KAI Japanese Language School

  • Student support

You may study Japanese for a short term (maximum 6 months) with a short-stay visa. Requirements for obtaining a short-stay visa vary depending on your nationality. Please contact the Japanese embassy in your country for details. If you wish to learn Japanese for a longer period of time (3 months to 2 years), you need to obtain a College Student Visa.

language school japan tourist visa

Contents outline

College student visa.

The College Student Visa is for students who study at Japanese language schools in Japan. It is valid for 6 months or 1 year from the day of your arrival in Japan. It can be extended to maximum 2 years (excluding the preparation period of 3 months for your departure). If you want to apply for a College Student Visa, please prepare necessary documents (a certificate of graduation, proof that you have sufficient financial resources, etc.). KAI will then make submission to the Tokyo Immigration Office.

Time of entry and application deadline

  • Visa application fee should be paid upon the submission of the visa application document.
  • When number of applicants is full, we will close application.

Enrollment Procedures

Please feel free to make inquiries.

30,000 JPY for visa application fee required.

Immigration Authorities advises us of your eligibility- we inform you the result. KAI sends you the all the necessary documents for obtaining a visa.

After a level check test, the school assigns you to a suitable class.

You should enter Japan about a week before the course begins.

We have school orientation one day before the course begins.

Finally your class starts. Please enjoy studying Japanese at KAI.

Before you make an inquiry

We accept college student visa application with conditions attached with academic background and student’s finances. Kindly note not all applications are accepted. All personal information is kept at the school for internal use. Fill out the following form (*necessary information) and click to send.

Other visas

We start registration one month before the starting date of each term. If the classes are full with students who started from previous term, we will not accept future enrollments.

Enrollment Procedures from Overseas

Contact form is here .

Please send back Application Form, 4 photos (4cmX3cm),a copy of your passport by mail.

Writing test and interview test over the phone. If you have not learned Japanese before, Level Check not necessary.

After we have reviewed level check test, we will inform you the result within 2 business days. Students are assigned only when vacancy is available.

You pay the required school fees (registration fee+ tuition )to our bank account by bank transfer. *You are responsible for any money transfer charges.

We will send a certificate of payment and schedule of classes as soon as we confirm receipt of your payment.

You should enter Japan before the course begins. We have our school orientation one day before the starting date of the term.(please bring your passport)

  • If you have any records of entry into Japan, you might be asked to show certificate regarding ability to pay living expenses etc. in Japan at the airport.
  • In case you cancel your enrollment, we will ask you to show receipt of your payment
  • Application procedures for tourist visa students depends on each country. Please confirm at embassy in your country

Enrollment Procedures in Japan

Writing test and interview test over the phone.If you have not learned Japanese before, Level Check not necessary.

We welcome you to our free trial lesson to see how the class goes and atmosphere of the school. This trial lesson is free. Please bring your Application Form, 4 photos (4cmX3cm), passport.

  • You are responsible for any bank charge.
  • Payment with credit card is acceptable (VISA/MASTER/JCB).

You should enter Japan before the course begins. We have our school orientation one day before the starting date of the term.

  • You cannot extend your tourist visa even if you want to continue studying Japanese.
  • After taking a level check test, we will see if there is any vacancy for your level. If that class is full, we will not be able to accept your enrollment.

KAI Japanese Language School

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If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

  • Employment Information

Student Visa Japan | Akamonkai Japanese Language School

School Calendar

  • President’s Message
  • About Our School
  • School History
  • Teachers and Staff
  • School Buildings
  • SDGs Initiatives

Required Visa

Types of visa required to study at akamonkai.

Benefits of the Student Visa

  • 28 Hours per week Job Permit
  • Extendable up to 2 years depending on your course choice
  • Peace of mind during your stay in Japan
  • Country re/enter permit while being enrolled in school

How to Apply for the Student Visa

By only collecting the necessary documents and sending them to us, we will apply for your visa at the Tokyo Immigration Bureau after checking the documents and contacting the student several times. Once we receive the reply (2 months after the application) we will inform you on the procedure to get your visa and fly to Japan. 

* The Immigration Bureau might ask you to submit additional documents in some cases.

* If your country is not permitted the exemption of visa for short-term stay,

   extra examinations for the student visa will be required. (see here for the visa exemption)

Here you can find Additional Information about the Visa procedure : 

Steps for Admission

Documents List for Student Visa Application

Visa Testimonials

Maggioni Martina Shari

I want to improve my Japanese language skills and make more Japanese friends.

Maggioni Martina Shari   Italy

Nguyen Tien Tam

My weekdays are busy with school and work.

Nguyen Tien Tam   Vietnam

Admissions Information

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PAGETOP

Akamonkai Calendar

How to Apply to Japanese Language School

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You've made up your mind; you want to study Japanese at a language school in Japan. Great—immersion is a key element of language learning and retention! But if you aren't doing it through a university program, it can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, we're here to walk you through the general steps so you can know what to expect.

Application Timeline

Application Timeline

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Before we delve into the details of the application process, let's talk about visas. Unless you're a Japanese citizen that's spent their entire life abroad, you'll need to get a visa in order to enroll in the school and stay in the country. For simplicity's sake, this guide will be under the assumption you'll be applying for a student visa. If you have another visa type and want to study at a language school, the process is a lot simpler as you'll just be registering for their courses. Let's take a look at the general language school application timeline for those applying for a student visa: 1. After finding a language school, start their application process about 6 months before your intended start date. 2. Complete the required application steps. This may include a letter of interest, where you'll be staying, and other details. 3. Submit all required documents for the Certificate of Eligibility, or CoE (listed below). 4. Once your application is done, the school will submit the visa application to the Immigration Bureau in Japan. It can take up to three months or so to hear back. 5. If approved, the school will send you the CoE. 6. Take the CoE, a recent passport photo and your passport to your local Japanese embassy or consulate. 7. The embassy will issue you your visa within a week or so. 8. Voilà! You have a Japanese visa! While the process is relatively simple, obtaining that Certificate of Eligibility is essential. Here are the required documents for doing so: ・Application Form ・A 4 x 3 centimeter photo taken within three months ・Copy of your passport ・Copy of your diploma/transcripts (depending on the status for which you are applying) ・Letter of Guarantee. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan expects every prospective student to be able to support themselves in Japan, or to have a financial sponsor that will support them. While the official website doesn't state a specific number, almost all schools say you should show proof of ¥2,000,000 (about US$18,000) for a 1-year visa, as well as proof of a financial sponsor directly related to you. If you are self sponsoring, you should show proof of ¥3,000,000 (about US$28,000) or more. There are some schools that allow 6 month visas, in which case it's recommended to show proof of around ¥1,200,000 or more. Documents that prove your financial solvency could be bank statements, income statements, financial aid award letters, and/or a letter of sponsorship. Keep in mind all documents must be in either English or Japanese. Now, lets go over the nitty gritty of the application process.

Step One: Pick a School

Step One: Pick a School

Even before that—pick a city! Do you want the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, or the sweeping, onsen -rich countrysides of Hokkaido? The difference in temperature and lifestyle throughout the year can vary drastically from northern Japan to southern Japan, so if you are used to a certain climate, maybe keep that in mind. There are pros and cons for every location, since Japan is extremely localized. Beyond differing cultural and culinary traditions, there's also different dialects, like Osaka- ben or Hakata- ben , which will end up teaching you unique regional expressions that you might not find in Tokyo. Bigger cities will often be a bit more English-friendly, so if you can't speak a lick of Japanese, that might be an easier transition. Or perhaps you want to dive right in and study somewhere devoid of assistance, so you can push yourself to learn as fast as possible (although you can also do that by enrolling in an intensive school in a city). Once you've chosen the areas you may want to study in, look for the best language schools in the area. There are multiple ways of going about this. Go! Go! Nihon and GaijinPot both offer free services to help you find language schools, and even have a ranking system for how difficult each school is. They also help you with the visa process and make it very simple for you. They carefully choose each school for quality, but that doesn't mean the hundreds of other language schools not on their list aren't high quality either! You can also just search for language schools in the city or prefecture you want, just make sure to look up reviews on them also. Some schools are bare bones, consisting of just teaching straightforward Japanese with a lounge area and some general assistance. Other schools might offer assistance in finding a part-time job, special elective classes you can study, activity days and more. Prices tend to go up with these added perks, but nothing beats a quality education. Also, schools that sponsor visas tend to start at ¥350,000 upwards of ¥500,000 although most fall around the ¥420,000 range.

Step Two: Fill Out Your Application

Step Two: Fill Out Your Application

Once you've picked your school, you can start the application process! If you go through either of the sites listed above, they've got a small interest form you fill out on their site and they guide you through the process from there. If you choose to apply to a school directly, most schools will have a form on their website or an email contact. At this point you'll need to know a couple things: how long you want to study, and what term you want to start. You can contact them without knowing these things, but you won't be able to start on the actual application until you decide. Generally, you want to apply six months before your desired start date. They'll have a deadline for all the documents to be turned in within three months, including a bank statement showing proof of ¥1,000,000 or ¥2,000,000 for visa applicants (more info down below). Most of the application is fairly easy as it consists of just turning in documents, writing an interest letter and showing financial proof/sponsorship. Everyone, visa applicant or no, needs to have the equivalent of a high school diploma to study at a language school. Some schools may require you to have a fundamental understanding of Japanese, like a basic knowledge of hiragana and katakana, but some advertise to be completely beginner friendly. Note that it's still highly encouraged that you get a grasp on hiragana and katakana along with some beginner vocab, as it will make your life a lot less overwhelming once you get there. Many schools breeze through learning them in a couple days. The letter of interest required is essentially how you tell the school why you want to learn Japanese, what your goals are and the like. If you are unsure of what a good letter looks like, search for examples online of people who've been accepted and also make sure to get someone to proofread it!

Step Three: Go to Japan & Study!

Step Three: Go to Japan & Study!

After submitting your application, documents, and getting your CoE (and subsequent visa), you are ready! Often the application process is set up so that you get your visa a week or two before you intend to leave. This process makes it a little difficult to buy your ticket ahead of time, but it's better to be safe than sorry. And there you go! After you make your way here, you can dive into your new life in one of the world's coolest countries! Don't forget to check out our extensive library of articles to help you get by, travel cheaper and deeper, and make the most of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Japan Travel Heritage

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Accredited by the Immigration Bureau as an Excellent School

For those who want to learn Japanese with student visa (Long term course)

Comprehensive japanese(from short term intensive to long term course).

・Aim to reach to the level of JLPT N1 ・Study for your own purposes ・Japanese as a communication tool, not just as a solid book knowledge ・Student visa support

In this course you can acquire Japanese skills for your own unique purposes in a sure and steady way from the basic level to the advanced level. Comprehensive course is perfect for those who want to enroll for college or University, want to work in Japan, want to get a job related to Japan, or wish to build up Communication skills in Japanese and etc.

Enrollment & course length

For those who wants to learn Japanese with student visa. » Enrollment in April, July, October, and January. Course length: 1 year, 1 year & 3 month, 1 year & 6 month, and 1 year & 9 month, and 2 years.

For those with other visas than student visa. » Anytime you want to enroll.

Lessons are conducted in 5 levels. Beginners ,Beginner-intermediate , Intermidiate , Intermediate to advanced , Advanced.

Lesson Time

・9:00~12:30 (AM class) ・13:15~16:45 (PM class) Four 45 minute lessons a day. We offer supplementary lessons depending on students’ level or progression speed.

Documents required: Fee: Application forms

For those who wants to learn Japanese with student visa. » Please read application forms. Please don’t hesitate to ask us, if you have questions.

For those with other visas than student visa. » Please don’t hesitate to ask us, if you have questions.

Model Curriculum

Beginners’ level.

We offer the lessons focusing on settings which students are familiar to in daily life in Japan and conduct task practices in every lesson to apply sentence patterns offered in lessons to everyday life for the purpose that our students come to acquire the basic Japanese firmly and surely. So We focus on “Practical Japanese” which is not limited by text books.

Curriculum example

Intermediate level

In this level, we offer lessons subject by subject, because we focus on and train the skills of “writing”, “reading”, and “speaking”. You build up the basic Japanese so as to be able to talk and discuss something with Japanese and learn something with Japanese people (ex.in a class room at college).

Advanced level

In this level, you can build up the basic of autonomous learning such as looking for theme, looking into it, bringing it to a conclusion and presenting it. We offer elective lessons by subjects to meet students’ various purposes after completing our school. 。

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 same category as.

  • Comprehensive Japanese (From Short term intensive to Long term course)
  • For those with short-term visa & working holiday visa
  • Courses for those who live in Japan
  • For those who want to learn Business Japanese

Download Documents

New courses, information.

  • Courses index
  • For Long term course
  • For working holiday visa
  • Business Japanese course
  • For those who life in Japan

Life in Japan

  • Schedule for a day
  • Living expenses
  • Around School
  • On disaster measure
  • A Word from the Principal
  • Our policies
  • Our teaching policy

First contact to Graduation

  • contact to Graduation

Achievements

  • The flow of counsel for higher education
  • Careers after graduation
  • Optional Class
  • Teaching materials & Photos

Japan Tokyo International School

Student visa (study for more than 6 months)

This visa is issued to students studying at Japanese language schools, universities, and vocational schools. Those who plan to study Japanese for 6 months to 2 years need to obtain a student visa.

*We are currently not accepting beginners (less than N5 level) who would like to apply for a student visa.

Requirements

  • Ages 18 and over
  • Graduated from a high school or higher educational institution

*Please contact us if you do not meet the conditions

  • Student visa holders are required to take classes every day
  • Student visa holders can work part-time up to 28 hours a week

The list of necessary documents

学生ビザ

  • Student visa application form ( School format )
  • Personal record ( School format )
  • Letter of paying expenses ( School format )
  • Final school diploma
  • Passport copy ( Photo page and Japan entry stamp pages )
  • Your face photos Size : 4cm X 3cm ( Passport photo size )
  • Your Guarantor’s bank balance certificate ( Need more than 1,600,000yen )
  • Your Guarantor’s employment certificate
  • Your Guarantor’s tax certificate ( Annual income must be written on it )
  • Relationship certificate between you and your guarantor ( Birth certificate, Resident certificate and so on )

※ Depending on the circumstances, more documents may be required

※ It is not possible to download 1.2.3. on the school Wwb site. Therefore, please contact us using the inquiry form at first found below.

Student visa procedure

You can enroll four times a year in January, April, July, and October. Please note that the visa application process will take some time. Required documents and procedures are as follows.

