In high school, summer is one of the rare chances to break from routine, and Japan offers the perfect backdrop. With many summer programs in Japan for high school students, your break becomes a chance to experience bustling streets in Tokyo, peaceful shrine paths, and the vibrant energy of summer festivals. You step into a setting where ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation sit side by side, inspiring new interests and perspectives. It’s an opportunity to grow, discover what excites you, and strengthen your future university applications.

Imagine 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 touring ancient shrines or learning to master the art of origami. Summer programs in Japan offer more than travel, giving students an immersive blend of academic learning and cultural discovery.

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

What kinds of summer programs in Japan for high school students are there?

Finding good, useful summer programs 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 Japanese universities and institutes offer programs focusing on language, STEM, global studies, arts, etc. 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, and connect with like-minded peers. 

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 15 Summer Programs in Japan for high school students. We picked these for their academic value, cultural immersion, and international reputation. 

15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Japan 

1. SAKURA SCIENCE High School Program (SSHP)

Location: Various research institutions and universities in Japan
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 1-week courses (dates vary)
Application Deadline: 3 deadlines: April 21st, July 4th, and October 6th
Eligibility: Overseas high school students from over 14 countries who haven’t yet had a long-term stay in Japan

SAKURA SCIENCE invites high school students to Japan for scientific lectures, research visits, and meaningful cultural exchange with peers. You’ll experience special classes (some led by Nobel laureates), explore campuses and laboratories, and attend social activities that immerse you in Japanese culture and innovation.

Because it’s fully funded for selected students, the program provides access to top facilities and networks at no cost. The short-intensive format works well for a summer term and offers a unique mix of academic growth and international friendship. If you’re ready to push your STEM interests and explore Japan’s research environment, this program gives you a high-impact opportunity.

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

2. The Immerse Tokyo Experience

Location: Tokyo
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Class size of an average of 7 students
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Domestic and international students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

At Immerse’s Tokyo Career Insights Experience, your learning starts in the classroom and continues inside the industries shaping Japan’s future. You’ll study subjects such as medicine, law, engineering, psychology, business, mathematics, film, or environment and sustainability in small groups led by expert tutors – and then see how these subjects operate in the real world.

Depending on your programme, you might visit the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Nissan’s Yokohama Plant, or the Ghibli Museum, giving you first-hand access to the environments where ideas become products, policies, and creative work. Cultural workshops, including tea ceremony, martial arts, and calligraphy, deepen your understanding of the place you’re living and learning in. After two weeks, you’ll finish with a certificate and personalised tutor evaluation you can use in future applications. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: It’s an industry programme from day one – combining expert teaching, behind-the-scenes access in one of the world’s most innovative cities, and a global cohort supported by trained mentors.

3. TUJ High School Summer Program

Location: Temple University, Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Fee is 340,000 JPY (additional registration fee applies)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: July 29th – August 6th
Application Deadline: 1st April 2026
Eligibility: Domestic and international high school students

High school students seeking language and cultural growth in Japan may find TUJ’s summer program a deeply immersive option. 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 lets students explore Tokyo’s modern culture while experiencing traditional Japanese practices in an impactful way. 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.

4. Osaka Japanese Language Education Center – Summer Course

Location: Osaka Japanese Language Education Center, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City
Cost/Stipend: 65,000 JPY
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 12 students in each class level
Dates: Weeks in July and August
Application Deadline: Early July (based on previous years)
Eligibility: Domestic and international students aged 15+

JASSO’s Osaka Summer Course delivers an intensive 3-week, weekday-only schedule that fits your summer break without affecting school. You’ll attend four classes per day, two sessions before lunch and two after, tailored to your level (beginner, intermediate, upper intermediate), all taught by experienced instructors in small-group settings of up to 12 students.

In addition to conversational Japanese lessons, you’ll be immersed in Japanese culture. You will reside in supervised living arrangements and have opportunities to practice language in real-world contexts across Osaka. Because the program is short and focused, it’s ideal for building language confidence and cross-cultural experience during your summer break. For more details, you may inquire here.

Why it stands out: It’s government-affiliated and JASSO-backed, so you’ll be attending a program that has high credibility, academic rigor, and quality assurance.

5. The Immerse Tokyo Summer School

Location: Central Tokyo, near the University of Tokyo
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Average of 7 students
Dates: 5 Jul – 18 Jul, and 19 Jul – 1 Aug
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Domestic and international students aged 15-18

Immerse’s Tokyo Summer School is a two-week Academic Insights programme where students aged 15–18 study subjects such as engineering, law, psychology, economics, mathematics, and medicine in small, university-style classes. Academic sessions blend theory with practical work: mathematics students explore logic, proof, algebra, and calculus, while engineering students examine design cycles, mechanics, electronics, and emerging technologies

Students live on a modern campus about 15 minutes from the University of Tokyo, with staff support and communal spaces. From there, students travel into Tokyo for classes, workshops, and visits that connect learning to the city’s tech landscape.

