Japanese Language & Culture

Kyoto, Japan

Enrollment Closed

Language & Culture

Select a Term...

Dates

Jun 8 - Jul 5, 2025

4 weeks

Costs

$7,950

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Immersion with a host family

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Request Information

Dates

Jul 6 - Aug 2, 2025

4 weeks

Costs

$7,950

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Immersion with a host family

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Request Information

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 in bustling shopping districts, serene tea houses, and teen-filled video-gaming arcades. Enjoy your time in this city through a perfect mix of all that Kyoto offers on visits to Kitano Tenmangu, the banks of Kamogawa River, and to some of the world’s most iconic shrines—Fushimi Inari, Heian, , 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, you’ll have time to deepen your connection with your family. Captivating excursions take you to 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!

A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future

Live the Language

Have fun experiencing authentic immersion in the Japanese language and culture.

Network

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

Get Inspired

Launch your future today! Jump up a level in Japanese. Shine on college applications.

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

�ղ�� wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with �ղ��, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.

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*

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Visit
Japanese Taiko Drumming
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*

Samurai Kenbu Lesson Experience in traditional samurai theatre Kyoto
Visit to Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit to Hiroshima Peace Park

*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
Sushi-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*

Picnic with Japanese high school students
Japanese Cultural Performance Contest
�ղ�� Kyoto "Globie Awards" ceremony
Farewell Dinner

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

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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

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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.

Sample Activities 

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.
Engage in a hunt for souvenirs of Japan in the thrift stores and gift shops in Teramachi.

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

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., �ղ�� 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., �ղ�� 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., �ղ�� 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., �ղ�� Global Navigator Alum

From �ղ��

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Kyoto
Japan

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How To Write a Great Scholarship Application Essay

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Earning a �ղ�� 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

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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

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	Application Due Deadline Passed	Start Date June 8, 2025	End Date July 5, 2025	Costs $7,950
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks	Application Due Deadline Passed	Start Date July 6, 2025	End Date August 2, 2025	Costs $7,950

Ready to change your life?

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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

Our Staff

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.

Program Leaders

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