STUDY JAPANESE IN TOKYO

Study Japanese in Tokyo: Compare 6 Language Schools

Tokyo has six partner schools across Shinjuku, Shibuya, Takadanobaba, Iidabashi and Ikebukuro. Compare locations, 2027 prices and courses, then get free help choosing the right school.

Which Tokyo campus fits you?

Shinjuku is the biggest hub. ISI Shinjuku Main Campus is Japan’s largest Japanese language school, with room for 4,300 students from 87 countries. ARC Academy runs Shinjuku and Iidabashi campuses with long-term and short-term courses, and UNITAS Tokyo is in Shinjuku near Waseda University. ISI Shibuya and Takadanobaba focus on career-oriented Japanese, ISI Ikebukuro is a smaller campus with about 400 students, and East West Japanese Language School offers practical, communicative classes.

What does it cost to study in Tokyo?

ISI’s 10-week short-term course costs ¥248,750 to ¥261,250 for 2027 (about US$1,570 to US$1,650), and its first-year long-term courses run from ¥1,015,000 to ¥1,065,000 (about US$6,420 to US$6,740). ARC Academy starts at ¥202,200 for 3 months (about US$1,280). Student living costs are estimated at ¥73,000 to ¥190,000 per month across Japan, with Tokyo toward the higher end. US dollar amounts are estimates at about ¥158 = US$1.

When can you start, and can you work?

Long-term courses typically start in January, April, July and October, and some short-term courses start every month. Student visa holders can work up to 28 hours per week, and Tokyo’s minimum wage rose to ¥1,280 per hour on October 1, 2026. Start your application several months ahead so there is time for the student visa.