Japanese Language & Culture

View of Tokyo skyline at sunset in Japan

Tokyo, 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

Jump up a level in Japanese in the vibrant and trendsetting city of Tokyo.

Improve your Japanese with four weeks of language immersion in the mega-metropolis of Tokyo. After language classes, practice your language skills in conversation with locals in the community. Explore popular areas, such as Akihabara, the heartland of otaku, and the youth fashion districts of Shibuya and Harajuku—meet local teens and get inspired by their cutesy and colorful kawaii style. Practice your new skills at restaurants as you order traditional sushi, ramen, and okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes). Navigate the city like a Tokyoite and explore landmarks like Sensō-ji, the oldest temple in the city, and the man-made island of Odaiba.

Living with a Japanese host family, you’ll share traditional meals and participate in family routines and customs. On weekend excursions, explore beautiful and ancient cities nearby, such as Kamakura and Nikko. Immersed in Tokyo, you’ll build on your Japanese language skills while gaining insider's knowledge into the country’s traditions and its world-famous pop culture trends.

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 Tokyo, the high-tech, fast-paced capital of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Japan’s capital city is a shapeshifting mix of centuries-old tradition and innovation. This small island in the Pacific Ocean has been at the forefront of global pop phenomena for decades. From Godzilla to Hello Kitty to Pokémon, the influence of Japan on mass media is undeniable. Manga are some of the best-selling comic books in the world and anime is watched by hundreds of millions. For a manga and anime lover, Tokyo’s “electric” district, Akihabara, is a dream come true.

With its unique shops, arcades, karaoke, animal-themed cafés, like cat cafés and even owl cafés, Tokyo’s kawaii (cute) aesthetic and playful excitement is everywhere. The Shibuya and Harajuku districts offer what’s next in fashion while the vibrant food scene is a peek into globally innovative cuisine. During the summer, people swarm the street stalls for food on sticks and shaved ice treats on the go. Along with skyscrapers and stores galore, you can also find peace from the bustling Tokyo streets at public gardens, temples, shrines, imperial palaces, and Japanese history museums.

Cultural Awareness

51�� wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with 51��, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.

Social feed above may feature posts from all 51�� Study Abroad programs, including college programs.

Sample Itinerary

Objective

You will get familiar with your new environment. Orientation will cover important safety rules and how to ride the local train. As language classes start, you will also begin exploring the city, starting with Asakusa and trying on Japanese traditional yukata!

Highlights*

Train stamp rally or "scavenger hunt"
Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, tour
Visit to Cup Noodle Museum and Yokohama Port Museum

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will visit a local Japanese school and join students during class and afterschool activities! You will also experience Kabuki, Japanese traditional theater, in a special performance aimed at newcomers.

Highlights*

Tea ceremony in Asakusa
Visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine
Kabuki performance

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will visit the national museum located in Ueno and eat street food in the famous Ameyoko shopping street. Experience Japanese street food at Tsukiji fish market area and enjoy matcha tea at the tea house in Hamarikyu park.

Highlights*

Aizome tie dye workshop
Visit to Tsukiji fish market
Shokuhin (food samples) workshop
Visit to Ueno Ameyoko shopping street
Furin (traditional Japanese wind chimes) workshop
Visit to historical shrine to Emperor Meiji, in the heart of Harajuku district

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will reflect on your time in Japan and celebrate all you have accomplished during the program! You will take one last look at the city from one of the best spots in town, Tokyo Tower, and experience Japanese calligraphy with a private instructor.

Highlights*

Meal at DAWN Avatar Robot Café
Washi (traditional Japanese paper) workshop
Visit Tokyo Tower
Japanese calligraphy workshop
Final group celebration event

*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
Engaging Japanese classes with expert language instructors, all native-speakers
Lunch in the community with your fellow Global Navigators
Out and about for authentic conversations in the community and a cultural activity
Dinner and evening discussions at your homestay

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Day excursions to top sites
Quality time with friends and your host family

Housing

Carefully-screened homestay

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Sample Activities

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

Test your strength and inner rhythm with a traditional Taiko drum experience, part of Japanese culture for centuries.
Unleash your inner artist while you try the art of traditional Japanese calligraphy.
Step foot in the biggest Shinto shrine in Tokyo, Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. The iris garden is in full bloom in the summer months!
Hone your culinary skills making your own authentic and traditional Japanese specialties like your own kushkatsu (skewered, breaded, or fried meats and veggies)!
Travel to the mountains north of Tokyo and to the beautiful small city of Nikko, with its 103 shrines and temples and rich nature!

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at 51��'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

“My favorite thing about the program was the process of learning how to be more comfortable with myself. That came from a lot of places: making friends, learning more about fashion, and realizing that there is no shame in liking pop culture!”

Sofia D.., 51�� Global Navigator Alum
“The experiences you gain from this program are great. I thoroughly enjoyed talking with my host parents and seeing life through a native Japanese person!”

Timothy N., 51�� Global Navigator Alum
“Tokyo 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. My friends made me feel at home in my host country!”

Nazifa S., 51�� Global Navigator Alum
“It was a safe and educational way to experience a whole new culture and language while still having a lot of fun. I’m grateful for all the friends that I have created that I may not have ever met if it weren’t for our interest in Japanese pop culture.”

Murphy V., 51�� Global Navigator Alum

From 51��

Retreat in the Mountains: A Journey to Nikko

By Yan Zhen at 51��

As the first half of our immersive language program in Japan drew to a close, our students bid farewell to their host families and hotel friends, brimming with excitement for the next chapter of their journey. Whether it was mastering the art of independence in a hotel setting or adapting to life in a traditional Japanese household, the second half promised new challenges, opportunities, and connections. But before embarking on this next phase, our students were treated to a memorable weekend in the historical mountainous countryside of Nikko.

High School Students Posing in front of a fountain in Italy

From 51��

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

By High School Summer Abroad at 51��

Once your teen is accepted on their 51�� high school summer abroad program and you have confirmed their participation, anticipation will fill your home. There are two very important tasks... keep reading

From 51��

How To Write a Great Scholarship Application Essay

By HS Summer Abroad Program Leaders at 51��

Earning a 51�� 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

Tips

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 ��Ǳ��󾱱� p��.

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?

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

Program Leaders

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