Summer Schools in Japan

Everything you need to know about summer schools in Japan: Japanese language and culture programs for teenagers, anime, manga and martial arts workshops, university summer schools, programs in Tokyo and Kyoto, application requirements, fees, accommodation

Summer Schools in Japan

What you need to know about summer school education in Japan.

Summer School in Japan

Summer school in Japan gives students the opportunity to learn Japanese while getting to know traditional temples, modern cities, summer festivals and world-famous Japanese pop culture first-hand. Japanese summer schools stand out for rich programs that combine Japanese lessons with calligraphy, tea ceremony, martial arts, anime and manga workshops and cultural excursions.

Summer programs in Japan are usually organized as Japanese language and culture programs for young people aged 13 or 15 to 18, and as summer schools run by universities, usually for participants over 18. Programs usually last two to four weeks and start on different dates in July and August. For young people interested in Japanese culture and anime, Japan offers an unforgettable summer experience.

Why Choose Summer School in Japan?

Attending summer school in Japan offers students many benefits beyond language learning.

  • Learning Japanese: Students improve their Japanese by using it in daily life, on excursions and with their host family, as well as in class.
  • Traditional Japanese culture: The tea ceremony, calligraphy, trying on a kimono or yukata and temple visits introduce students to Japan's long-established culture first-hand.
  • Modern pop culture: Workshops and trips focused on anime, manga and gaming culture are among the activities young people are most interested in.
  • Summer festivals: The traditional festivals and fireworks displays held all over Japan in summer give students a unique experience.
  • One of the safest countries in the world: With its low crime rate and orderly society, Japan offers families a safe environment.

General Information About Japan

Japan is an island country in the Pacific Ocean in East Asia. Its capital is Tokyo. The official language is Japanese. The currency is the Japanese yen.

Japan is known for its temples, gardens, high-speed trains, advanced technology and globally popular cultural output. Summers are hot and humid; the rainy season falls between June and mid-July, and the typhoon season may arrive at the end of summer. The long-standing friendship between Turkey and Japan means Turkish students are warmly welcomed in Japan. There are direct flights from Istanbul to Tokyo.

Summer Schools in Japan

There are different types of summer programs in Japan depending on the student's age and goals:

  • Junior Japanese language and culture programs: Programs for young people that combine Japanese lessons with cultural workshops and excursions.
  • Short courses at Japanese language schools: Short Japanese courses run by language schools in Japan, usually accepting older teenagers and adults.
  • University summer schools: Programs run by Japanese universities, usually for participants over 18, offering Japanese language and Japanese studies courses.
  • School experience programs: Programs run by some providers in which students visit Japanese high schools and take part in activities with Japanese students.

Summer School Programs in Japan

Summer schools in Japan offer different programs depending on students' interests:

  • Japanese and culture program: The most popular program, combining Japanese lessons with the tea ceremony, calligraphy, origami and traditional arts.
  • Japanese and anime and manga program: Programs that combine Japanese lessons with manga drawing, anime and pop culture workshops.
  • Japanese and martial arts program: Programs that combine traditional martial arts such as karate, judo or kendo with Japanese lessons.
  • Japanese and cooking program: Programs that combine Japanese lessons with Japanese cooking workshops, such as sushi, ramen and Japanese sweets.
  • Intensive Japanese program: A program with more lesson hours for students who want to improve their Japanese in a short time.

Daily Schedule and Activities at Summer Schools

At Japanese summer schools, the daily schedule usually starts with Japanese lessons in the morning. Students study in small classes grouped by level. In the afternoon, there are cultural workshops, martial arts classes, cooking activities and city tours. In the evening, students spend time with their host families or take part in summer festivals.

At weekends, students go on excursions to places such as the temples of Kyoto, the historic parks of Nara, the area around Mount Fuji, Tokyo's pop culture districts or theme parks. Some programs also include intercity journeys by high-speed train.

Application Requirements for Summer Schools in Japan

Application requirements for summer schools in Japan vary depending on the type of program. Junior Japanese language and culture programs usually accept students of all levels, and students with no knowledge of Japanese can also apply.

Junior programs usually have a minimum age of 13 or 15. Short courses at Japanese language schools usually accept participants over 16 or 18. University summer schools may require participants to be over 18 and, in some programs, to have basic Japanese. The application usually requires a student information form, a copy of the passport, health information and, for students under 18, a parental consent form.

Application Dates for Summer Schools in Japan

Summer school programs in Japan are usually held in July and August. Junior programs usually have fixed start dates and last two to four weeks.

Since places in junior programs and host family placements are limited, it is advisable to apply at least four to six months before the program. Application deadlines for university summer schools usually close in the spring.