Japanese Course

  • Japanese Intensive Course
  • Japanese Conversation Course

Employment ・ Proceed to higher education

  • Proceed to higher education
  • Tuition and Fee

Impressions from Student VISA holders

language school japan tourist visa

Intensive Course student (Student Visa)

I came to Japan for two reasons: to live a lot of experiences and to come back in Belgium with a good level of Japanese. I came to take intensive courses for 9 months. Classes were given from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. I always had between 2 and 3 different teachers on the week. Every Tuesday and Thursday I had a different class to learn kanji for 1h30. This is a very good thing because I already had a certain level of Japanese without knowing any kanji. At first it was difficult because you have to get used to having only Japanese and hardly any English except for the vocabulary given in the book. The teachers are all very nice and attentive. They are always ready to explain again and give lots of examples. Be careful not to forget to do your homework, which is very important to remember the theory that is moving forward very quickly. The school also offers monthly activities such as a tea ceremony, doing a wind chime, or learning a martial art. It was a lot of fun! While I could visit on weekends and walk around in the mornings, my level of Japanese increased very quickly! Goal achieved!

language school japan tourist visa

It is my third time to study at Kudan Japanese School. To improve the level of my Japanese skills, I chose to continue studying here even during the COVID pandemic. I have been used to Kudan’s comprehensive curricula ranging from intensive courses to conversation courses. The thing that always surprises me is that Kudan prefers to assign three different teachers to teach each course in order to help students get the best experiences. Not only can I learn the essential language skills prepared for JLPT tests but also I am capable of mastering the communication skills with Japanese people. This time thanks to the huge support from Kudan’s staff in my school applications, I got admitted and also received scholarships eventually. All in all, learning Japanese is a long journey in Japan and on the other hand indeed, choosing a good school is such important. I am so happy that all my experiences here in Kudan proved me right in my career path.

From the staff

Thanks to your support, Kudan Institute of Japanese Language & Culture is about to celebrate its 34th year in business. This year, as in previous years, the Immigration Bureau has certified us as an "Excellent and Appropriate School (Yuryo tekiseiko)" with no illegal residents, no individuals with a revocation of status of residence, and no other violations. We are pleased to be certified as an "Excellent and Appropriate School (Yuryo tekiseiko)," and the certificate is available for viewing below. We will continue to work hard to create an environment where everyone can learn Japanese with peace of mind. We are all looking forward to seeing you at our school.

Certificate of "Excellent and Appropriate School (Yuryo tekiseiko)"

language school japan tourist visa

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

With regards to visa inquiries, you can contact “Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information” or “the Japan Visa Information Hotline” listed on the website of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan. Due to the complex nature of visa requirements, we are UNABLE to respond to visa-related inquiries made through this website at the moment. We advise you to contact the Consular Section of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan nearest you for more information and advice.

If you are a foreign national, please click the links below for specific information related to respective subjects.

1. Visa Application Procedures

2. about visa.

  • 3. Visa Application Documents

4. Frequently Asked Questions

5. announcements.

  • 6. Inquiries Concerning Visas
  • Be aware of fraudulent website, social media, emails in an attempt to extract payments from visa applicants (July 5, 2017)

Short-Term Stay

(A stay of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, etc. that does not include remunerative activities)

Click on the nationality of the visa applicant traveling to Japan.

China

Visa exemption arrangements have been resumed from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022.

It is highly recommended to purchase international travel medical insurance for your trip to Japan. Overseas travel medical insurance helps you in case of emergency.

Work or Long-Term Stay

(A stay during which the applicant performs remunerative work in Japan or a stay of over 90 days in Japan, etc.)

  • Procedures chart for long-term stays
  • The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan
  • Japan’s Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening

Visa for Medical Stay

Visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders.

  • Points to Note and Application Procedures
  • Visa Processing Time
  • Validity of a Visa
  • Criteria of Visa Issuance
  • Visas and Landing Permission

3. Visa Application Documents (download)

  • (Note1) Refer to [1. Visa Application Procedures] for details of documents required.
  • (Note3) Visa application forms that are not in the QR code (PDF) format cannot be saved. Please print a paper copy of the Visa application.
  • Visa application form
  • Tell me why you rejected my visa application.
  • I want to go to Japan. Do I need a visa?
  • I want to invite a foreign national to Japan. What procedures are necessary?
  • What should I do to get a Certificate of Eligibility?
  • The Certificate of Eligibility will not arrive by the time I apply for a visa. Can I still apply for a visa with its copy?
  • As a “guarantor”, to what extent do I need to be responsible?

Newly introduced visas

  • Special highly skilled professional (J-Skip)
  • Designated activities (Future creation individual, Spouse or Child of future creation individual) (J-Find)

Review on restrictions on new entry of foreign nationals into Japan

  • Application for Visa for foreign nationals eligible for Phased Measures toward Resuming Cross-Border Travel
  • Border measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Statistics for the Number of Visas

  • Number of Visas Issued in 2021(May 31,2022)

Relaxation of Visa Requirements

  • Visa Waiver Measure for Nationals of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Possession of Ordinary Passports(September 30, 2023)
  • Signing of the Japan-Israel Working Holiday Agreement (April 28, 2023)
  • Visa Waiver Measure for Nationals of the State of Qatar based on Ordinary Passport Registration System (April 2, 2023)
  • Visa Waiver Measure for Nationals of the United Arab Emirates in Possession of Ordinary Passports (November 1, 2022)
  • Japan’s Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening (April 3, 2020)
  • Japan's Visa Policy in Accordance with Measures to Combat Trafficking in Persons (February 2009)

6. Inquiries about Visas Application

Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information

Yotsuya Tower 13F, 1-6-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0004 Navi-Dial: 0570-011000 (For some IP phones and calls from overseas, please call +81-3-5369-6577) Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00

Related Links

  • Websites of Japanese Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Missions

JAPAN eVISA

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ALA | Japanese Language school in Tokyo |

Student Visa

>what is residence card .

“RESIDENCE CARD” is issued to every foreigners staying in Japan (Excluding short-term stay within 90 days) Visit a ward office (city hall) where you live within 14 days after arrival and register your address in Japan. (There is possibility to be asked to present it by a police officer. If you do not have a residence card or a passport with you, you may be taken to the police station.)

>About Student Visa

 “STUDENT VISA” is given for a student in Japan including all of student who plans to study at a school for 6 months or longer. It is only valid while belonging to the school. Once you leave school in any events, your student visa will be cancelled.

・ Part-Time Job (Arubaito)

Students with a student visa are permitted to work part-time for 28 h/week at the longest. During the following holiday, its permitted to work for 8h/day (40h / week).

●Spring Holidays (Mar~April) ●Summer Holidays (Aug) ●Winter Holidays (Dec~Jan)

In order to work part-time, you must have a permission from the Tokyo Immigration Bureau. It may be granted at the airport. Please bring following documents to immigration bureau if you need it. (1)Application form(2)Passport(3)Student ID (4)Residence Card

language school japan tourist visa

・ Temporary Departure 

 When leaving Japan temporarily for any reason, please be sure to fill in “re-entry card” below at Airport and hand in to the customs. Visa will be cancelled automatically if you forget re-entry form or residence card at the time of departure ※Please make sure to inform the teacher and reception with document ① (“temporary departure notification”) on very back of this guide book. Otherwise you may have a problem when re-enter Japan ※Temporary visa gets invalid once you leave the country.

language school japan tourist visa

>About Temporary Visitor Visa

 “TEMPORARY VISITOR VISA” (aka. Tourist visa) is valid for 90 days only. You have to leave Japan within 90 days from the date of entry.  “3 months”≠“90 days” Even one day overdue is regarded as illegal residence and Immigration bureau will never issue the visa in the future. Its visa holder is not allowed to work part time. If you are engaged working part-time on this visa, you will be banished from Japan.

VOYAPON

How to Choose Your Japanese Language School in Japan

Passion for Japan often makes people want to learn the Japanese language beyond the basic expressions such as “arigato” . Nowadays, thanks to courses offered in major cities or content available online, it is possible to study the basics of Japanese in one’s own country.

The best way to learn a language, though, is undoubtedly spending time in the countries where people speak it so that you can practice it in a linguistic and cultural full-immersion. This is the reason why seriously motivated people often decide to invest in a Japanese language course in Japan , but it is not easy to understand how to choose a school among the many alternatives offered.

If you have decided to go and study Japanese in Japan , we want to help you figure out which school is best suited to your needs.

What are your personal study goals?

Do i need a visa, do japanese schools provide accommodation, what is the best city to study in japan, specialized japanese courses.

woman studying in front of computer

There is no such thing as “the best Japanese school.” It all depends on your personal reasons for studying the language . Are you planning to apply to a university in Japan? Do you want to move there and look for a job? Or is Japanese a hobby, and you simply want to combine a travel experience with a study abroad experience? The answer to these questions can help you choose the length of your study period, the budget to invest in, the location, and the kind of school which is right for you.

woman carrying books

So, the first step is to identify your goals, which should be as concrete and realistic as possible.

banner for online course on becoming fluent in Japanese

Determine how long your Japanese language course should be

One of the first things to determine is how long you will study in Japan:  a short period or a more extended period ? This will depend not only on your study goals but also on your budget and your life path.

kanji text in Japanese newsletter

In Japan, you can find both Japanese schools offering long-term courses (up to two years) and schools offering summer courses or intensive short-term courses. Long-term courses usually begin at specific times of the year (January, April, July, October). The enrollment process takes longer, so planning your study period well in advance is essential. These courses are certainly more suitable for those of you who aspire to attend a Japanese university or work at a Japanese company in the future. Those studying Japanese for the love of it and who don’t have too much time or budget to invest may want to consider looking at shorter courses .

You do not need a visa for short courses for up to 3 months *: you can attend a Japanese language school in Japan with a regular tourist visa. Long-term courses, ranging from 6 months to a maximum of 2 years require a student visa . Enrolling in a school on a student visa requires more paperwork and must be done around 6 months before classes begin. So make sure you plan ahead. Approximately one month before your course starts, you will be sent a Certificate of Eligibility, which must be converted into a visa at the Japanese Consulate or Embassy .

*The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has temporarily suspended visa exemption for three-month courses due to Covid-related border restrictions.

Part-time work (up to 28 hours per week) is allowed on a student visa, but you must fill out a specific form to apply for authorization. Not all kinds of work are permitted for international students, and some schools do not allow or advise against working in the first few months. No work is permitted during the 3-month course you attend while on a tourist visa.

Japanese woman calling a friend on a land line: もしもし

The Mobal SIM Card is the only SIM card with a Japanese phone number — perfect if you need to stay in touch on short visits or for long-term visitors living, working, or studying in Japan. Mobal pocket wifi is also great if you’re traveling with family or a group!

How much does it cost to attend a language school in Japan?

When it comes to choosing the duration of your course, other than personal goals, you must obviously consider your available budget . Studying in Japan, especially in a long-term school, is definitely not cheap, and in addition to the school fee, you have to take into account the costs of accommodation and daily life . A 6-month course requires approximately between 400,000 and 500,000 yen, i.e. between 3,000 and 4,000 euros. Fees for a 3-month course with a tourist visa can cost anywhere between 200,000 and 250,000 yen.

If you plan to attend a course with a student visa , please note that the Japanese Immigration Office requires proof of your economic resources to support yourself during your stay. This means you have to prove you have about one million yen (about 7,500 euros at current exchange rates) for a 6-month stay.

One of the major expenses while studying in Japan, besides school fees, is the cost of accommodation . Whether or not assistance is offered in finding housing depends on the institution, but many have agreements with special facilities and agencies.

student dorm room with desk and bunk bed

The most common options for international students are student dorms (often linked to the school attended), guesthouses or sharehouses (with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities), rental apartments , or a homestay experience (staying with a Japanese family). Obviously, costs depend on each accommodation, but they are unlikely to fall below 40,000-50,000 yen per month (about 300-400 euros).

Choosing a Japanese language school location also depends on several factors and personal goals and preferences. If you want to combine travel with a study experience for a short period, you will probably prefer a school in one of the major cities , such as Tokyo , Kyoto , or Osaka . That way you will have the chance to go sightseeing in your free time and certainly have more activities available to you.

If, on the other hand, your priority is studying and you prefer a quiet environment with fewer distractions and more opportunities to connect with the local community (so you can practice your Japanese!), then you might consider a school in a smaller town . Smaller cities offer convenient amenities and help save money , especially in longer periods. With a transportation system as effective as Japan’s, you can still plan short trips to visit the big cities.

language school japan tourist visa

Try to imagine where you would feel most comfortable living your daily life, both studying and discovering Japan and its culture. Then take into account the practical issues , such as costs, distance from the school, and transportation.

How do Japanese schools in Japan work?

Schools offering long-term programs usually accept new students only at specific times of the year (January, April, July, and October; some only April and October) and courses are generally structured in quarters. They establish each student’s level through a placement test at the very beginning and then schedule quarterly tests to assess their progress. In these schools, courses are generally intensive and involve studying Japanese on a full-time basis (4 hours per day from Monday to Friday, morning or afternoon). You are expected to work not just in class, but also on your own, studying autonomously every day.

students studying in class

Courses cover all the different skills (reading, writing, and kanji , listening, speaking) while some schools focus more on communication and speaking.

However, the intensity of commitment may differ depending on the school you choose. Some are very fast-paced, aim for level advancement and require a lot of independent work (homework and individual study) to keep pace. Others proceed more slowly, devote more space to classroom practice, and require less homework. Try to gather as much information as possible before enrolling, and then choose based on your goals and pace of study and learning.

Japanese textbooks for study

Again, there is no absolute right choice. Those who, say, aim to get into a Japanese university should probably enroll in a more intensive school. Do you plan to work part-time or prefer to have more free time to enjoy life in Japan? Then you may want to consider a less demanding school.

In any case, all lessons and content are in Japanese, so progress is guaranteed, as long as you work hard!

If you are looking for a short-term course or have more specific goals, there are several solutions besides the classic intensive courses. Some language schools offer so-called “study vacations” aimed especially at younger students. They usually give the opportunity of taking part in several cultural and extracurricular activities , such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, or kimono wearing. There are also JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) preparation courses or Japanese business courses for those who would like to work in Japan or professionally interact with Japanese people or companies.

language school japan tourist visa

Choosing a Japanese language school in Japan certainly requires attention, but the crucial thing is to be clear about your goals. You shouldn’t necessarily go for the most “famous” or cheapest school, but for the one that best suits your needs. In any case, studying in Japan will be an  unforgettable experience  that will enrich your Japanese and your life as well!

Stefania Da Pont

Stefania Da Pont

Translator and Japanese language tutor. I live in northern Italy but I feel at home in Japan, where I travel as often as I can. I drink a lot of green tea, read tons of books and collect Japanese pottery and kokeshi dolls. Karee raisu is my comfort food.

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Student Visa In Japan

Student Visa In Japan: The Ultimate Guide 

Embarking on a journey to study in Japan begins with navigating the student visa process. Are you looking for assistance to kickoff your Japan journey? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered!

This guide is your first step towards understanding the essentials of securing your gateway to a world-class education in the Land of the Rising Sun. From paperwork to procedures , we cover all you need to know to make your dream of studying in Japan a reality.

Let’s dive in!

What Are The General Conditions And Eligibility Criteria For A Japanese Student Visa?

Student Visa In Japan 1

Japan has a general visa exception arrangement with approximately 50 countries worldwide. 

If you are a citizen of one of those countries and need to visit Japan for a short period, you can stay visa-free for 90 days . 

However, all international students need a Japanese student visa during their stay in the country. To obtain a study visa, your admission university needs to be the sponsor .

Remember that you are not allowed to work during your studies unless you get permission from the university or immigration office, and you are allowed to work for a particular amount of hours per week.

