Study Japanese in Japan: Accredited Courses for All Levels

Yes. IALC-accredited Japanese language schools in Japan offer year-round Japanese courses open to adults of all ages, typically from 16+ or 18+, with no upper age limit.

Classes are usually small, often with a maximum of eight students, allowing for personalised attention, active participation, and steady progress in speaking and listening skills.

Some schools also offer teen programmes, particularly during the summer months.

Yes. Many Japanese language schools in Japan offer complete beginner courses with regular start dates, often beginning on the first Monday of each month.

Before starting, students are typically expected to be able to read hiragana, the basic Japanese phonetic script. Familiarity with katakana is also recommended.

Because Japanese classroom teaching places strong emphasis on communication and listening skills, joining higher-level classes through grammar self-study alone is generally not advisable.

Homestay immersion can be an excellent experience for beginners, but students are often advised to take introductory online lessons before travelling.

Having a basic foundation helps learners benefit more fully from a fully immersive environment and makes everyday communication easier from the start.

Japanese uses three writing systems, which are combined in everyday texts.

Hiragana (ひらがな)
The main phonetic alphabet used for grammar and native Japanese words. It contains 46 basic characters and is the first script beginners learn.

Katakana (カタカナ)
A second phonetic script representing the same sounds as hiragana. It is mainly used for foreign words, brand names, and loanwords.

Kanji (漢字)
Characters of Chinese origin that represent meaning as well as sound. Thousands exist, and approximately 2,000 are needed for full literacy.

Understanding how these three writing systems work together is a central part of learning Japanese.

Yes. Students seeking a highly personalised learning experience can choose one-to-one Japanese immersion programmes with providers such as Intuition Languages.

These programmes combine private Japanese lessons with full cultural immersion, as students live and study in their teacher’s home. Course length and intensity can be tailored to individual goals.

Yes. Learners with professional or academic objectives may choose specialised Japanese language courses through customised immersion programmes.

These may include:

• JLPT exam preparation
  
• Business Japanese
  
• Academic Japanese
  
• Medical Japanese
  
• Japanese for legal professionals

Such programmes focus on intensive, targeted progress aligned with specific goals.

Yes. Many students choose Japanese for Travel and Pleasure programmes, which focus on practical communication for real-life situations.

These courses emphasise conversational confidence, cultural understanding, and everyday interaction.

With one-to-one immersion in the teacher’s home, students practise Japanese throughout daily life, whether in large cities such as Tokyo or Osaka or in quieter regional environments.

While academic standards remain consistent across accredited schools, the cultural environment varies significantly between cities.

Tokyo: A contemporary, fast-paced metropolis influenced by technology, design, and global culture.

Kyoto: Famous for temples, classical arts, and deep cultural heritage.

Nagoya: A dynamic city combining modern industry with historic samurai traditions.

Okinawa (Naha): A subtropical island with distinctive Ryukyuan cultural influences.

Fukuoka: A lively regional centre blending modern life with strong historical connections to China and Korea.

Students can therefore choose a destination that matches their interests while benefiting from the same academic standards.

The ideal course length depends on your goals, starting level, and visa situation.

Beginners are typically advised to study for at least four weeks to see meaningful progress.

Students planning to enter a Japanese university often study for around one year to reach the required language level.

Short-term students may combine several course modules depending on their availability.

IALC-accredited schools can recommend an appropriate duration based on individual learning objectives.

Yes. Some IALC-accredited schools accept minors outside the summer period, particularly in Kyoto, Naha (Okinawa), and Nagoya.

Dedicated summer camp programmes are also available in Fukuoka in July.

Outside the summer season, minors may join regular classes with adult students. Students under 18 are typically required to stay in homestay accommodation to ensure appropriate supervision and support.

Visa requirements depend on nationality and educational background.

For long-term study under a student visa:

• Applicants with only a high school diploma may need to demonstrate prior Japanese study (approximately 150 hours) or pass a basic level of the JLPT.
• Applicants with a university degree may be eligible to start long-term programmes as beginners, depending on immigration regulations.
• For a one-year student visa, students typically need to show financial resources of approximately 2,000,000 yen, either personally or through a guarantor.

Students from visa-waiver countries may enter Japan for 90 days, often extendable once for a total stay of up to 180 days.

Schools provide guidance and supporting documentation where required.

Costs vary depending on school, location, and program length. Generally, cities like Tokyo may have higher living expenses. Contact schools directly for tuition and accommodation details.

Yes. Many accredited Japanese language schools in Japan offer short-term courses ranging from 1–2 weeks to several months. These programmes are ideal for students who wish to improve their language skills, experience Japanese culture, or combine study with travel.

Short-term courses are available at all levels, including complete beginners, and typically include structured lessons, small class sizes, and cultural activities. They do not usually require a student visa if the stay is under 90 days (depending on nationality).

Longer-term study options are also available for students seeking academic progression or visa sponsorship.