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Study Abroad Programs in Japan

For much of Japan’s history, it has remained isolated from the outside world. In the 19th century, however, the small island country opened its doors to trade and an active foreign policy, and it has never looked back since. Japan's culture, an excellent blend of tradition and innovation, provides a vibrant place for academic and personal growth.
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Featured Provider of the Month

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Student learning Japanese writing
9.6362 reviews

KCP International Japanese Language School

KCP International Japanese Language School logo
Learn Japanese in Tokyo, Japan

KCP International Japanese Language School, a non-profit educatio...

Japan
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WorldStrides

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Semester in Tokyo, Japan - J.F Oberlin University

Live and study in Japan, surrounding yourself with the country’s ...

CIEE Japan
8.54 reviews

CIEE College Study Abroad

CIEE College Study Abroad logo
CIEE Open Campus Block in Kyoto, Japan

Your Open Campus Block program in Kyoto lasts 6, 12, or 18 weeks ...

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Language Programs in Japan - Meiji Academy
9.84104 reviews

Meiji Academy

Meiji Academy logo
Meiji Academy - Summer Course in Hokkaido

There’s no better time to see Hokkaido’s breathtaking natural sur...

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KCP students on a weekend trip in Japan
9.6133 reviews

KCP International Japanese Language School

KCP International Japanese Language School logo
Learn Japanese in Tokyo, Japan

KCP International Japanese Language School, a non-profit educatio...

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study abroad students in Japan
9.6794 reviews

World Campus International, Inc.

World Campus International, Inc. logo
Top Rated Program Study Abroad in Japan 2025
The World Campus - Get Unique Access to Japan!

Take part in short-term summer study programs in different region...

Japan Culinary Institute
00 reviews

Japan Culinary Institute

Japan Culinary Institute logo
Ramen Course in Japan

This course teaches you how to prepare basic menus at ramen shops...

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USAC students participating in Japanese festival.
9.3614 reviews

University Studies Abroad Consortium

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USAC Japan: Nagasaki - Japanese Language, Society & Culture

Japan is a fascinating combination of rich history, interesting c...

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Study in Japan - JaLS
9.6551 reviews

JaLS GROUP

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Short-term Japanese Course & Cultural Activity in Hokkaido

Hokkaido Japanese Language School, located in the center of the b...

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9.01277 reviews

CIS Abroad

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Affordable, Comprehensive Study and Intern Abroad Programs

CIS Abroad Study and Intern Abroad programs are some of the most ...

See All 7 Programs
72 reviews

EF Education First

EF - Language Abroad

Step beyond the classroom and into the world with EF Language Abr...

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103 reviews

IES Abroad

IES Abroad Nagoya Summer – Language & Culture

What better way to practice your Japanese language skills and imm...

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9.9328 reviews

Santa Barbara City College

Communication, Film Studies in Tokyo, Japan

The Summer program in Japan allows students to learn the concepts...

9.9212 reviews

LTL Language School

LTL Language School | Learn Japanese in Tokyo

LTL Language School is a perfect fit for students looking to impr...

82 reviews

Academic Programs International

API: Experience Tokyo, Japan (Scholarships Available)

Come and join API and study in one of the most dynamic and popula...

00 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Japan Mini Semester - Culture, Adventure & Leadership

Step into one of the world’s most dynamic destinations with our 5...

93 reviews

TEFL Heaven

Paid Teaching in Japan & Lifetime Placement Guarantee

Set off on a complete teaching journey in Japan with TEFL Heaven....

00 reviews

CIEE High School Grads Abroad

CIEE College First Year Abroad in Kyoto

Your First Year Abroad program in Kyoto lasts 12 weeks and is des...

105 reviews

International TEFL and TESOL

Accredited TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in Japan from ¥7,000

Use the coupon code GoAbroad15 upon checkout to receive 15% off a...

9.2172 reviews

Intern Abroad HQ

Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your c...

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00 reviews

LanguBridge Education Centre

Short and Long Term Programs with Homestay

This program provides students a great chance to experience "real...

00 reviews

Language Vacation

Japanese Language Course and Immersion in Tokyo, Japan

Learn Japanese in Tokyo, Japan's capital and the country's larges...

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00 reviews

Non-Profit Study Abroad (NPSA)

J.F. Oberlin University, Tokyo - Non Profit Study Abroad

Choose from a range of low-cost, non-profit direct study abroad p...

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Global Work & Travel

Study Japanese in Fukuoka | Learn Japanese the Authentic Way

Learn Japanese authentically and have an experience you will neve...

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00 reviews

The National Registration Center for Study Abroad

NRCSA Learn Japanese in Kyoto, Japan

The NRCSA Center in Kyoto has been teaching the Japanese language...

103 reviews

Mirai Innovation Research Institute Japan

Emerging Future Technology Training Program in Osaka, Japan

The intensive, three-month Emergent Future Technology Training Pr...

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103 reviews

Youth For Understanding (YFU)

Study Abroad in Japan | YFU

Come to the birthplace of manga, anime, origami, kimonos, and sam...

