Start with ages, dates and hours
International schools do not all begin their winter break on the same day. If your child finishes school in mid-December, a programme’s starting date matters. Check the stated age or year group too: a programme for younger preschoolers may have different eligibility from one for primary-school children.
The name “winter camp” can cover both daytime programmes and afternoon sessions. Think about the hours you need, the journey for drop-off and collection, and the length of day your child is likely to enjoy.
| Programme | Ages or year groups | Dates and hours | Support and entry conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lumina Soirée Azabudai | Ages 4–8 | 14–18 and 21–25 December 9 am–3 pm Join from one day | One staff member for every 3–4 children At least one English–Japanese bilingual staff member on site |
| TIS Minamiazabu | Preschool: nensho and nenchu Primary: Japanese school years 1–4 | 21–25 December Preschool 9 am–2 pm Primary 4 pm–7 pm | Previous English experience required for Japanese year 3 and above; check the conditions for each course |
| CTIS Minamiazabu | Japanese primary years 1–4 | 21–25 December 9 am–2 pm Five-day package | Children must understand lessons and express their ideas in English; external applicants submit a video |
Prices are not directly comparable when hours, materials and services differ. Look at the days you need and what each programme includes. The official links in the sections below provide current fees.
Lumina Soirée: art and expression from 14 December
In Azabudai, Minato, Lumina’s 2026 Winter Camp welcomes children aged 4–8 on 14–18 and 21–25 December. The camp runs from 9 am to 3 pm, with collection from 3 pm to 3:15 pm. The first week offers an option for families whose school holidays begin in mid-December.
Children can explore world arts and crafts, share what they have made, take part in hands-on activities and encounter forms of expression such as dance, singing and drama. The idea is to give children opportunities to discover a new interest. Activities and daily programmes vary; every activity is not offered every day.
One staff member for every 3–4 children means attentive, individual support. At least one English–Japanese bilingual staff member is also on site during camp. Tell us about the languages your child usually uses and anything that may help them settle into a new environment.
Children can join from one day, which can suit families who want to try the experience or work around other holiday plans. All prices include tax: one day is ¥19,800; a five-day week is ¥88,000 for Lumina members or ¥99,000 for non-members. First-time non-members also need an initial registration: Lumina's Membership Registration at ¥11,000, or camp-only registration at ¥7,700. Please confirm the membership category that applies to your booking.
For families considering an afternoon combination, the optional Chinese lesson runs from 3 pm to 3:45 pm, followed by a Lumina Party Experience from 4 pm to 6 pm. Chinese lessons are for camp participants; both options cost extra. Party collection is from 6 pm to 6:15 pm.
Capacity is 16 children. The application deadline for all dates isTuesday 1 December 2026. See Lumina’s full camp programme and fees, or send your preferred dates through the official application page.
TIS Minamiazabu: different hours for preschool and primary children
The 2026 Winter School at Tokyo International School Kindergarten/Afterschool Minamiazabu runs from 21 to 25 December. The official announcement lists a 9 am–2 pm programme for nensho and nenchu preschool children, and a 4 pm–7 pm programme for children in Japanese primary years 1–4.
A paid 2 pm–4 pm care option is also listed for primary-school children. The daytime preschool course and afternoon primary course serve different schedules, so check which one fits your family. Previous English experience is required for Japanese primary year 3 and above.
For detailed eligibility, English requirements and fees, see the official TIS Minamiazabu seasonal school page and its 2026 winter brochure (Japanese PDF).
CTIS: science projects in English for primary-school children
At CTIS in Minamiazabu, children explore science through project-based learning: asking questions, thinking through ideas and working on a project. The five-day format may suit children who enjoy spending time with one subject.
Participants must understand lessons led by native English-speaking teachers and express their ideas in English. External applicants submit a video to confirm their English ability.
For the eligibility conditions and participation fees, see the official CTIS Winter School page and the operator’s announcement.
Match your child’s interests with your holiday plans
If you need a daytime option from 14 December, are considering a programme for siblings within the 4–8 age range, or want to start with a single day, take a look at Lumina’s dates and daily activities.
TIS Minamiazabu may fit families looking for a daytime preschool programme for nensho or nenchu children, or afternoon sessions for primary-school children. CTIS offers a five-day science programme for eligible primary-school children who can participate in English. Ages, hours and language conditions make the differences clearer than the programme names alone.
Include your child in the decision where you can. Looking at possible activities together and asking “What would you like to try?” can help make the first day something they look forward to.
For a closer look at camp, Curiosity Club and optional parties, read Short Winter Holiday Activities in Tokyo | Lumina Winter Camp 2026.
Questions families ask when choosing a winter camp
Can preschool children join?
Lumina’s camp is for ages 4–8. TIS Minamiazabu’s preschool course lists nensho and nenchu children. CTIS is for Japanese primary years 1–4. Confirm the precise age or year-group conditions with the provider before applying.
Can my child attend for just one day?
Lumina welcomes bookings from one day. CTIS is a five-day package. Booking units differ between providers, so compare the days you need with the drop-off and collection times.
How should I check the English requirements?
Ask about the main language used and the support available. Lumina has one staff member for every 3–4 children, with at least one English–Japanese bilingual staff member on site. TIS Minamiazabu requires previous English experience from Japanese primary year 3. CTIS requires lesson comprehension and expression in English, with a video submission for external applicants.