Evenings include sushi-making, tea ceremony, karaoke, and trips to areas such as Shibuya and Akihabara. The programme ends with a graduation ceremony and dinner, marking a summer that builds confidence, academic skills, and friendships.

Why it stands out: It combines university-style teaching with real academic enrichment in Tokyo, offering rigorous subject learning, cultural immersion, and a residential experience close to one of Japan’s top universities.

6. Greenheart Travel ­– Japanese Language Camp

Location: Fukuoka or Kyoto, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Starts from $4,070 for a 2-week session in Kyoto ($300 application fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: July and August (exact dates vary according to program and location)
Application Deadline: March 1st
Eligibility: Open to students aged 14–17 (18–19 considered case-by-case); all nationalities eligible

Greenheart Travel’s Japanese Language Camp offers immersion through host-family living and small-group language classes taught by native instructors. You’ll spend mornings or afternoons in interactive Japanese lessons tailored to your level. In your free time, cultural excursions take you to traditional temples in Kyoto or major landmarks around Fukuoka.

The program combines academic growth, personal independence, and real-world immersion, helping you build confidence and global awareness beyond the classroom. With start dates throughout July and August, you can choose a session that fits around your summer break. You may want to check out the tentative dates if you wish to apply.

Why it stands out: It is one of the few travel camps that is globally known and offers college credit for participating students.

7. AOBA Japan International School – Tokyo Summer School

Location: AOBA’s Hikarigaoka campus in Nerima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the type of program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Various dates spanning mid-June to mid-July
Application Deadline: Early registration from March
Eligibility: Students from kindergarten through high school; open to both domestic and international students.

If you want to broaden your skills in Tokyo this summer, AOBA’s Summer School offers a flexible 5-day program. Students join small English-instruction sessions on inquiry-based topics, with an advanced AI project track taught by top alumni.

Outside the classroom, you’ll engage in music, sports, 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: It’s one of the few programs that combines language instruction with tech-focused topics like AI and gives you the opportunity to interact with top alumni.

8. LanguBridge Education Centre — Japan Summer Programs

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Starts at $3,235
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Multiple sessions in July and August
Application Deadline: April 1st or May 1st (depending on the program)
Eligibility: Local and international students aged 14-18 years old

LanguBridge’s Japan Summer Programs place students in Tokyo with a host family or dorm and offer cultural immersion. In the mornings, students take Japanese classes suited to their level and join calligraphy, tea ceremony, or city trips later.

On weekends, students stay with their host family or join group excursions to experience Japanese life and deepen their perspective. With durations between 3–7 weeks, students have time to improve language skills, make international friends, and explore Tokyo independently. If that sounds interesting, you may apply here.

Why it stands out: It focuses on deep cultural immersion and language learning, so you’ll have the experience to truly immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

9. Ayusa – Japan High School Study Abroad Program

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: $4,300 approx.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 3 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: April 1st
Eligibility: American high school students aged 15-18 years old

Ayusa’s study-abroad program provides an immersive stay with a Japanese host family or in a school dorm, allowing students to attend a local high school, interact with Japanese peers, and experience daily life firsthand. Mornings are spent learning from certified Japanese instructors, while afternoons and weekends focus on activities that build cultural understanding.

The programme blends classic and contemporary culture through engaging excursions and hands-on experiences. Students explore Asakusa and Akihabara, visit DisneySea or Fuji-Q Highland, and practice traditional arts like calligraphy and Japanese cooking. Volunteer projects, including teaching English to elementary school children, add a meaningful dimension to the cultural exchange. A two-night homestay with a local family also offers a deeper glimpse into everyday Japanese life.

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

10. Genki Japanese & Culture School – Summer Course (Japan)

Location: Kyoto or Fukuoka, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Varies, check out pricing info here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Average of 8 students
Dates: Fukuoka Summer Camp runs 3 weeks only, starting 6 July 2026 (July only). Kyoto Summer Course start dates are 6 & 20 July and 3 & 17 August, with 2- or 4-week options in July and/or August.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: International students aged 14–19 (Kyoto) or 14–17 (Fukuoka)

Genki Japanese & Culture School offers a tailored programme where you’ll attend language lessons. You’ll live with a host family or in supervised dormitories in Kyoto or Fukuoka.

