Japan: Greater Tokyo Area
Saturday, May 9 to Saturday, June 6 2026 (4 weeks, tentative)
The Japan Summer Abroad program launched in 2024 and continues to grow, offering University of Toronto students the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most dynamic and culturally rich cities.
Hosted by a partner university in Tokyo (TBD), the program provides students with housing near campus and easy access to Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods, transit systems, and cultural landmarks.
In 2026, the Japan Summer Abroad program will offer the following two courses (tentative list):
- IRE332Y0: Resolving Workplace Conflict While Employing a Cross-Cultural Perspective
- RLG290Y0: Religion and Popular Culture in Japan
Through these courses, students will explore Japanese workplace culture, governance, religion, and popular media. Field trips and cultural activities will complement classroom learning, offering immersive experiences such as tea ceremonies, shrine visits, anime and film studies, and excursions to Mount Fuji, Hakone, and Kamakura.
About Greater Tokyo Area
The capital of Japan, Tokyo is a city of contrasts, between mammoth scale and intricate detail, adrenaline pumping busy-ness and Zen-like calm. Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world with a population of more than 13 million; almost one-fourth of Japan’s total population lives within commuting distance of the city. Devastated twice in the last century by earthquake and bombing, Tokyo achieved rapid restoration both times to remain the centre of Japanese politics, economics, and culture. Tokyo also remains one of the safest cities in the world, with remarkably little crime or violence.
Useful Link:
Program Activities
To help students experience Japanese culture, the program will include a walking tour of Tokyo and visits to major cultural and historical sites. Highlights may include a tea ceremony with kimono, shrine and temple visits, and excursions to Hakone, and/or Kamakura. Students may also attend a sumo tournament, and explore Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods. Optional activities and guest speaker sessions will be available on-site.
Please note: Specific dates and some activities are subject to confirmation based on availability and scheduling.
Japan Summer Abroad: News and Highlights
Learn more about the Japan Summer Abroad Program through videos, past events and articles.
Instructor Interview - Bob Thompson - 2025 Japan IRE332Y0
Brittney's Written Testimonial - Japan 2025
Questions? Email: japan.abroad@utoronto.ca or book a virtual appointment.