Introduction

If you are passionate about neuroscience and dream of spending your summer in Japan working with world-class scientists, the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) Summer Program is one of the best opportunities you can aim for. I have double-checked the official website, compared details with reliable sources, and gathered everything you need to know in one place.

This guide explains the program structure, eligibility, costs, benefits, application tips and the official FAQ link so that your information stays accurate.

What Is the RIKEN CBS Summer Program

The RIKEN CBS Summer Program is an annual training program held in Tokyo. It brings together neuroscience students from around the world. The purpose is simple. give young researchers a chance to learn cutting-edge brain science directly from RIKEN scientists.

The program offers two tracks.

1. Plan A. Internship Course

A two-month full-time research internship at RIKEN CBS.
Participants join a host laboratory, work on real research projects and receive hands-on guidance from scientists.

Duration – June 9 to August 7, 2026.

Internship students also attend the Lecture Course and must give a poster presentation.

2. Plan B. Lecture Course

A five-day intensive lecture series taught by leading neuroscientists.
It also includes a poster session where every participant presents their work.

Duration – July 22 to July 28, 2026 (excluding weekends).

Where the Program Takes Place

All lectures and poster sessions happen at the RIKEN CBS Administrative Headquarters near Tokyo.
The internship takes place inside the specific lab you are placed in. The research environment is highly international and English friendly.

Who Can Apply

I checked this part carefully since eligibility is usually strict.

You can apply if –

• You are enrolled in a university or research institute at the time of application, and you remain enrolled during the program period
• You belong to a company and are involved in research
• You can commit to the full duration of the plan you choose

You cannot apply if –

• You are a high-school student

International applicants must have –

• A valid passport
• A visa if required for Japan

Costs and Financial Support

The program does not charge any registration fee.

But the actual cost depends on whether your request for financial support is approved.

You must initially pay for –

• Airfare to Japan
• Domestic travel inside Japan
• Food and personal expenses

RIKEN will reimburse these only if your financial support request is accepted –

This includes.

• Airfare reimbursement
• Accommodation assistance
• Partial support for local travel

Accommodation is assigned by RIKEN for students who cannot commute.
The program also requires.

• A medical examination within six months before departure
• Accident insurance during your stay in Japan

Poster Presentation Requirement

Every participant, whether internship or lecture-only, must present a poster.

Poster board size –
Width – 876 mm
Height – 1643 mm (A0 vertical)

You must bring the printed poster with you. RIKEN will not print it.

Host Laboratories (For Internship)

RIKEN CBS has many advanced labs. A few examples include.

• Motor Circuit Plasticity – Aya Takeoka
• Systems Neurophysiology – Shigeyoshi Fujisawa
• Protein Conformation Diseases – Motomasa Tanaka
• Neural Circuit Machinery – Tetsuya Yamamoto

The full list is on the official website.

Why This Program Is Worth Considering

Even if you have many summer opportunities, RIKEN CBS stands out because.

• You get real research experience inside Japan’s top neuroscience institute
• You learn from globally recognized scientists
• You meet international researchers and expand your academic network
• You experience Japanese culture, daily life and professionalism
• You improve your academic profile, especially if you plan to pursue research or graduate studies

For students interested in Japan, neuroscience, or research careers, this experience can be a major stepping stone.

Who Should Apply

You are an ideal candidate if.

• You are studying neuroscience, biology, psychology or any related field
• You are at the bachelor, master or early PhD level
• You have genuine curiosity about brain science
• You are willing to present your ideas confidently in the poster session
• You can travel independently and handle international requirements

How to Apply. Step-by-Step

Here is the application flow based on the official website and previous years.

1. Visit the official site & Click on Applying section 

https://cbs.riken.jp/en/summer/index.html

2. Prepare your documents –

Typically these include.

• CV
• Statement of purpose or motivation
• Research plan (for internship)
• Letter of recommendation
• Letter requesting financial support (if needed)

3. Select your plan –

Choose Plan A, Plan B or both then,
Submit the Online Aplication before the Deadline.

4. If selected –

You arrange visa, travel, insurance and medical exam & Attend the program and present your poster.

5. After the program –

Stay connected with mentors for future opportunities.

Tips for Living in Tokyo During the Program

Tokyo is safe, convenient and easy to navigate, but planning helps.

• Understand your commute route before arriving
• Budget your expenses because Tokyo can be costly
• Learn a few basic Japanese phrases
• Bring comfortable clothing for hot summer weather
• Keep all receipts if you applied for financial support
• Prepare your poster early
• Make the most of networking events

FAQ

You can check all official FAQs, including topics like financial support, visa, accommodation and poster details.

👉 Official FAQ Link – https://cbs.riken.jp/en/summer/faq.html#financialsupport

Contact for Enquiries

For any official questions, you can email.
info.summer2026@ml.riken.jp

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about neuroscience, research, international experience and you’re ready to commit to a summer in Japan, the RIKEN CBS Summer Program offers a high-quality opportunity. Be realistic about logistics (travel, visa, funding), but if you plan ahead you can make the most of it. Given your interest in Japanese language and cultural exposure, this could also tie nicely into your broader goals.

Should you decide to apply, let’s map out a timeline together (preparation, document checklist, budget) to make sure you’re ready.

The program uses English, but basic Japanese makes daily life easier and helps you connect better in Japan.

You can start learning Japanese with Yoisho Japanese Academy.

👉 Join here: Yoisho Academy Registration Form

Ganbatte! (Good luck!)