00 reviews

Global Learning Opportunities

Summer Japan and Korea Seminar: 13 Days

The Summer Japan and Korea Seminar is a unique and fun way to bro...

9.7731 reviews

World Class Programs

Japanese Immersion Summer Program

Our Japanese summer program allows students to experience the Lan...

00 reviews

CET Academic Programs

CET Academic Programs - College Study Abroad & Gap Year

Whether you’re focused on gaining fluency in Japanese, studying s...

00 reviews

Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad

Middlebury School in Japan: Tokyo

The Middlebury School in Japan offers cultural and linguistic imm...

00 reviews

Institute for Education in International Media

The Kyoto Project 2026

Once the imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto offers visitors a glimp...

00 reviews

Kansai University

Kansai University Winter School 2026

Program Period: Wednesday 14, January -Thursday 29 January, 2026....

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00 reviews

Bethel University Global Studies

Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto Japan-Modern and Ancient Asian Tradition

10-Day Program: Discover Japan’s Timeless Wonders Embark on a ca...

00 reviews

Sheffield University

Sheffield University: Study Abroad Program is Open!

The University of Sheffield, commonly referred to as Sheffield Un...

00 reviews

Edu-Odyssey

Japan Across the Eras: Tokyo

Embark on an unparalleled study abroad experience in the dynamic ...

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00 reviews

Associated Kyoto Program

Associated Kyoto Program (AKP)

Experience Japan as a local through the Associated Kyoto Program ...

00 reviews

Nanzan University

Nanzan University Anime Study Tour

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture through the lens of anime wi...

00 reviews

Go! Go! Nihon - Live & Study in Japan

Otaku Japan Study Trip with Go! Go! Nihon

Dive into Japan’s vibrant otaku culture with the Otaku Japan Stud...

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Volunteers in Asia (VIA)

The Rikuzentakata Project, Tokyo

US university students are invited to join a seven-day project-ba...

A Guide to Studying Abroad in Japan

Prepare to Study Abroad

Set goals

Whatever you’re looking to achieve, use ours as a guide or the base of what you want from your trip!

  • Academic goals are one of the most important things to consider! Determine which subjects or fields you want to examine closer or push yourself in.
  • Being aware of and participating in cultural practices is important. What kind of things do you hope to learn from or participate in?
  • Having the unique experience of studying abroad changes people, and rightfully so! Is there a part of you that you’re pushing out of your comfort zone to grow?

Understand the benefits

Studying in Japan provides numerous benefits, from high-quality education to unique cultural experiences. You will have the chance to learn from some of the world's leading experts and gain a global perspective that will enhance your future career prospects.

  • Academic excellence. Japan is home to many prestigious universities known for their rigorous academic standards.
  • Cultural immersion of new and old. Experience Japan's rich traditions and modern innovations firsthand.
  • Networking opportunities abound. Build connections with students and professionals from around the world.
  • Traveling made easy. Bullet trains (or shinkansen, locally) make traveling easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Japan is a good place to study abroad for so many reasons. High quality study abroad programs, valuable cultural exchange, and meeting people from all over the world all make the experience totally worth it.

No, you do not need to know Japanese to study in Japan! There are many English-language study abroad programs hosted in Japan, but picking up new language skills is one of the many perks of studying in Japan. Try out a beginner class when you get there if you don’t speak any Japanese.

It’s not any more expensive to study abroad in Japan than elsewhere in the world. Depending on where you live though, the flight could get pricey. You can expect to spend up to $6,000 for a summer in Japan, and up to $11,000 for a semester program, not including flights, insurance, and visa expenses.

It’s easy enough to study abroad in Japan if your college has a study abroad program there. Otherwise, you’ll want to explore study abroad providers based on your field of study, and ask if they provide transfer credit (they almost always do).

If you’re studying abroad in Japan for less than 90 days, a tourist visa will suffice, depending on your program and host institution. If you plan to study in Japan for three months or longer, then you’ll need to apply for a student visa.

Latest Program Reviews

A Summer of New

November 07, 2025by: Katey Howard - United StatesProgram: IES Abroad Tokyo Summer
9

When I first got confirmation that I was accepted to study abroad in Tokyo, I was both thrilled and a nervous wreck. I had never been that far from home before, nor did I know anyone else attending the program. Yet, upon my arrival, I was met with the support and guidance of the IES staff, and others in the program were in the same boat. A support system was quickly formed, and although there were several new, unpredictable paths coming my way, I wouldn't endure it alone. With all the cultural activities such as making chopsticks and glass blowing and the included field trips, we were truly urged to make the most of our six weeks in Japan. You start to fall into a routine of going to the convenience store (trust me, like, a lot), going out to karaoke, taking the train to class and throughout the city, studying in cafes. Study sessions at the cafe in the hotel we were housed in had to be some of my favorite memories, oddly enough. The hotel staff even encouraged us to practice Japanese, and I was sad to say goodbye on my last day there. I'm looking forward to the next time I can go to Japan. This experience may have been filled with unknowns, but I was lucky to have the support to make me embrace it.

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