Study Japanese in Japan

You can find language classes throughout the country with popular places to study including:

  • Tokyo
  • Kobe
  • Osaka
  • Yokohama
  • Nagoya
  • Sapporo 
  • Kyoto
  • Fukuoka
  • Kawasaki
  • Saitama

Most language schools are located in the larger cities and a range of courses are available to book throughout the year to foreign students. These are some of the top rated opportunities for beginners:

  • Nanzan University hosts a great study abroad program in Nagoya, Japan. Students rave about the authenticity of the city, which requires them to utilize their Japanese daily rather than get by speaking English. Located between Tokyo and Kyoto, Nagoya is a great starting point for exploring Japan.
  • World Campus International is perfect for students looking to study Japanese short term while abroad. Learners travel to multiple cities throughout Japan and stay with host families everywhere they go, adding a level of cultural immersion to the experience. 

 

Beginner/Intermediate Japanese Courses

If you’re looking to learn Japanese from the beginning or already have a class or two under your belt, there are many great options! 

  • Genki Japanese & Culture School has a range of short-term options with classes starting every Monday year round. Located both in Tokyo and Fukuoka, Genki is very dedicated to moving students continuously up toward more advanced courses.
  • World Campus International hosts a series of summer programs that are from three weeks to two months long throughout Japan. Participants are given the opportunity to live with host families, practice the basics of Japanese and volunteer in the Japanese community. 

 

Immersion Japanese Courses in Japan

Perhaps you are determined to learn Japanese and want something a bit more extensive than classes a few days a week.

Total immersion programs are designed to make the most out of your time spent abroad. Generally, participants are asked to only speak the language they’re learning, in this case Japanese, while in the program. If you’re up for the challenge, there are several excellent schools in Japan that have immersion courses. 

  • KCP International is located in Tokyo and has a reputation for training students to become outstanding Japanese teachers. 
  • IES Abroad offers an immersion program in Nagoya that includes cultural classes such as tea ceremony and flower arrangement. Nagoya doesn’t have as many tourists as other Japanese cities and therefore has less English speakers floating around. Less English speakers means more circumstances when students are forced to practice their Japanese in daily life!

 

FAQ

  • Enrollment Times – Year round around the world.
  • Cost & Schorarships – A university semester abroad can cost you anywhere from £5,700 to £7,600. A course in Japan that includes a homestay will cost you around £500 weekly. Online courses vary from free to around £10 a month. Classes like International House in London cost around £125 for a 6-week module.
  • Accommodation – Study abroad programs may provide dorm rooms or arrange homestays.
  • Visa – Depending on an individual’s country of origin, visa requirements are different. Residents of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada can stay 90 days with no visa required. If you are planning to stay longer than 90 days, begin applying for your student visa at least six months before your scheduled stay. The application process is rigorous and a visa will not be granted if mistakes are found. Generally, if you are staying long term with a particular Japanese language school, they will assist you in obtaining a visa. Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website to look fully into the process.

 

Reviews

Have you ever been to study in Japan? Would you like to review a course or school? Contact us today.

"I studied Japanese at university in Liverpool and as part of my course we got to go and study for a year in Japan as part of an exchange. I was based in Osaka and really loved the people, culture, food and country. After returning home I was yearning to return so I took a TEFL certification course then went back to teach English in Japan." - Laura, UK