If you’re a high school student interested in medicine and global healthcare, you may already be curious about how different countries approach patient care, research, and medical education. Medicine summer programs in Japan for high school students offer a unique opportunity to explore these questions beyond textbooks, introducing you to a country known for advanced medical technology, ethical practice, precision, and patient-centred care.

Imagine spending your summer in cities like Tokyo, attending medical workshops, exploring anatomy and physiology, and working through real-world case studies. Picture learning from experts, participating in simulations, and gaining insight into how healthcare operates in Japan. These programmes combine academic learning with cultural immersion, giving you a well-rounded introduction to the field.

How do you choose the right medicine summer programs in Japan for high school students?

University-style summer schools in Tokyo allow students to study medicine alongside other subjects, combining classroom learning with site visits and cultural activities. These programs help you understand how medicine connects to real-world industries and global challenges. 

These experiences often include lectures, simulations, group discussions, and collaborative projects. You might analyze medical cases, explore disease mechanisms, or present research, developing both scientific understanding and critical thinking skills.

You’ll learn from experienced educators and professionals, collaborate with peers from around the world, and gain insight into how healthcare systems differ across countries. Along the way, you’ll build confidence, expand your global perspective, and develop a clearer understanding of what pursuing medicine at the university level might involve.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 Medicine Summer Programs in Japan for High School Students.

For more opportunities in medicine, check out the medicine summer program and the online medicine program. For more subject options in Japan, have a look at summer programs in Japan.

15 Medicine Summer Programs in Japan for High School Students

1. SAKURA SCIENCE High School Program (SSHP)

Location: Multiple research institutions and universities in Japan
Cost: Free
Dates: 1-week courses (specific dates may vary)
Application Deadline: April 21st, July 4th, October 6th
Eligibility: High school students from around 14 countries

SAKURA SCIENCE High School Program (SSHP) offers a one-week learning opportunity to international high school students. The program aims to contribute to the development of global science and technology by guiding and supporting students. You’ll attend special STEM-focused classes, learn from experienced scientists and Nobel laureates, while also enjoying social activities with Japanese high school students.

You’ll go on visits to laboratories, research institutes, and universities, and explore engaging topics across a range of science disciplines, including biology. The program will also give you the chance to form meaningful friendships while enjoying a culturally rich experience in Japan.

Why it stands out: You’ll get rare access to Japan’s top research institutes and work with an international cohort.

2. Immerse Education’s Tokyo Medicine Summer School

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts
Eligibility: Students ages 15-18 worldwide 

Immerse Education’s Medicine Summer Programme allows international high school students to study medicine in Japan. You’ll engage in a two-week learning experience, attend classes in small cohorts, and work on an individual research project. You’ll explore a range of topics, including diagnostics, anatomy, public health, and clinical ethics.

You’ll explore medicine in a real-world perspective through simulation-based learning experiences. You’ll attend lectures, engage in discussions on case studies, and participate in interactive workshops. The program will give you the chance to learn from tutors with experience working in hospitals and research laboratories. 

Why it stands out: You’ll study topics like anatomy, diagnostics, and public health while learning through medical simulations and case-study discussions.

3. TUJ High School Summer Program 

Location: Temple University, Tokyo, Japan
Cost: 340,000 JPY
Dates: July 29th – August 6th
Application Deadline: April 1st
Eligibility: High school students worldwide

TUJ High School Summer Program offers an eight-night summer learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll learn through a combination of Japanese language and elective classes. The program electives are inspired by undergraduate-level courses at Temple University Japan and may include disciplines such as psychology, art, anthropology, and more.

You’ll participate in a range of activities, including overnight cultural excursions, social events with TUJ high school students, and a one-day excursion to Tokyo DisneySea. The excursions are a great opportunity to have engaging discussions on different topics, including Global health.

Why it stands out: You’ll take Japanese language and university-style electives like psychology or anthropology while exploring Tokyo through cultural excursions.

4. Summer in JAPAN (SIJ)

Location: Japan
Cost/Stipend: ¥330,000
Dates: July 26th – August 10th
Application Deadline: February 28th
Eligibility: Students ages 7-18 worldwide

Summer in JAPAN (SIJ) is a non-profit program for high school students. The program is a collaborative offering between the students and alumni at Harvard University and students from three international universities, including Oita University Medical School, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, and Akita International University.

