Discover Japan, Learn Japanese, and Make International Friends This Summer!
Are you looking for a meaningful summer experience for your teenager in Japan?
Summer 2027 is the perfect opportunity for young students to improve their Japanese language skills, experience Japanese culture firsthand, and make friends from around the world.
Genki Japanese and Culture School (GenkiJACS) is offering two exciting summer programs for teenagers in Kyoto and Fukuoka, designed for international students who want to combine Japanese language learning with cultural activities, sightseeing, and unforgettable experiences.
Whether your teenager prefers exploring the historic streets of Kyoto or enjoying a fully organized summer camp experience in Fukuoka, there is a program to match their interests and learning goals.
1. Kyoto Summer Japanese Language & Culture Program 2027
Ages 14–19 | 2–8 Weeks | July–August 2027
Kyoto, Japan’s historic cultural capital, offers a unique setting for teenagers who want to learn Japanese while discovering traditional Japanese arts, historic landmarks, and everyday Japanese life.
The Kyoto Summer Language & Culture Program combines Japanese language classes with cultural workshops and excursions to popular destinations.
Program Highlights
- Age: 14–19 years old
- Duration: 2–8 weeks
- Japanese Lessons: 20 classes per week
- Cultural Activities: 2 activities per week
- Excursions: One Saturday day trip every two weeks
- Maximum Enrollment: 40 teenage participants per week
- Japanese Level: Beginner to advanced levels
Japanese language classes are shared with regular GenkiJACS students, including adults, allowing teenagers to interact with learners from different backgrounds.
However, all organized cultural activities and excursions are exclusively for teenage summer program participants, creating opportunities to make friends with other young international students.
Experience Traditional Japanese Culture
Kyoto is famous for its temples, shrines, traditional crafts, and centuries-old cultural traditions.
Students may participate in activities such as:
- Sushi making and Japanese confectionery workshops
- Samurai sword-fighting and iaido experiences
- Japanese calligraphy and traditional drumming
- Manga artist workshops
- Traditional textile weaving and Kyoto Yuzen dyeing
- Folding fan painting and chopstick making
- Cultural exchange with Japanese high school students
- Karaoke and other social activities
Explore Japan Beyond the Classroom
Depending on the program schedule, excursions may include:
- Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s most scenic coastal destinations
- Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Kobe Suma Sea World
- A traditional ninja village
These experiences allow students to discover different aspects of Japan while building friendships with their fellow participants.
Kyoto Program Tuition & Activity Fees
| Duration | Total Program Fee |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | ¥168,000 |
| 3 weeks | ¥228,000 |
| 4 weeks | ¥318,000 |
| 5 weeks | ¥378,000 |
| 6 weeks | ¥468,000 |
| 7 weeks | ¥528,000 |
| 8 weeks | ¥618,000 |
The above prices include Japanese language tuition, scheduled cultural activities, and excursions.
Important: Accommodation and airport transfers are not included in these prices and are mandatory arrangements for participants under 18. Students aged 18 or older may arrange private residences or apartments, and airport transfers are optional.
Students booking before December 25, 2026, can benefit from 2026 accommodation rates for eligible homestays and private residences.
Japanese Language Requirements
Students of various Japanese proficiency levels are welcome.
For complete beginners, the designated starting dates are:
- July 5, 2027
- July 19, 2027
- August 2, 2027
- August 16, 2027
Students joining the two-week complete beginner program will follow a specially designed beginner curriculum. Students joining for three weeks or longer will be placed into regular classes according to their proficiency.
All participants must be able to read hiragana before beginning the program, including complete beginners.
Learn More About GenkiJACS Kyoto
2. Fukuoka Summer Japanese Camp 2027
Ages 14–17 | July 5–23, 2027 | 3-Week Program
For younger teenagers seeking a more structured summer experience, the Fukuoka Summer Camp is an excellent option.
Located on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is known for its friendly atmosphere, delicious food, convenient transportation, and fascinating blend of traditional and modern Japanese culture.
Unlike the flexible Kyoto program, the Fukuoka Summer Camp is a three-week package combining Japanese language lessons, accommodation, meals, cultural activities, and organized excursions.
Program Highlights
- Age: 14–17 years old
- Program Dates: July 5–23, 2027
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Maximum Participants: 60 students
- Class Size: Maximum 8 students per class
- Japanese Level: A0–A1 (beginner level)
- Accommodation: Japanese homestay or supervised residence
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner included
- Cultural Experiences: Japanese high school visit, traditional activities, and sightseeing excursions
This program is especially appealing to teenagers who are new to Japan and want a more organized experience with other international students.
Experience Japanese Family Life
One of the highlights of the Fukuoka Summer Camp is the opportunity to stay with a Japanese host family.
Living with a host family gives students the chance to practice Japanese outside the classroom, experience local customs, and learn about everyday life in Japan.
A supervised residence option may also be available, although spaces are limited and availability is expected to be confirmed around May 2027.
