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Japanese in Tokyo

4.8(5 reviews)
Experience
Study
Destination
Japan
Duration
2 to 12 weeks
Ages
18 to 85

16 others looking at this too. Next opening is Jan 2025, with limited spots.

Book now, pay later. Cancel anytime.

Trip overview

Learn to speak Japanese – the authentic way – while living in the heart of Tokyo for up to 12 weeks on this unforgettable trip. 

What better way to learn a language than to jump right into the deep end? Engaging with the community as you live like a local in one of the most advanced countries in the world. 

On this done-for-you trip, you’ll get everything you need to live in Tokyo while learning Japanese, including: 

  • Small group classes. With a max of 8 students per class, you’ll get plenty of personal attention from your tutor during 20 structured lessons a week in a relaxed, supportive environment. 
  • Accommodation included. For stays of 1-3 weeks, you’ll stay in a homestay with a local family. For stays of 4+ weeks, you’ll stay in a private room in a shared house in Tokyo. Or you can upgrade to private accommodation at an extra cost. 
  • Certificate of completion. Your hard work and dedication throughout this experience deserve recognition. This valuable addition to your resume is sure to impress potential employers.

Japan, a cultural powerhouse, offers a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and futuristic marvels. To truly immerse yourself, why not learn the language and live amongst the vibrant locals?

Imagine your life in Japan, where old shrines blend with modern skyscrapers, and traditional Geisha share trains with manga-filled surroundings and unique fashion scenes. Engage with the culture, converse with friendly locals, and watch your Japanese language skills flourish day by day.

Explore the intriguing culture, savor the delicious cuisine, marvel at stunning natural landscapes, and experience the warmth of the polite people. This trip allows you to discover the depth of Japan beyond the surface.

Unleash the power of knowing the local language, opening doors to life-changing experiences. With Global, you'll get the best learning experience and a hassle-free trip. We have you covered from visa guidance to accommodation to class enrollment and more.

Inclusions

Tap to expand

Small group Japanese classes
Dedicated Trip Coordinator
Pre-Departure Guide
Trip visa guidance
Personal Travel Concierge
Comfortable accommodation
Private airport transfer
Certificate of completion
Ongoing local team support
Global Emergency Line
gWorld access
Social
Global Academy
Marketplace deals
$250 off your next trip

Just in case it’s not clear already, we’re not an employment or recruitment agency. Read more

Qualification

To qualify for this trip you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be between 18-85 years of age
  • Be a citizen of an eligible country
  • Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years

Get more info!

Got questions or need to know more? Ask us here, we're online 24hrs Mo-Fr.

Trip details

Our Study in Tokyo trip is designed to get you travelling, living and learning Japanese overseas as smoothly as possible.

Our partners were founded with one goal in mind: “Japanese for everyday life, rather than academic Japanese.” They’re not here to help people pass exams. Instead, they want to give you the skills to talk with the locals and let Japanese culture become a part of you.

In this trip you’ll be learning in small (the smallest in Japan) group classes with an atmosphere that will make your classmates end up feeling more like family.

After class there are a range of optional add-on activities to choose from, or you and your new friends can do what you like to unleash your new skills in Japan. 

Arrive in Japan with the reassurance that you will be many steps ahead of every other traveller in search of international experience in Asia. You can hit the ground running in your studies, with everything else taken care of.

Your included accommodation will be a homestay with a local family (1-3 weeks) or a private room in a shared apartment in Tokyo (4 weeks+). Alternatively, you can upgrade to a private apartment for an additional charge. If you wish to extend your homestay beyond 3 weeks, you can do so as well, with an additional charge. 

Alternatively, you can upgrade to a guest house or private apartment for an additional charge.

Spend your time studying in Japan, immersing yourself in the over-the-top (in the best possible kinds of way) culture, exploring the breathtaking landscapes and history, and jetting off to neighbouring countries, leaving the logistical stuff to us.

Embrace a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel, live and teach in Japan learning a lifelong skill that will stay with you forever. 

Requirements 

You must take a Japanese language test before your arrival to determine your starting level. Complete beginners are not required to take a language test, but must know the hiragana alphabet. 

