Students

Learn Japanese in Japan: Discover schools, prices, and best seasons

How much does it cost to learn Japanese in Japan, are there any scholarships, and where should I study? Here are all the answers.

Do you want to learn Japanese in Japan? You’re in the right place. We’ve put together a complete guide with everything you need to start planning your academic adventure. There’s no better way to build fluency than by learning in a fully immersive environment. That said, Japan is such a diverse country — with different dialects depending on the region — that figuring out where to begin can feel a bit overwhelming.

Don’t worry — we’re here to help you figure out where to study and when to go. We’ll also cover scholarships you can apply for, study-abroad agencies that can support you, and the costs you’ll need to plan for. Stick with us, and let’s start mapping out your journey!

In this article

How much does it cost to study Japanese in Japan

Let’s start with an important question to think about before diving into your plans: how much does it actually cost to study in the land of the rising sun? Is Japan an affordable destination? What’s the cost of living like? As with most countries, your expenses will vary depending on factors like where you live and which school you choose.

What we can tell you upfront is that Japan isn’t exactly a budget-friendly destination—especially if you’re planning to study in Tokyo or Kyoto. To give you a clearer picture of what to expect, we’ve put together a table with average costs.

	Approximate cost (¥ JPY)	Approximate cost ($ USD)
Standard Japanese course (20 lessons/week) – 1 week	52,000	345
Standard Japanese course (20 lessons/week) – 4 weeks	208,000	1,380
Intensive Japanese course (30 lessons/week) – 1 week	74,000	490
Intensive Japanese course (30 lessons/week) – 4 weeks	296,000	1,900
Accommodation in student residence – 2 weeks	78,000	520
Accommodation in student residence – 4 weeks	156,000	1,040
High season supplement (June-September) per week	12,000	80

Average prices to study Japanese in Japan

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Where to get scholarships to study Japanese in Japan

Are the prices higher than you expected, and you’re wondering if it’s really doable? Before you rule out the idea of going, consider applying for a scholarship to study in Japan. Several organizations offer financial support to help cover tuition, living expenses, and even travel costs. Here are some of the most interesting options we’ve come across.

1. Government of Japan Scholarship (Monbukagakusho – MEXT)

This is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarships available to international students. It’s aimed at university students who want to deepen their understanding of Japanese language and culture.

Eligibility requirements: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old, enrolled in a university outside Japan in a program related to Japanese language or culture, and have at least a basic knowledge of the language.
Coverage and benefits: Tuition waiver, round-trip airfare and a monthly allowance.
Amount: ¥117,000 per month ($780).
Type of studies offered: Intensive Japanese language and culture courses at public universities in Japan.
How to apply: You must apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country between January and May.

2. JASSO Scholarship (Japan Student Services Organization)

Intended for international students who are already enrolled in an educational institution in Japan, including Japanese language schools.

Eligibility requirements: Must be enrolled in a recognized educational program in Japan and demonstrate good academic performance.
Coverage and benefits: Monthly allowance for day-to-day expenses.
Amount: ¥48,000 per month ($320).
Type of study offered: Can be applied for while studying Japanese at accredited private schools.
How to apply: Directly at the school or center where you are enrolled.

3. Akamonkai Japanese Language School Scholarships

Akamonkai is one of Tokyo’s most well-known Japanese language schools. They offer several scholarship options for their students, making it a great choice if you’re already in Japan and planning to continue your studies at a local university or vocational school.

Eligibility requirements: At least 6 months of study at Akamonkai, over 95% attendance, good academic record and exemplary conduct.
Amount: Up to ¥100,000 ($665).
Type of studies offered: Japanese language courses at its Tokyo headquarters.
How to apply: Apply directly to the school’s administrative staff.

Best schools to study Japanese in Japan

Now that you’ve got a sense of what it might cost to learn Japanese in Japan—and how you could fund it—it’s time to talk about where to study. If you’re considering going, you probably already know that Japan is a large and incredibly diverse country, full of opportunities for language learners. That also means choosing the right school can be a bit overwhelming.

To make your search a little easier, we’ve done some digging through study-abroad sites and picked out three solid options. One offers on-site housing, another focuses solely on courses, and the third specializes in programs for adult learners. With this mix, you’ll have a better shot at finding the school that’s right for you.

1. ISI Japanese Language School – With accommodation

Let’s start with one of the most popular schools among international students. With campuses in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nagano, it stands out for its modern, multicultural approach. Every year, it welcomes thousands of students from over 100 different countries.

Courses and levels: They offer both general and intensive Japanese programs for all levels—from complete beginners to advanced students. You’ll also find JLPT prep courses and programs to help you get into Japanese universities.
Type of Japanese: Standard Japanese, with emphasis on daily use of the language and functional grammar.
Accommodation and services: They offer housing in student residences and shared apartments, and the ISI team can also help you find a host family if that’s your preference. The residences are well-located and designed to encourage social interaction among students.
Price range: 4-week intensive course costs about ¥150,000 ($1,350). Accommodation starts at ¥60,000 ($540) per month.

Why choose it? Because it combines educational quality with a good location and the possibility of staying in the same network managed by the school.

2. Tokyo Central Japanese Language School (TCJ) – For adults

Worried about ending up in a classroom full of much younger students? Then you might want to check out TCJ. Located in the heart of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, this school has over 30 years of experience teaching Japanese to learners from around the world.

Courses and levels: They offer intensive general Japanese courses, business-focused classes, and specialized programs for working professionals. All levels are welcome, though most students already have some background in the language.
Type of Japanese: Standard Japanese, with options for business Japanese and JLPT preparation.
Accommodation and services: TCJ does not offer accommodation, but collaborates with outside agencies to help students find residence.
Price range: A one-month intensive course costs around ¥165,000 ($1,480). Accommodation options vary depending on the area.

