Japanese Language & Culture
The Take-Aways
Language Proficiency
15-20 hours per week of Japanese language learning designed to improve real world language skills
Global Perspective
Build a strong foundation in the core components of intercultural learning. Come home with an improved sense of self and awareness of what shapes others
Certificate
Earn a Certificate of Learning in Japanese
96%
of alumni said their language skills improved
94%
said they learned to interact with different cultural backgrounds
89%
said their level of independence increased
The Destination
Japan’s most historic city remains the hub of traditional old-world culture—and a perfect place to study traditional art, architecture, and history
Did you know Kyoto is home to more than 1,600 temples and 400 shrines?
While Tokyo is the official capital of Japan, Kyoto is often called the country’s “cultural capital.” With a wealth of well-preserved historical and religious landmarks (including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites), Kyoto is like a living, open-air museum—and a perfect place for studying Japanese language and culture.
Here you’ll see sacred shrines rather than skyscrapers and glowing paper lanterns alongside neon lights. The narrow stone streets in the center are lined with old wooden houses, traditional teahouses, and quiet gardens. All around, you’ll also find modern shops selling snacks (for your fix of Pocky and Matcha Kit Kat!), noodle or curry houses catering to hungry students, and a wealth of boutiques selling the latest fashion.
Adventurous eaters will love Nishiki Market, which has over 100 food stalls and shops of its own. You can fill up on skewers, gyoza dumplings, noodles, and more noodles, and pickled everything! Mountains of rice-cake mochi and other wagashi confections come in all shapes and colors. Go for a grilled baby octopus on a stick if you dare!
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Kyoto.
Program Blogs
Discoveries within the Daily Life of Kyoto
If you’re here, you’re looking right at the immersive program at CIEE. Maybe you have questions: What will life be like? What to expect, what to be aware of, and... keep reading
Sample Excursions
Practice the ancient arts of Japanese calligraphy and tea ceremony.
Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where former emperors lived in high style.
Climb to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, ascending Inari Mountain while passing through thousands of bright-orange torii gates.
Check out the Kyoto International Manga Museum and its collection of 300,000 comic books! See manga-related exhibits and read any manga (comic book) you like.
Eat your fill at world-famous Nishiki Market, or sample traditional tofu, yuba, and saikyo-yaki—Kyoto-style grilled fish.
Sample Day Trips
- Head to the historical city of Nara to see eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple and the Kasuga Grand Shrine.
- Visit Osaka, a thriving port city known for trendy shops, flashy signs, excellent eateries, and youthful energy!
- Take in gorgeous views on a daytrip to Kobe, a historic harbor city nestled between mountains and the sea. Look for the iconic port tower and its signature dish, Kobe beef
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to immerse you in the local culture, language, and sights.
Eligibility
- Program open to recent high school graduates (no more that 1 year post-graduation) who:
- Are at least 18 years old at the time of their departure
- Are in good academic standing
- Demonstrate—through the application and interview process—flexibility and maturity.
- No previous language experience is required but self-study is strongly encouraged.
- Please note Gap participants may volunteer at local organizations with prior authorization from CIEE. Gap participants however, are not authorized to take any job or seek employment during their stay.
For more information, refer to our detailed GAP eligibility criteria.
Dates & Fees
Fees
$50
Priority deadline discount: Apply to a fall semester or academic year by April 1 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by August 1 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
Program fee includes iNext travel insurance.
Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Academic Year 2025 29 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2026 11 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2025 11 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $18,500 |
| Program Academic Year 2024 29 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $33,250 |
| Program Fall 2025 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall 2024 12 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $18,500 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.