Students should have one of the following assets:

  • International students must have a 10+2/Diploma or equivalent education from a recognized board with at least 60% of marks.
  • Passing the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)
  • IELTS – 6.5
  • TOEFL iBT – 85

There is a general criterion that an applicant to get a student visa and study in a Japanese university must be 18 and under 30 years old , except for the teaching course. 

In general, anyone wishing to study in Japan for an extended period may apply for a student visa. The requirements for eligibility can change based on the kind of school and the particular course. 

Who Can Apply For A Study Visa In Japan?

Student Visa In Japan 2

The following are the main groups of people who can apply for a study visa to Japan:

  • College Students: Those granted admission to a postgraduate or undergraduate program at a Japanese institution.
  • Students At Language Schools: Those who intend to enroll in a Japanese language school in Japan.
  • Students In Vocational Schools: Those who want to study in Japan for a technical or vocational education program.
  • Students At The College Of Technology: Students admitted to a Japanese college of technology.
  • Students At Professional Training Colleges: People who were enrolled in a Japanese professional training college.
  • Learners Of Japanese Language: Persons participating in a Japanese language training program.
  • Pre-College Students: Students enrolled in a pre-college program to prepare for university entrance.

Do You Need A “PR” For Studying In Japan?

You can study in Japan on a student visa without having permanent residency (PR). Most international students in Japan hold a student visa.

After arriving in Japan, you will receive a residence card , a crucial identification document for your stay.

It’s crucial to remember that a student visa is usually issued for the length of your academic program. 

Suppose you intend to continue in Japan after finishing your studies. In that case, you are to apply for a new visa or an extension based on your circumstances, such as obtaining a job or continuing your education.

What Are The Types Of Visa That Allow You To Study In Japan?

Listed below are the visas that allow you to study in Japan:

Short-Term Visa

Language school students may obtain a short-term student visa (for the purpose of learning the Japanese language. 

If your country is part of the visa exemption agreement with Japan, students can come to Japan without a visa (for 90 or 180 days ). 

Those wishing to stay in Japan temporarily may apply for this visa or come without one. 

Also, those students who could not file for a regular student visa by the deadline may apply for this visa (or come without a visa) and stay in Japan until the next enrollment period. 

Exempt Countries

Japan has taken measures concerning visa exemption with a number of countries and regions. As a result, students from most countries can take regular courses without a visa.

However, those from countries not on the agreement must obtain a short-term permit.

Student Visa

The student visa in Japan is a long-term visa . It facilitates international students to pursue education in the country. All the higher educational institutions in Japan accept visas, like schools, universities, and vocational institutions.

Anyone who wants to study at an educational institution in Japan has to have a student visa.

Those wishing to study in Japan will stay under “student visa” status. With a student visa, you can stay for 1 year , with the option of extending up to 2 years . 

Students studying Japanese for more than 20 hours per week and over 6 months may apply for a student visa.

Part-Time Jobs

After the issuance of a work permit by the immigration service , a person possessing a student visa can find work not exceeding 28 hours per week (you can work up to 8 hours a day during school-long vacations.

Working-Holiday Visa

Some countries can receive a working holiday visa for 1-year to come to Japan. This allows you to work in Japan without any time limit and receive it to study. 

To know if you can obtain this visa, consult the home page of the Japanese Embassy of your country. Joining the school with this kind of permit doesn’t require a lot of documents.

General Visa

This visa allows attending study-related institutions for college students , pre-college students, etc.

This visa also allows cultural activities such as unpaid internships , people studying the tea ceremony, Japanese flower arranging, etc.

It also allows training, such as trainees in a local government, etc.

Other types of visas will allow you to study in Japan without restriction, such as a working visa, spouse visa, and dependent visa .

How To Apply For A Japanese Student Visa?

Student Visa In Japan 3

The application process for applying for a Student Visa in Japan is divided into two parts:

  • Obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility
  • Submitting the Japan Student Visa application

Obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility in Japan:

Every foreigner entering Japan for non-temporary reasons must get a Certificate of Eligibility from the Immigration Services in Japan. 

Since you have to get this before you enter Japan, your school handles the COE application on your behalf. 

The purpose of the Japan Certificate of Eligibility is to show that you have the approval of the Japanese Immigration Services and that you meet the entry requirements set by the Japanese government for international students.

After you receive the Certificate of Eligibility, your school has to send it to you so you can use it to apply for a Student Visa from a Japanese Consulate or Embassy in your country. 

You are obliged to follow the steps listed below:

  • Contact a Japanese Embassy or Consulate near you. 
  • Student Visa Application Form
  • Your valid passport, along with photocopies of it
  • Passport-size pictures with dimensions of 4cm x 3cm , taken within the last three months, and have a plain white background without any patterns and shadows.
  • The Certificate of Eligibility
  • Letter of Admission into the Japanese educational institution, indicating the duration and details of the course
  • Previous academic and/or professional qualifications, as applicable (diploma, transcripts, etc.)
  • Proof you can meet the financial requirements for your stay in Japan. The financial requirements for a Japanese Student Visa are about 2 Million Yen for one year . 
  • You can show that you meet the necessary financial requirements through bank or income statements, proof of a scholarship, or financial aid.
  • You can also show a Sponsorship letter, your sponsor’s proof of income, and bank statements.
  • Submit the Japan Student Visa application directly at the Embassy/Consulate or the travel or visa application agency. 
  • If the Consulate or Embassy considers it necessary, you may also have to go back for an interview or to submit additional documents. The interview with a consular officer typically lasts just a few minutes . However, You can expect to be at the Embassy or Consulate for approximately two to three hours. 
  • Collect the visa. 
  • Once your Japan Student Visa application has been processed, you must return to receive your passport. If the application is approved, you may enter Japan.
  • The Japanese Certificate of Eligibility application process takes one to three months . Accordingly, it’s suggested that you apply for this visa beforehand.

If required:

  • Letter of Invitation and Letter of Guarantee issued from your educational institution
  • A Motivational or Cover Letter , written by you stating the reason for your travel

What Are The Essential Things To Know As A Japanese Visa Applicant And/Or Holder?

Student Visa In Japan 4

Here is some additional information that may prove to be helpful:

  • Be cautious about your passport validity as it needs to be valid for your entire period of stay, including the expected extended period
  • Bear in mind that an incomplete visa application can be refused
  • Don’t take anyone with you to the Embassy or Consulate during a visa interview
  • Every applicant is authorized to take legal actions against the embassy or consulate’s decision on her/his visa application
  • Getting your Visa For Study Purposes is more important, than a Tourist Visa, as you have the opportunity to get a residence permit once in Japan as a Tourist Visa cannot be extended further in case you need to stay longer
  • Make sure for your trip to Japan to be scheduled early enough so you will have the needed time to enroll in university
  • Original documents can be required upon arrival at the airport
  • The Landing Permit replaces the visa and facilitates the candidate’s legal stay in Japan.
  • If the candidate enters specific airports, they will receive a Japan Residence Card upon entry. If the candidate enters through other airports, they can obtain the Residence Card at the municipal offices of Japan.
  • If the candidate wants to leave and re-enter Japan during the validity of their visa, they can apply for a Re-Entry Permit of Japan at the local Immigration Office in Japan.
  • The application form can be downloaded freely on the website of the Embassy or Consulate in your country
  • The passport remains at the Embassy / Consulate during the entire process of visa proceeding
  • Visa Fee will not be reimbursed in case of visa refusal

What Is The Student Visa Fee And Processing Time?

A Japanese single-entry visa costs around 3,000 – 5,000 yen, a double-entry or multiple-entry visa costs around 6,000 yen, and a transit visa costs around 700 – 1000 yen .

A Japanese study visa is issued within 2 to 4 weeks . Japan welcomes international students to study various courses like graduate degrees, postgraduate degrees, and master’s degree courses. 

As the visa success rate is up to 95% , there is less chance of rejection.

As we conclude our guide to obtaining a student visa for Japan, remember that this is just the beginning of an enriching educational adventure. Armed with the right information and preparation, your journey to Japan is within reach.

Embrace the process, anticipate the cultural richness, and get ready to step into a world of academic excellence . Your Japanese educational odyssey awaits!

Education Awaits!

But wait! There’s lot more that you might be interested in following:

  • Types Of Visas In Japan
  • Temporary Residence In Japan
  • Permanent Residence In Japan

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We collaborate with over a dozen of the best Japanese language schools across Japan to find the best program that fits you.  Our coordinators will help you gather all of the correct documents and complete the application process as easily as possible.

Our service is completely free, and we will give you full support — from initial inquiry to visa issuance!

Why Use Coto School Finder?

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Our service is completely free, and anyone can apply! You will only pay the school tuition fees that you’d pay normally. You'll also get a free consultation

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We help gather the right documents for your visa application. W ith our easy admission process, there's no misunderstandings!

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Prepare for your arrival in Japan by learning Japanese! Partnering with Coto Online Academy, we offer a free online Japanese course to get you started!

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"I’m putting my trust in their hands because I’m not sure where to go, but they will helped me find the right school! Thanks to Coto, my application process was made easy and smooth!"

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2024 application open.

Schools are now accepting January 2024 students. B y enrolling for 6 months or more, you get to experience the best of Japan from the beginning of the year: winter illuminations, sakura, and red autumn leaves! We have helped people from all ages and background come to Japan in 2023 — and you too can join us next year!

January 2024 is the perfect time your to to come to Japan if...

🎓 You're graduating in 2023! Preparation to come to Japan is usually 6 months before. 🎉 You're looking for a fresh start to live in Japan at the beginning of the year!

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Contact us and apply Fill out the application form. Haven't decided on a school? We'll discuss further with you!   

Prepare your application After screening, we'll will guide you through the application process, provide you with the exact list of documents and paperwork. 

Wait for your student visa Once your application is ready, we will submit your paperwork to the school. Begin your studies after you get your visa! 

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Just About Japan

Where to Learn Japanese in Tokyo: Top Schools for Foreigners

Interested in learning Japanese? If you’re up for the challenge, learning Japanese can be a rewarding experience. Not only does knowing Japanese open up social and business opportunities, it also opens your mind to a completely different culture.

While there are tons of resources dedicated to teaching the average person Japanese—from online courses to books, videos and much more—the best way to learn the language is to fully immerse yourself in it. It’s why many people move to Japan to learn Japanese! After all, you get to practice what you’re learning right away.

Here’s why you should travel to Japan to learn Japanese, and a brief rundown on the top schools for foreigners in Tokyo, the nation’s capital, where you can immerse yourself in learning the local language.

Learn Japanese in Tokyo

Why travel to Japan to learn Japanese?

No matter your motivation for learning Japanese, studying the language in Japan is the best way to do it. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with the Japanese language, moving to Japan provides an immersive cultural experience that reinforces what you’re learning in real-time.

Many schools even offer unique traditional Japanese activities and events, like tea ceremonies, hanami parties and so much more. If you want to make the most of your efforts and learn about the language, people and culture of Japan, why not do it right at the source? It’s an enriching cultural experience like no other.

Perhaps most importantly, you’ll learn the language from native speakers who can give you a much more meaningful grasp of not only the language, but also how it’s spoken in context. From learning slang to better-distinguishing formal vs. informal context, you’ll get a true education.

The best schools for learning Japanese in Tokyo

There are several language schools in Tokyo dedicated to teaching Japanese to foreigners. Some schools take their courses further, offering lessons in Japanese culture, so you can fully immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the locals. Here are some of the best language schools in Tokyo:

JCLI Language School

Founded in Tokyo in 1980, JCLI Language School is one of the most-popular Japanese language schools for foreigners in Tokyo. It’s conveniently located in the city center, next to a picturesque green space and close to public transportation.This school is known for being heavily modernized, in the sense that it offers both modern tech like Wi-Fi and smart products, as well as new-age classroom layouts. Interestingly enough, each of the floors of the JCLI Language School also features a different design theme to coincide with the four seasons: spring (second floor), summer (third floor), autumn (fourth floor) and winter (fifth floor).

Of the many schools for learning Japanese in Tokyo, this one is likely to feel the most familiar to expats and Westerners seeking university-style teaching. Not only are there various classes and lesson plans to suit progressive advancement through the school, there are also events and clubs that help enrich the learning experience provided. This has made it a highly-rated school among both expats and with study abroad programs from English-speaking countries.

Coto Language Academy

Coto Language Academy gives you flexibility when it comes to learning Japanese. They offer a variety of courses that are perfect if you plan on traveling to Tokyo for just a few months, either to learn the basics or to perfect your Japanese language skills. With classes in Tokyo, Yokohama and online, it’s also an extremely accessible way to learn Japanese in a traditional university-style setting. Small class sizes, personalized lesson plans and numerous resources make it a top-rated school to learn Japanese .

Coto Language Academy has helped thousands of expats and study-abroad candidates pick up and master the Japanese language at their own pace. The school has even published its own textbook, created to help self-paced learners master the basics of the language. For over 20 years, the school has offered a progressively more robust curricula, always with an emphasis on integrating cultural learning alongside language mastery. For those seeking a truly immersive Japanese language learning experience, Coto Language academy provides it!

Shibuya Gaigo Gakuin

Operating for nearly five decades, Shibuya Gaigo Gakuin is one of Tokyo’s most-acclaimed Japanese language schools. It’s conveniently located in the heart of Shibuya, offering a variety of language courses—not just Japanese. They have courses available at varying skill levels, so no matter where you’re at in your studies, there’s a course for you. And, like other top-rated schools on this list, Shibuya Gaigo Gakuin is also deeply committed to intertwining cultural education with language instruction, to give learners a critical sense of what it means to live in Japan.

What sets Shibuya Gaigo Gakuin apart from other Japanese language schools in Tokyo is its robust range of enrichment activities. Outside of traditional language lessons, the school also promotes local cultural immersion through extracurricular activities. Students will find themselves in some of Tokyo’s most exciting areas, practicing language in real-world scenarios. Those seeking a more immersion-focused language experience will find it here, and will be compelled to put their classroom instruction to work in the thriving heart of Tokyo.

Genki Japanese & Culture School

One of the newest Japanese language schools, Genki Japanese & Culture School is located in happening Shinjuku, surrounded by tons of shops, restaurants, bars and more. But once you step inside the school, you’ll find a calm, professional environment that’s perfect for immersing yourself in the Japanese language, regardless of your skill level. Though it’s a new school, it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular for Western language learners who want an intimate experience as they learn Japanese in Tokyo.

Class sizes at the Genki Japanese & Culture School are small—just 6-8 students, to ensure engagement and attention for every learner. There are also flexible schedules that make it possible to live and work in Japan while learning the language. Moreover, class lengths vary according to the needs of every student—one one-week courses that teach the basics, to courses that span years and lead into JLPT proficiency. It’s this flexibility and proven results that have enabled it to be one of only two Japanese schools accredited by the International Association of Language Centres, and the first Japanese school ever to be voted Star World Language School—the industry’s highest award.

ISI Language School

This language school has four campuses in Tokyo—Takadanobaba, Ikebukuro, Shibuya and Harajuku—welcoming thousands of international students annually. ISI Language School is well-known for the study not just of the Japanese language, but also the nation’s unique culture, giving students the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in all that is “Japanese.” It’s particularly popular among Western learners seeking to become expats and those who want to pursue a higher-level mastery of the language by the time they finish their studies.