Families interested in supervised residence accommodation should indicate their preference when applying. If this option cannot be arranged, students will be placed with a host family.
Cultural Activities and Japanese High School Experience
The Fukuoka program offers a variety of activities designed to introduce students to Japanese culture and everyday life.
Examples include:
- Visiting a Japanese high school
- Traditional taiko drumming
- Wearing a Japanese yukata
- Visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
- Exploring Fukuoka Tower
- Enjoying Spo-cha, a popular Japanese sports and amusement facility
The Japanese high school visit is a particularly exciting opportunity for students interested in experiencing Japanese school culture and meeting local teenagers.
Explore Kyushu and Beyond
The program also includes organized trips to destinations such as:
- Kumamoto
- Yamaguchi
- Osaka
- Kyoto
These excursions offer participants the chance to experience different regions of Japan during their three-week stay.
Fukuoka Summer Camp 2027 – Program Fee
¥570,000 per student (3 weeks)
The package includes Japanese language tuition, scheduled activities and excursions, accommodation, breakfast and dinner, and program transfers.
Optional additional expenses include:
- Travel insurance: ¥250 per day
- Additional accommodation nights: ¥4,290 per night
- Local transportation expenses and personal spending money
The program does not include a transportation IC card. Students are encouraged to use a compatible mobile transportation card, such as Suica, where available.
Important Dates and Application Deadlines
Program: July 5–23, 2027
Accommodation: July 4–25, 2027
Application Deadline: February 12, 2027, at 6:00 PM, or earlier if all spaces are filled.
Payment Deadline: March 11, 2027, at 6:00 PM.
Please note that the Fukuoka program has only 60 available spaces, so early applications are strongly encouraged.
Age and Language Requirements
Students must be at least 14 and under 18 years old when the course begins.
Students who turn 18 during the program may participate, but students who turn 18 before the start date are not eligible.
The program is designed for beginner-level Japanese learners (A0–A1). However, students must already be able to read hiragana before arrival.
3. Kyoto vs. Fukuoka: Which Summer Program Is Right for Your Teenager?
Both programs offer wonderful opportunities to experience Japan, but they are designed for slightly different needs.
| Kyoto | Fukuoka | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 14–19 | 14–17 |
| Duration | 2–8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Japanese Level | All levels | A0–A1 |
| Japanese Classes | Mixed with regular students, including adults | Small classes, max. 8 students |
| Cultural Activities | Teen-only activities and excursions | Organized summer camp activities |
| Accommodation | Arranged separately | Included |
| Meals | Arranged separately | Breakfast and dinner included |
| Starting Price | ¥168,000 for 2 weeks, excluding accommodation and transfers | ¥570,000 for 3 weeks, including accommodation and program transfers |
Choose Kyoto If Your Teenager…
- Wants flexibility in program duration
- Already has some Japanese language experience
- Is particularly interested in traditional Japanese culture
- Enjoys independent language learning alongside international students of different ages
- Wants to spend an extended period in Japan
Choose Fukuoka If Your Teenager…
- Is between 14 and 17 years old
- Is a beginner in Japanese
- Prefers a structured, three-week summer camp
- Wants to experience Japanese homestay life
- Is excited about visiting a Japanese high school
- Would benefit from a program with accommodation and organized excursions included
Both programs provide an excellent introduction to Japanese language and culture.
4. Why Choose a Japanese Summer Program for Your Teenager?
Studying Japanese in Japan offers much more than language lessons.
For teenagers, an international summer experience can help develop confidence, independence, communication skills, and cultural understanding.
By participating in a Japanese summer program, students can:
- Practice Japanese in everyday situations
- Build friendships with teenagers from different countries
- Gain firsthand exposure to Japanese customs and traditions
- Develop confidence communicating across cultures
- Discover whether they would like to study in Japan again in the future
For students considering a future high school exchange, university study, or a longer Japanese language program, a summer experience can also be an excellent first step.
5. Let Study Japanese and Culture Help You Plan Your Summer in Japan!
Choosing the right Japanese language program for your teenager can be challenging, especially when comparing locations, age requirements, accommodation options, and program costs.
At Study Japanese and Culture, we help international students and families find Japanese language schools and programs that best match their interests, learning goals, budgets, and personal preferences.
Our school selection guidance and enrollment assistance are available at no additional service fee.
We can help you:
- Compare Japanese language programs and locations
- Choose a program that fits your teenager’s age and Japanese proficiency
- Understand accommodation options and program requirements
- Navigate the application and enrollment process
- Prepare for your stay in Japan with practical advice about daily life, transportation, and cultural expectations
Whether your teenager is interested in Kyoto, Fukuoka, or another destination in Japan, we are happy to help you explore the available options.
Summer 2027 enrollment is approaching, and spaces in some programs are limited.
Contact Study Japanese and Culture today to start planning an unforgettable summer learning experience in Japan!
Study Japanese and Culture — Your Partner in Finding the Right Japanese Language Program.