Why choose it? Since it focuses on adults and professionals, the atmosphere tends to be more mature and focused.

3. Japan Tokyo International School (JTIS) – Without accommodation

Already have your housing sorted? Then JTIS might be just what you’re looking for. Located in Shinjuku—one of Tokyo’s liveliest neighborhoods—it’s known for its intensive courses with flexible schedules.

Courses and levels: General Japanese programs, intensive and preparation for official exams such as the JLPT. Classes for all levels.
Type of Japanese: Standard Japanese with emphasis on daily communication and practical use of the language.
Price range: Intensive courses start at ¥130,000 ($1,165) for four weeks.

Why choose it? Its location in the heart of Tokyo.

How to study Japanese in Japan and work at the same time

Still unsure about going because of the cost? Keep in mind you can always combine your studies with a part-time job—it’s definitely doable in Japan. Just be aware that not all visa types allow it.

If you enter Japan on a tourist visa, working is completely off-limits. But if you apply for a student visa, you’ll be allowed to work part-time—as long as you also get a special permit called the ‘Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted under the Status of Residence.’ With that in hand, you can work up to 28 hours per week during the school term and up to 40 hours a week during school holidays.

Where could you work? Students can often be found working in cafés, restaurants or stores. They can also teach in their native language.

learn japanese — Studying and working in Japan. Source: shutterstock

Best seasons to study Japanese in Japan

Set on going but not sure when? No matter the season, studying in Japan will be an amazing experience—but choosing the right time of year can really shape what your day-to-day life will look like, both in and out of the classroom.

From July to September, it’s peak season—language schools fill up with students from around the world. It’s a great time for cultural events, group trips, and making new friends. You’ll also find plenty of short, intensive courses during these months. The downside? Expect high humidity, higher tuition fees, and pricier accommodation in the summer.

If you go in winter, you’ll benefit from lower prices and smaller class sizes. If you don’t mind the cold, it can be a great time to study. And if you’re headed to Tokyo or Kyoto, there’s still a solid student vibe year-round. The trade-off? Fewer outdoor events and shorter days.

If you’ve been dreaming of seeing those postcard-perfect landscapes in real life, aim for spring to catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom during hanami. Or choose autumn to take in the stunning red hues of the momiji season. On top of the beautiful scenery, you’ll enjoy mild weather, a manageable number of students, and plenty of schools offering seasonal discounts.

Popular agencies for studying Japanese in Japan

Before we wrap up this guide to learning Japanese in Japan, there’s one last thing worth mentioning—study abroad agencies. While going through one of these companies might cost a bit more than handling everything on your own, it can make the whole process a lot smoother. They’ll take care of your school enrollment, help you find housing, and even assist with your visa paperwork.

Just like with language schools, having so many options can make it tough to choose. To make things easier, we’ve browsed through a bunch of international student forums and found two agencies that consistently get great reviews.

1. Go! Go! Nihon

If you’re looking for an agency that handles absolutely everything for you, Go! Go! Nihon is a solid choice. It was started over a decade ago by two former Japanese language students themselves.

What does it offer? They’ll guide you in choosing the school that best fits your level and goals, help with your enrollment, visa process, and even finding a place to live. On top of that, they organize activities and provide support in Spanish throughout your stay in Japan.
Accommodation: You can choose between shared apartments, residences or host families.
Activities and social life: They also organize cultural events and excursions, giving you the chance to practice your Japanese and experience everyday life in Japan. Plus, they host meetups with other students.
Visa counseling: Yes.
Price range: Depends on the school, the type of course and the accommodation you choose. From ¥175,000 ($1,075) per month (without accommodation).

2. EF Education First

This is one of the most experienced international agencies in the field, with over 60 years of helping students study languages abroad. They even run their own language school in Tokyo, offering Japanese courses for learners at every level.

What does it offer? General and intensive Japanese programs. Also preparation for exams such as the JLPT.
Accommodation: You can choose to stay in a student residence or with a host family, where you’ll get half-board included.
Activities and social life: They organize cultural outings, cooking classes, visits to temples and excursions to other cities such as Kyoto or Hakone.
Visa counseling: Yes.
Price range: Courses start from ¥55,000 ($370) per week. Host family accommodation starts at ¥42,000 ($285) per week.

Frequently asked questions about where to learn Japanese in Japan

How much does it cost to study Japanese in Japan?

Costs will vary depending on the school, city, and type of course you go for. On average, a standard four-week course costs around ¥208,000 ($1,380). If you choose an intensive program, that could go up to around ¥296,000 ($1,900). Student residence accommodation typically costs around ¥156,000 ($1,040) per month.

Can I work while studying Japanese in Japan?

Yes, but you’ll need a student visa along with a special permit called the ‘Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted under the Status of Residence.’ You’ll be able to work up to 28 hours a week during the semester and up to 40 hours during school holidays.

What is the best time to study Japanese in Japan?

It all comes down to what you’re looking for. If you want a lively international atmosphere with plenty of activities, summer (July to September) is your best bet. For lower costs and smaller class sizes, winter is a solid choice. And if you’re after pleasant weather and stunning scenery, nothing beats spring during cherry blossom season or autumn with its vibrant fall colors.

What scholarships can I apply for to study Japanese in Japan?

Some of the most well-known options include the Japanese Government’s MEXT scholarship, JASSO, and school-specific grants from academies like Akamonkai. These can help cover tuition, living expenses, and even airfare.