How to Apply to a Japanese Language School in Tokyo – Full Guide for Studying Japanese in Japan

If you are planning to study Japanese in Japan, especially in Tokyo, this guide walks you through every essential step—from choosing the right Japanese language school to applying for your student visa and preparing for life in Japan. Whether you are aiming for Japanese language proficiency, cultural immersion, or university preparation, Tokyo offers some of the best Japanese language schools in the country.

Step 1: Research Japanese Language Schools in Tokyo

Tokyo has 200+ accredited long-term Japanese language schools (各種学校) that sponsor student visas. These institutions in Japan specialize in teaching the Japanese language to international students and provide support throughout the student visa application process. Focus on well-known, high-quality schools; many have information available in both Japanese and English.

Below is a comparison of top Japanese language schools in Tokyo (all offer student‐visa courses and language training for foreign learners aiming to live and study in Japan):

School	Location	Tuition (¥/year)	Course length	Visa support	Notable features
ARC Tokyo	Bunkyo (飯田橋)	¥820,000	1–2 years (4 intakes)	Yes	Multicultural (50+ countries); grad-school prep class; supports basic to advanced Japanese language proficiency.
Tokyo Central (TCJ)	Shinjuku (信濃町)	¥798,400	1–2 years (4 intakes)	Yes	ISO29991-certified; 30–40 nationalities; ideal for students wishing to study Japanese in Tokyo.
Kyoshin Language Academy (KLA)	Shinjuku (高田馬場)	¥720,000	1–2 years (4 intakes)	Yes	Small classes; nursing course; 100% university admission rate for those planning to study at Japanese universities.
Human Academy (東京校)	Shinjuku (高田馬場)	¥803,000	1–2 years (4 intakes)	Yes	Flexible format (online/in-person); part-time options available; supports practical Japanese for everyday life.
Sendagaya Japanese School	Shinjuku (下落合)	¥816,000	1–2 years (Apr/Oct)	Yes	40+ years of language education experience; supports students with 150+ hours of Japanese language study.
ISI Language School	Shinjuku (高田馬場)	¥784,500～	1–2 years (4 intakes)	Yes	Electives include JLPT, EJU; largest school in Japan; strong language fluency outcomes.
KAI Japanese School	Shinjuku (大久保)	¥1,022,000	6 mo–2 years (4 intakes)	Yes	Popular among Western students; free trial classes; tailored Japanese classes in Tokyo.
Naganuma School (長沼スクール)	Shibuya (南平台)	¥878,000～	1–2 years (4 intakes)	Yes	Uses Naganuma method; top Japanese language institution with a long history; great for learning the language from zero.

Each school’s website confirms visa eligibility, school application forms, and course offerings in Japanese language education. These are among the best Japanese language schools in Tokyo for international students.

Step 2: Choose the Right School to Learn Japanese and Live in Japan

Match your learning goals: Whether you want to reach JLPT N1 for work or learn conversational Japanese, your choice of school matters. Planning to study at a Japanese university? Kyoshin, ISI, or Naganuma offer specialized exam prep. If you want to experience Japanese culture alongside language training, schools like KAI and Kudan are great options.

Budget & financial planning: Beyond tuition, expect to spend ¥80,000–¥100,000/month on living expenses in Tokyo. Your language school application may require you to prove savings or sponsorship to meet the requirement for student visa issuance. Schools like Kyoshin allow full payment closer to your arrival.

Student community: If you prefer studying Japanese with peers from the West, KAI or Kudan are good picks. For a diverse community including Asian and European students, consider ARC or Human Academy.

Support services: Top Japanese language schools help with housing, part-time jobs, and life in Japan. For example:

• ISI offers dormitory and homestay options.
• Sendagaya provides online attendance tracking and support in nine languages.
• ARC lists part-time jobs and helps with insurance applications.

Tip: If you want to study Japanese in Tokyo, read reviews on forums (Reddit, GaijinPot) or connect with current or past students. Trial lessons, such as KAI’s free classes, are a great way to see if the school is right for you.