You’ll pursue courses in a range of subjects, including science, healthcare, humanities, and more, based on your interests, and learn from experienced instructors. You’ll participate in workshops on your chosen topics and develop a range of skills in critical thinking, intercultural competence, and communication. The program also offers travel and cultural experiences across Japan, along with academic learning. 

5. Ayusa Japan High School Study Abroad

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program length
Dates: Varies by program options
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Students ages 15-18 worldwide

Ayusa Japan High School Study Abroad offers an immersive learning experience to high school students in Japan. You’ll explore the traditions and history of the country, experience life as a student in Japan, and have the opportunity to improve your skills in the Japanese language.

You’ll live with a Japanese host family and attend a local high school in Japan while exploring different disciplines, including science and health-related concepts. The program offers you a chance to interact with peers in a different country and form meaningful friendships while developing self-confidence. 

Why it stands out: You’ll live with a Japanese host family, attend a local high school, and improve your Japanese while experiencing everyday student life in Japan.

6. NUCB International College – Summer School at Nisshin Campus

Location: Nagoya University of Commerce & Business (NUCB), Nisshin-shi, Aichi Prefecture
Cost: 140,000 JPY
Dates: July to August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-13 worldwide

NUCB International College – Summer School at Nisshin Campus offers an immersive opportunity for high school students, combining academic and cultural learning. You’ll attend Japanese language classes, engage in team-based tasks, develop problem-solving skills, and participate in Harvard-style interactive workshops.

The program offers small cohorts, allowing you to receive individual guidance and support. You’ll go on field excursions while exploring the culture of Japan and develop a range of skills in critical thinking, communication, and leadership. While the program does not include a specific medicine or health-related component, it allows you to develop valuable skills applied in healthcare careers.

Why it stands out: You’ll study Japanese, join Harvard-style interactive workshops, and build teamwork and problem-solving skills while exploring Japanese culture.

7. RIKEN BDR Hands-On Life Science Workshop

Location: RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe Campus, Kobe, Japan
Cost: Free (Participants pay for their own transportation)
Dates: 1 day during the summer (usually in August)
Application Deadline: Details not available on the official website
Eligibility: High school students residing in Japan; international students living outside the country are ineligible because the administration requires physical attendance and conducts all activities strictly in Japanese.

The RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research invites teenagers to spend a full day exploring professional life science concepts inside official government laboratories. You extract and analyze your own DNA to decide specific genetic traits, such as your body’s ability to break down alcohol.

You operate complex laboratory equipment like polymerase chain reaction machines and microscopes under the direct supervision of professional biologists. Everyone concludes the workshop by chatting directly with the scientists to evaluate future college majors and potential careers in biology. No details are available on the official website for the application form.

Why it stands out: Local teenagers spend a full day conducting real genetic tests on their own DNA inside an official government biology laboratory.

8. HLAB Summer School

Location: Tokyo, Shinshu (Nagano), and Onagawa (Miyagi), Japan
Cost/Stipend: Varies by location; Limited need-based scholarships available
Dates: One week from July to August
Application Deadline: March or April (Tentative)
Eligibility: High school students worldwide ages 15-18

HLAB Summer School offers a one-week global summer learning experience to high school students. The program will connect with mentors from reputed universities. You’ll attend seminars, participate in workshops, and explore global issues such as healthcare, pandemics, and climate change, along with a range of disciplines, including social sciences, liberal arts, innovation, and more.

You’ll learn through engaging discussions while living with mentors and peers. Each program site is focused on a specific learning experience. You’ll attend Q and A sessions and listen to speakers and professionals from varying industries and backgrounds. The program also offered reflection and free interaction components to gain self-awareness.

Why it stands out: You’ll attend seminars and discussions with mentors from top universities while exploring global issues like healthcare, climate change, and innovation.