ISI Language School offers perhaps the broadest scope of learning resources of any school on this list. spanning courses, events, student guides and more. The school even has an extension that helps connect new graduates to reputable employers once they’ve achieved the desired level of language proficiency! The school’s commitment is to create not just proficient Japanese speakers, but also graduates who understand Japanese culture and who can represent the country as stewards on a global stage. This commitment is reflected in the above-average graduation rates and high JLPT certification rates attributed to ISI Language School enrollees.

The Naganuma School

One of the oldest and most revered Japanese language schools operating today, The Naganuma School has been running since 1948. Aside from offering Japanese language classes, the school also provides a variety of vocation and business programs for transplants and long-term visa holders. It’s one of the more difficult schools to gain enrollment in, largely because of its popularity, prestige and high standards for acceptance. Nevertheless, many expat and Western learners are accepted each year, and go on to become extremely proficient speakers.

having The Naganuma School on your résumé is something of an honor if you’re looking to pursue a career in business or as a diplomat. The school is well-known for its graduates who have gone on to become prominent leaders in diplomacy, international business and higher education. The secret to its success is the refined teaching method it has developed over the past seven decades: called the Naganuma method. Today, even if you don’t attend the school, you can learn a lot from Naganuma text books and its online videos and, in fact, many smaller Japanese schools in Tokyo follow this mode of instruction because of its exceptional track record for results.

Japan Switch

Looking for affordable Japanese lessons? Japan Switch offers Japanese classes on a budget—even private lessons. There are two convenient locations in Shinjuku and Gotanda, both offering professional instruction and skills-based lessons. Whether you’re a complete beginner or you’re already familiar with basic Japanese, Japan Switch has a program for you. They even hold monthly get-togethers, so it’s easy to make friends while you learn! This school is the perfect option for those who want to ease into the language, and who may not be able to fund a full immersion experience at one of the larger university-style schools.

One of the most convenient things Japan Switch offers is the choice to learn privately or as part of a group, at the same pace. This is especially important for the beginner to JLPT N3 level, where mastery of basic concepts happens at different speeds for different people. For example, you can learn with the group as you get familiar with the basics, then switch to private lessons as you approach JLPT Certification, to brush up on concepts you might still be struggling with. Monthly enrollment structures make this switch easy, and even allow you to make up any lessons you miss that month! With lower-than-average enrollment costs and virtually no additional fees, Japan Switch is the no-frills option many want, with a premium level of instruction they didn’t expect!

Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute

Authorized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute welcomes over 500 international students every year, offering expert Japanese language instruction. Centrally located in Takadanobaba district—Tokyo’s hub for students—you’ll be fully immersed in Japanese culture, surrounded by other students from around the world. And, thanks to a personalized learn-at-your-pace curriculum, you’ll never feel out of place.

What sets Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute apart from other schools on this list is its commitment to teaching via the Ezoe Method, which uses cards and gestures to help students easily and quickly learn Japanese grammar. This visual learning style is very popular with many types of students, and represents an easy bridge into learning basic kanji, hiragana and katakana among those who have no preexisting grasp on Japanese language. The school also offers a Visual Learning Japanese app, which is particularly helpful for those seeking a study guide.

Remember, these are just some of the most reputable and top-rated Japanese language schools in Tokyo—there are many others! The trick to learning the language and becoming a proficient speaker is to choose a school where you feel comfortable and welcome, and that caters to your needs when it comes to instruction and knowledge retention.

Questions to ask before enrolling in a Japanese language school

With so many options to consider as you seek to learn Japanese in Tokyo, there are a few simple questions you should sit down and think about. A little introspection can go a long way towards choosing the best institution for you. Here’s what to consider:

  • How much can you afford to spend to learn Japanese in Tokyo?
  • What level of proficiency do you have already, if any?
  • What type of learner are you (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc.)?
  • What level of immersion into the culture do you want?
  • Why are you learning Japanese and how do you plan to use it?
  • What type of environment do you feel most comfortable learning in?
  • Do you want group or private lessons, or a combination of both?

Approach learning Japanese in Tokyo like any other educational experience. Put yourself in a position to learn in the way that’s best for you, and to grasp the concepts and ideas being taught. The more conducive the experience is to your expectations, the more you’ll retain and the better you’ll feel about your education as you become progressively more proficient.

Keep in mind as you answer these questions that not every school will offer you what you need or want. Narrow down your options to those that meet your basic criteria for learning Japanese, and evaluate each school based on your current situation. It won’t take long before the best option becomes clear!

How to get a Student Visa to learn Japanese in Tokyo

Ready to learn Japanese in the best possible place for it—the country’s capital? If you plan on staying in the country for more than 90 days, you’ll need to get a Japan Student Visa. Luckily, the process is simple, as long as you have all your documents in order. In fact, many of the schools listed above will actually help you apply for your Student Visa after you complete enrollment.

Curious about what you need to do to prove your status as a student? Here’s how to get a Japan Student Visa:

  • Download and fill out the Student Visa Application Form. You can find applications on Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website .
  • Provide photocopies of your passport, along with a Certificate of Eligibility and a Letter of Admission into an accredited Japanese educational institution.
  • Provide previous academic history, as well as proof you can meet financial obligations during your stay in Japan (approximately 2 million Yen per year).
  • Include a cover letter, discussing the reason for your travel, if possible. If you’re planning to gain a residency permit to live in Japan long-term, make mention of this. 

Once you’ve obtained your Student Visa, you’ll be eligible to study in Japan for a period of between six months and four years (depending on your study period). And, even if you switch schools, your Student Visa will cover all Japanese language schools, Japanese universities and vocational schools, giving you the ability to keep learning Japanese in Tokyo.

Consult the Embassy or Consulate for all the rules and regulations regarding the Japan Student Visa. The documents you may need can depend on your particular case. The institution you’re attending can help with the process, too. Don’t be afraid to reach out for assistance!

Immerse yourself in the language

When you study Japanese in Japan, you’ll hear the language spoken by natives, every day. Attending Japanese language school in Tokyo gives you the opportunity to practice what you’re learning right away—there’s truly no better way to learn a new language.

What are you waiting for? Finding the right school is key to getting the most from your efforts and enjoying your time in Japan to the fullest. Do your research, find a language school that meets your requirements and start planning to study Japanese in the best place for it—Tokyo, Japan!

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Ultimate Guide to Japanese Language Schools in Tokyo

Author : meridian jordan.

Updated : October 7, 2020

Picking the right Japanese language school in Tokyo can seem impossible, especially with new "schools" popping up left and right, looking to make quick money. We've done the research for you and found the top Japanese language schools in Tokyo, and they're all right here at your fingertips.

This article is part of our section on finding the right Japanese language school in Tokyo . The article below focuses on choosing the right school and you can find our directory and reviews of actual schools at the link above.

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This article is about full-time Japanese language schools. Students with tourist visas, major time constraints, or small budgets should consider part-time schooling instead. If you are looking for a part-time school we recommend you check out our partner schools: Japan Switch offers low-cost weekly sessions for beginning to intermediate students and Coto Language Academy teaches intermediate to advanced students.

We’ve included a more detailed explanation of language levels later in this article if you’re confused.

Why attend a Japanese language school?

The main reasons students give for attending a full-time language school is to either satisfy their student visa or to learn Japanese as fast as possible. If this is your situation, then full-time schooling is probably for you.

As you begin looking for your language school in Tokyo, please take the time to go through each section of this article carefully. We don't want you to be part of the 25% of westerners who regret attending a full-time Japanese language school. People join schools under misconceptions that ruin their experience. Before you sign any contracts, learn all the details.

We have a whole section on misconceptions in this article so you’ll be well-prepared!

Let us make this easier for you with our Ultimate List to Japanese Language Schools in Tokyo

Attending a Japanese language school makes you eligible for a student visa

If you want to stay in Japan for more than three months and are from a country (such as the US) that does not have a working holiday program with Japan, then a Japanese language school will help you enormously. 

If you want to stay in Japan for more than three months, you basically have one option. Unless you can obtain a visa like a working holiday visa or spousal visa , you need to attend a full-time Japanese language school and enroll for a minimum of six months to receive a Japanese student visa. This will cost you ¥300,000 - ¥400,000 in lesson tuition and ¥50,000 - ¥100,000 in enrollment fees and living expenses.

Note: It's possible to stay in Japan for longer than three months if you use the tourist visa multiple times, but please remember there is a limit to doing so, and overdoing it could result in you being denied re-entry into Japan.

Check out our article on planning a working holiday in Japan !

Japanese languages schools boost your resume

Languages schools are also perfect for anyone who wants to live in Japan and wants to be able to work in a profession outside of English teaching or programming. Many businesses are now hiring foreigners with a daily/conversational N3 level of Japanese, so attending a school for about one year full-time is a good way to get your proficiency level high enough to find a job.

Gaining at least a basic proficiency in Japanese will widen your job opportunities. Studying with a Japanese language school will give you a paper record of your dedication and progress. Employers may consider hiring you since you’ve demonstrated you’re actively improving yourself. Even if you’re working at an English-speaking company, attending classes will widen your social circle and help you interact more with the country you’re living in.

Check out our series on finding a job in Japan for more job-searching tips!

Learning Japanese is easier with a teacher

For those already residing in Japan, a Japanese language school is a great way to start learning Japanese, especially if you have a hard time studying on your own. An intensive one-month program is a good way to boost your proficiency level between jobs.

Time and research have shown that studying full-time is the fastest way to learn the Japanese language. The more time you invest in your learning, the more your Japanese ability will grow. Enrolling full-time is a serious financial decision and will involve a large amount of dedication. You may not always be able to learn at your own pace, and you will need to dedicate more than the class time to learning the language.

Japanese language schools are academic stepping stones

If you’re interested in furthering your education, Japanese language schools set you up for success at the university level. These schools are designed not only around gaining fluency, but also around helping their students pass the exams that universities and companies require. Japanese language schools are practiced in preparing their students for both those daunting tests and the rigor of high-level education.

The EJU exam

The EJU is a part of the entrance examination for international students who wish to study at universities or higher educational institutions in Japan. This exam is held in Japan twice annually in June and November. It’s held in about seventeen cities outside Japan, mainly in Asia. The examination topics are Japanese as a Foreign Language, Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics. Questions are available in Japanese and English.

The JLPT exam

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test is a standardized criterion-referenced test to evaluate and certify Japanese language proficiency for non-native speakers, covering language knowledge, reading ability, and listening ability. The tests are generally held in July and December in cities around the world.

The JLPT has five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5. The easiest level is N5 and the most difficult level is N1. N4 and N5 measure the level of understanding of basic Japanese learned in class. N1 and N2 measure the level of understanding of Japanese used in a broad range of scenes in actual everyday life. The test usually measures skills through testing reading and writing comprehension.

Note that due to COVID-19, dates for the JLPT have been adjusted and/or canceled.

Applying to a Japanese university

In Japan, the academic year begins in April and ends in March. Students generally enroll in April, however, some universities allow entry in October.  Japanese universities require an entrance examination for privately financed foreign students.

Here are some of the requirements for general eligibility for an undergraduate degree program for international students:

  • Completed 12 years of school education in your home country. Your transcript is required
  • No immigration issues that interfere with your entry into Japan or with your study in Japanese university
  • Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) 

Popular universities

Not ready for a full-on university course? These schools focus on specific areas of occupational study. Entrance requirements vary, but Japanese language schools are aware of these institutions and can help you prepare.

Here are a few vocational schools that stand out in their industries:

  • Bunka Fashion College
  • Tokyo Mode Gakuen
  • Tsuji Culinary Institute
  • Hattori Nutrition College
  • Toho Gakuen Media Training College

There are many different types of vocational schools so do some research and you’ll find a school that fits your passion!

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Studying Japanese on your own

There is always the extremely cheap option of learning Japanese on your own, but it’s a daunting process. Remember that you need to study one to three hours each day to make progress. Learning Japanese is not a sprint but a marathon. Consistent study for several hours a day over multiple years is the only way to learn Japanese (at least until some Matrix-like invention allows us to download language abilities). If after reading this article you still want to try it solo for a while, we have some tips for you.

If after reading this article you still want to try it solo, check out our ultimate guide on how to self-study Japanese for more tips!

Click here to scroll to the top of this article

Common Misconceptions About Japanese Language Schools

How do you know which japanese language school is right for you.

The first thing you need to know is that there is no one best Japanese language school. Every language school offers different methods of teaching and coursework, and a school that appeals to one person may not appeal to another. Some schools provide support for job seekers while others focus their curriculum and support on students who want to enter a Japanese university. Other schools provide Japanese speaking courses, while the majority focus purely on reading, writing, and kanji.

It’s important to find a good school for many reasons. You don't want to be sent home because the school doesn't meet your needs and you stop attending. If the school violates immigration requirements for student management, they could have their ability to sponsor a student visa revoked, which hurts you. The rules are also stricter if you are working over the twenty-eight-hour limit, or doing night work such as bartending or hosting.

Know your learning priorities

We recommend that you clearly set out your goals for attending a school and then look for reviews from former students which include major details about the school. You should not trust any site that only provides rankings; try to understand what type of curriculum the school provides and what type of students they cater to.

Here are some key questions to answer to make the right decision:

  • Is there an entrance fee?
  • How much are textbooks and materials?
  • How many months do I have to pay for in advance?
  • How many lessons can I take in one week?
  • Will I learn to read and write kanji?
  • How many students are in the class?
  • Will I study with the same teacher each week?
  • Does the school have a dorm?
  • Is the school aimed at students who share my goals?

Making sure your Japanese language school works with your schedule

Plan your time in Japan carefully; class schedules vary from school to school. If you want to spend your time more focused on exploring, it’s better to find a part-time Japanese language school or a casual full-time school. If your main focus is learning Japanese, the best option may be a more intensive program.

Depending on the language school, you'll have the option for either a morning class or an afternoon class. Sometimes, you may not get to choose. For a typical Japanese language school, you attend five days a week for 3-4 hours, which ends up being 15-20 hours a week. 

Class size and group lessons

It’s important to double-check on how many students are in each group lesson. Some schools have classes with 15-20 students while others offer smaller sizes from 4-8 students.

You should also find out where the majority of their students come from. It can be tough to make friends with classmates who do not understand your native language, especially when all of you are beginning Japanese students.

Finding an affordable school

Some schools charge an entrance fee from around ¥10,000 - ¥30,000, which is standard when enrolling in a membership plan. Make note of any facility fees and lesson material fees.

Application fees

You must pay an application fee of ¥20,000 - ¥35,000 just to apply to a school. This amount is non-refundable regardless of whether you get a student visa or not.

Entrance fees

You must pay an additional cost of ¥50,000 - ¥100,000 to enter a school. These fees come under the categories of an entrance or registration fee, facility fee, and student insurance. 

Textbook fees

You normally have to pay around ¥6,000 - ¥12,000 in textbook fees for every two quarters. The required materials come in the form of course textbooks, test preparation textbooks, and vocabulary and kanji textbooks.

Lesson fees

Each school year has four quarters, and you will pay ¥140,000 - ¥200,000 for each quarter, depending on the school. You will study five days a week, 3-4 hours a day. Schools that charge higher lesson fees usually have more experienced and qualified teachers, somewhat smaller class sizes, and/or a good reputation that justifies the higher tuition fees.

