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Gap Year Programs in Japan

From moss-covered Shinto shrines to Buddhist temples, traditional architecture to the most modern of metropolitans, Japan is master of evolving with the times while still being rooted with strong, traditional values. If you are looking for a year abroad and want to completely immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Japanese culture, look no further than taking a gap year in Japan.

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Seamester

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Gap year in Japan
9.58 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

Japan – Wildlife Conservation and Cultural Immersion

GoEco's Wildlife Conservation and Cultural Immersion program on S...

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The Intern Group - Japan
9.250 reviews

The Intern Group

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International Internships in Tokyo

Tokyo, a global powerhouse of finance and business, awaits you! G...

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Students crossing the street - IGS
93 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

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Japan’s Most Unique Internships: 49 Options

Experience both the timeless and ultra-modern while in Japan. IGS...

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CIEE Gap Year Japan
00 reviews

CIEE High School Grads Abroad

CIEE First Year Abroad in Kyoto

Put your global education first! See Kyoto and start college at t...

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EA Ski and Snowboard Training
8.54 reviews

EA Ski and Snowboard Training

Become a Ski Instructor in Japan, with Training and Job

EA Ski & Snowboard Training are looking for eager skiers to join ...

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EF Gap Year
8.7431 reviews

EF Gap Year

EF Gap Semester: 10-Week Programs in Multiple Destinations

Embark on a unique global experience in 10 weeks. An EF Gap Semes...

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Internship in Japan
9.4439 reviews

Internship in Japan

Internship Program in Japan by ICC Consultants

Internship in Japan by ICC Consultants. Inc. is the leading inter...

Volunteer World
8.7512 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...

Greenheart Travel
9.676 reviews

Greenheart Travel

Study Abroad in Japan with Greenheart Travel

Spend a trimester, semester, or year studying abroad in Japan as ...

Global Work & Travel
00 reviews

Global Work & Travel

Study Japanese in Fukuoka | Learn Japanese the Authentic Way

Learn Japanese authentically and have an experience you will neve...

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Where There Be Dragons
00 reviews

Where There Be Dragons

Japan: Arts, Food, & Culture (6-Week Gap Year)

From the tranquil chime of a meditation bell in a Koyasan monaste...

Oyster Worldwide
00 reviews

Oyster Worldwide

13-day Backpacking Tour of Japan

Japan is a top destination for so many reasons. It is exciting, f...

Intern Abroad HQ
9.2364 reviews

Intern Abroad HQ

Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your c...

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Absolute Internship
8.3517 reviews

Absolute Internship

Intern in Tokyo with Absolute Internship

Our award-winning program gives students the opportunity to spend...

LEX Language Project
102 reviews

LEX Language Project

A Gap Year for All in Japan

World Internship Project interns spend 1-3 months working with LE...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Latest Program Reviews

The Key to a New Beginning

by: Alyssa Galdamez - United StatesProgram: EF Gap Semester: 10-Week Programs in Multiple Destinations
9

Being part of the first ever Voyager semester in Fall 2023 was an experience I was unprepared for, and the best decision I could’ve ever made. Little did I know that by embarking on this endeavor, I would unlock a part of myself that I didn’t know existed until then. My semester with EF Gap Year taught me self-love, self discovery, and the importance of being uniquely myself. Never did I think it was possible to be able to afford this trip of a lifetime, but I was left with so much satisfaction and so much pride that I had set this goal and I achieved it. This semester taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to and no goal is too big or too impossible. I flew to the other side of the world by myself and saw glowing blue oceans in Thailand that I never thought I’d be able to witness in my lifetime. I learn pieces of languages from each country I spent time in. I connected with people I would’ve never met without this experience and found with locals who had so much passion for their homeland and wanted to share it with me. Was I prepared for this transformation and self growth? No, and only because it was more than I could ever ask for. To anyone who is scared to take such a leap of faith, do it anyway. I haven’t met one person who regretted doing this for themselves, or thought it was a waste of time or money. Dream big, and you will reach the stars.

A Guide to Taking a Gap Year in Japan

Prepare for Your Gap Year

Set goals

Think about what you really want to get out of your gap year in Japan. To spark some inspiration, here are a few ideas:

  • Pick up Japanese. Whether it’s learning enough to order ramen like a local or being able to read street signs and menus, improving your language skills will make daily life much smoother while you’re there.
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