High School Language Immersion Programs in Japan

In Japan, ancient gods and centuries-old customs meet cutting-edge modern life and innovative society. From the ritual tea ceremonies, graceful gardens, and sacred shrines to the world's first high-speed train, Shibuya crossing, and sparkling cityscapes, Japan has a wide range of timeless and timely experiences to explore. Immerse yourself and develop fluency in the Japanese language and culture by living with a host family and studying at a local high school. While culture shock is real, it won't take long before you feel at home with your host family and navigate your new life easily. In time, you’ll become a cultural insider. Although academics are challenging and social harmony is a cultural priority, the Japanese aren’t quite the perfectionists they’re made out to be. Wabi-sabi, for example, is a zen aesthetic and idea roughly translated as an acceptance of life’s imperfections. Still, Japan is a perfect place to expand your cultural horizons, language skills, and understanding of where the world has been and where it’s going.

Take your Japanese to new heights in the ancient and modern 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 the Manga Museum, the Kiyomizu Temple, the banks of Kamogawa River, and 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 host family where you join in the daily routines of Japanese family life. On weekends, captivating excursions take you to Arashiyama to visit the Toei Movie Studio Park—a historical film set and theme park in one—and the sprawling, stunning bamboo forest as well as the historic city of Nara, famous for its more than 1,000 deer that roam freely in its park. This fully immersive program in Kyoto helps improve your language skills and opens your eyes to Japanese traditions and culture.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

At THINK Global School (TGS), the world's only traveling high school, students live and learn across four countries each year, gaining the skills, perspectives, and friendships needed to thrive in today's interconnected world. In an age of constant digital connection, TGS prioritizes authentic human experiences through real-world immersion and genuine cultural exchange. Students ages 16–18 experience life in up to 8 countries over two years while earning a fully WASC-accredited diploma. Instead of textbooks and lectures, students dive into project-based learning through TGS's innovative Changemaker Curriculum, tackling real-world challenges while drawing inspiration from each host country's culture, environment, and community. With a 4:1 faculty-to-student ratio, students receive individualized guidance from multicultural educators who act as mentors. Since 2010, TGS has called 34 extraordinary countries home, creating a truly global classroom. TGS uses sliding-scale tuition based on family circumstances, ensuring accessibility for qualified students from all backgrounds who have a passion for travel and a desire to improve the world.

Learn and improve your Japanese skills through full language and cultural immersion on Greenheart Travel’s summer language camp programs in Fukuoka and Kyoto, Japan! We welcome teen students of all skills, including beginners! Kyoto Option: This program is perfect for independent students who want to experience day-to-day life in Japan while sharpening their language skills. Participants choose to live in Kyoto, Japan for 2, 4, 6, or 8 full weeks. You can spend your free time after classes visiting the numerous historical landmarks, temples, shrines, and gardens before heading home to spend time with your host family! Fukuoka Option: This program lasts 4 full weeks and allows participants to experience many aspects of Japanese culture. Cultural excursions occur every weekend with a group before heading home to your host family. This program is perfect for beginners and those who want to explore Japan in a more curated environment.

Our Tokyo summer programs offer students an immersion experience in Japan with intense language learning and cultural exploration. Our Japan programs combine premium quality with unmatched value — delivering the same depth of learning and cultural engagement as other programs, but at a much lower cost. From intensive classes conducted by experienced instructors and a broad spectrum of culture and trip activities to living with our warm-hearted host families (alternative housing such as dormitory can be arranged), we make sure that all students get a rich and smooth experience. The airport pick-up is included in all the programs for peace of mind upon your travel.

Our Japanese summer program allows students to experience the Land of the Rising Sun through hands-on courses in the heart of Osaka and day trips to Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, and Hiroshima! They explore Japan from the feudal to the modern period with courses individually selected to appeal to most of them! Our instructors are experts in Japanese culture and language and are committed to providing them with a safe and unique abroad experience they will remember for a lifetime! World Class Programs is a study abroad program that gives high school students safe, educational, and worldly experiences. This is designed for teens from all academic backgrounds excited about immersing themselves in Japanese culture and lifestyle. This pre-college program will offer various course study options, including Art History, Fine Arts, Philosophy, and Japanese language and cuisine.