Are all these fees intimidating you? Check out our list of the top 5 affordable schools in Tokyo !

Japanese language school rules

Different schools have different restrictions and requirements for their students. They may ask students to limit their work hours. Check with a school before you sign up to make sure their rules are ones you can follow.

Here is a link to a well-known Japanese school in Tokyo that gives some examples of the types of school rules you will encounter.

Japanese language class content

Of course, the first thing you need to learn about a potential school is what they teach. Is the course focused on JLPT preparation? Does the school offer different difficulty levels? Will they teach you technical or industry terminology? Make sure your school aligns with your goals for studying!

Business schools

Some schools cater to English-speaking employees who’ve come to Japan on business and need to learn enough to navigate both work and their daily lives. Teachers know their students lead busy lives and can also help with navigating cultural work differences.

Find top tier business courses to give you a head start for your Japanese career on our Top 5 Business Japanese Language Courses in Tokyo

Difficulty levels in Japanese language schools

As you progress, the level you’re learning at will change, and so will the coursework. These three vague levels can be confusing when you’re trying to figure out if your year of Japanese in high school puts you at a beginner or intermediate level, so we’ve helpful laid them out for you.

Beginning level Japanese

At this level, you'll start to understand and use everyday familiar expressions and phrases, as well as be able to introduce yourself to others and answer basic personal questions. You'll have the capability to interact in a simple way if the other person talks slowly and is willing to help.

Intermediate level Japanese

At the intermediate level, you're able to understand the main points on the subjects you'll regularly come across at work, school, and similar places. You're capable of understanding most conversations. You have the ability to produce simple connected text on familiar topics and personal interest. You can describe experiences, events, and dreams, and give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Advanced level Japanese

At an advanced level, you can understand longer and demanding text. You can express ideas on specific topics without searching for phrases, use the language in both social, academic, and professional areas, and produce clear, well-structured, and detailed text on complex subjects. 

We interviewed a student who took an advanced course at a Japanese language school in Tokyo, and he stated that it took him around nine months to jump from an N2 level of Japanese to an N1 level. He studied around four hours of Japanese every day in addition to taking four hours of lessons each day because that was the only way he could keep up with his Korean and Chinese classmates.

Student experiences at Japanese language schools

Is all this too abstract for you? We have some reviews here from both satisfied and unhappy students, so you can see what people liked or hated about the school they chose. Keep these reviews in mind as you evaluate what type of school would work best for you!

Positive reviews

“I studied at this school for three months and then came back two years later for more. I liked the diverse student population, the large variety of electives, and the teachers who were passionate about their jobs. I felt encouraged to do my best.”

“Everyone was very professional and the curriculum was well-planned. We never spent too much time on one topic, but the teacher would include parts of previous lessons on the tests so we had an incentive to remember things.”

“After taking this course, I was able to pass the N3 which I’d been nervous about with no problems. The school focused on conversation but we also learned enough writing for me to improve my kanji.”

“The activities we did prepared me for real-life situations so I didn’t feel as nervous when I tried to talk to strangers. We did a lot of role-plays like buying an item at a convenience store, asking for directions, and introducing a friend to your family.”

“The staff helped students find jobs and prepare for interviews. It was super helpful! They were strict with us so I learned a lot.”

“The classes were comprehensive and organized. I loved the textbook, which always had funny examples and clear explanations. We learned reading and speaking in equal amounts.”

“Whenever I needed help, there was someone I could ask. I enjoyed the folktales we read in class and I learned a lot of culture as well as language.”

School support

“The teachers were super nice and helpful. They always explained things in English if I asked. I had trouble with the textbook but I was able to study with my classmates and we learned a lot together.”

“The location was convenient for me and the staff were all passionate and friendly. Every time I pass that station now, I smile. They were also very understanding when I had trouble and everyone was patient with me.”

“Everyone was putting so much effort into it, I felt encouraged. My fellow students were all from English-speaking countries so it was easy to study together.”

“I made so many friends that I’m still in touch with now! The teachers were really hands-off which worked well for me since I had a busy schedule.”

“I really felt the teachers wanted to help me. They always answered my questions and explained sentences when I was confused.”

“It was the most affordable school I could find. They also helped me find a cheap place to live in. They didn’t assign much homework so I could use my study time how I liked.”

“The school organized events for students to meet each other and hang out. I had a lot of fun!”

“The school helped me join a conversation club where I could talk with native speakers regularly. My Japanese improved so quickly, I almost couldn’t believe it!”

“The students were all from different countries, so not only did I learn about Japanese culture but I also learned about everyone else’s cultures! It was nice because some students had more background in kanji or grammar and they shared their study tricks.”

Negative reviews

“We had a different teacher every day and it was hard to adjust to all the different teaching styles. I couldn’t remember who’d assigned what readings or what their grading requirements were. I wish the school had either kept me with one teacher or had some standards for their teaching methods.”

“The pace was too fast for me and it was super stressful. The teachers moved on even if the students weren’t understanding the lesson. When I asked questions they told me we have to get through the content so in the end, I didn’t learn anything.”

“My teacher ignored me and only paid attention to the high-performing students. I wasn’t sure how to improve on my own and we weren’t given enough direction on studying at home.”

“I didn’t like the mandatory social activities, which felt forced. We didn’t learn as many grammatical patterns as I’d thought we would. I wanted a more intensive program.”

“The textbook the school used was aimed at Chinese students and didn’t help with kanji at all. All the Chinese students did well but I couldn't keep up with them. I should’ve chosen a school where the students were more on my level. It was really discouraging.”

“The curriculum focused too much on reading and writing. I didn’t get enough conversation practice. I can read a newspaper just fine but I still can’t carry a conversation.”

“When I asked for help finding housing, the staff never got back to me and I ended up living on a friend’s couch. Then they found out and threatened to revoke my visa, which luckily I knew they couldn’t do. I wish I’d chosen a school that took better care of its students.”

“My job has weird hours so I couldn’t attend frequently enough and I had to drop the class. It’d be nice if they’d offered different or flexible times.”

“I got sick for a week and I couldn’t catch up with the rest of the class. I wish the teacher had helped me catch up instead of just telling me to read the textbook chapter.”

Know anyone who has passed N1? Want to escape the teaching trap?

Tyson Batino

Tyson is the director and a co-founder of Japan Switch and One Coin English . He has spent 15 years in Japan and achieved N1 in just 3.5 years. Listen in as he shares his tips to becoming successful.

Colten Nahrebesk

Colten is the owner of Risu Press . He spent 6 years working in various industries in Japan and achieved N2. Tune in to hear more about his experiences and advice for living in Japan.

Masterlist of Japanese Language Schools

Finally, the section you’ve been waiting for! We’ve helpfully compiled for you a list of our favorite full-time Japanese language schools in the Tokyo metropolitan area!

Japanese language schools in Shinjuku and Shibuya

Academy of Language Arts (ALA) Closest train station: Iidabashi Focuses: conversation, teacher training

ARC Academy Closest train station: Shinjuku-Nishiguchi, Seibu-Shinjuku Focuses: standard, business, graduate school prep

Japan Tokyo International School Closest train station: Nishi-Shinjuku Focuses: standard, business

KAI Japanese Language School Closest train station: Shin-Okubo Focuses: standard, conversation, test prep

International Study Institute (ISI) Closest train station: Takadanobaba Focuses: standard

Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute Closest train station: Nishi-Waseda, Takadanobaba Focuses: standard, tourism industry, business, teaching

Nihon Kougaku Gakuen Closest train station: Shinjuku Focuses: standard

Shibuya Gaigo Gakuen Closest train station: Shibuya Focuses: standard

Japanese language schools in central Tokyo

Akamonkai Language School Closest train station: Nippori Focuses: standard, university prep, business

Intercultural Institute of Japan Closest train station: Akihabara Focuses: standard, teaching

JCLI Japanese Language School Closest train station: Oji-Kamiya Focuses: conversation, university prep, graduate school prep, trade school prep

Tokyo Galaxy Japanese Language School Closest train station: Kayabacho, Hacchobori Focuses: standard, business, test prep

Toyo Language School Closest train station: Kasai, Kasai-Rinkai-Koen Focuses: trade school prep, university prep, graduate school prep, business

Japanese language schools in Yokohama

Yokohama Design College Closest train station: Tobe Focuses: standard, university prep, graduate school prep

Asuka Gakuin Language Institute Closest train station: Hindecho Focuses: standard

Using an Introduction Agency to Find a Japanese Language School

There are many companies out there who can help you find the right school and also provide you support while you are in Japan with finding an apartment and dealing with the landlord. You normally do not have to pay for the agency. Instead, they receive payment from the school - you are not charged extra. The only downside to using an introduction agency is on the school’s side, as they have to pay extra. However, the schools still appreciate these businesses because they help students thrive.

Why use an agency?

Not only are agencies cheap to use, but they also provide support outside of school. They can assist you in getting a visa, navigating housing, and other essential concerns. Many hold events where you can meet others who are learning and living in Japan. These agencies understand the challenges foreigners face and are well-versed at addressing them. If you find yourself having difficulties for any reason they will probably be able to help you.

Agencies we recommend

Motivist Japan This agency will handle school and visa applications for you, as well as helping with health insurance. Their employees used to be language learners themselves so they understand the problems you may face.

Go! Go! Nihon This agency has staff who’ll assist you in loads of languages, holds regular events for their students, and has a nice FAQ section on common problems in Japan.

Know what to avoid

Avoid any agency that tries to charge you money. Be wary of any offering you a job; most of these are low-salary, low-quality jobs. You can easily find better ones since Japan’s declining birthrate has opened up positions in many industries.

For more on finding a good job in Japan, scroll down to our section on living in Japan !

How to Enter a Japanese Language School

If you’re not using an introduction agency, the application process can be a lot of work. Here’s a good idea of what to expect so you can properly prepare.

Japanese language school application deadlines

A key element for a full-time Japanese language school is the timing of your enrollment. You cannot join a class mid-term; you'll have to wait for the next term to begin studying. This ensures that all the students are on the same Japanese level and are on the same page academically. Additionally, the visa process can be unpredictable. Even if you wanted to join mid-term, you could miss the whole term if you had any visa issues.

Term schedules

A typical Japanese language school year includes the following:

Winter Term - Jan. - Mar. Spring Term - Apr. - Jun. Summer Term - Jul. - Sept. Autumn Term - Oct. - Dec.

Semester lengths and breaks change from school to school, but this is a basic outline to help you get familiar with the time constraints of Japanese language schools.

Japanese language school scholarships

Data provided by Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute and Tokyo Galaxy Japanese Language School

Find more low cost, high reward schools on our Top 5 Cheapest Japanese Schools in Tokyo article

Learn Japanese for Free

Our newsletter for beginner to low intermediate Japanese students will get you on the right track to learning Japanese and saving money.

Living in Japan While Attending a Japanese Language School

Now that you’re all set-up to study, you’ll need to take care of everything else you’ll need to live in Japan. Ensuring you have a proper living environment and decreasing your financial stressors makes you a better student too!

Getting a visa

To do a long-term study course (6 mo. - 2 yrs.) you must acquire a student visa. To acquire a student visa, you will have to do a lot of paperwork with the school, Japanese immigration, and the consulate in your home country.

Student visas

You'll have to apply to the school of your choice and pay in advance for a minimum of six months of tuition before you can even begin the visa process. If you enroll and pay in advance for eighteen to twenty-four months, you may receive a small discount on your tuition. You should apply for your student visa 4-5 months before your expected enrollment date. Waiting until three months or fewer in advance is risky because of potential visa issues. Your tuition fee will be refunded if your certificate of eligibility or visa is denied, but you will not have your application or enrollment fee refund.

If you need more help, here is our complete guide to getting a visa in Japan !

Getting a school to verify your student status

The first step is to find a licensed and authorized school and pay the tuition upfront. Please note that an unlicensed or unauthorized school cannot sponsor your visa. Next, the school will send you an application and the additional paperwork required by the Japanese immigration authorities to apply for a student visa. Once you receive all the paperwork, you need to go to the nearest Japanese embassy and submit the documents to get your student visa. Then you can start your big adventure in Japan!

You will receive a six to twenty-four-month visa, depending on the school and how long you paid for in advance. Some students receive a twelve to twenty-four-month visa even though they only paid for six months, while others who paid for twenty-four months will sometimes have to renew their Japanese student visa after twelve months. The variables are numerous, so check with your school before applying.

The minimum period of study at a Japanese language school in Tokyo and Japan is for six months for students on a student visa. Be aware that not all Japanese schools are licensed schools, and only licensed schools can sponsor visas. You can check if your desired school is licensed in Japan or not with this index .

Quitting a school

If you receive a visa for longer than the schooling you paid for and decide to quit the institution after the term you paid for ends, the school will inform immigration that you are no longer a student; the government may require you to leave the country at that time. The opposite is also possible: you could be asked to leave the country if your visa expires before your school term ends.

If you paid for a term longer than your student visa, you and the school will have to apply for renewal around two months (at maximum) before the expiration of your current visa. Don't worry; the visa renewal process is much easier and faster than obtaining the initial visa. Just make sure your lesson attendance is good because that could affect your visa renewal status.

Maximum student visa term

The maximum length you can attend a Japanese language school is two years. This is a visa issue and not a school issue, so changing Japanese language schools will not extend your visa. This measure is to prevent visa-hunters from gaming the system. If you want to stay longer and/or want more education, you could enroll in a university or trade school.

The first step of the enrollment process is to make an application to the school. Once all of those details are organized, you will receive a certificate of eligibility and with that certificate, you can apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy in your home country.

Please note that almost all Japanese language schools want to do the entire enrollment process online. If you need a Japanese student visa, they most likely will not accept walk-in appointments because you need to do the visa process in your home country. Chances are that the visa process in your home country is much easier than in Japan. If you wanted to check out the school, you could probably go there and look around while you are in Japan, but they probably will not have specialty sales staff to guide you or allow you to take a trial lesson. However, if you are here already, it may be worth asking!

School attendance requirements

Another requirement for student visa holders is that you have to attend over 70-80% of the classes you signed up for. Different schools have differing numbers for the minimum attendance, but there is a legal minimum to maintain your student visa. If your attendance falls under this minimum, your Japanese language school will not renew your student visa.

Be cautious with meeting the attendance requirements because you cannot change Japanese language schools if your attendance is low. This applies even if you strongly dislike your current Japanese language school. Your new, potential school will request your attendance records from your original Japanese language school and, based on your records, accept or deny you. If you stop attending your current lessons while looking for a new school, your current school attendance still matters. If you decide to stop going to lessons because you are searching for another school, you can be denied entry to the new school due to poor attendance at the current school.

The reason these rules are required by Immigration is that your stated purpose for coming to Japan is to study. If you do not uphold your stated purpose, your visa could be (and likely will be) revoked.

Student visa paperwork

The following school entry requirements are sourced from the Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute . Please note that these can be submitted in English.

