Ritsumeikan University
2026 Ritsumeikan Winter Japanese Program
2026 RWJP (Ritsumeikan Winter Japanese Program)
From January 13, 2026 to February 13, 2026.
5 weeks program
Intensive Japanese Language and Culture Study Program
Ritsumeikan University is now accepting participants for a short-term intensive program, where participants can learn and experience Japanese language and culture over a five-week period. The program includes daily 150-minute Japanese language classes on weekdays, and a total of 11 Japanese cultural experiences during the term. Although no credits are issued, participants who meet the attendance requirements as per the program's regulations will be awarded a certificate of completion on the final day. In addition, a transcript will be issued 30 days later. Participants will also have opportunities to freely interact with volunteer students from Ritsumeikan University. Many past participants have successfully improved their Japanese language skills in a short period.
Program period
January 13 - February 13, 2026
Program fee
JPY 339,000 (accommodation fee NOT included)
Application period
October 6, 2025 - October 28, 2025
**Application CLOSED**
Due to the large number of applications far exceeding our program capacity, we have closed the application process earlier than the scheduled deadline. We appreciate your kind understanding.
Accommodation
(1)International House TAISHOGUN
Usage Fee : JPY 86,500
or
(2)Book your own accommodation
*Regarding the accommodation details, please see below.
Eligibility
Under graduate, graduate, and PhD students
*You must be enrolled in a university during the application to the entire program period.
*High school students and younger are not eligible.
*Students who already hold a Japanese-language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 qualification are not eligible.
Payment due
November 14, 2025
*We only accept payments via international bank transfer.
Fees included:
Transcript, Textbook, Ritsumeikan Buddy, Orientation, Campus Tour, Completion Ceremony, Visa support (if applicable) , Library access (only browsing), Wi-Fi access, Travel insurance, and One-way transportation for selected Japan Study activities
Fees not included:
Return traveling fees (such as Air Fare), Airport pickup/Drop off, Facility use fee (IH Taishogun or self-arranged lodging), Local transportation fees in Kyoto, Meals, Passport, Health Certificate, Short-term stay visa (not a student visa), and other personal expenses.
■ The students are required to participate in the program from orientation on the first day to the completion ceremony on the final day.
■ We request all the participants to arrive on Jan 12, 2026, the day before the program's start date and depart on Feb. 14, 2026.
■ Please note that once we reach the capacity of participants, we will close the application.
■ This is a non-degree program which means no credits are issued, while Transcript and Certificate of Completion will be issued.
Program Overview
Japanese Language Class
●Taught in Japanese (Direct Method)
●Comprehensive introduction to Japanese language to build a strong foundation for Japanese studies
●Class contents: Conversation, reading, writing
●50 min × 3 classes × 23 days = 3,450 min = 57.5 hours
*Students with no prior Japanese learning experience must learn Hiragana and Katakana before participating the program.
Japanese Culture Class (Japan Study)
●Class contents: lecture on Japanese culture
●Field work to various cultural spots in Kyoto such as Kinkakuji Temple, tea ceremony, Wadaiko, and much more.
*Destinations are subject to change.
●Opportunity to interact with Ritsumeikan BUDDYs
●90 min × 11 days = 990 min = 16.5 hours
How to Apply
Submit your basic information
Visit Online application website and submit your basic information (Name, Address, Accommodation preference, Japanese learning history, etc.).
Upload required documents
After submitting basic information, upload the required documents online. Instructions will be provided once we confirm your basic information.
Result
After the Application Period, we will notify you of the results. If there are any issues with your documents, we will contact you before the deadline.
Tuition
Upon acceptance, you will receive a payment notification. Please follow the instructions and make the payment by the due date.
Acceptance Letter
Participants who have completed their payment will be issued a Notification of Acceptance. This document officially confirms their status as participants.
Required Documents
Handwritten Essay
● Please download the template and write an handwritten essay in Japanese.
● The use of PC and translation apps are not allowed.
● This essay is NOT related to pass or fail decisions.
● This to accurately assess your current Japanese level.
● If you are unable to write an essay in Japanese at all, write and submit "I cannot write an essay in Japanese" in English.
Pledge
● Please download the template, read through the pledge, sign, and sumit.
● 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 or graduate students. High school students and younger are not eligible to participate.
Health Certificate Form - Please read
Submitting the Health Certificate Form is crucial.
●If you are going to apply for the program, we recommend to make an doctor's appoinment as soon as possible. It may take a long time to make it in some countries.
●Please download the health certificate form template and the example health form.
●Please follow the example, pre-fill your sections of the health form, and submit it to your doctor.
●Regular medications may be restricted or unavailable in Japan. If you require medication, consult your doctor to switch to one permissible in Japan or to bring enough for the program duration.
●Submitted health form will be reviewed by a physician at Ritsumeikan University.
Example -
Health Certificate Form
Please read very carefully to avoid re-submission.
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.
- Location: IH Taishogun is a 20-minute walk from Ritsumeikan University’s Kinugasa Campus where RSJP/RSJP will be held.
- Room Arrangement:
- Students will stay in gender-segregated rooms, with up to four people per room (2 bunk beds).
- Room assignments are determined by Ritsumeikan University and cannot be changed.
- The facility has a total of 12 rooms available.
- Shared Facilities:
- Shared kitchen
- Shared restrooms
- Shared shower rooms
- Application Process:
- Facility use at IH Taishogun will be assigned in the order of complete submission of all required documents.
- Required documents include a valid passport and a health certificate.
- The health certificate must be fully completed and signed by a physician.
- Advance reservations are not available.
- Alternative Lodging: If IH Taishogun is fully booked or if you prefer external lodging, please arrange a hotel or other lodging at your own expense and responsibility.
- Please note: The IH Taishogun has designated check-in and check-out times. At the time of check-out, all roommates are required to be present for a room inspection. The check-out and inspection times will be assigned by our office, and it cannot be chosen individually. Please note that no exceptions will be permitted. If you wish to stay there, we kindly ask that you take this into consideration.
Pros
- The usage fee is reasonable.
- Participants can spend a lot of time together, making it easier to build friendships.
- Located within walking distance of the university (20 minutes).
- Access to shared spaces such as lounges and tatami areas.
Cons
- The start and end dates of use are fixed, and all rules and manners must be strictly followed.
- Rooms are shared up to four people.
- Since it is not a hotel, receiving luggage or parcels is not possible.
- Staying with friends or family members is not allowed.
What We Offer
Transcript/Completion Certificate
●Each student will be required to attend more than 2/3 of classes to receive a transcript and Completion Certificate.
●After a successful completion of the program, Ritsumeikan University will mail a certified academic transcript to your home address in your country.
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 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
★Please refer to the FAQ section first for any questions you may have.
If your concerns are not addressed there, feel free to contact us.
