Expand your mind, open up job opportunities, and make more friends as you learn a new language at one of the language schools in Japan. While Japanese may be a difficult language to learn, knowing it can give you a leg up in the job market while also exposing you to Japanese traditions and customs.
A whole new world of media, new technologies, and pop culture will also open up when you’ve acquired Japanese language skills. Not only that, but it’s a gateway to learning other Eastern languages like Chinese and Korean! Many programs even offer homestay placements or private tutoring, so you can experience the language one on one.
There’s no better place to immerse yourself in the culture and learn Japanese than at a language school in Japan.
Learning a language abroad in Japan is an excellent opportunity for everyone: You could earn academic credits for college, experience the Japanese culture in a meaningful way, do something life changing for a gap year, or improve your resume with language skills. From the Tokyo Tower to Kyoto’s bamboo forest to the Osaka Castle, take language learning abroad in Japan to another level with culturally immersive programs.
GoAbroad has sumo rounded up the following 8 top language schools in Japan based on ratings and reviews. Savor some sushi, sing along with karaoke, and try on a kimono with one of the following intensive language programs in Japan!
So much self discovering can happen while you’re abroad. You’ll come away with so much more than just language skills.
For a peak at what’s to come, here’s our shortlist of top Japan language schools:
- KCP International Japanese Language School (Tokyo)
- JaLS Group: Hokkaido Japanese Language School
- Meiji Academy: Japanese Language, Culture and Internships
- Genki Japanese and Culture School
- World Class Programs: Japanese Immersion Summer Program
- LanguBridge Education Centre: Summer Japanese Immersion
- JaLS Group: Kyoto Japanese Language School
- KCP International Japanese Language School (University of Idaho)
The best providers for language schools in Japan
1. KCP International Japanese Language School (Tokyo)—9.5 rating
“KCP seriously exceeded my expectations in all areas. After I took the placement test, the teachers and staff spent a lot of time talking with me to make sure I would be in the right level. The profs were always very kind and patient with us, both in and out of class. After class they’d almost always stay a few extra hours (!) to help anyone who had questions. Each teacher I had went out of his or her way to help me understand the class material, and it paid off for me. Overall, I found KCP to be an awesome experience!” Read more reviews.
- Where? Tokyo
- When? Year Round
- Why? KCP International Japanese Language School in Tokyo, a non-profit organization, is dedicated in providing quality language instruction no matter your level. The program also provides opportunities for cultural excursions and connecting with Japanese students to practice your skills. You can study year round and even earn academic credits while learning Japanese in the urban atmosphere of Tokyo with its sky-high towers and stunning temples.
- Read KPI International reviews
Who wouldn’t want to get lost in Tokyo?
2. JaLS Group: Hokkaido Japanese Language School—9.75 rating
“Having been to several language schools in Japan, Hokkaido JaLs is definitely my favourite. The location is superb, just in site of Sapporo station, and is surrounded by must-see spots for anyone visiting Sapporo. The school is chic and exceptionally welcoming, with small class sizes, friendly students and staff. Even if you don't have class, they are always welcoming and love to just hang out. You can tell the teachers really love their jobs, and go out of their way to help students out. Each class is no more than 6 people, allowing for a low-pressure teaching and learning environment. The program is structured but not generic, allowing plenty of wiggle room for individual needs and fun. The school also offers daily after class activities for those who are interested in learning more about Japan or might be too shy to ask. Also, for people looking to make Japanese friends, the school also offers English classes to locals. All you have to do is stick around to meet some of them!” Read more reviews.
- Where? Sapporo
- When? Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
- Why? Hokkaido Japanese Language School offers seasonal courses for six weeks at a time, which include 15 language lessons and 2 cultural lessons per week. With small class sizes, competitive prices, available host families, and local Japanese volunteers, you’ll truly get the best deal out at one of the highest rating language courses in Japan while immersing yourself in the culture. No matter the time of year you study here, you’ll enjoy the the weather with summer rafting and winter skiing in a laid-back atmosphere.
- Read JaLS Group reviews
Hokkaido Japanese Language School is very welcoming: perfect for those who haven’t done much solo traveling before.
3. Meiji Academy - Japanese Language, Culture and Internships—9.57 rating
“Even though my course was just for two weeks, I really enjoyed my Japanese language studies at Meiji Academy. The staff was really helpful with a lot of insider information on where to go for cheap and yummy places and also their sightseeing walking tours in Tenjin were a lot of fun. I liked the strong focus on conversation that they applied during the classes. Sometimes we even took the lesson outside the classroom by interviewing people on the streets and ordering food with the staff at restaurants. Good practice, but it took me quite a while to adapt to that "real-life" classroom practises.” Read more reviews.
- Where? Fukuoka and Sapporo
- When? Year Round
- Why? What sets Meiji Academy apart from other Japan language schools is the language class options and flexibility available. You have the option to choose to take a standard course, an intensive course, a business course, or two Japanese culture courses (traditional or pop culture). The program also offers accommodation options from a host family to a dormitory to an apartment. Your surrounding will include gorgeous beach and mountain views, sacred shrines, food markets, a grand castle and tower, and more in the city of Fukuoka or Sapporo.
- Read Meiji Academy reviews
Between classes, you can stroll down to one of Fukuoka’s many scenic spots.
4. Genki Japanese and Culture School—9.23 rating
“I studied at the Genki JACS school in Fukuoka and it was absolutely wonderful. The school is located a few minutes away from Hakata Station and many malls, so there is quick and easy access to many restaurants, shops, and arcades. The classes were taught purely in Japanese, which I found extremely effective because it forced me to figure things out myself and thus make more mental connections to the new things I learned. Genki JACS also offered many different cultural activities, which were very funny and interesting. There were also many opportunities to meet Japanese people and practice my new skills. In fact, I made several friends while I was there.” Read more reviews.