  • School application
  • Personal history
  • Statement of purpose to study abroad
  • Statement of relatives and their health
  • four photos(4x3cm, taken within the last six months)
  • Last diploma copy (original documents may be required)
  • Last academic transcript copy
  • Certificate of Japanese learning (optional)
  • Copy of passport
  • Health certificate
  • Health check (varies from school to school)

Financial sponsors

First and foremost, you need to pay for your lessons. You also need to prove that you or your sponsor has the funds to support you as a student. This is determined by showing that you have a minimum amount of income in a bank account. The number is around ¥500,000, not counting tuition payments.

Your financial sponsor is usually a family member or spouse who will support you while you study if you are unable to support yourself. This person will need to submit the following, as provided by Tokyo Central Japanese Language School :

  • Statement of financial support
  • Certificate of employment
  • Proof of income
  • Bank certificate of deposit
  • Copy of bankbook
  • Copy of identification
  • Family credentials
  • Written oath (optional)

Residence visas

If you currently have a residence visa that allows you to stay in Japan, you don’t need to pay six months (two terms) in advance, like some schools otherwise require. Many schools will allow you to enroll for three months (one term) because you do not need a visa from them. Another awesome benefit of having a residence visa is that you do not need to meet the strict Japanese lesson attendance numbers, which are 70-80%, to maintain a student visa.

For someone with a valid Japan residence visa, schools will have one staff member available to help you with the enrollment process in person, including a level check. It's possible to enroll in a Japanese language school program mere weeks before lessons start when you already reside in Japan. All you need to do is fill in the application and pay the money in advance; you don't need a sponsor. The whole process generally takes one to two hours to complete.

Finding housing in Japan

Some Japanese language schools offer housing options such as dorms. For other schools, you’ll need to find your own housing. Here we’ll differentiate the pros and cons of these options.

Low budget housing options

Your best option for an apartment would still be a sharehouse, but getting a smaller room that may not have a shower included. Not having a shower can suck, but the good news is that they do have a shower room like a university dorm or a shared shower. You would need to take a shower out of your own place of residence. The cool thing about shared houses is that if you choose a place like Oakhouse which provides enormous residences of over fifty people, some of them have karaoke rooms, movie rooms with projectors, ovens, and other cool amenities.

Your other option would be to live around forty minutes from central Tokyo or Osaka and have your own private place. The good news is that for $600 a month, you can actually get a two-room or larger apartment if you live on a train line that connects to a central location like Shinjuku but is around thirty minutes or more away.

Most Japanese language schools in Tokyo provide a dormitory around the ¥50,000 - ¥70,000 per month range.

Housing options below ¥100,000 a month

You have a lot more flexibility in your options of where to stay in a big city if you can afford more than ¥60,000 per month. You could choose a tiny apartment in a super central location or a big apartment thirty to forty-five minutes outside. You can also get a nice sized apartment in a shared house if you are looking for a community.

Shared houses

I would recommend staying in a shared house if you are looking for a community and people to intermingle with. It would be ideal for someone who is introverted but feels lonely living on their own. The shared house would give you a nice foundation so you could meet other students who are attending a Japanese language school. Interestingly, most people I know who change Japanese schools usually live in shared houses, and they compare information about their schools.

I would also recommend staying in a shared house if you are not sure you will live in Japan for more than six months or even one year. The main reason for this is that the initial costs are much lower and you do not need to buy appliances and furniture. They also have internet and provide basically everything else you need except a smartphone from day one.

Learn more at our guide to Tokyo shared houses !

Living in a Tokyo apartment

There are several types of housing available for foreigners. As mentioned, some Japanese language schools provide an apartment to stay in a building they own or have an agreement with the owner. Other options include finding an apartment on your own or living together with other people in a shared house or renting a private room in a shared house. Based on the size of the room, amenities provided, and location, the prices can change drastically.

If being around other people and having to greet them every day or having other people seeing you coming in and out would drive you crazy, I would recommend a private apartment. Those are some of the complaints that people who have a private room in a shared apartment mention. Other complaints include having to share the microwave and refrigerator and sometimes having to wait in line to use the appliances.

To learn more about finding a place in Tokyo, check out our article on cheap apartments !

Apartment expenses

The major downside of living in a private apartment is the cost. Outside of paying the rent, you normally have to pay:

  • one-month rent for gift money to the landlord (non-refundable)
  • 1-2 months rent for deposit (sometimes refundable)
  • one-month rent to the real estate agent for the introduction
  • one-month initial rent
  • ¥9,000 a year for fire insurance
  • ¥23,000 to change the keys

Depending on the apartment, you may be spending ¥200,000 - ¥250,000 a month just to move into an apartment that rents at ¥50,000 monthly, and spend an additional ¥40,000 - ¥150,000 for furniture, utensils, and appliances as most apartments are not furnished. My recommendation is to find a furnished apartment and apartments that do not require the gift money. 

Check out KIMI WILL be apartment services for apartments with low moving costs, and here’s another guide that has more information on the terminology in Japanese that you need to be aware of for renting an apartment . If you are looking for some higher price locations in Japan, we recommend the site Tokyo Apartments .

School-affiliated housing

You should live in a dorm if you want the conveniences of a private apartment without having the enormous move-in costs mentioned above. The school normally rents it out to incoming students, so you probably would not have to pay the gift money or some of the other fees. The other good feature is that it would be somewhat furnished; it would be more expensive for the school to throw things away than leave them in the apartment for the next person.

Teach English Part-Time at One Coin English

In addition to awesome articles, we also run an English school with more than 100 teachers and 7000 students in 10 locations in Tokyo.

Supporting yourself while studying in Japan

Working more than twenty hours a week while studying Japanese is really tough. You'll run the risk of having to take a course over again because you are not learning well enough. If you will need to work, we recommend studying in advance as much as possible to successfully make the transition to studying full-time while working.

We’ve listed a few good options below if you’re looking for a part-time job.

Visa limitations on work

Students in Tokyo can only work twenty-eight hours a week, and it’s not permitted to work a full-time job. Working more than twenty-eight hours is a violation of your work permit and could cause you to lose your student visa. 

In order to work in Japan, you must have a designated stamp on your foreign residence card or zairyu card. If you don’t have this stamp, you will have to go back to immigration to get the stamp that grants you permission to work as a student. Without this stamp, it is technically illegal for you to work and companies cannot hire you.

One Coin English

If you’re interested in using your Japanese language in the workforce, a great option is becoming an English teacher for Japanese students. One Coin’s mission is to increase the number of bilingual speakers in Japan. They teach through lesson plans, games, flashcards, and support materials. Teachers at One Coin English also get to learn Japanese at a lower rate! One Coin English has teachers from over twenty countries and five continents. They have nine schools, eight in Tokyo and one in Yokohama. They include paid twelve-hour training for new teachers and cover travel costs.

Requirements to work at One Coin English:

  • Valid work visa or permission to work
  • Available to work a minimum of fifteen weeks
  • Desire to help students improve their English
  • Enjoy speaking with people

Typical Salary: ¥1,200 - ¥1,500 an hour

Legoland Japan Playmaker

If you’re looking for an amusement park job, check out Legoland Discovery Center Playmaker. The Legoland Japan team hires foreigners to work in the Japan Resort theme park in Nagoya, or the Lego discovery centers in Osaka and Tokyo.

Typical Salary: ¥1,300 an hour

Part-time restaurant jobs

A better way to interact with the local people and serve them food. Many restaurants are searching for employees to help them manage their restaurants. This is the most common part-time job in Tokyo and you could work for almost any restaurant. Part-time jobs in Tokyo that involve dealing with Japanese customers in the food business will require daily conversational skills of Japanese.

Typical Salary: ¥900 - ¥1,100 an hour

Part-time jobs at bars

When you work in a bar, you get to communicate with the customers, observe the bar life, and meet new people every shift. This is a perfect job for anyone that does not mind being in a loud and fast-paced environment. Working as a bartender in a host club or hostess club, or any other red-light district types of businesses are not allowed for those on a student visa or working holiday visa. 

Typical Salary: ¥1,100 - ¥1,300 an hour 

Part-time interpreting and translation work

After you’ve reached a certain level of fluency,  becoming an interpreter or translator will not be difficult. Both the Japanese enterprise and foreign enterprise should understand each other and your priority is to make sure that the conversation goes smoothly.

Requirements: Valid visa and N2 Japanese 

Typical Salary: ¥1,500 - ¥3,100 an hour

For more information, check our article on part-time jobs in Tokyo for foreigners!

Getting the Most out of Your Japanese Language School

One class per week with no practice between lessons will not give you language proficiency. Study well and often for maximum results. If you truly want to master the Japanese language, you’re going to have to learn effective study habits.

Keeping up with your classmates

You cannot keep up with all your classmates if you dedicate the same amount of study hours they use. Chinese students can already read Kanji and will always out-read you, and the Korean students have a headstart on grammar and vocabulary.

A student we interviewed mentioned that westerners need to spend around ninety minutes more each day than their Chinese classmates because of the need to learn kanji. You'd have to be a whiz-kid for learning languages or spend more than three additional hours a day to keep up with Korean classmates! He also said that he used to type his written assignments to save time and to use the same time cramming vocabulary and grammar.

In his experience, you'll have to study and review the reading section for class discussions in advance because you probably won't be able to read the text as quickly as your Chinese or Korean classmates. The teacher will give you a set amount of time and your Korean and Chinese classmates will be ready to go before the time is up. You, on the other hand, will likely want an extension of time!

Example coursework

These examples were provided by Kumon Japanese Language Program

Basic Format: In Japanese language schools, the teachers move between classes while the students stay in the same room. Each day of the week, you'll typically have a different teacher over the course of three and a half hours of total class time, with 10-minute breaks every 50 minutes.

Your First Day: Before you start, you’ll probably have a self-introduction with the class before moving into the lesson.

Lesson Focus: Beginners learn three new kanji per day. They'll be guided to write each kanji ten times and learn 3-5 words associated with that kanji. Each new word is pronounced by the teacher, and students are asked to repeat the word aloud. The new kanji are tested the day after they’re taught.

Generally, the tests are a sheet with both hiragana and kanji characters. Words written in hiragana must be rewritten in kanji and words written in kanji must be rewritten in hiragana. Two weeks after learning the kanji, students take a larger kanji test. 

Beginners generally spend a full two hours studying grammar and sentence patterns. Alongside studying grammar, beginners practice speaking by partnering up and running through a speaking exercise using the grammar they just learned.

Beginners will spend time practicing listening and occasional reading-only exercises. Listening exercises for beginners involve hearing a short dialog and then answering some true or false questions. The teacher will ask students to read a sentence from the test and repeat it so all students end up reading the same dialog three to four times.

Beginners will be asked to do kanji homework as well as any associated sentence pattern homework for the day. To maximize your success at a Japanese language school, expect to study at least 1-2 hours a night. Beginning students usually complete a worksheet every night. 

The course work for an advanced student changes based on the season of the year. The three months before the JLPT test are often solely dedicated to test preparation. The rest of the year focuses a lot on discussions, reading, and learning useful Japanese expressions.

During the JLPT preparation season, which is between September and November, all your classes will center on preparing you for the four sections of the test. You'll have four classes a day, and each hour is focused on a different section. You'll take a vocabulary/kanji course, a listening course, a reading course, and a grammar course. You will also spend several days taking mock exams using previous-year tests to simulate the actual test-taking experience.

During the non-JLPT test preparation season, you will have a more well-rounded and practical Japanese education. At the school he attended, our friend was given written assignments several times a week where he had to write about a page on a topic. Other assignments included reading a 3-4 page story in Japanese that used many natural expressions and applying it to both written and spoken Japanese exercises. The stories usually focused on Japanese culture and current issues to help students understand Japanese culture better. The teacher helped students practice pronunciation by making them read the text; students could then ask questions related to the story.

Here are some articles we have created to help you practice each aspect of the Japanese language: Kanji, Reading , Conversation , Listening , Vocabulary .

Practice, practice, practice!

The most surefire guaranteed way to excel in your studies is to devote time every day to go through all your material. Practice flashcards while you’re on the train, listen to audio tracks while you wash the dishes, and write out kanji until you can do it perfectly from memory. Make sure you’re refreshing yourself on old vocabulary too; if you throw out your flashcard set after every test you won’t remember any of them in a month.

Tips for studying kanji

Kanji intimidate a lot of western students when they start learning Japanese. There are so many of them, they’re so complicated, and they have so many different readings and meanings! But if you study hard they’ll stop being such a mystery and start being your friends.

Flashcards and apps

Many students find daily flashcard use helpful in learning kanji. Some focus on learning all the readings and meanings of each character while others focus on learning the combinations that form common words. 

Here are some apps to maximize your studying:

  • Memrise - Language app
  • Anki - Mobile flashcards
  • Quizlet - Create your flashcards and use others, learn the language through games

We’ve also compiled a list of even more helpful apps if these ones don’t work for you!

Breaking kanji down to their components

Have you noticed that as you get further in your studies, the kanji start to combine to form new characters? You probably have, and you’ll know these are called radicals. While it might be a waste of time to memorize every radical, learning a few can help you tell similar kanji apart. For example, take 待つ ( matsu ; to wait) and 持つ ( motsu ; to hold). Not only do they sound similar, but they look almost identical! They both share the radical 寺 ( tera ; temple) but the left side of the kanji differ. The kanji for matsu has the gyōninben radical which refers to stopping or going, while motsu uses 手 ( te; hand). If you notice a particular radical showing up frequently in your studies, look it up and it may come in handy.

Tips for studying Japanese vocabulary

Most Japanese words are, luckily or unluckily, written in kanji. That means the more kanji and combinations thereof you memorize, the more words you’ll know! The same tips that work for kanji work for vocabulary. Flashcards, learning word components, and frequent use are common techniques. We also recommend finding something you love, whether it’s a video game, a tv show, or a favorite book, and finding the Japanese version. Even if it’s slow going, pausing and looking up words as you happen upon them can teach you a surprising number of new terms. It’s easier if you’re using a text-based thing but you can find transcripts online of shows too.

Studying tips for reading in Japanese

Once you’ve got kanji and vocabulary down, look towards your reading skills. Can you fluidly read a sentence out loud, without awkward pauses while you try to remember a word? Can you engage with a text and comprehend not only the exact definitions but also what tone the author is trying to convey? This is hard stuff, but it’s essential. 

It’s important to find something you can practice reading daily. Newspapers are great for this, as they often include furigana for complicated kanji. Books aimed at middle school and below will also include furigana, and you can pick up relatively engaging books at the local library if you go looking.

Studying tips for Japanese conversation fluency

Conversation is complicated and there are a lot of components to learn before you can chat with a native speaker, the most important of which is the confidence to muddle through and the humility to ask for help. It’s tricky because you need to be able to properly listen to your partner, understand what they’re saying, formulate a response, and then deliver said response - all in Japanese, of course.

Practicing your listening skills

Real-life people don’t come with subtitles, so you’ve got to learn to process rapid-fire Japanese without leaving your partner hanging. Practice your listening skills with easy Japanese news podcasts (or podcasts aimed at native speakers if you’re an advanced student). Most Japanese textbooks come with CDs full of audio tracks meant for this purpose. Remember, if you’re having trouble understanding someone you can always ask that person to talk slower or define a word!

