Ritsumeikan University
2026 Ritsumeikan Winter Japanese Program Express
2026 RWJP Express (Ritsumeikan Winter Japanese Program Express)
From February 3, 2026 to February 13, 2026.
2 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 two-week period. The program includes daily 150-minute Japanese language classes on weekdays, and a total of 4 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. 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
February 3 - February 13, 2026
Program fee
JPY 143,200 (accommodation fee NOT included)
Application period
October 27, 2025 - November 18, 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)University Designated Hotel
or
(2)Book your own accommodation
*IH TAISHOGUN (one of our research and educational facilities) is NOT available during the RWJP Express.
*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
December 5, 2025
*We only accept payments via international bank transfer.
Fees included:
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, 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 Feb 2, 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 Certificate of Completion and Comment from Japanese Teacher 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 × 9 days = 1,350 min = 22.5 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 × 4 days = 360 min = 6.0 hours
How to Apply
Submit your basic information
Visit Online application website and submit your basic information (Name, Address, 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 students. High school students and younger are not eligible to participate.
Accommodation
Options
1. University Designated Hotel (Tassel Inn Kyoto Kawaramachi Nijo)
2. Book your own accommodation (*Please note: Your accommodation must be located within Kyoto city.)
*IH TAISHOGUN (one of our research and educational facilities) is NOT available during the 2026 RWJP Express.
University Designated Hotel: Tassel Inn Kyoto Kawaramachi Nijo
“TASSEL INN KYOTO KAWARAMACHI NIJO” is standing quietly in the alley in Kyoto. A calm atmosphere, simple and casual guest rooms, an ideal location for experiencing new sensibilities.
Check in: Monday, Feb 2, 2026
Check out: Saturday, Feb 14, 2026
Fee: JPY 79,800 (Room only, No meal)
*Please note: If you wish to stay at the Tassel Inn, we will provide you with the hotel representative’s contact information after your program participation is confirmed. You will then be asked to contact the hotel directly to make your reservation at the above rate. Further details will be provided once your participation has been finalized.
*For the hotel information, please click here.
What We Offer
Completion Certificate/ Comment from Japanese teacher
●Each student will be required to attend more than 2/3 of classes to receive a Completion Certificate.
●Official transcript is not issued in the RWJP 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 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.
