: Temple University, Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Fee is 340,000 JPY (additional registration fee applies)
Dates: July 29th – August 6th
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: High school students, open to international students

If you’re a high-school student looking to spend your summer in Japan and deepen both language and cultural understanding, TUJ’s High School Summer Program could offer a truly immersive experience. You’ll take beginner to advanced Japanese language classes alongside an elective modeled on TUJ undergraduate courses. You’ll also join a full-day excursion to Tokyo DisneySea and an overnight trip to Nikko.

All the while, you’ll be living in a Tokyo-area college environment, receiving preparation and support from staff and student mentors. The structured 8-night format allows you to explore Tokyo’s modern urban culture alongside traditional Japanese practices in a manageable yet impactful fashion. If interested, you may apply here.

Why it stands out: It’s hosted at a U.S.-accredited university, so you can combine cultural immersion in Japan with the credibility of an American institution.

3. Global Leadership Programs –  Summer Experience

Location: St. Mary’s International School, Tokyo, Setagaya-ku
Cost/Stipend: 75,000 JPY for one week or 150,000 JPY for two weeks (based on last year)
Dates: July 28th – July 31, 2025 and August 4th – August 7th
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Advanced high school and college students, open to international students

This leadership-focused summer school is conducted at St. Mary’s International School in Tokyo. The curriculum centers on global issues, structured debates, and applied English workshops. You participate in daily discussions, leadership presentations, and collaborative group activities.

Sessions are typically held in the afternoons, allowing time for independent exploration. Instruction is delivered by international staff, and the program brings together students from varied academic backgrounds. The structure emphasizes communication, public speaking, and critical thinking in a global context.

Why it stands out: Students interested in international relations, social sciences, or liberal arts pathways.

4. AOBA Japan International School – Tokyo Summer School

Location: AOBA’s Hikarigaoka campus in Nerima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Cost: Varies by campuses
Dates: Multiple 5-day slots from June 5th to August 10th
Application Deadline: March 31st
Eligibility: Students from kindergarten through high school, open to internal and external students

If you’re looking to broaden your skills this summer in Tokyo, AOBA’s Summer School gives you a flexible 5-day (or longer) block of immersive learning and creative activities. You’ll join smaller English-instruction sessions covering inquiry-based and participatory topics, with the option of an advanced AI project-building track led by top university alumni.

Outside the classroom, you’ll engage in music, sports, pool time, and cultural projects, which are all designed to spark curiosity and collaboration. Overall, you’ll have the opportunity for holistic self-development during the program. Here’s how you apply.

Why it stands out: Students seeking short-format academic enrichment with technology and language components.

5. LanguBridge Education Centre —  Summer Programs

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Starts at $3,235
Dates: Multiple 3-week, 4-week, and 7-week sessions from July 11th to August 22nd
Application Deadline: April 1st or May 1st (depending on the program)
Eligibility: 14-18 years, open to international students

LanguBridge offers multi-week summer programs focused on Japanese language acquisition and cultural immersion. Students attend daily language classes tailored to their proficiency level and participate in structured cultural workshops. Accommodation options include homestays or dormitories.

Afternoon and weekend activities may include calligraphy, tea ceremony sessions, and guided city excursions. Program lengths range from three to seven weeks. The format allows for sustained language development alongside experiential learning. If that sounds interesting, you may apply here.

Why it stands out: Students aiming to build conversational fluency and cultural familiarity through extended immersion.

6. Ayusa –  High School Study Abroad Program

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: $4,300
Dates: June – July
Application Deadline: April 1st
Eligibility: 15-18 years, basic knowledge of Japanese language, open to international students

Ayusa’s summer study abroad program places students with host families or in school dormitories in Tokyo. You attend a local high school and receive instruction from certified language educators. The schedule includes cultural excursions, volunteer activities, and structured group outings.

You may visit areas such as Asakusa and Akihabara, and participate in activities like cooking workshops and calligraphy. The program incorporates civic engagement components, including community-based projects. The three-week structure provides exposure to everyday life in Tokyo.

Why it stands out: It focuses on civic engagement and cultural exchange, so you’ll be able to develop leadership and global citizenship skills.

7. EF  Summer Program

Location: EF’s Tokyo campus in Shibuya
Cost/Stipend: Tuition varies by session length and age
Dates: Summer sessions typically run 2-4 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: 13-18 years, open to international students

EF’s summer language program in Tokyo combines structured language study with organized excursions. You’ll attend daily classes tailored to your proficiency level and participate in guided activities across the city. Excursions may include visits to cultural sites and landmarks such as Mount Fuji. You stay in supervised accommodation and study alongside peers from multiple countries.

The program focuses on language proficiency, cultural awareness, and communication skills in an international cohort. If you’re driven to grow your language ability, deepen your cultural insight, and immerse yourself in one of the world’s most dynamic cities this summer, this Tokyo-based program can be your choice.

Why it stands out: You’ll be in the center of Tokyo and connect with peers from 100+ countries.

