Have you been wondering how to add Japanese to your skill-set? Then this is the article for you, we thoroughly discussed five of the best Japanese language schools in Japan.
We know that learning a new language is always a beautiful experience, it can broaden your knowledge, create opportunities, build friendships, and even make you enjoy the beautiful Japanese culture.
What are Japanese language schools?
Japanese Language Institutions are institutions where non-native speakers of Japanese can learn the Japanese language. There are courses for people who wish to learn Japanese before enrolling in a university, and for people who wish to learn business Japanese, among others.
Are Japanese language schools Hard?
Honestly to the newbie, Japanese is not an easy language to learn but considering the numerous advantages, and adventures, one can give it a try, they are also high school foreign exchange programs in Japan for students who want to study abroad, these programs will allow you live with host personnel who will guide you.
So is it worth studying Japanese? It is absolutely worth learning some basic, everyday words and phrases, even if you have no intention whatsoever of ever attempting to become fluent in Japanese. The good news is, there are a few phrases that are absolute music to the ears of literally all Japanese people
Cost of Japanese language schools in Japan?
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.
Can I go to school in Japan to learn Japanese?
Yes, you can, and it is the best place, it can be easy if you enroll in one of our language programs in Japan. Studying Japanese in Japan is an added advantage because it immerses you in the language and the culture, so you’ll be able to practice everything you learn in Japanese classes immediately and authentically with native speakers outside of school.
How many language schools are in Japan?
There are over 600 Japanese language schools in Japan, with approximately 60,000 students studying Japanese. Aside from basic Japanese language courses, Japanese language schools in Japan provide university preparation courses, business Japanese courses, and others.
In this article, we selected 5 of the best and top-rated Japanese language schools in Japan to ease your search quest.
Requirement for admission in a Japanese school
In other to be eligible to enroll in the institution as an international student, foreigners should possess the following requirements:
- Have a valid passport, like a study permit or student visa
- Certificates showing that you completed 12 years of formal school in your home country or an equivalent
- A financial statement that shows that you can pay all of your expenses while studying
- Posses all academic transcripts
- Passport-sized photograph
- Attestation letter
Foreigners from some countries such as Vietnam, Nepal, Mongolia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka should provide certification of a Japanese study of 150 or more hours. All applications are done online and also, remember to send in your application early so that it can be carefully reviewed by the admissions office.
READ ALSO: How to apply for Student Visa In Japan (4 easy steps)
Now, let’s see the best Japanese language schools in Japan and pick schools to send your admission application.
Best Japanese language schools in Japan
Check out this list of the 5 best Japanese language schools in Japan and what makes each of them unique.
- KAI Japanese Language School
- Japanese language school Hokkaido
- Tokyo Galaxy Japanese Language School
- JAPANESE COMMUNICATION INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
- WAHAHA Japanese Language School
1. KAI Japanese Language School
KAI Japanese Language School is the first on our list, although this list is in no particular ranking order, this school is located in the city of Tokyo in the center of the capital, This school was founded in 1987, and for more than twenty years, KAI Language School has been assisting prospective local and foreign students in understanding Japanese.
The schooling environment is modern and attractive with a student capacity of 280 (Double shift), you will enjoy the sun on the terrace and take advantage of the multiple activities proposed in order to improve your knowledge of the language and the culture of the country.
Other attractive features exist such as a swimming pool to relax after classes. Whether short-term or long-term, for fun or finding work in Japan, the staff and teachers at KAI welcome you and support your Japanese language learning needs!
Course program
Other than the conventional Japanese language, KAI School also offers other courses such as Practical conversation course, Summer Japanese language courses which include Grammar & Conversation, JLPT Preparation, and has a Teen Program to give younger students (age 13-17) an immersive Japanese language learning experience in Tokyo, lessons are also available for both individuals and corporate clients so this school has a spot for you irrespective of your personality.
KAI as it’s fondly called boasts of experienced teachers and high-performance infrastructure, the atmosphere in the spacious classrooms is serene. Common areas invite you to take a break in the company of the other international participants. More than 30 nationalities are represented making it one of the best Japanese language schools in Japan even for international students.
