Ritsumeikan University
2026 Ritsumeikan Summer Japanese Program Express
2026 RSJP Express (Ritsumeikan Summer Japanese Program Express)
Application Open: April 28 – May 12, 2026
Program Period: July 28 – August 07, 2026
Program Fee: JPY 170,000 + Housing *Application fee is included.
▼▼ For details, please click the link below. ▼▼
Required Documents
Handwritten Essay
● Please download the template and write a handwritten essay in Japanese.
●Submitting this essay does not determine whether you will be accepted into the program.
● This essay is intended to assess your current Japanese language writing level, so please write it yourself without using any translation apps or similar tools.
●Please note that all applicants are required to submit their essay in Japanese, as it will help us determine the most appropriate class placement. We encourage you to write as much as you can at your current level. If you are absolutely unable to do so, you may submit your statement in English explaining your motivation for joining the program.
Pledge
● Please download the template, read through the pledge, sign, and submit.
● We hope you will sincerely participate in the classes every day during the program period.
● Additionally, the purchase or use of any wheeled vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, or skateboards, is not allowed.
Passport copy
● Please submit the photo page of your passport.
● Your photo, birth date, and nationality must be clear.
● If it is currently under application, please specify "Currently Applying" and state estimated date to obtain on a substitute paper and upload.
Certificate(Enrollment/Transcript)
● Please obtain certificate of enrollment and academic transcript from your home institution and submit.
● This program is only open to university students. High school students are not eligible to participate.
Accommodation
Options
1. International House TAISHOGUN (*Please note : Those who selected IH TAISHOGUN at the time of application cannot make changes later.)
2. Book your own accommodation (*Please note : Your accommodation must be located within Kyoto city. )
International House(IH) TAISHOGUN
IH Taishogun is not a hotel but one of Ritsumeikan University’s research and educational facilities. Students must follow the facility regulations and adhere to the designated schedule. Failure to comply will result in loss of access. Arrival and departure dates and times are fixed. If students do not meet these conditions, they must arrange their own accommodation.
-Shared rooms for 2-4 people; Room assignments are determined by the university (no private rooms available)
-Strictly defined stay period from June 15 to July 18 (extensions are not permitted)
-Arrival must occur during designated hours (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
-A room inspection on a check-out day (July 18) must be conducted upon departure (approximately 20 minutes per room / 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM).
Therefore, if you book your return flight on check-out day, please ensure you allow ample time for transportation to the airport.
*Here are the advantages and important considerations regarding the university ‘IH Taishogun’ option.
Pros
- Opportunity to spend more time with other participants and build stronger connections
- Convenient location within walking distance of the university (approx. 20 minutes)
- Shared spaces such as a kitchen and tatami area for socializing with other participants
- Generally more affordable than hotels
Considerations
- IH Taishogun is not a hotel. Room usage start and end dates are fixed and cannot be changed.
- Up to four students may share one room.
- Room assignments and occupancy numbers are determined and are not subject to individual requests.
- Participants are responsible for cleaning their rooms, disposing of garbage, and managing their personal belongings.
- Guests, including family and friends, are not permitted in the dormitory.
- Luggage cannot be stored after check-out.
What We Offer
Completion Certificate/ Comment from Japanese teacher
●Each student will be required to attend more than 2/3(two thirds) of classes to receive a Completion Certificate.
●Official transcript is not issued in the Express. Instead, Comment from Japanese teacher will be issued.
Visa support
●Participants are responsible for contacting the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country directly to determine if they are required to apply for a short-term visa (also called a tourist visa, not a student visa) in advance.
●If it is determined that you need to obtain a visa, please notify us in advance.
●Please visit the follwoing website for more detailed information.
Medical Service Center
The Medical Service Center offers medical assistance to students with health concerns. Consultations are available in English during certain times of the day.
Study Abroad Center
At the Study Abroad Center, we handle consultations for short-term study abroad programs and are responsible for planning and operating these programs. If you encounter any issues or need advice during your program participation, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our office is located on the first floor of Meigakukan.
Ritsumeikan Buddy
What is a buddy?
Buddies from Ritsumeikan University will be here for you to support your life at Ritsumeikan. It will not be a 1-on-1 system but they will assist you in groups by speaking only in Japanese for you to fully immerse in the Japanese language.
What’s the merit?
You will have opportunity to interact directly with local students and practice Japanese and learn about Japanese culture such as recent Japanese pop culture, trending words, anime, and many other topics. You might also be able to find life-long friends!
Inside the Program
Program schedule
Please refer to the program pamphlet. *It is a sample schedule and subject to change.
Program Photos
These are the example images of the program. Please note that these activities are not confirmed and it is subject to change.
Maiko and Geiko
Tea Ceremony
Pottery
Yuzen Dyeing
Nijojo Castle
Calligraphy
Orientation
Campus Tour
Zen
