Studying Japanese in Tokyo is an exciting opportunity, but choosing the right language school can be overwhelming. With so many schools offering different programs, it’s important to find one that fits your goals, whether you’re a beginner, preparing for university, or planning to work in Japan.

In this guide, we’ll break down some of the best language schools in Tokyo, highlighting their strengths, course structures, and costs to help you make an informed decision.

ISI Language School

ISI Language School is one of the largest and most well-established Japanese language schools in Tokyo, with multiple campuses in Shinjuku, Takadanobaba, Ikebukuro, and Shibuya.

ISI caters to students of all levels, from beginners to those looking to start a career in Japan. Each campus offers a unique learning experience based on students' goals.

ISI Shinjuku

📍 Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo
ISI Japanese Language School's Shinjuku Campus, opening in April 2025, is set to become Japan's largest Japanese language institution, accommodating up to 4,500 students.

Located in the heart of Shinjuku, a vibrant district known for its skyscrapers, shopping centers, entertainment venues, and expansive parks, the campus offers students a dynamic and convenient environment for their studies.

Long-Term Academic Japanese Course: Designed for students aiming to pursue higher education in Japan, this course provides elective classes tailored to individual goals, including specialized sessions for those targeting admission to top-tier universities.

Short-Term General Japanese Course: Ideal for individuals on short-term stays or with visas other than student visas, this course allows enrollment for as little as two weeks. The curriculum mirrors that of the long-term course, ensuring a rigorous and immersive learning experience even within a brief period.

Private Japanese Lessons: For those seeking personalized instruction, the campus offers private lessons customized to each student's objectives, proficiency level, and schedule. This flexible option caters to both individuals and groups, accommodating various learning preferences.

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💲Prices 💲

3 months: ¥241,000 ($1,548)

6 months: ¥552,000 ($3,546)

12 months: ¥994,000 ($6,386)

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ISI Ikebukuro

📍 Location: Ikebukuro, Tokyo
ISI's Ikebukuro Campus offers a close-knit learning environment, fostering strong connections between students and teachers.

Sharing a building with Tokyo Business and Language College (TBL), an ISI group vocational school, provides students with unique opportunities to interact with Japanese peers, enhancing practical language skills through real-life conversations. The offered courses are the same as Shinjuku Campus.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Authorization: The Ikebukuro Campus is officially recognized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, ensuring a high standard of Japanese language education within a supportive learning environment.

Proximity to Vocational Education: Being in the same facility as TBL allows students to experience the atmosphere of a Japanese vocational school firsthand, facilitating cultural exchange and practical language application.

Dynamic Location: Situated in Ikebukuro, a district renowned as a hub for subculture and designated as an SDGs Future City, the campus offers a stimulating environment both academically and socially. Students can engage in various classes and extracurricular activities related to sustainable development goals and subculture themes.

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💲Prices💲

3 months: ¥228,000 ($1,464)

6 months: ¥526,000 ($3,379)

12 months: ¥942,000 ($6,052)

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ISI Shibuya & ISI Takadanobaba

📍 Location: Shibuya & Takadanobaba, Tokyo
Opening in April 2025, the ISI Shibuya and Takadanobaba campuses will focus on preparing students for professional life in Japan. These campuses emphasize business-level Japanese communication, making them ideal for those aiming to work in Japan.

Business-Focused Curriculum: From the beginner level, students engage in courses designed to develop practical Japanese language skills tailored for the business environment.

The curriculum covers essential areas such as telephone and email correspondence, business etiquette, meeting participation, negotiation tactics, presentation skills, proposal development, and the cultivation of a multifaceted perspective and coordination abilities.

Tailor-Made Career Support: Leveraging ISI's extensive experience in job placement and strong corporate networks, the Shibuya Campus provides personalized career support services.

This includes organizing internships across various industries, in-house training programs, and workshops led by industry professionals, all aimed at aligning with each student's individual aspirations, aptitudes, and abilities.

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💲Prices💲

3 months: ¥238,500 ($1,812)

6 months: ¥547,000 ($4,157)

12 months: ¥984,000 ($7,478)

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ARC Academy

📍 Locations: Iidabashi & Shinjuku, Tokyo
ARC Academy operates two campuses in Tokyo: Iidabashi and Shinjuku. The school offers practical and immersive learning experiences, helping students gain confidence in speaking, reading, and writing. ARC Academy's flexible programs cater to both long-term and short-term students. The Shinjuku Campus, in particular, provides a multicultural environment, welcoming students from over 30 countries, which allows for a diverse cultural exchange and learning experience.