If you are looking for employment in Japan, you can join in Business class. In this class, you will not only learn how to write a resume, but we have a lot of practical activities so that you can be prepared to work in a Japanese company. (University diploma and JLPT N2 or N1 are required for Business class.)
KAI school also values and protects diversity, discourages discrimination, therefore, making it rank among the top best study abroad countries for international students with regards to students’ health, continuing education, and career guidance.
2. Japanese language school Hokkaido
Hokkaido Japanese Language Academy Sapporo Main Campus is one of the Japanese language schools in Japan which is located in Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido. This institution conducts cutting-edge learning experiences for foreign students who want to apply for colleges in Japan for International students and for students who already live in Japan.
Hokkaido Japanese Language Academy often referred to as HJLA School, offers students the opportunity to study Japanese language courses and programs in a conveniently-located & new facility, while also experiencing extracurricular activities in an area of Japan that boasts delicious food, breathtaking nature, and a variety of entertainment.
The school is also proud of its closely-knit atmosphere, with students from around the world working together with staff to create a friendly yet productive environment, this makes the institution one of the best Japanese language schools in Japan even for international students.
From preparing you for interviews to teaching you proper business Japanese, this school provides support for when you’re ready to join the Japanese workforce. It also gives international students the opportunity to study and work abroad in Japan by posting available part-time jobs in the area and preparing them for the interview.
3. Tokyo Galaxy Japanese Language School
There is a good number of Japanese language schools in Japan, Tokyo Galaxy is one of the best in the city, the most distinguishing characteristic of this school is its diversity, making Japan one of the best study abroad countries. Bringing diversity and balance of our curriculum and students’ nationalities, offering classes that could meet the needs of all students such as academic advancement, career-related training, or cultural experience.
This is a high-standard institute of learning located within a five-minute walk from JR Tamachi station, in the central area of Tokyo, in Minato-ku, approved as an educational facility by the city of Tokyo. Established in 1986, it is highly regarded in many countries for excellence.
The school gives you a perfect balance between study pace and free time. This means that you’ll be able to enjoy your life in Japan, while still being able to effectively progress your studies, the school provides free WIFI services for students to obtain flexibility and comfort.
For foreign or international students who apply for Japanese language courses in this school, there will be English-speaking staff available to assist you with any issues that may arise during your time at the school.
Course program
- Long term student tuition
The cost of textbooks and other fees are included in the tuition
ITEMS | GENERAL | COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSE |
Registration fee ( one time only) | 20,000 yen | 20,000 yen |
Entrance fee (one time only) | 60,000 yen | 60,000 yen |
Tuition (6 months) | 360,000 yen | 380,000 yen |
Total | 440,000 | 460,000 |
If you choose optional subjects in Special Preparatory Class, the additional tuition fee is 12,000 yen/subject.
Students with regular courses and college preparatory course visas need to join the foreign student insurance designated by the school (not included in the tuition).
-
Short term Student Tuition
The cost of textbooks and other fees are included in the tuition:
ITEMS | COURSE | TUITION FEE (YEN) |
TUITION | 10 weeks course | 195,000
|
6 weeks course | 140,000 |
The school also provides support for job employment by posting available part-time jobs in the area and preparing you for the interview.
For your interest, check out the Top 10 student exchange programs in Japan for students
4. JAPANESE COMMUNICATION INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Are you searching for Japanese language schools in Osaka, after thorough research, we can beat our chest and say for sure; JCOM is one of the best Japanese language schools in Japan located in the heart of Osaka, offering a great variety of classes depending on your level and future aims in a comfortable institution.
International students, over 500 students from over 30 countries study Japanese with us and it is very difficult for students of varying nationalities and Japanese levels to study Japanese at the same time.
However, at Jcom we have several class levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and super-advanced. We take great care to offer the best educational experience possible while also keeping our students’ nationalities and individual abilities.
As a requirement for admission, this institution wants all students to study hiragana and Katakana before enrolling in our school. But for beginner level, we have great support after class such as Kanji class once a week (to learn the techniques on how to study kanji for non-Kanji users) and Shitsumon class once a week (to ask questions individually to teachers like tutors.).
Course program
- Long-term courses (12 months and more)
You will be placed in a class depending on your objectives and language skills.