What extra costs will I have? 

Flights, travel insurance, souvenirs & spending money.

Accommodation

Your style of accommodation depends on how long you’ll be in Japan. 

For trips of 1-3 weeks, you’ll stay in a homestay with a local family. For trips longer than 4 weeks, you’ll stay in a private room in a shared house in Tokyo. 

Alternatively, you could upgrade to a private room in a guest house or private apartment at an additional cost.

Trip itinerary

Arrival

Once you’ve landed at Haneda or Narita Airport, your private airport transfer will be waiting to take you straight to your pre-planned accommodation in Tokyo.  If you’ve arrived a few days before your course starts, use this time to get out and start exploring the amazing new city on your doorstep. You’ll also have new classmates/homestay hosts to get to know.

Day 1

Punctuality is very important in Japanese culture, so don’t be late! Your specific class times will be determined by your course schedule, and the weekly class schedule is provided one week ahead of time. On your first day you’ll do a language proficiency test to make sure you’re in the right class. Don’t worry – this isn’t a pass/fail test. It’s used only to gauge your proficiency in Japanese. And if it's zero, you’re in the right place! Because you’re about to learn from the best.  Next, you’ll go through your orientation. This includes some information about the school, classes, study methods, as well as Japanese culture and etiquette to set you up nicely for life in Japan.  You’ll have a 2 hour Japanese class in the afternoon and then you’re free. You have the option of joining in on a free 1 hour tour of the Shinjuku area. Or you can go off and explore on your own terms.

Ongoing

You’ll have four classes a day, though your schedule may vary week-to-week. Morning classes run from 9:30am – 1:10pm and afternoon classes are from 11:25am – 3:50pm or 2:05pm – 5:45pm.  Your weekly schedule will depend on your class level, and you'll receive each new week's schedule about one week in advance. These classes are separated into two lessons of Japanese Grammar and two of Language Skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).  Your school may offer additional courses which you’ll be able to get involved with. These may include: Standard Japanese, Plus Conversation, Traditional Culture, Pop Culture, and nextGEN (a mixture of traditional and pop). These take place outside of school hours or over the weekends. Otherwise, your weekends are free to explore Tokyo and Japan however you want! We’ll be in touch with you throughout your stay. If you ever need advice or support our team is available to answer your questions. And our 24/5 Emergency Support Line will help with urgent matters.  Don’t go alone. Go with Global.

Why choose us

Our Study trips are designed to get you set up in your new life overseas – learning new skills from the locals –  as smoothly as possible. Our goal is to save you time, money, and stress while eliminating the risk of returning home early. Here’s how we do it: 

We’re with you from the moment you get started. You’ll be assigned a dedicated Trip Coordinator. They’ll guide you through the next steps and answer all your questions. They’ll also help you with the pesky visa. No guesswork – only the right paperwork, approved the first time, in your hands before you leave. 

Your Personal Travel Concierge will help with flights, insurance, visas, and any add-ons you’d like for your trip. These are real humans too – no robots here. 

Once you land in Japan our local team will be waiting for you at the airport. You’ll be taken straight to your initial accommodation in Tokyo. 

But our support doesn’t end there. We’ll be in touch during your trip to make sure everything is going smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns we’re one quick message, DM, email, or carrier pigeon away. 

Our team is well travelled so you can rely on our experience. We’re with you every step of the way. 

Join 95,000+ travellers – giving us 10,000+ 4 & 5 star reviews – by choosing Global to make your travel dreams come true. 

Most travellers book their trip 6-12 months in advance. Dates are flexible, but spaces are limited. So if you’re serious about studying in Japan, don’t delay. 

With our Book Now, Decide Later feature, you can get started with a small deposit today, and take a full year to choose your dates. 

We’ll take over from there, helping you with visas, flights, accommodation, and setting you up with our partner in Japan. 

This is the trip for you if you’re after the ultimate teaching experience in Japan, complete with everything you need and 24/5 support.

Click the red button to check dates & prices.

Why Study

The main purpose of this trip is to get you speaking Japanese like a local while you live like a local. Which makes this trip perfect for those who want to connect more with the country, instead of simply stopping in for a visit. 

