1. Go Abroad
  2. High School Study Abroad Programs
  3. High School Summer Abroad
  4. High School Summer Abroad Programs
  5. Japanese Language & Culture
kyoto skyline buildings lit up
Kyoto, Japan

Japanese Language & Culture

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$7,950

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Immersion with a host family

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$7,950

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Immersion with a host family

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
See your Japanese skills improve immersed in the ancient 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 Kiyomizu Temple, the banks of Kamogawa River, and to 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 Japanese host family where you'll join in the daily routines of Japanese family life. On weekends, captivating excursions take you to Arashiyama, to visit the sprawling bamboo forest and Toei Movie Studio Park—a historical film set and theme park in one, and the cities of Nara, where more than 1,000 deer roam freely in its deer park, and Hiroshima, where you'll visit Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park and Itsukushima Shrine. This fully immersive program in Kyoto will help you improve your language skills and open your eyes to Japanese traditions and culture!

Why Choose This Program?

Live the Language

Experience authentic immersion in the Japanese language and culture.

Network

Meet new friends and gain a new family. Make lasting memories and connections.

Get Inspired

Jump up a level in Japanese. Shine on college applications.

Destination
  • yellow temple kyoto japan
  • kyoto box of different side dishes
  • Kyoto

The Destination

Welcome to Kyoto, home of sublime gardens, temples, old-world culture, and manga. 

Kyoto stands at the heart of traditional Japanese culture. As the former imperial capital for over a thousand years, its name literally translates to "capital city." Instead of towering skyscrapers and neon lights, Kyoto dazzles with 1,600 temples, 400 shrines, lantern-lit streets, and machiyas (traditional wooden houses). This living, open-air museum boasts the largest collection of world heritage sites globally. Kyoto is a destination every Japanese person aspires to visit at least once in their lifetime. 

Here you’ll find many fascinating things to indulge in. Karesansui (zen rock gardens) and serene bamboo forests provide a lovely contrast to modern shopping districts, video game arcades, and manga stores. Iconic city symbols like the Nijo Castle and the Fushimi Inari shrine await, and the vibrant food scene offers dishes you’ll love—Kyoto-style ramen, Kyoto-style sushi, and tsukemono pickles just to name a few. Amidst the harmonious blend of old and new, Kyoto invites you to embrace natural beauty and contemporary expression, leaving you with cherished memories that will last a lifetime. 

Cultural Awareness

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.

 
Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Objective

You will settle into your new life in the Ancient Capital and begin your Japanese language & culture journey with class time and exciting cultural activities throughout the week and homestay time in the evenings. All language levels will focus on identity in their Japanese classes. 

Highlights*

  • Japanese Taiko Drumming 
  • Guest Lecture about Hiroshima and overnight trip to Hiroshima, ""City of Peace""
  • Visit to Hiroshima Peace Park, talk from atomic bomb survivor, and cultural exchange with Hiroshima University students 
  • Visit to Miyajima & Itsukushima Shrine, UNESCO World Heritage Site

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will continue your Japanese journey by exploring Community (Elementary and Level 1) and Creativity (Level 2)! Have fun at several of Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kiyomizu Temple and make friends as you meet Japanese high school students and talk about your cultures! 

Highlights*

  • Sushi-making workshop
  • Visit Kiyomizu Temple, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site 
  • Japanese practice with peers at a Kyoto high school

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will be sharpening your language skills by focusing on the theme of Discovery and you will be learning more of Japanese culture with hands-on arts & crafts workshops and in the Ancient Capital of Nara (yes, older than Kyoto). You will also be exploring the wonderful world of Japanese Religion! 

Highlights*

  • Traditional tea ceremony and green tea experience
  • Chopstick-making workshop
  • Day trip to Japan's Ancient Ancient Capital, Nara, to explore Japanese Religion and get face-to-face with the famous Nara deer

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will be thinking about your future by focusing on ""personal growth"" in language classes. Your cultural excursions and activities will ensure you have fun and continue making friends in your last week!

Highlights*

  • Yukata/Kimono-wearing experience
  • Samurai & Ninja museum visit
  • Picnic with Japanese high school students

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Monday–Friday

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.  

  • Breakfast at your homestay 
  • Commute to downtown Kyoto for authentic conversations in the community and a cultural activity
  • Lunch in the community with your fellow Global Navigators  
  • Engaging Japanese classes with expert language instructors, all native-speakers 
  • Dinner and evening discussions at your homestay

Weekends   

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends

Housing

  • Carefully-screened homestay

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program.

Activities

Sample Activities 

Group shot activity

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Test your culinary skills with a sushi-making session—and get to sample your work! 
  • Immerse yourself in the green tunnel of the Arashiyama bamboo forest. Watch the light from the sun dap the forest floor. 
  • Create your own Japanese-style hand towel using Japanese tie-dying techniques.
  • Get musical with your fellow Global Navigators experiencing the marching rhythms of Taiko drumming.
  • Feed polite, bowing deer at the famous Deer Park in Nara. Visit the hall of the Great Buddha inside Todai-ji, the great temple of the East. 
  • Travel to Osaka, a thriving port city full of trendy shops, flashy signs, excellent food spots, and youthful energy!

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience. 

Testimonials

What Students Are Saying

  • "I loved being in Japan and getting the chance to learn a new language and culture, as well as making new friends and all the different environments I was exposed to!” 

    Johny P., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “I'm grateful to have had my host family and the opportunity to experience the Japanese culture at such close proximity.” 

    Denise A., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “It’s an incredible experience that offers great opportunities for many who would not be able to come to Japan on their own.” 

    Delaney L., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I made some of the most amazing memories and made friends that will hopefully stay with me forever” 

    Nazifa S., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

group in yukata
From CIEE

Stepping into the role!

By David Drumm at CIEE

Ask the average person what they think of when asked about Japanese culture, and there's a good chance samurai and ninja might come to mind. But there's more to discover... keep reading

Photo for blog post
From CIEE

How To Write a Great Scholarship Application Essay

By HS Summer Abroad Program Leaders at CIEE

Earning a CIEE Global Navigator Scholarship is a prestigious honor that can help you stand out for years to come, especially on college applications! Plus, these scholarships give hundreds of... keep reading

High School Students Posing in front of a fountain in Italy
From CIEE

2 Essential Ways to Prepare for Your Teen’s High School Summer Abroad

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

Once your teen is accepted on their CIEE high school summer abroad program and you have confirmed their participation, anticipation will fill your home. There are two very important tasks... keep reading

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—of all Japanese language proficiency levels. 
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship Page.

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee

$25

Optional College Credit Fee

$150

Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs
Program Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $7,950
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $7,950

Ready to change your life?

Enroll Today or Contact Us

What’s Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

Our Staff

Conor Aherne

Conor Aherne

Center Director

Conor’s passion for Japan began 12 years ago when he studied abroad in Tokyo. He holds an MA in Japanese & Asian History from Saitama University and is a specialist in Kyoto history.

hssa-global-navigator-program-leaders.jpg

Program Leaders

Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.

You might also like

kyoto skyline buildings lit up
  • Kyoto, Japan

Japanese Language & Culture

  • Language & Culture

Take your Japanese to new heights in the ancient and modern city of Kyoto.

Program Features
  • College Credit
  • Homestay
tokyo street with neon lights
  • Tokyo, Japan

Japanese Pop Culture: Anime & Manga

  • Arts & Culture

Explore two creative industries—anime and manga—in the hub of pop arts and culture.

Program Features
  • Hostel/Hotel
See All Programs
Request Info