8. Seisen International School Summer School (Tokyo)

Location: Seisen International School, Yoga Campus, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: JPY 64,000 – JPY 172,000 for Middle & High School;
Dates: June 15th – July 3rd
Application Deadline: May 6th; Seisen students register from February 19, 2026, and external students from February 26th
Eligibility: Seisen students (K-12) and external students (Grades 2-12), open to international students

If you’re looking to broaden your skills this summer in Tokyo, Seisen International School’s Summer School offers a focused 3-week academic and enrichment experience for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. You’ll join structured English-instruction classes across language arts, mathematics, science, technology, arts, and sports, with Middle and High School students able to customize their schedule by selecting one to three courses.

Younger students can choose full-day, half-day, or sports camp options designed to balance learning with active engagement. Outside the classroom, experiential learning opportunities and collaborative activities help strengthen independence and confidence. Overall, you’ll benefit from a well-rounded international school environment that supports holistic summer learning.

Why it stands out: It’s one of the few full K–12 summer programs in Tokyo that offers structured academic coursework alongside enrichment and sports within an established international school setting, while allowing older students to tailor their course load for a more personalized learning experience.

9. Soka University Faculty-Led Academic Short Program – Tokyo

Location: Soka University, Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Approx. JPY 180,000 per person
Dates: Summer session in July (approximately 1 week)
Application Deadline: Around April (closes once capacity is reached)
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 10-12), open to international students

Soka University’s Academic Short Program places you in Tokyo for a structured, faculty-led academic and cultural experience designed exclusively for high school groups. Throughout the week, you’ll participate in English-based lectures and guided fieldwork exploring themes such as business, sociology, globalization, and urban development.

You’ll conduct on-site research in areas like Harajuku, Akihabara, Nakano, and Yokohama, connecting pop culture, trade history, and multicultural coexistence to real-world academic concepts. With accommodation and most logistics arranged, you’ll be able to focus fully on learning, teamwork, and building international friendships.

Why it stands out: It combines university-level academic fieldwork, structured team presentations with faculty feedback, and curated cultural excursions, including Tokyo DisneySea, within a fully English-conducted format tailored specifically for high school groups, making it both academically rigorous and culturally immersive.

10. Tokyo Summer School (High School Program)

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost / Stipend: from £7,995 per week
Program Dates: 5th July – 18th July; 19th July – 1st August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18; open to international students

The Tokyo Summer School (High School Program) offers students structured academic courses across multiple disciplines during the summer. You will study in small groups of 4–10 students and attend sessions with invited specialists. The program includes modules in Business Management, Engineering, and Environment & Sustainability.

Each module involves classroom instruction, group work, and individual projects to consolidate learning. You will also participate in cultural activities and excursions across Tokyo, providing context alongside academic study. The program integrates independent projects that contribute to your academic portfolio and provide practical experience within each subject area.

Why it stands out: It focuses on structured academic modules and cultural immersion, so you’ll engage in guided projects and explore Tokyo alongside your studies.

11. ISI Japanese Language School Summer Program 2025

Location: Tokyo / Osaka, Japan
Cost: Varies by course and accommodation (from 230,000 JPY – 613,800 JPY)
Program Dates: 2 weeks / 4 weeks; specific dates vary by course
Application Deadline: Unavailable
Eligibility: Students aged 15 and above, open to international students

The Summer Program lets high school students improve their Japanese language skills while participating in cultural activities across Tokyo and Osaka. Courses include daily Japanese lessons combined with excursions, team-based experiences, and optional projects such as the Manga Class. You may choose from single-city plans in Tokyo or Osaka, combined city plans, or a JLPT intensive training plan.

Accommodation options include homestay, weekly apartment, or program-only participation, with additional support for students under 16. By the end of the program, you will have completed structured language study, participated in cultural experiences, and practiced applying your skills in real-world contexts.

Why it stands out: it blends Japanese language instruction, cultural immersion, structured group learning, and hands-on activities, giving students both academic practice and authentic exposure to life in Japan.

12. Natsu Project

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Fee is 348,000 JPY
Dates: August 1st – August 7th
Application Deadline: January 11th (priority deadline)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-19, open to international students

If you’re a high-school student seeking a balanced summer experience in Japan, the Natsu Camp Tokyo offers a unique week of project-based learning in a global setting.You’ll live in communal accommodation in Tokyo, collaborate with international peers and mentors, and engage in team research projects spanning entrepreneurship, autonomous driving, literature, sustainability, and more.

You’ll dive into college-level topics across STEM, business, the liberal arts, and the creative fields, all while addressing real-world challenges through research-based, collaborative projects and field experiences in social innovation. With all sessions conducted in English, the program enables you to explore advanced topics while immersed in Japanese culture and urban life. Here’s the application form.

Why it stands out: Its mentors are from global universities and industry professionals, so you’ll have access to innovation-focused networks not readily accessible to teenagers.

Start Your Global Story In Tokyo

Picture your summer split into two parts: mornings for focused study, afternoons for Tokyo itself, and evenings for conversations that stay with you.

A tokyo summer school turns that rhythm into progress, whether you’re building a project, sharpening Japanese, or debating global issues with peers.

What you bring home is concrete. New skills, a clearer sense of direction, and moments you can describe without exaggeration.

If Tokyo has opened the door, don’t stop there. Explore our Study Abroad blogs for destinations, subject routes, and application tips to plan your next move.