Our in-country partners operate with one goal in mind: “Japanese for everyday life, rather than academic Japanese.”

These classes won’t teach you formal Japanese with strict rules and fancy words. It’s all about being able to communicate with Japanese people in Japanese, so you can let the Japanese culture become part of you as you get to know it more intimately. 

One of the many reasons you’re encouraged to strike up conversation with locals after hours – even if you’re a newbie. 

Living amongst the community while you’re learning the language will fast track your path to success. It will also help you integrate into the community so you’ll get to know Japan much better than most tourists.

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Frequently asked questions

Why are you the best company to choose?

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we pride ourselves on providing a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide, and let us assist you with visas, pre-departure preparations, flights, insurance, and tours. Throughout your journey, our cool tech features will support you every step of the way. As a Global Traveller, gain access to gWorld, our personalised app designed to enhance your travel experience. Keep important documents and trip details handy, and take advantage of exclusive Marketplace deals, a vibrant social network, language learning resources, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like having all your favorite travel apps merged into one, but even better! But our support doesn't end there. With four international offices, over 100 dedicated staff members, a 24/5 emergency team, and the backing of over 90,000 Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us, rest assured you're in good hands. We also proudly boast the most and best reviews in the biz, and maintain a massive following on our social channels including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Embark on your next adventure with confidence and ease. Join us and discover the world in a meaningful way!

Are flights & insurance included?

While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!

How do I choose the right study trip?

With so many incredible options, we understand that selecting the perfect study trip can be tricky. That's why we recommend booking your favourite one, and your dedicated Trip Coordinator will guide you through the project details. They will consider your interests, goals, and desired outcome for the trip. If we find another trip that better suits your preferences, we can easily swap you over to ensure you have the ideal study experience. Rest assured, we're here to help you find the right fit!

Do I need any prior experience for a study trip?

Most of our study trips are designed to cater to participants of all abilities and levels of experience. You can confidently join our program without any previous background or expertise. Our courses are structured to provide a valuable and enriching learning experience for everyone, ensuring you can make the most out of your study trip adventure, and go home with a new or developed skill!

What is the typical group size I'll be studying with?

The group sizes for our study trips typically range from 4 to 12 people, with variations depending on the specific trip. Most of our participants are travelling solo and share a common enthusiasm for learning and making new connections. And as our travellers come from various countries worldwide, joining a study trip offers an exceptional opportunity to build a diverse network of friends from all corners of the globe!

Do I get a certificate upon completing the study course?

Absolutely! Upon successfully completing the study course, you will be awarded a certificate to acknowledge your hard work and dedication. This valuable certificate serves as a notable achievement and an impressive addition to your resume. Future employers will recognise your commitment to personal and professional growth, reinforcing your qualifications and enhancing your career prospects. Or, frame it on your wall to show off to family and friends of the epic skill you picked up abroad!

Why should I book now?

After the last unexpected disruption to travel caused by the..c word..people are now more eager than ever to venture out and explore the world, determined not to miss out on any experiences. Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12+ months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!

Can I travel with a friend or partner?

Yes you can! Simply tell your Trip Coordinator after booking that your friend is also going and they can link your profiles. For most of our trips we should be able to have you and your friends placed together or nearby. Meaning that you can live, work, play & travel together! But wait there's more! Not only can you travel the world with your besties at your side, you can also earn some extra cash towards your own trip just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. You can learn more about the great referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you join. And for those who decide to go-it-solo, we’ve made it easier to meet other Global Travellers in the same region as you. Just like any other social platform, you’ll be able to interact, share, chat and meet with some really cool people who are doing trips just like you!

Can I bring my pet along?

At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?

We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, as well as holidays through DealsAway.com, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.

How it works

1. Choose a trip style

Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!

2. We become friends

Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.

3. Time to go!

We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!

4. Global support

Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24 hours, Mon-Fri.

Still have questions?

Why go Global

Flexible trips

The unexpected can happen sometimes. Can't travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.

Worldwide support

Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/5.

We're the experts

With over 10 years in the industry and a team of over 90 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.

Partner network

We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.

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Japanese in Tokyo