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Experience authentic cultural immersion while completing eight weeks of language classes in Tokyo and exploring other cities in Japan.
Learn at EF’s International Language Campus in the bustling Shibuya ward, live independently in the world’s most populous metropolis, and spend the weekends exploring the city of Tokyo on your own. Feel more at home in the world, gain confidence, and level-up your language skills on excursions to Mt. Fuji and the Japanese Alps; end your program with a 12-day trip around some of the country’s most interesting and important cultural hubs.
Upcoming travel dates:
Fall 2024: September 11–November 20, 2024
Spring 2025: February 6–April 18, 2025
Program Itinerary
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to availability and local conditions at the time of departure.
Japan
10 Weeks
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Tokyo: Intro to Japan
Cross the International Date line and meet your cohort in Tokyo. Spend a couple of days to getting oriented with a guided sightseeing of the city's diverse neighborhoods and a sushi-making class!
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Tokyo: Settling In
Settle into the student accommodations in Tokyo and start your Japanese language immersion! You’ll take a language placement test and begin your courses at the EF campus. On your first weekend, enjoy a guided tour of the city to get your bearings.
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Hakone: A Weekend with Mt. Fuji
Put your new language skills into action with a weekend outside the city as you travel to one of Japan’s most impressive natural landmarks, Mt. Fuji. Stay overnight in Hakone where you’ll ride a cable car to take in views of Mt. Fuji, see the Hakone Shrine, and visit the Torii Gate of Peace.
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Tokyo: Diving Deep
Return to Tokyo after your weekend away to continue your courses and independent exploration of this vibrant city and its many unique neighborhoods. You’ll be surprised how much your Japanese has improved, even after just three weeks!
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The Japanese Alps: Mountains & Nature
Board a bullet train to travel to Kanazawa, a city on the western coast of Japan. Stroll through Takayama’s Old Town and Historic District to learn about the region’s history, then visit the Chubu-Sangaku National Park in the Japanese Alps, where you’ll enjoy a scenic hike and cross a suspension bridge with spectacular views.
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Tokyo: Living Like a Local
Spend your final four weeks in Tokyo leveling up your language skills as you continue your classes; in your free time, enjoy exploring the world's most populous metropolis or travel to other parts of Japan (or even other parts of Asia!).
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Osaka, Hiroshima & Kyoto: Language Skills in Action
Practice your Japanese on a 12-day trip around some of the country's most interesting and important cultural hubs: in Osaka, visit the iconic castle and spend a day at Japan's Universal Studios theme park. Travel to Hiroshima to learn about the city's dark history and bright future, then journey to Kyoto to visit the Zen gardens, walk through the iconic red Torii gates of Fushimi Inari, and wrap up your time together with a final celebratory dinner.
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Our commitment to safety
When you need us most, we’re always close: EF Gap Year students are supported by multiple layers of staff throughout their experience abroad.
Learn more about on-program Safety & Support, from our on-the-ground Student Life Coordinators and Tour Directors to our 24/7 Safety & Incident Response team.
Ready to get started?
Our Gap Year Consultants are ready to answer any questions you have and enroll you on our program.
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