Step 3: Understand the Application Process for Language Schools in Japan

To apply for a student visa and start your Japanese language studies in Japan, you must first complete the school’s application process. Most Japanese language schools in Japan require:

• Completed application form
• Passport copy and ID photos
• Academic history (transcripts/diplomas)
• Japanese language certificate (if available)
• Statement of Purpose (why you wish to study Japanese)
• Proof of finances (bank statement or sponsor letter)

Some schools also require 12 years of formal education to apply. Most applications start 6–7 months before your desired school term begins. Many Japanese schools accept April, July, October, and January intakes.

Checklist:

• Submit all forms via email or post.
• Prepare a clear photo, diploma, and financial proof.
• Application fees (e.g., ¥20,000) are often non-refundable.

If you are still at a beginner level of Japanese, many schools provide language lessons from scratch and help you reach basic Japanese fluency during your period of study.

Example: One Western student applied to KAI and Human 6 months ahead. Both interviewed him via Zoom, then requested a ¥20,000 enrollment fee. He picked KAI for its iPad program and large English-speaking community.

Step 4: Certificate of Eligibility & Student Visa Application

After you are accepted, your school will apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)—a key document issued by Japanese immigration. The COE allows you to apply for a student visa at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.

Visa process:

• Schools submit your COE documents to immigration 4–5 months before your course starts.
• Once you receive the COE (takes ~1–3 months), submit it to a Japanese embassy or consulate near you.
• Required documents include: passport, visa form, photo, and COE.
• You may need translations or notarizations if applying from outside Japan.

Many schools will not send the COE until you have paid tuition in full. Keep document copies. Search school sites with keywords like "入学許可書" (Certificate of Admission) or “在留資格認定証明書” (COE) to track progress.

Tip: To apply for your student visa successfully, confirm deadlines with your school. The visa is valid for 3 months from issuance—plan your journey to Japan accordingly.

Step 5: Finalize Your Move and Get Ready for Life in Japan

You are now on your way to learning the Japanese language in Japan. Once your visa is approved:

Housing: Confirm accommodation through your school or search for guesthouses and share houses (e.g., Oakhouse, Sakura House). Rent in central Tokyo ranges from ¥50,000 to ¥100,000/month. Budget for key money or deposits when planning to stay in Japan long term.

Finance & mobile: Bring cash or a globally accepted bank card. You will only be able to open a Japanese bank account after receiving your Residence Card. Buy a SIM card at the airport or arrange pocket Wi-Fi in advance.

Health: Enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) after arrival. It covers 70% of medical expenses. Schools may offer international student insurance as well.

Checklist (Before Departure):

• Passport, visa, COE, and copies
• Accommodation details
• School contact info
• Flight booked
• Yen for food and transport
• Basic Japanese apps to help you start learning Japanese quickly

Step 6: Start Your Japanese Course and Begin Studying Japanese in Japan

At the airport, you will receive your Residence Card. Register your address at your ward office within 14 days. Enroll in National Health Insurance and, if applicable, the national pension plan.

At school:

• Attend orientation and introduce yourself.
• Most schools start with general Japanese lessons; advanced classes may have ~5 students.
• You may apply for 資格外活動許可 after 6 months, allowing part-time work up to 28 hours/week.
• Take advantage of your Japanese language school’s support—career counseling, Japanese culture activities, and conversation clubs.

Make friends: Use school events and clubs to make Japanese friends and improve your practical Japanese. These experiences enhance your language studies and help you build a life in Japan.

Final Thoughts

Studying Japanese in Japan is one of the most effective ways to learn the language. From application process to visa approval, choosing the right Japanese language school in Tokyo is the first step toward fluency. Whether your goal is to enter Japanese universities, gain language proficiency, or experience Japanese culture, a language school will help you get there.

Take your time, complete the application properly, and prepare for an exciting journey to Japan.