tokyo night skyline
Tokyo, Japan

January in Tokyo

New for January 2025!

Study Program

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 semester hours

4.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Request Information

Overview

Ring in the New Year and spend your winter break in Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital city. During this three-week January study abroad program, you’ll explore Tokyo’s hub of rich traditional culture, modern art, world-class cuisine, and urban and technological innovation. Earn credits toward your degree as you engage in a diverse array of cultural activities, sample Japanese cuisine, explore traditional arts, and venture to the outer skirts of the city to enjoy the serenity and beauty of Japan's famous natural sites. Discover some of Tokyo’s 137,000+ restaurants, 1,450+ temples, and 5,000+ years of history for yourself! 

Unique Experiences

\

Step into traditional fashion

and experience the art of dressing in a kimono and walking the streets of Kawagoe, which maintains the quaint architecture of Edo Japan.

Taste your way through Tokyo

along the winding back streets of popular areas such as Shinkjuku and Ueno

Reflect on Japanese spirituality at Meiji Jingu

A Shinto shrine protected by enormous wooden Torii gates and surrounded by a veritable forest in Tokyo's city center

3.5 M

3.5 M

4

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES WITHIN 2 HOURS TRAVEL FROM TOKYO, INCLUDING THE OGASAWARA ISLANDS, THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART, MT. FUJI, AND THE UNIQUELY VIBRANT SHRINES AND TEMPLES OF NIKKO

223+

MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANTS ARE LOCATED AROUND THE CITY

Experience
  • downtown tokyo at sunset
  • tokyo students in kimonos
  • chureito pagoda mountain tokyo japan

Your Destination

Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, is located in the eastern Kanto region. It is home to a population of more than 14 million people, making it one of the largest metropolises in the world. Tokyo is a city of many cities; among its 23 wards, you will find neighborhoods whose small streets and mom-and-pop shops call back to 20th-century Showa-Period Japan, and those that stretch forward into the future with ultra-modern architecture, trendy shops, and restaurants where guests are served by robots.  

The city boasts two of Japan’s tallest buildings: Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Sky Tree, where visitors can ascend more than 2,000 feet to catch some of the best views of the city’s expansive landscape. Brimming with art and historical museums, shopping centers, and several large parks where locals and tourists alike come to escape the urban hustle and bustle, you will find a plethora of things to do and see while living and learning in Tokyo.  

A city like no other, Tokyo is all about what’s new. Discover how limited space has been maximized in ingenious ways and enjoy an astounding variety of shopping options and entertainment. Throughout the city, you’ll receive the “royal treatment,” from helpful clerks offering you superior customer service to super-fast trains bringing you to and from plenty of places near and beyond Tokyo, such as Yokohama, Kamakura and more!

911wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local 911staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Tokyo. 

The Culture

tokyo ryokan inns

Excursions & Activities

  • Take an overnight trip to Hakone while staying in a Japanese traditional ryokan, where you’ll enjoy bathing in sulfureous hot springs in the mountains of Shizuoka; on a clear day, this region hosts some of the most beautiful views of Mt. Fuji and easy access to Lake Ashi, home to the red torii gates of the Hakone shrine 
  • Go on a day trip to Yomiuri Land and head to a local Japanese amusement park where you’ll enjoy rollercoasters, gondola rides, and seasonal attractions, such as the winter illuminations 
  • Tour Asakusa, the only neighborhood in Tokyo that gives a glimpse into what the city’s pre-WWII houses and markets looked like 
  • Visit Sensoji Temple and sample a variety of fare from vendors lining the vibrant streets; collect omiyage (souvenirs) produced by local artisans 
  • Hand-dye a tenugui (hand towel) using Japanese indigo 
  • Attend a kabuki performance 

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Top 6 Places to Explore While Studying in Japan

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

By: Helena Shimeles During my experience studying overseas in Tokyo I was exposed to an array of adventures, across Japan. Each destination I explored offered a unique blend of traditions... keep reading

From CIEE

Study Abroad in Japan: FAQs

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

If you’re about to embark on a study abroad adventure to Japan or considering this fascinating country a study abroad option, read on as we dive into some of our... keep reading

From CIEE

7 Best Japan Study Abroad Programs

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Passionate about ancient history, a diverse culture, modern advancements, and incredible natural landscapes? Then a study abroad adventure in Japan is the perfect opportunity for you. Read on as we... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

Students spend three weeks in January taking coursework complemented with co-curricular activities to provide a culturally immersive and academically stimulating experience and facilitate intercultural learning. Classes are arranged by 911Tokyo.

GPA

2.5 

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students take one required course. 

Program Credit

Total credit: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits 

Course Credit

911courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

The program is made up of three weeks of classes with an intensive orientation beforehand. 911courses are taught at 911Tokyo and are designed to follow U.S. academic culture. Class attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. 

Class Format

Courses are for 911students only. Courses are taught Monday through Friday. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas. 

Grading

Assessment is based on the individual’s overall performance in the course, including essays, coursework, and final examinations or papers. Students must check with their professors to find out exam and project presentation dates. Under no circumstances will 911alter deadlines or exam dates for study abroad students who have made conflicting travel plans. The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between 911and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple 911sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

911offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants

To be considered, submit the 911Scholarships & Grants application within your 911program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program January 2025 3 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,150

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

911offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $3,070**

Housing = $700***

Insurance = $80

Total Fees = $4,150

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $315

International Airfare = $1,700†Ġ

Local Transportation = $75

Books & Supplies = $50

Personal expenses = $145†Ġ†

Total Costs = $2,285

Financial Aid

911offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

†Ġround-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†Ġ†$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

911iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Starr Miyata

Academic Manager

Starr has several years of experience working in education equity and international education in both the U.S. and Japan.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info