9. Seisen International Summer School

Location: Seisen International School Yoga Campus, Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Varies. More information here
Dates: June 15th – July 3rd
Application Deadline: May 6th
Eligibility: Students in grades 2-12; Open to international students 

Seisen International Summer School offers a 3-week learning opportunity to high school students. The program covers courses in a range of disciplines, including science, technology, language arts, mathematics, experiential learning, and sports. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills important for independent learning, join any 3 courses based on your interest, and learn from expert instructors.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment, interact with peers sharing similar interests and form meaningful connections. The courses are offered to students at all school levels and ages and provide a great learning opportunity.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore courses in science, math,  language arts, while gaining knowledge as an independent learner with guidance from experienced instructors.

10. Tokyo Academics Student Research Program

Location: Tokyo, Japan or Remote
Cost: Varies by project length
Dates: Flexible 10-week to 16-month projects
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Middle and High school students worldwide

The Tokyo Academics Student Research Program is an immersive learning experience for high school students. You’ll have the opportunity to work on an independent project based on your area of interest and receive expert mentorship. You’ll explore an interesting topic in a range of disciplines, including science, medicine, technology, humanities, or social sciences.

You’ll engage in data collection, data analysis, and write a structured academic paper through guidance from your mentor. The program will allow you to develop scientific thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and have the chance to publish your work in a reputed academic journal while also presenting it at an international conference. 

Why it stands out: You’ll work on an independent research project, analyze data, and write a full academic paper with mentorships, and get the chance to publish and present your work.

11. GTE Summer School (Global Tech & Entrepreneurship)

Location: Chōsei-gun, Chiba Prefecture (near Tokyo), Japan
Cost: 99,000 JPY
Dates: July 29th – August 1st (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: June end (tentative)
Eligibility: Junior high and high school students worldwide are eligible 

GTE Summer School (Global Tech & Entrepreneurship) will allow you to engage in startup-based learning with global peers. You’ll participate in cultural immersion, gain knowledge about business planning, and develop startup thinking. The program focuses on technology and entrepreneurship skills that could be applied to a range of fields, including health care innovation.

The program includes lectures and discussions on both Japanese and English.  You’ll receive guidance from mentors and professionals belonging to diverse fields and industries. Through global interactions, you’ll have the opportunity to explore careers in different fields of your interest, including medicine, liberal arts, science, and more. 

Why it stands out: Its ties to industry professionals and entrepreneurs allow you to learn from experience and establish valuable connections.

12. Natsugaku Summer School for Girls

Location: National Women’s Education Center (NWEC), Saitama Prefecture, Japan
Cost: ¥10,000 JPY (May change over the years)
Dates: Mid-August (Subject to change)
Application Deadline: Mid-June
Eligibility: Female junior and senior year high school students worldwide

Natsugaku Summer School for Girls allows high school students in Japan to engage in a 3-day learning experience. You’ll explore career pathways in science and technology and interact with women in the same fields and industries.

You’ll attend lectures on career development, participate in science quizzes, and engage in science-focused laboratory work. The program also includes a poster presentation along with the opportunity to receive counseling for your career and overall well-being. 

Why it stands out: You’ll explore careers in science and technology, work in labs, and present your ideas while learning from women in these fields.

13. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: A non-refundable application fee of $45 and a program participation fee of $2,400 (financial aid available)
Dates: Session A: June 15-26; Session B: July 6-17
Application Deadline: December 15th – February 20th
Eligibility: Rising 9th through 12th graders who live and attend a high school in the US and are at least 14 years old.

The focus of this Stanford program is on how artificial intelligence can positively impact the healthcare industry. The program starts with lectures that introduce you to the clinical and technical aspects of AI in medicine.

Following this, you will have the opportunity to participate in informative activities and contribute to group research projects with Stanford students and researchers who will be there to guide you. You even earn a certificate of completion by participating in the two-week program. 

Why it stands out: You get to interact and learn directly from experts who represent academia, government, nonprofits, and more.

From Medical Workshops to Worldwide Opportunities

A summer in Japan can show you how medicine sits at the intersection of science, technology, culture, and patient-centred care.

Across these 13 medicine summer programs in Japan for high school students, you’ll find Tokyo seminars, anatomy sessions, biology labs, and healthcare-focused projects.

By comparing clinical medicine, public health, life sciences, AI in healthcare, and research, you can start identifying the global study routes that fit your goals.

Considering medicine beyond your home country? Our Study Abroad blogs can help you compare destinations, subjects, applications, and global university options with confidence.