In addition to structured Japanese language classes, you’ll take part in cultural activities like taiko drumming, manga drawing, tea ceremonies, and weekend trips, all designed for teenagers. Small class sizes ensure students receive individual attention and have opportunities to interact with peers from around the world. Here’s the application form.

Why it stands out: It’s recognised for its high instructional standards and personalised learning, so you’ll be learning Japanese at a renowned institute.

11. NUCB International College – Summer School at Nisshin Campus

Location: Nagoya University of Commerce & Business (NUCB), Nisshin-shi, Aichi Prefecture
Cost/Stipend: 140,000 JPY
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 max
Dates: Around July to August
Application Deadline: Not explicitly listed
Eligibility: Students from all nationalities enrolled in Grades 10-13

NUCB International College’s Summer School at its Nisshin campus offers a distinctive blend of academic challenge and cultural immersion. You’ll participate in Harvard-style case workshops, Japanese language classes, team problem-solving tasks, and stay in boarding-style accommodation on campus. With only 25 spots available, the cohort remains small, ensuring personalised attention and meaningful interaction with peers from around the world.

The inclusive, English-medium environment allows you to build leadership, communication, and critical-thinking skills, all while exploring Japanese culture through excursions and on-campus living. Click here to apply.

Why it stands out: It’s hosted at a global, reputable business university, so you’ll have access to experienced faculty and a university-style experience.

12. EF Japanese Summer Program

Location: EF’s Tokyo campus in Shibuya
Cost/Stipend: Tuition varies by session length and age
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Summer sessions typically run 2-4 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Domestic and international students aged 13-18 years old

EF’s Japanese Summer Program in Tokyo offers you a vibrant mix of language study, cultural experiences, and global peer interaction. You’ll attend daily Japanese classes tailored to your level and engage in hosted excursions. Through visits to the Tokyo neighborhoods, Mt Fuji vistas, and historic temples, you could practice your skills in real-world contexts. Alongside lessons, you’ll stay in secure accommodation and collaborate with students from 100+ countries, significantly broadening your worldview.

The program is built to help you not just learn Japanese, but also become culturally fluent and confident in international settings, placing it among the leading summer programs in Japan for high school students. Click here to order a free brochure. 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.

13. Youth for Understanding

Location: Host families across Japan
Cost/Stipend: $9,995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Late June – early August
Application Deadline: January 29th
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18 from the US

As a part of this program, you stay with a Japanese host family and attend high school in the country. Before the program starts, you’ll participate in an orientation covering cultural elements of Japan to prepare you.

You’ll attend tea ceremonies, visit local summer facilities, and practice martial arts. You will have the opportunity to attend the local high school and learn alongside the students there. This can be a useful opportunity for young high school students wanting to deepen cultural understanding and strengthen personal growth.

Why it stands out: It’s an established, globally recognized exchange program, so you can demonstrate cultural immersion and rigor on your college applications.

14. Natsu Project

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Fee is 348,000 JPY
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Dates: August 1st – August 7th
Application Deadline: January 11th (priority deadline)
Eligibility: High school students from around the world aged 15-19

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 lets students explore advanced topics while immersed in Japanese culture. 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.

15. GTE Summer School – Global Technology & Entrepreneurship Program

Location: Chōsei-gun, Chiba Prefecture (near Tokyo), Japan
Cost/Stipend: Fee is 99,000 JPY
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50
Dates:  July 29th – August 1st (last year’s dates)
Application Deadline: End of June (based on last year)
Eligibility: Open to junior high and high school students from Japan and abroad.

If you’re looking for a summer program in Japan that builds teamwork and global perspective, GTE can be your option. The GTE Summer School offers a dynamic blend of startup thinking, business planning, and cultural immersion over four intense days. You’ll form teams with peers you’ve just met, guided by mentors from universities and industry, and develop a business plan to present at Tokyo’s Global Business Hub on the final day.

Beyond the pitch, the program mixes cultural activities, such as Yosakoi dance workshops, beach BBQs, and networking with global students, with lectures on finance, ideation, and customer insight. The small cohort size and residential structure mean you’ll build leadership, communication, and project-management skills in a live environment. If you wish to contact GTE, go here.

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

Let Japan Be Your Classroom

From humid summer evenings in Tokyo to the calm of shrine-lined paths and coastal breezes, it’s no surprise students from all over the world love to study in Japan.

The Summer Programs in Japan for High School Students listed here turn that dream into something real, offering experiences that blend academic challenge with cultural immersion.

Each programme lets you explore new subjects while experiencing Japan’s blend of modern energy and deep tradition.

To learn more about studying in Japan, explore our Study Abroad Experience blogs for insights, guidance, and inspiration.