Explore ancient castles, Buddhist temples, and modern trends as you learn about Japanese culture during this unforgettable journey through Tokyo and Kanazawa. During the Tokyo Fusion program, you’ll spend time with local students and learn about their school day. You’ll dive into language lessons, draw manga art, and try the art of sword fighting. You’ll see the hot districts in Tokyo and also the hidden gems. Along the way, you’ll savor the food and the new friendships you’ll make on this one-of-a-kind adventure. We also offer a combination program that combines our popular programs, Japan: Tokyo Fusion and Seoul Searching: Modern Korea. For one week, you will explore the hidden alleys of Tokyo and a classic castle in Kanazawa. The next week, you will be off to Seoul, learning to dance like a K-pop star and diving into Korea’s delicious cuisine.

An exchange year in Japan offers endless opportunities to uncover its rich traditions and modern wonders. Immersing yourself in the language and culture of this extraordinary country will not only enrich your life but also give you a distinctive edge in your future endeavors. This island nation is a land of striking contrasts, where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge innovation. Beneath the vibrant energy of Tokyo, the world's largest city, lies a deep respect for history and timeless customs. From serene rock gardens to bustling cityscapes, Japan offers a unique blend of the old and the new. Learning Japanese language and culture will unlock a wealth of future opportunities. Your host family might welcome you into a home adorned with tatami mats, the soft and fragrant flooring of tradition, or feature shoji screens that bathe rooms in a gentle light. You’ll savor exquisite meals of fresh seafood like sushi and enjoy dishes that celebrate shun, or the finest seasonal ingredients. Together with your host family and new friends, you’ll partake in cherished holiday celebrations, embracing the heart of Japanese culture.

Immerse yourself in Japanese language and culture with intensive classes, hands-on practice, and exciting cultural experiences. Begin in Tokyo, where you’ll develop your skills in hiragana, kanji, and conversational Japanese through 20+ hours of formal classes, peer practice, and daily immersion. Explore Tokyo’s vibrant districts, from anime and manga in Akihabara to fashion in Harajuku, and enjoy authentic cuisine like sushi and ramen. Deepen your understanding of Japanese daily life during a 3-day homestay with a local family, learning to cook traditional dishes, participating in school activities, and exploring shrines and museums. Depending on the group size, students may also have the opportunity to visit other cities, such as Osaka, for a broader perspective. Conclude your journey in Tokyo with a reflection on your growth and receive a language certificate documenting your hours of formal and experiential Japanese learning.

Spend your summer immersed in a new culture and environment! Join our summer camp in Japan. What makes Ayusa so special? We pride ourselves on teaching Japanese and providing you with a complete cultural immersion experience. You learn the cultural differences between your country and Japan through daily excursions, such as visiting the unique Tokyo districts of Akihabara and Harajuku. Anyone can provide tourist-like activities. However, unlike other programs, Ayusa offers various opportunities to interact with local people. Volunteer at Japanese elementary schools, make friends at a Japanese high school, and visit Japanese households. Just as Ayusa students from Japan have been able to experience America fully through personal interactions, we now provide you with the chance to do the same in Japan.

This program is for anyone interested in learning how the world works and exploring the global issues impacting our lives.  In the spring semester, students will learn the workings of communist and capitalist economies and gain insight through on-site assignments and case studies. As the program progresses, we explore how the world is handling issues like global warming, immigration, terrorism, globalization, and the uses of artificial intelligence while immersed in Eastern cultures. We will visit Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City, Sydney, Blue Mountains, Singapore, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Dates: mid-January — late April 2026 The High School Study Abroad Program – Spring Semester in Asia is open to all secondary school students registered in public, private, or separate schools worldwide.