If your goal is simply to learn Japanese and speak it fluently, you will go to a General course. If you want to further your Higher Education in Japan, you will be prepared to take the EJU (the Examination to enter Japanese universities).
You can choose programs of 12 months, 18 months, or 24 months.
Choice of classes:
The following levels are available:
Beginner I, Beginner II, (Beginner & Intermediate), Intermediate I, Intermediate II, Advanced I, Advanced II, Advanced III, and Super Advanced. Each level is for 3 months.
If you enroll at Beginner I, you will be in the Intermediate level after 6 months. If you start from Beginner II, it will take you 3 months to move up to the Intermediate level.
Beginner Class: basic grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading, and conversation skills.
Intermediate Class: aiming at eventually reaching JLPT N2.
Advanced Class: preparation for the EJU and JLPT N2 (Advanced I) or JLPT N1 (Advanced II).
General Class: for students who do not plan to go to Higher Education in Japan, nor to be employed in Japan.
Business Class: to prepare students to work in Japan, get used to the business in Japan (business manners, how to write an email in Japanese), how to prepare for interviews, etc.
- Short-term courses (1 to 6 months)
The length of those courses varies from 1 month to 3 months, providing you with great flexibility. Each week consists of 4 half-days of class and 1 day of the excursion. You can enroll with a simple tourist visa, or a working holiday visa (depending on your nationality – contact us to know more).
You will be assigned to a class depending on the result of your placement test. When you pass the class, you can move up to the next level. If you fail the class, you have to take the class at the same level next term.
- Evening course
The evening course is focused more on improving conversation skills than studying composition or reading comprehension. It is a practical class using textbooks, but also Japanese songs and Japanese drama.
- Yugaku (Summer camp/ Winter camp) (2 weeks)
Not only studying Japanese at school but many activities such as visiting the vocational school, experiencing Japanese cultures, field trips, etc. are included.
The school also supports students in getting job employment by posting job offers and other related programs and opportunities.
5. WAHAHA Japanese Language School
The last on our list of the best Japanese language schools in Japan is WAHAHA located in Fukuoka, right in the center of the city, close to shopping and entertainment districts.
Learning Japanese here is interesting because Fukuoka is a city blessed with a great environment and graded as number 1 or 2 as one of the cities most Japanese wish to live in. Coming to this city you’ll enjoy convenience, delicious food, lower cost of living(compared to other Japanese cities), warm and friendly people are some of the factors that will make you fall in love with this city!
WAHAHA provides the best learning environment for each student to accomplish his/her goal.
The school divides lessons into different levels and do not put students with different levels of Japanese proficiency into the same class and because of that, sometimes students get one on one lessons even though they sign up for group lessons.
The usual group lessons are small as well, consisting of 2~3 students at a time. Communication with students is vital, We understand the importance of counseling and we communicate with each student on a constant basis to help solve learning problems. There is an English assistant to help international students who wish to study abroad in Japan.
Course programs
The school offers a variety of Japanese standard courses, Business courses, working holiday courses, Internship courses, Translation courses, and Manga courses.
Lessons are conducted in small classes in a home-like environment to encourage active communication.
Our program meets all of your individual expectations. For instance, The Standard Course includes a flexible curriculum that considers the diversity of students’ needs and objectives, and a training program that connects “reading”, “writing”, “listening” and “conversation”.
Course name | Hours | Price | Term |
Business | 180 min/ day X 10 | 100,100 | 2- week price |
Working Holiday | 180 min/day | 155,100 | 4-week price |
Internship | Business course 180 min/ day X 10 + Internship | 133,100 | 2-week price |
Translation Course | 180 min/day | 188,100 | 4-week |
Manga Course | Six 120 min culture lessons | 31,900 | 2-week price |
CONCLUSION
This brings an end to the post on the best Japanese language schools in Japan. There are many Japanese language schools in Japan, this post helps you select the top 10 and we hope it helps you make a better decision, we are happy to assist you.
These institutions are known all over the nation for their academic excellence in teaching and training students to be the best in their respective fields. They are also the top choice institutions among international students and may seem helpful to you as well.
Finally, you can apply to as many schools as possible and ensure to send in your applications early.