Practical, Communication-Focused Curriculum: The courses emphasize real-life communication, ensuring students develop fluency and natural conversation skills. Whether learning Japanese for further studies, career advancement, or daily interactions, students gain functional language proficiency.

JLPT and Business Japanese Preparation: Business Japanese courses are available for students looking to work in Japan, covering professional etiquette, keigo (polite language), and workplace communication skills.

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💲Prices💲

3 months: ¥202,200 ($1,536)

6 months: ¥484,000 ($3,678)

12 months: ¥868,000 ($6,596)

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UNITAS Japanese Language School

📍 Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo
UNITAS Japanese Language School, established in 1970, has provided language education to over 11,000 students from more than 47 countries. As part of the Teikyo University Group, one of Japan's largest private university networks,

UNITAS offers a robust curriculum that balances speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. This affiliation allows students to benefit from the academic resources and support of a major educational institution.

Pathways to Higher Education: UNITAS offers unique opportunities for students aiming to pursue higher education in Japan. Through a recommendation system, students can gain admission to Teikyo University without taking the standard EJU examination.

Additionally, those admitted through this pathway may receive a 30% to 50% tuition discount for four years, making higher education more accessible.

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💲Prices💲

6 months: ¥435,000 ($2,798)

12 months: ¥780,000 ($5,018)

18 months: ¥1,135,000 ($7,302)

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East West Japanese Language School

📍 Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo
With weekly tuition starting at approximately $97, students can tailor their study duration to fit their budget and schedule. The school emphasizes practical language skills through real-life interactions, providing personalized guidance to help students achieve their individual language goals.

Located just two stations away from Shinjuku, near Tokyo's Korean town, the school offers a convenient setting for immersive learning experiences.

Unique Japanese Curriculum: East West Japanese Language School uses its original textbook, “Dekiru Nihongo”, which focuses on a communicative and practical approach to learning Japanese.

Designed for beginner to intermediate students, the book integrates speaking, listening, reading, and writing through real-life scenarios, ensuring students develop natural and functional Japanese skills. It also supports JLPT N5 to N3 preparation, includes audio materials for listening practice, and provides a structured progression to boost confidence in real-world conversations.

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💲Prices💲

Per week: ¥15,000 ($97)

12 months: ¥745,000 ($4,825)

24 months: ¥1,490,000 ($9,651)

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KAI Japanese Language School

📍 Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo
KAI Japanese Language School, founded in 1987 in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is an excellent choice for Western students, with over 50% of its students coming from Europe and the US.

The school understands the unique challenges faced by Western learners and tailors lessons to suit their needs, using a modern and interactive approach. KAI offers a variety of courses, including a General Japanese Course for long-term study, a Business Japanese Course for professionals, and private lessons for personalized learning.

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💲Prices💲

3 months: ¥318,000

6 months: ¥596,000

12 months: ¥1,072,000

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Toyo Language School – Great for University and Career Prep

📍 Location: Nishi-Kasai, Tokyo
Toyo Language School (TLS) offers a customized approach to Japanese language education, tailoring lesson styles to meet the specific needs of each class. The school provides specialized courses for students preparing for Japanese universities, art schools, and professional training programs, ensuring that the curriculum aligns with individual career and educational goals.

TLS's curriculum is designed to enhance practical Japanese skills, integrating speaking, listening, reading, and writing to develop functional language proficiency. For those aiming to study Japanese while focusing on their career or education, TLS presents a comprehensive and adaptable learning environment.

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💲Prices💲

3 months: ¥204,000

6 months: ¥468,000

12 months: ¥816,000

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How to Choose the Right School for You

With so many great language schools in Tokyo, choosing the right one depends on your personal goals. If you want a structured academic program with university prep, ISI Shinjuku or Toyo Language School might be the best fit. For students looking for small, interactive classes and cultural immersion, ISI Ikebukuro or ARC Academy could be ideal. If affordability is a priority, East West Japanese Language School offers the most budget-friendly options.

How LALALA Nihon Can Help You Study in Tokyo

Choosing the right language school is a big decision, but you don’t have to do it alone. At LALALA Nihon, we help students find the perfect Japanese language school, assist with visas, and provide support for accommodation and daily life in Japan.

We have partnerships with top schools in Tokyo and across Japan, allowing us to offer personalized recommendations based on your goals, budget, and preferred study environment. Whether you’re looking to study short-term, prepare for university, or start a career in Japan, we will guide you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to begin your Japanese language learning journey in Tokyo, contact LALALA Nihon today, and let’s find the best school for you!