- Where? Fukuoka, Tokyo
- When? Year Round
- Why? With an emphasis on conversation, small group classes, and students from around the world, you’ll truly have an international experience while developing your Japanese language skills. Genki Japanese and Culture School also offers a family-oriented atmosphere, available homestay and other accommodation options, and academic credits. Whether you choose to study in Fukuoka or Tokyo, they offer cultural excursions to things like tea ceremonies, dying fabrics, an origami museum, temple visits, and more!
- Read Genki Japanese and Culture School reviews
Most of your classes at Genki JACS school will be taught exclusively in Japanese, so you’ll be a pro in no time.
5. World Class Programs—9.33 rating
“During the three weeks I was in Japan I went to many places. From petting deer in Nara to putting a lantern in the river in the Hiroshima Peace festival. The first few days I had hard time adjusting. I was terribly homesick. I talked to the staff and they felt the same way about their first trip away from their parents. They were very supportive of me. I got more comfortable in Japan thanks to them talking to me and being there for me. So by the end of this three week trip I learned how to deal with roommates, how to not get embarrassed or nervous while talking to people, to learn the basics rules of photography and how to use the Manual setting, to speak the Japanese language, and to be confident in myself. This trip gave me a lot of confidence in who I am.” Read more reviews.
- Where? Osaka
- When? Summer
- Why? World Class Programs offer high school students pre-college credits with this Japanese immersion summer program! The program takes participants on day tours to various cities, teaches a variety of courses with interactive activities, and connects students with local Japanese youth as well. You’ll live in a spacious apartment, taste local foods, and surround yourself with urban and natural attractions in the thriving center of Osaka.
- Read World Class Programs reviews
Not down for classes in big lecture halls? Language Abroad gives you a much more individualized experience.
6. LanguBridge Education Centre: Summer Japanese Immersion—8.8 rating
“My time in Japan was the greatest time of my life. The application process was easy to understand and I had no difficulties of any sort during the program. The classes and material that we learned were helpful and fun. All of the teachers were so kind and energetic, they made the vocabulary and grammar very easy to understand. ” Read more reviews.
- Where? Tokyo
- When? Summer
- Why? If you want to dip your toe into the Japanese culture and language, this is the program for you. LanguBridge offers immersive, short-term Japanese language courses during the summer in the heart of Tokyo near a multitude of train lines. Besides Japanese, you can learn languages in Japan from Chinese to Portuguese with multilingual instructors here, and the program offers homestay or dormitory living, and support and guidance throughout your time.
- Read LanguBridge Education Centre reviews
Make sure you’re in Tokyo in April so you can see the cherry blossoms bloom.
7. JaLS Group: Kyoto Japanese Language School—9.57 rating
“I attended the summer course from July 31 to August 24 and it was one of the best experiences in my life. The school is very centrally located with a stylish & comfortable working space. The staff and interns there were also very friendly & hardworking. Kyoto JaLS organizes cultural activities everyday after school for a fee where anyone is welcomed to join. Overall, the atmosphere in the school is very relaxed. My Japanese has definitely improved, particularly listening and speaking. I was very sad to leave as Kyoto JaLS felt more like home & family than a school to me. Just be respectful, understanding, go with an open mind and try to speak as much Japanese as you can while you're there, I guarantee that you'll have a great time at Kyoto JaLS! :)” Read more reviews.
- Where? Kyoto
- When? Year round
- Why? JALS Group offers seasonal courses in Kyoto as well, so you can surround yourself with a vibrant setting of temples, nature, and traditions. The program provides participants with the opportunity to attend three social activities per week to experience the season to the fullest. The school is centrally located in Kyoto, and you can network with Japanese students to practice your skills.
- Read JaLS Group: Kyoto Japanese Language School reviews
Kyoto has a rich, captivating culture—the perfect place to go to learn Japanese!
8. KCP International Japanese Language School (University of Idaho)—10 rating
“If you are willing and ready to dedicate yourself to learning Japanese, KCP is the place for you. The courses are very intense; the professors really push you to do your best, but they give you lots of tools to do so, and they are always there to help. KCP focuses on all aspects of language: reading, writing, speaking, and listening, plus the social context. Plan on lots of practice outside of class! I really liked that they brought the class together as a group. Instead of just studying on our own during class, we interacted very frequently with one another. Sitting in a semi-circle really encouraged that.” Read more reviews.
- Where? Tokyo
- When? Throughout the year
- Why? In a three month timespan, you could earn academic credits from taking intensive Japanese language courses and gain a proficient acquisition of the language. The program offers homestay placements or dormitory options and local transportation to cultural excursions around the city. The highly esteemed instructors also take care to provide quality instruction, so you’ll get the most out of your time with this program.
- Read KCP International Japanese Language School (University of Idaho) reviews
[Browse ALL Language School Programs in Japan]
You’re ready to attend a language school in Japan!
If you’re looking for a great place to explore and learn, language schools in Japan are perfect for you.
From short-term programs to seasonal programs to yearly programs, you have a variety of Japanese language learning options in a variety of settings in Japan. With flexible class and accommodation options, you can customize many programs to fit your needs. The Japanese language and customs are intertwined within the culture, so by living in Japan, you’ll have a better grasp of what you’re learning while practicing with the locals in a real world environment.
If you’re in need of financial aid, many programs offer scholarships, and you can also reach out to family and friends via FundMyTravel. You can’t go wrong in investing in an opportunity to improve career prospects, create meaningful connections, slurp some ramen noodles, and experience the Japanese culture. Learn about Samurai swords, watch a traditional performance, and enjoy the blossoming cherry trees while learning Japanese at one of the top Japanese language schools abroad!