Practicing your speaking skills

Throw any embarrassment or apprehension over making mistakes out the window. You’re never going to improve if you don’t talk to people! A student who studies books every day can be overtaken by a student who talks with people every day, even if the latter student began at a lower proficiency level. Need help with pronunciation? Try singing some Japanese karaoke! It sounds silly, but it improves your reading and speaking speed. Studies have shown that music can drastically improve language pronunciation.

Most importantly, find people to talk to. Whether it’s a fellow Japanese student or the clerk at the convenience store, use what you’re learning!

Finding a good study group

To that end, you should get yourself a study group. There are loads of ways to find people to practice with. Reach out to your classmates before or after class and make a group chat. Ask your teacher if they know of any conversation clubs. There’s a whole world online too, with huge Japanese study groups forming on Facebook, Reddit, and other social media platforms. You can even find communities focused around a particular hobby in Japanese! Seek out something that will motivate you and pull you along.

If you can’t find the perfect group, why not make your own? Create an online discussion area and invite your friends and their friends. Alternatively, make some Japanese friends who can be patient with you. Chatting with native speakers is, after all, the number one way to improve language fluency! 

Looking for more tips? Our series on learning Japanese has more tips in all of these areas and more!

Staying Focused on Your Education

Remember, you have goals that brought you this far. Language learning will be a struggle; it always is even in the best Japanese language school. If you’re feeling defeated or considering just giving up, reflect on your situation. Would your goals be better served if you were spending this time on other pursuits? Do you have a support system that will encourage you through hardship? Are you financially able to dedicate your time to learning? If this is not the right time, there’s no shame in trying again in the future. Education is a long road and you need to prioritize your well-being. 

However, you should know you’re never alone. Your school likely has resources to help struggling students, but even beyond them, there are countless people who are learning Japanese alongside you. Find a community, either in-person or online, and share your experiences with your fellow students.

Final Remarks

Finding a good Japanese language school can really accelerate your education and professional outlook. It’s important to find one that suits your needs and commitment level so you have every opportunity to thrive and grow. We’re wishing you good luck on your journeys!

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Japanese Language Schools

Language schools for foreign tourists and residents are found in many locations across Japan, especially in Tokyo and other major cities . Language schools offer a variety of courses, differing in length and purpose. Visitors from most Western countries and other countries with a visa-waiver agreement with Japan do not need a student visa in order to attend language courses three months or shorter. For longer studies, a proper visa is required. Japanese language schools are also available in some cities outside of Japan.

A wide variety of courses are offered by Japanese language schools for both short-term visitors and residents of Japan. Besides weekly, monthly and 3-month courses aimed at short-term visitors, many schools offer 6-month, 1-year and 2-year courses aimed at foreign residents of Japan. Courses are offered for several purposes, including general language study, culture classes, preparation for the Japanese language proficiency test , preparation for entering university, business classes and private lessons. Besides full time programs, some school also offer half-day programs or lessons on only three or four days per week.

Tuition fees naturally vary based on the length of the course. The typical tuition is around 150,000 to 200,000 yen for a 3-month full-time program. In addition, most schools charge a registration fee of around 5,000 to 20,000 yen and an insurance fee of 10,000 yen per year in case of long-term programs. If a visa application process is involved, an additional fee of typically around 20,000 yen is charged, in which case the language school will arrange the Certificate of Eligibility for the applying student.

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How to Get a Japan Student Visa

When it comes to getting a Japan student visa, I have good news and I have bad news. Let’s get the bad out of the way, shall we?

The bad news is that, like many processes in Japan, the workflow for getting a student visa is long, tedious and riddled with bumps. It takes many weeks in the very best-case scenario, and requires full commitment long before any guarantee (or even hint) of success.

The good news? It all instantly becomes worth it, the moment you step off the plane in Japan. There’s better news, too: Reading what I have to say for the next few minutes will make the next few months of your life significantly easier to bear, particular if you’re looking for Japan student visa financial requirements.

My Experience Entering Japan as a Student

Although I obtained my Japan student visa near the apex of the coronavirus pandemic, I dove into the process head-first. Within 48 hours of applying to a Japanese language school (through GoGo Nihon —more about that here ), I had submitted all the required documents. I gained admission to the school in less than two weeks; by the time a month had passed, on October 2, 2020, my finalized application was with Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, where it would remain for more than eight weeks.

When I finally received my Certificate of Eligibility (COE) via DHL the last Monday in November, I immediately sent it off to the Japanese Consulate with my other application materials; I received my passport back, with a student visa inside, on the first day of December. While I initially planned to enter Japan during the first week of January 2021, I flew a week early in order to beat the (overly) strict border closure Japan reinstated to combat a new Covid-19 variant.

language school japan tourist visa

Materials Needed for a Japan Student Visa

School application and acceptance.

Before you can apply for a Japan student visa, you’ll need to apply to and get accepted by a Japanese educational institution. As a result, the first step of getting a visa to study in Japan is applying to a school. Some of you reading this will be applying to Japanese universities, while others will apply to Japanese language schools, as I did. I encourage you to strictly comply with all your prospective school’s information requests, as it will submit many of the documents it collects to immigration on your behalf once your acceptance is finalized.

Transcripts and educational CV

Among the documents both your school and Japanese immigration will require are a complete record of your prior educational history, including transcripts, diplomas and degrees and a CV that outlines all your prior schooling. The school will submit this history, which in most cases goes all the way back to your primary school years, to the Immigration Services Agency when it seeks permission for you to enter Japan.

Proof of financial sponsorship (or sustenance)

The next step in getting a Japan student visa is to prove financial viability. Although there is no official requirement, you will need to show that you have access to around ¥2,000,000 (~20,000 USD) for every year you plan to study in Japan. Younger students may seek sponsorship from their parents, while older students can show they have their own means using tax returns and income statements. If you have successfully applied for one or more scholarships, you should also disclose this.

Detailed Japan travel history

Japanese authorities frown on people who have broken the law in Japan and elsewhere, particularly immigration law. For this reason and others, you’ll need to submit scans or photographs of every entry/exit stamp and/or visa you’ve received on previous trips to Japan, along with a short document that lists the dates of all your previous trips, and provides a brief experience of why you visited Japan and what you did when you were there.

Additional document requests

Note that even if you submit all the documents your school initially requests, Japan’s Immigration Services agency may ask for additional materials, usually in order to clear up discrepancies it perceives among the ones you’ve already submitted. For example, if your ability to sustain yourself financially is unclear from your tax returns or pay stubs, it may request a letter of reassurance from your employer. Note that in nearly all cases, your school will communicate these requests to you.

The Difference Between a COE and Visa

One point of confusion I want to make sure I address fully in this post is the distinction between the COE (that’s the “Certificate of Eligibility” I first mentioned near the beginning of this article) and your actual Japan visa. A COE is a document Japan’s Immigration Services Agency issues to certify that an applicant meets the requirements for visa issuance. COEs are issued in Japan; you can only receive one if your school applies to the local Japanese immigration bureau on your behalf.

The COE is essentially a pre-approval letter; the process of getting one shifts the bureaucracy and related stress onto your school, rather than yourself: COE holders receive their Japan student visa in a matter of days. If you apply for a visa without a COE, on the other hand, you’ll need to send your paperwork (which your school otherwise would’ve submitted) directly to your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate, and to actively participate in the tedious vetting process, which can take weeks or months.

language school japan tourist visa

Other FAQ About Getting a Japan Student Visa

Is it hard to get a student visa for japan.

Getting a Japan student visa isn’t hard, but it is tedious. You’ll need to submit dozens (in some cases hundreds) of documents, on a compressed timetable, which can require last minute revisions and re-submissions, often with dire consequences if you fail or refuse to comply. In many ways, the visa process is the first test of your suitability as a prospective student in Japan.

How long does it take to get a Japanese student visa?

Getting a Japan student visa can take as little as a few weeks or as long as a few months. This doesn’t include the time it take to apply to and gain admission to your school or university; you will need to be admitted (and, in most cases, pay a certain amount of tuition) before you can receive your visa. In my case, I applied for Japanese language school on September 2 and received my visa on December 1 of the same year.

How can I get student visa for Japan?

The first step in getting a Japan student visa is applying to and getting accepted to a school in Japan, be that a Japanese language school or a Japanese university. Once you are admitted to school, your university will apply to Japan’s Immigration Services on your behalf; if successful, you will be issued a Certificate of Eligibility or “COE” within several weeks. Students who submit visa applications with a COE attached can expect to receive their Japan student visas within a matter of days.

The Bottom Line

Getting a Japan student visa isn’t fast, but it isn’t especially difficult if you follow all instructions carefully—and if you do so the first time around. More broadly, when you begin the Japan visa process with a realistic idea of what will be expected from you and how long it will take, persevering until your arrival at Haneda or Narita airport becomes significantly easier. The other hidden blessing of this tedious chore is that it actually prepares you for what’s to come: Studying in Japan, for all the joy it ultimately brings you, is rooted in ritual, discipline and bureaucracy. Jumping through the hoops of the Japanese student visa process—without any guarantee of success—may seem futile, but commitment of this sort bodes well for your future success.

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Yes, our Short-Term Program is designed for those who wish to study Japanese while engaging in a variety of cultural activities. This is an excellent option for those who want to explore the Fukuoka City.

If your passport country is one of visa waiver countries, you can attend our short term program for 3 months. If you have a working holiday visa, it is fine that you attend more than 3 months.

Please feel free to contact us from here. If you have questions about the school.

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FAQ For Prospective Students

  • What procedures do I need to take before I come to Japan and study?
  • What kind of information related to studying in Japan is available at Japanese diplomatic establishments abroad?
  • Do I need a guarantor for entry into Japan?
  • How much tuition and living expenses do I need to study in Japan?
  • What is the procedure for entering Japan?
  • What should I do if I come to Japan to take an entrance examination?
  • I need information on the Japanese educational system.
  • What degrees can be obtained under the Japanese educational system?
  • How do I choose a university?
  • I need information on studying at Japanese professional training schools.
  • I need information on studying at a college of technology.
  • I need information on studying at Japanese language institutes.
  • How can I request information from schools, apply, and be considered for admission?
  • How much Japanese language proficiency do I need?
  • Is it possible to take the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) outside of Japan?
  • What should I do if my primary and secondary education period is less than 12 years?
  • What types of scholarships are available?
  • Are there any scholarships that I can apply for from outside of Japan?

Please refer to "Schedule Before Coming to Japan" on the following page. It is important to prepare in advance in order to study in Japan as you anticipate. We recommend that you begin preparing as soon as possible.

1. Access study abroad information materials

Various kinds of information related to studying in Japan can be accessed at Japanese diplomatic establishments abroad. They include the following:

  • General information related to studying in Japan (for example, necessary preparations, educational facilities, immigration procedures, living in Japan, etc.)
  • Material concerning the Japanese system for international students
  • Material related to scholarships
  • Information related to Japanese universities (university and undergraduate department guide), graduate schools, professional training colleges and Japanese-language institutions
  • Information regarding accommodations in Japan
  • Sample of entrance examinations for international students

2. Information Provision by International Student Advisors

Japanese diplomatic establishments in countries where there are large numbers of students interested in studying in Japan have former international students and other people who are knowledgeable about Japan on hand to serve as international student advisors (please note, however, that they are not full-time staff). In addition, regional information sessions may be held once or several times a year, not only in the capital city but also in regional cities, so please inquire at the Japanese embassy or other diplomatic mission abroad in your country. Six Japanese embassies and consulates (located in Beijing and Shanghai, China; the Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Indonesia; and Thailand) have special space set aside to provide information about studying in Japan. Full-time international student advisors are on hand at these embassies and consulates to provide information as well as consultation. Please find the nearest Japanese embassy or other diplomatic mission abroad in your country on the website below.

  • https://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/mofaserv.html

The regulation that made a guarantor necessary to acquire entry and status of residence in Japan was abolished in December 1996. Therefore, you no longer need a guarantor to enter Japan as an international student. However, guarantors are required in various aspects of life in Japan. For example, you need a guarantor when you are renting a room, taking an entrance examination or gaining admission to a Japanese university or professional training college. After enrollment, you may also be required to apply for scholarships and tuition fee reductions. Therefore, although you no longer need a guarantor to gain entry into Japan, there will be many situations when you need a guarantor after you arrive in Japan (these are also required of Japanese students). If you are considering studying in Japan, it is important that you inquire with the school you are planning to attend regarding the need for guarantors since policies differ depending on the school. For example, if you are enrolling in a Japanese language school, the school may become your guarantor while you are a student. In some areas, an association for international relations (run by local government) may become your guarantor while staying in the area.

Please refer to the following page to check the costs required to study in Japan and the estimated cost of living in Japan.

  • Academic Fees
  • Living Cost and Price

Please refer to the following page for a brief guide to immigration procedures.

  • Immigration Procedures

If a foreign national travels to Japan to take an exam, they must obtain a Temporary Visitor visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in their country by presenting the exam voucher of their school of choice. The period of stay can be 15, 30 or 90 days. However, if a foreign national is a national of a country under the Visa Exemption Arrangements, they will not need to apply for a visa. * If you are a national of a country, as a rule, you must return to your home country after passing the exam to obtain a Student status of residence.

Please see the following page.

  • Japanese Educational System

In addition, the website of the National Information Center for Academic Recognition Japan (NIC-Japan) provides an overview of the Japanese education system, types of higher education institutions, higher education credentials, and information on admission to higher education institutions.

  • National Information Center for Academic Recognition Japan (NIC-Japan)

Please see the following page for a list of available degrees.

Please refer to the page below for an explanation of professional training colleges (vocational schools).

  • Professional training college

Please refer to the page below for a description of college of technology.

  • Colleges of Technology

Please refer to the page below for a description of schools where you can study Japanese.

  • Japanese Language Institutes

Each of the following pages provides information on general application materials and admissions tests. However, application materials and entrance examinations vary greatly from school to school, so please inquire directly with the school you wish to apply to.

  • Universities (Undergraduate) and Junior Colleges
  • Graduate Schools

An increasing number of university and graduate programs offer degrees in English. If you wish to enroll in a degree program in English, Japanese language proficiency is often not required. If you wish to study at a university where classes are taught in Japanese or both Japanese and English, you will need to have at least an N2 level in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), and a score of 2.50 on the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) (excluding the writing section). However, this is only a guideline. The Japanese language proficiency requirements vary from school to school, so please inquire directly with the school you wish to enroll in.

The examination is available in 17 cities in 13 countries and regions outside of Japan. Please see the following page for more information.

  • Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)

In principle, you must have completed 12 years of education to apply for admission to a university (undergraduate), junior college, or professional training college in Japan. You must have completed 11 years of education to apply for admission to a college of technology, and 16 years of education for admission to a graduate school (master's program). Students who have completed 10 or 11 years of elementary and secondary school education and wish to apply for admission to higher education institutions, such as universities, in Japan must meet either of the eligibility criteria as follows:

  • Have completed 12 years of formal school education by taking an additional one or two years of schooling at a university or other higher education institution or a university preparatory program in their home country.
  • Have completed university preparatory courses (junbi kyouiku katei)*1 authorized by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (provided, however, that they have completed a level of education equivalent to a Japanese High School). However, if you have completed elementary and secondary education courses in your home country that are 11 years long or more but less than 12 years, you are considered eligible for admission without completing the university preparatory courses if the said education courses are designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan*2. Please see the following more information.
  • University Admission Requirements Guide
  • *1. List of university preparatory courses authorized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
  • *2. List of list of foreign schools approved by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

There are Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) scholarships, privately funded scholarships, and scholarships for students studying abroad under an agreement with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Please see the following page for more information.

