How to Study Abroad in Japan: 7 Tips to Help You Get There

Experience the past, present, and future in the Land of the Rising Sun where quirky chaos fuses with timeless tranquility. There are so many reasons to study abroad in Japan! Whether it's childhood memories of Studio Ghibli films and Pokémon, the breathtaking architecture and innovative technologies, or an obsession with all things kawaii—there’s something continuously captivating about Japanese culture that has made it one of the top destinations for college students studying abroad.

You’ll have a great time exploring your host city!

Program providers, along with Japanese universities, have met this demand head on, introducing exciting opportunities to learn about and engage with Japan’s history, culture, and language.

Well, if you’re reading this article, odds are you don’t have to be convinced of Japan’s awesomeness. I mean, hello?? This is the land of jiggly pancakes and cat cafes! Since we know you’re wondering how you can study abroad in Japan, we have a handy step-by-step guide for you below.

How to study abroad in Japan

When formulating a plan for college study abroad in Japan, you’re in luck! There are many program options to choose from, ranging in length, location, and topic of study. Read on for some tips and tricks on how to study abroad in Japan.

1. Select your destination

Get ready to try some ikasumi ice cream (squid ink—yup, you read that right)! Just like their frozen treats, Japan’s cities all have their own unique flavor.

Party with some robots or shop till you drop in Tokyo, Japan’s capital and the world’s most populous city. Study in Sapporo and attend the world famous Winter Festival, where artists from around the world gather to build spectacular snow sculptures.

The Winter Festival is legendary.

Or, learn Japanese in Nagasaki, a city rich in art and history. In Kyoto, experience traditional Japanese culture and spend your free time exploring ancient temples and wandering through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

No matter where you decide to go, you are in for an incredible experience!

2. Find your perfect program

There are many things to consider when browsing programs: What do you want to study? When will you go and for how long? What level of support do you need? Do you want a homestay or are you more comfortable with dorm/apartment living? And perhaps most importantly, why do you want to study abroad in Japan?

Identifying your “why” and being honest with yourself will help you find the perfect fit (FYI, traveling far and wide and making some new best friends is as good a reason as any!). GoAbroad’s handy-dandy search filters will certainly help whittle down your choices, but speaking to your college advisor or one of our online advisors can also be helpful in making your final decision.

However, you will certainly want to speak to your college advisor no matter what to ensure that your credits will transfer.

KEEP READING: 8 Best Study Abroad Programs in Japan in 2021

3. Apply for your visa

If you’re planning on studying abroad for a semester or over the summer, you’re in luck! The United States has a visa exemption agreement with Japan, which allows for U.S. citizens to remain in the country for 90 days without a visa.

For programs that extend beyond 90 days, you will need to apply for a student visa. The first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through your program. This process can take two to three months, so plan ahead.

Once you receive your COE, make an appointment with your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. Provided that all your information is correct, in two to seven business days you’ll be the proud owner of a new, shiny student visa—Yatta!

4. Book your flight

You’ll love the views of Japan from above.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not impossible to find a reasonably priced flight. Make sure to spend some time shopping around and comparing prices.

Be flexible! Layovers, departure and arrival time, and the day of the week can all affect the price. Consider the possibility of arriving early for your program or sticking around after it ends to take full advantage of fluctuating prices.

You can also look to see if there’s a cheaper flight out of another airport. For example, if you live in Philadelphia, look for flights out of New York City or Newark. And, of course, keep your eyes peeled for unique deals from sites like StudentUniverse, which offers reduced prices to college students.

5. Order some yen ahead of time

Japan is a cash-based society and many places do not accept credit cards. Bringing enough cash will ensure that you don’t miss out on any meaningful experiences. Japan does have ATMs, typically in convenience stores like 7/11, but you are likely to get hit with fees from your card company each time you withdraw.

Start keeping an eye on exchange rates early so that you have a better chance of getting more bang for your buck. Upon arrival, you may want to invest in one of Japan’s most common souvenirs—a coin purse! Everything up to and including 500 yen (around $5) are coins, so you will want a safe and accessible place to store them.

Also, a common mistake many travelers make is exchanging currency at the airport. Don’t do this! Airports have notoriously terrible exchange rates.

6. Learn the language

Will you learn to understand the language before you leave?

Eigo o hanashimasu ka? “Do you speak English?”—An important phrase to know in every language along with “where is the bathroom” and “I need coffee”.

If you are in a major city or near a tourist attraction, you are likely to find many people that will say hai (yes). In fact, many will address you immediately in English. If you are a language student looking for an immersive experience, resist the temptation to revert back to English.

Responding in Japanese will be received warmly. For beginners to the language, some programs may include Japanese classes as part of your study or orientation. Either way, it’s always polite to attempt communication in the native language.

In Japan, a simple arigato gozaimasu (thank you very much), kudasai (please), and sumimasen (excuse me) will take you very far.

7. Research local customs

Invest in some cute socks 'cause you’ll be taking your shoes off a lot! Cleanliness is incredibly important in Japan and in many places, such as restaurants, hostels/hotels, temples, and museums, you will need to remove your shoes.

Some places may offer you a pair of “house shoes” to wear inside, but you should always have a pair of socks on you just in case. Going barefoot is a huge no-no! It’s also a good idea to learn how to use chopsticks and to familiarize yourself with Japanese eating etiquette—sit up straight and clean your plate!

Many Japanese customs boil down to respect. Be polite, be punctual, and slurp loudly!

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When your program ends, consider sticking around…

Make yourself at home!

A summer, a semester, a year—it’s never enough! Odds are, when your program is drawing to a close, you won’t be ready to board that plane just yet.

Lucky for you, Japan is incredibly accessible and travel-friendly! With its outstanding transportation system and its relatively low crime rate, you can hop on the Shinkansen and shoot from city to city with confidence.

And remember, English teachers are always in demand in Japan!