Which Cities Should You Choose for Summer School in Japan?

The city to choose for summer school in Japan depends on the student's interests.

  • Tokyo: With its modern city life, pop culture hubs and wide range of programs, it is the most popular city for summer school in Japan.
  • Kyoto: With thousands of temples and traditional streets, it is ideal for students who want to get to know Japanese culture closely.
  • Osaka: Stands out for its lively atmosphere, street food and proximity to Kyoto and Nara.
  • Fukuoka: Offers an alternative option with its calmer pace of life and friendly atmosphere.
  • Smaller cities and rural areas: Offer a suitable setting for getting to know traditional Japanese life closely in homestay programs.

Free Summer School Education in Japan

Summer programs for international students in Japan are usually fee-paying. However, some programs offer various forms of support to participants who meet certain conditions.

  • Cultural exchange programs: Some publicly supported youth exchange programs that promote Japan may offer a limited number of young people from abroad the chance to attend on a scholarship.
  • University summer school scholarships: Some Japanese universities may offer fee reductions or scholarships to students from partner universities.
  • Early booking discounts: Some programs offer discounts to students who book early.

Since the conditions for scholarships and discounts may change every year, it is important to follow the latest information. At NGGlobal, we keep you informed on this.

Summer School Fees in Japan

Summer school fees in Japan vary depending on the length and type of program, the city where it is held and the accommodation option. Fees for junior programs usually cover lessons, accommodation, some meals, cultural activities and excursions.

When planning your budget, you should account for airfare, airport transfers, travel health insurance, a public transport card, optional excursions and pocket money in addition to the program fee.

At NGGlobal, we share the current prices of our partner institutions with you and work with you to choose the program that best fits your budget and expectations.

Accommodation and Meals at Summer Schools in Japan

The main accommodation options for students at summer schools in Japan are:

  • Host family: Students stay with carefully selected Japanese families and get to know the Japanese way of life, home culture and daily habits closely.
  • Student residence: In some programs, students stay in supervised student residences or on-campus accommodation.
  • Traditional accommodation experience: Some programs offer students the experience of staying at a traditional Japanese inn during part of the excursions.

Since pork and sauces containing alcohol are widely used in Japanese cuisine, it is important to notify any need for halal or pork-free meals in advance. There are halal restaurants in large cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, but options are limited in smaller cities.

Summer School Visa for Japan

Turkish citizens can enter Japan without a visa for short visits up to a certain length of stay. For this reason, a visa application is usually not required for short summer programs.

Students under 18 are advised to carry a parental consent form, the program's registration document and accommodation details. Since Japan plans to introduce an electronic travel authorization system in the future, it is important to check the current entry rules before traveling.

At NGGlobal, we support our students and their families at every step of preparing entry documents and travel.

Safety and Supervision at Summer Schools

Japan ranks among the safest countries in the world. In programs for young people, students are looked after by staff throughout the program, and excursions are made in groups, accompanied by guides. Host families are carefully selected by the program.

Because of the hot and humid summer weather, it is important for students to drink plenty of water, wear a hat and protect themselves from the sun. Programs have safety plans for possible rain and typhoons. Students are also briefed on earthquake safety rules in Japan at the start of the program.

Free Consultation for Summer Schools in Japan with NGGlobal

At NGGlobal, we offer free consultation to students who want to attend summer school in Japan and to their families. By assessing the student's age, interests, language goals and the family's budget, we identify the most suitable program.

  • Guidance on choosing a culture program, language course or university summer school
  • Planning the program length and dates
  • Preparation of the application file
  • Host family and accommodation processes
  • Guidance on entry documents and travel preparation
  • Flights, airport transfers and pre-departure briefing

Contact us to build your summer school plan in Japan together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which age groups are summer schools in Japan suitable for?

Japanese language and culture programs for young people usually accept students aged 13 or 15 to 18. University summer schools are usually for participants over 18.

Do I need to know Japanese to attend summer school in Japan?

No. Junior programs also accept complete beginners with no knowledge of Japanese. Students' level is assessed at the start of the program.

Are there anime and manga activities at summer schools in Japan?

Yes. Many junior programs offer manga drawing, anime and pop culture workshops and trips to related districts alongside Japanese lessons.

Do I need a visa to go to Japan?

Turkish citizens can enter Japan without a visa for short visits up to a certain length of stay. It is advisable to check the current entry rules before traveling.

Do summer schools in Japan give a certificate at the end?

Yes. At the end of the program, summer schools give students a certificate of attendance showing the program they attended and the Japanese level they reached.

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