  • Scholarships

A small number of scholarships are available for students from outside Japan (before coming to Japan). Please refer to the follow page for more information. In addition, please download the scholarship pamphlet for a list of organizations, etc. that provide scholarships.

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language school japan tourist visa

Visa and Immigration Procedures

Study japanese in japan.

Start studying from Jul 01, 2024 | Deadline to enroll: Mar 05, 2024

More Information & How to get Started

language school japan tourist visa

So, you want to study in Japan, that’s great! Our GaijinPot Student Placement Program can help you with every aspect of coming to study in Japan.

Let’s start by looking at the different visas that allow you to study in Japan.

Student Visa

As one would expect, the most appropriate visa would be a Japanese student visa.  Most Japanese language schools can sponsor student visas and will take care of immigration procedures.  You should start the application process approximately six months before the actual start date of the school term, as you will need to prepare a variety of documents to meet the visa requirements.

Under a student visa, you can work up to 28 hours a week (but no work related to adult entertainment). You can also access all the services that residents can take advantage of, including health insurance and being able to open bank accounts or get a cell phone.

Keep in mind that the student visa is only issued for a maximum of two years in total. It doesn’t matter if you change schools or leave Japan and come back again, you can’t go for longer than 2 years.

If you want to go to higher education or find a job afterwards, you will probably want to graduate in March.  Therefore, most students study 1 year plus the remaining months until March graduation.

Start in April: study for 2 years

Start in July: study for 1 year 9 months

Start in October: study for 1 year 6 months

Start in January: study for 1 year 3 months

Consider this when joining a school!

Tourist Visa

If you only want to study for a short period of time, then you can come on a tourist visa. Citizens of Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland and the United Kingdom can extend tourist visas up to 6 months.  Most other countries get a 3 month tourist visa, but classes at most language schools are 3 months long, so the timing is perfect in that regard!

If you are not from a country that can enter Japan without a visa, then your language school can make a letter of invitation that you can give to the consulate in your country.  The letter of should include the course duration and some simple details about the course, plus the school’s contact information.

Other Visas

For the most part, any other visa type will allow you to study in Japan without restriction, including:

-Working Holiday

For many schools, even if you plan to study for a long time, you will be considered a “short-term” student for registration purposes.  In that case, you just keep registering for a 3-month class for as long as you want to study.

Do note that although some schools may have special classes for short term students, many of them will just put you in the same class as the long-term students.  The expression “long-term” student is just a classification that the government uses to track those who come on student visas. No matter what visa you have, there’s a way to study in Japan!  If you have any questions or want help getting a student visa, the GaijinPot Student Placement Program can get you on the right track!

Ready to Start?

Live in Japan long term: a five-year visa plan for Japan

When you imagine your future in Japan, what do you see? Study, then work? Language study, then higher education? Running your own business? Whatever your vision is, you need to have a visa plan in order to be able to successfully live in Japan long term.

We know how daunting that can seem as there are many types of visas with their own restrictions and opportunities, so we’ve put together our recommended five-year plan to help.

First things first: Is Japan really for you?

Moving to a new country long-term is a big deal. So the first thing you need to establish is: is Japan the country for me? If you can, try to visit Japan on a short trip as a tourist .

Keep in mind that living in a country and visiting a country to travel are two very different things.

Ask yourself whether you can see yourself living in Japan and why you want to live in Japan. Be realistic and assess the pros and cons before you dive into the next stage of your plan.

If you need more insight, read our article that weighs up living vs travelling in Japan .

If you are lucky, you will be able to enter the country on a 90-day tourist visa that many nationalities receive upon arrival at the airport.

If you want to also test out language lessons at the same time, look into our Japan Study Trips . These are short-term trips where you get to learn Japanese at a language school, but also participate in fun, cultural activities.

You can also check out our online beginner Japanese crash course . This two-week course teaches you the basics of the language and useful phrases to help you get by on your visit. For more information and to sign up, visit our website .

Years 1 – 2: Learn the language

Learning Japanese is important if you want to live in Japan long term, especially if you want to work or complete further education.

Most companies that hire non-Japanese employees require those employees to have at least business-level , or JLPT N2 , Japanese. This might vary depending on the requirements of the role and company, but opportunities outside of teaching roles where you get to work purely in English or your native language are rare.

Similarly, the majority of vocational colleges and universities only accept students who have the requisite level of Japanese.

If you start as a beginner at a language school, you can expect to reach JLPT N2 level in about two years. This is if you are enrolled full-time at school, attend all your classes and commit to your homework and study outside of class.

You can get a student visa for up to 2 years in order to study Japanese at a Japanese language school (bonus: you’ll be able to work up to 28 hours a week during this time!)

For more information about how Japanese language schools work, read our article to learn more !

Years 3 – 4: Further education

For those without a degree that allows them to work in Japan, or those who want to study more in Japan, the next few years after language school will be focused on further education. For this, you will again need a student visa.

The type of education you pursue will depend on your goals . For example, if you want to do something design-related, you can apply for a vocational college. If you get accepted, you will study at the college for two years, after which you will receive a qualification that makes you eligible for a work visa.

Courses available at vocational colleges vary widely, from architecture and civil engineering to photography and fashion. The length of the course may also vary depending on what you are studying.

Note that vocational schools only start in April each year, so you will need to keep this in mind to ensure you complete language school in time to start vocational college.

Those who wish to study at a university will need to set aside at least four years to complete a Bachelor’s degree, two years for a Master’s and at least three years for a Doctorate.

Read more about the university entrance exam for foreign students here .

Years 3-5: Work

If you already have a degree that allows you to work in Japan, or several years of work experience, then your next step following language school will be to find a job in Japan .

Your school or education institute may be able to help you connect with employers. Otherwise, you can search for jobs on online platforms.

Applying for jobs and doing job interviews can be quite different in Japan compared to your home country. Make sure you get familiar with how to write your resume in Japanese , as well as how to prepare for a job interview in Japan .

Dress etiquette is also very important, so don’t forget to read our article on how to dress for a job interview in Japan !

If you get offered a job in Japan, your future employer will request a work visa for you, which allows you to work in Japan full time.

The length of this visa ranges anywhere between 1 and 5 years. However, it is important to know that your visa is tied to the fact you are working. If you leave the job that you received your visa for, then you only get three months to find another role before your visa becomes invalid.

If your country runs a working holiday programme, that is also a viable option and especially useful to “get a foot in the door” in a Japanese company. Keep in mind that some restrictions apply based on your country of citizenship and the length of the visa also depends on this factor.

Please check with your own embassy to confirm if you are eligible, and to find out how to apply for this visa if you are in Japan on a student visa, as restrictions may apply.

Year 5 and beyond

Whether you choose to leave or continue to live in Japan – that decision is, obviously, up to you. Just make sure you have a valid visa – and you comply with the requirements of that visa – if you want to continue living in Japan long term.

If you’d like to live in Japan long term, then permanent residency (永住権, eijūken ) is the most convenient way to do so. It is not simple to obtain this residency status. It often requires you to have lived in Japan for around 10 years consecutively on a work visa , to even be able to apply.

A shortcut to the application would be to get the “Highly Skilled Professional” visa, which is based on a rather complicated point system. However it does enable you to immediately apply for permanent residency after obtaining this visa status.

Your circumstances might change or you might want to pursue different goals. Make sure you always seek professional advice in those situations to ensure you maintain the right to live in Japan.

If you would like to work freelance or start your own business , other rules apply and you would need different kinds of visas. As these are especially complicated to obtain, we recommend consulting an immigration lawyer.

Ready to dive into your new life in Japan? Contact us to get your journey started.

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New visa rules to allow more foreign students to find jobs in Japan

KYODO NEWS

The government on Thursday eased visa regulations to expand the scope of foreign students allowed to stay on and find jobs in Japan, in response to calls from business and academic circles.

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan said the government will allow students who have completed studies at state-designated technical schools to work in fields that are not necessarily closely related to the areas they majored in.

The new measure is expected to increase the number of foreign students staying on in Japan to work by around 3,000 a year, the agency said.

Previously, many foreign students, even if they had acquired a certain degree of technical and Japanese-language skills at technical schools, had to return to their home countries after failing to find workplaces that match the skills or knowledge they have acquired.

The state-designated technical schools will offer special programs, including practical training at companies, the agency said.

In addition, the government also widened the scope of foreign students who can stay on in Japan to work under the "designated activities" visa, another residential status that allows employment in even wider areas.

The visa was previously only for students who have graduated from universities or graduate schools.

It now can be issued to students with high Japanese skills and educational achievements equivalent to a bachelor's degree, including those who have completed a four-year program at a designated technical school.

According to a Japan Student Services Organization survey taken in fiscal 2021, of some 2,000 foreign students enrolled at technical schools in the country, around 75 percent said they wanted to work in Japan.

The new measures come after a government panel proposed in April last year making it easier for foreign students to find jobs in Japan.

"We hope that students who have a certain degree of specialized skills and have deepened their understanding of Japan will work (in the country)," an agency official said.

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COMMENTS

  1. Japan student visa requirements for Japanese language schools

    This article describes the visa requirements for students interested in booking a Japanese course at a language school in Japan. All students, including students from visa waiver countries, must apply for a Student Visa for courses lasting longer than 6 months. ... Students from countries that need a visa: these students need to apply for a ...

  2. Visa

    The College Student Visa is for students who study at Japanese language schools in Japan. It is valid for 6 months or 1 year from the day of your arrival in Japan. It can be extended to maximum 2 years (excluding the preparation period of 3 months for your departure). If you want to apply for a College Student Visa, please prepare necessary ...

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    Tourist Visa is enough: From 1 to 2 years Course: Student Visa is Required: Benefits of the Student Visa. 28 Hours per week Job Permit; Extendable up to 2 years depending on your course choice; ... Akamonkai Japanese Language School; 6-39-12 Higashi Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 〒116-0014 ;

  4. How to Apply to Japanese Language School

    It can take up to three months or so to hear back. 5. If approved, the school will send you the CoE. 6. Take the CoE, a recent passport photo and your passport to your local Japanese embassy or consulate. 7. The embassy will issue you your visa within a week or so. 8. Voilà!

  5. For those who want to learn Japanese with student visa (Long term

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  6. Student visa| Kudan Institute of Japanese Language Tokyo

    Student visa (study for more than 6 months) This visa is issued to students studying at Japanese language schools, universities, and vocational schools. Those who plan to study Japanese for 6 months to 2 years need to obtain a student visa. *We are currently not accepting beginners (less than N5 level) who would like to apply for a student visa.

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    Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information. (For some IP phones and calls from overseas, please call +81-3-5369-6577) Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00.

  8. Enrollment Process

    Application Process. STEP 1. Please send us all required documents and pay your program fee. STEP 2. The school will prepare an application form for your Certificate of Eligibility and submit it to Japan Immigration Bureau. STEP 3. The school will send your original certificate to your home-address. STEP 4.

  9. student visa

    Tourist visa) is valid for 90 days only. You have to leave Japan within 90 days from the date of entry. "3 months"≠"90 days". Even one day overdue is regarded as illegal residence and Immigration bureau will never issue the visa in the future. Its visa holder is not allowed to work part time. If you are engaged working part-time on ...

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    Studying in Japan, especially in a long-term school, is definitely not cheap, and in addition to the school fee, you have to take into account the costs of accommodation and daily life. A 6-month course requires approximately between 400,000 and 500,000 yen, i.e. between 3,000 and 4,000 euros. Fees for a 3-month course with a tourist visa can ...

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    Listed below are the visas that allow you to study in Japan: Short-Term Visa. Language school students may obtain a short-term student visa (for the purpose of learning the Japanese language. If your country is part of the visa exemption agreement with Japan, students can come to Japan without a visa (for 90 or 180 days).

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    2024 Application Open! Schools are now accepting January 2024 students. B y enrolling for 6 months or more, you get to experience the best of Japan from the beginning of the year: winter illuminations, sakura, and red autumn leaves! We have helped people from all ages and background come to Japan in 2023 — and you too can join us next year!

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    The Naganuma School. One of the oldest and most revered Japanese language schools operating today, The Naganuma School has been running since 1948. Aside from offering Japanese language classes, the school also provides a variety of vocation and business programs for transplants and long-term visa holders.

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    Unless you can obtain a visa like a working holiday visa or spousal visa, you need to attend a full-time Japanese language school and enroll for a minimum of six months to receive a Japanese student visa. This will cost you ¥300,000 - ¥400,000 in lesson tuition and ¥50,000 - ¥100,000 in enrollment fees and living expenses.

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    Come to Japan in 2024! Coto is excited to offer a new study abroad service that matches you with the right Japanese language school in Japan. ‍‍Partnering with 15+ top schools in Japan, we make your visa application easy by assisting you in gathering all the necessary documents and completing the application.‍.

  16. How to pick a visa for Japan. Study, Working holiday or Tourist visa

    The student visa allows students to study abroad in Japan at a language school for a maximum of 2 years. However, you can study longer if you attend university in Japan. There are also some benefits of having a student visa, such as being able to participate in part time work up to 28 hours per week, and being able to sign contracts for things ...

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    For longer studies, a proper visa is required. Japanese language schools are also available in some cities outside of Japan. A wide variety of courses are offered by Japanese language schools for both short-term visitors and residents of Japan. Besides weekly, monthly and 3-month courses aimed at short-term visitors, many schools offer 6-month ...

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    Can I enter Japan and study for 3 months with a tourist visa (without a student visa)? Programs / Courses. Short-Term Program; Regular Course; Enrollment Process; ... Study Japanese language and culture in Japan at the NILS language school, offering both short-term and intensive Japanese language study. NILS Programs; Short-Term Program ...

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    In principle, you must have completed 12 years of education to apply for admission to a university (undergraduate), junior college, or professional training college in Japan. You must have completed 11 years of education to apply for admission to a college of technology, and 16 years of education for admission to a graduate school (master's ...

  21. Visa types for studying in Japan

    For the most part, any other visa type will allow you to study in Japan without restriction, including: -Working. -Spouse. -Dependent. -Working Holiday. For many schools, even if you plan to study for a long time, you will be considered a "short-term" student for registration purposes. In that case, you just keep registering for a 3-month ...

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    These include official Japanese language schools, trade schools, and universities. Maybe a little expensive. Attending most Japanese schools will cost you around $4000 dollars (400,000 yen) for six months and around $7000 dollars (700,000 yen) for one year on the cheap end.

  23. Live in Japan long term: a five-year visa plan for Japan

    You can get a student visa for up to 2 years in order to study Japanese at a Japanese language school (bonus: you'll be able to work up to 28 hours a week during this time!) For more information about how Japanese language schools work, read our article to learn more! Years 3 - 4: Further education

  24. New visa rules to allow more foreign students to find jobs in Japan

    The state-designated technical schools will offer special programs, including practical training at companies, the agency said. In addition, the government also widened the scope of foreign students who can stay on in Japan to work under the "designated activities" visa, another residential status that allows employment in even wider areas.