The school year is winding down and summer is almost here... so if you haven't already figured out where to send the kids for summer camp, you better do so soon! Many options in and around Tokyo fill up quickly. You can always get an amazing babysitter on the schedule (find one here!), but otherwise, you'll want to check out the below options.

For the Tech Whiz

If you have a kid at home who's just as interested in computing as they are camping, you have a couple of options to check out this summer! Tokyo Coding Club is a unique mix of both tech- and outdoor-focused fun. With overnight options in Gunma, Hakuba and Tokyo, these are great opportunities for 7 to 13-year-olds who'd like to learn more about STEM and robotics while also rafting, hiking or exploring the city. Coding Lab is a great day-camp option in Shirokanedai. There are also lots of different skill and age level camps to choose between — starting as young as 4 years old to more advanced options for high school students.

Classic Camp Experience

Whether it's overnight in the mountains or day-camp in the city, there are several options if your kids are interested in the "classic" camp experience: Fun, games and maybe a campfire or two! Check out English Adventure if you want your kids to get outside in beautiful Tsunan while also having their English language skills sharpened. There are several skill levels available, from beginner to native level language. Nanbo, in Chikura, offers several sessions beginning in mid-July. Elementary and middle school students will have a blast exploring the outdoors, learning about tide pools and participating in sports. Eton House's Hakuba summer program is all about adventure: White-water rafting, barbeques, paddle boarding and hiking over five days in amazing nature. And if you have younger children who aren't quite ready for sleepaway camp, KSpace International is a perfect choice. The 2022 Summer School program offers a multitude of options for toddlers to 9-year-olds, including extended-day care.

Extra Academics

Summer camp is a great opportunity to slip in some extra education! For the kid who wants to reinforce what they've learned or learn something new, there are a few summer school options in and around Tokyo. ASIJ offers a three-week program for children in kindergarten through tenth grade, where they can take a full array of classes in language arts, math, science and more. Hakuba International's summer school is a creative combination of school and sustainability (and fun!). Students learn all about the environment while exploring nature and even give a final presentation at the end of each session. Tokyo Kids Write is a great, local option for the creatives in your household. Each of the four sessions, held at the studio in Nakazato, features a specific focus and several will connect the kids with a published author for insights and advice! 

Sports

If you have a budding basketball star at home, don't miss Elite Basketball Camp Japan! Athletes of all skill levels can practice on the court and take advantage of supplemental English lessons (basketball sessions are in both English and Japanese). For kids ages 10 to 18, this camp is held in two sessions over four days and five nights in August on Lake Yamanakako, with Mt. Fuji in the background!