How Much Does it Cost to Learn Japanese?

It’s no surprise that Japan is almost always at the top whenever anyone is asked about their travel bucket list. The fascination with the language and culture starts very early for many of us who grew up with Japanese anime, manga, and fashion influences. Additionally, the intrigue of Japan lies in its seamless blend of modern and ancient, with temples and architecture hundreds of years old existing alongside enterprises run entirely by robots and efficient bullet trains basically defying the laws of physics.

Nature, culture, technology, history—it’s all yours to explore when you study Japanese in Japan!

So, how much does it cost to study Japanese in Japan? After all, learning the language can offer a firsthand glimpse into Japan’s culture. There’s something for everyone in Japan, be it the hustle and bustle of cities like Tokyo and Osaka, the mountain ranges and ski slopes of Hokkaido, the beaches of Okinawa, and the countless small towns and villages scattered across the country.

The people are also known to be admirably polite, efficient, and hardworking, priding themselves on honesty and integrity—you can leave your entire wallet, laptop, and phone unattended in a coffee shop for hours, and literally everything will remain intact and untouched!

Japan will always be a great experience for anyone. can be a great way to open doors and opportunities academically and professionally.

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Learning Japanese abroad vs. online

Since the pandemic, many language courses have adapted to provide learning online. Now that Japan has reopened to foreigners, studying Japanese abroad in Japan has returned to normalcy as well.

How much does it cost to learn Japanese? It depends a lot on how you take your classes. Here are the main differences between these two methods of learning Japanese:

1. Cost

If you want to study Japanese in Japan, cost can be a factor. can be a lot more affordable than learning abroad in Japan. You can find one-on-one teachers online charging per hour on language platforms like Preply, or you can complete a course from a platform like Udemy.

When you calculate the cost to study Japanese in Japan, you’ll need to take into account factors such as airfare, language school fees, and living costs. If you are not able to earn money while working in Japan, it is recommended you have at least $2,000 per month to spend while living there. However, you can find that can help offset certain costs for you.

2. Timing of classes

Your commute to class just got a whole lot more interesting.

Studying Japanese online allows the flexibility of doing so at your own chosen time. You will likely not need to comply with set schedules, or you can determine and negotiate your schedule personally with your online tutor.

Some online schools do follow a schedule though, and the time difference between Japan and the USA is roughly 12 to 14 hours. So if you’re a night owl , an online approach may work perfectly for you!

When studying Japanese in Japan, you will need to take into account the time commuting from your accommodation to your in-person classes. Knowing Japanese punctuality, those classes will likely start on the dot! This will be perfect if you’re the kind of person who appreciates some discipline in their life.

3. Passive vs. active learning

Knowing your learning style can be a deciding factor in the type of class that works best for you. Do you thrive in a class with immediate feedback or prefer a less hands-on approach from the instructor? Do you work better individually or love bouncing ideas off other people in a group?

for independent learners or people who occasionally prefer interaction with others from a distance. However, if you’re more social and want to make closer bonds with your classmates, going abroad to Japan and getting to know your fellow learners in person is a priceless experience.

4. Language learning goals

If you just want to learn how to read and write, online learning may work—you may not even need an instructor. This type of learning is usually ideal for more casual language learners who don’t really seek a fully immersive experience, yet still want some grasp of the language. Perhaps you just want to understand the Japanese media forms you’re already consuming a little more deeply. Independent online learning would be sufficient for that.

Conversation clubs are also ideal for casual learners whose goal is to be able to strike up small talk and simple conversation with locals. There are many groups on social media you can connect with for this. For an in-person experience, look out for language exchange events at local cafes, bars, or community centers.

If you potentially see yourself in a career or living a life where you need to use Japanese actively, is just what you need! You can take intensive courses that prepare you specifically for internationally recognized Japanese proficiency tests like the JLPT, which can open doors for you should you want to live and/or work in Japan. Even if you’re not aiming for certification, there are courses that specialize in business Japanese, which can be very different from casual Japanese.

How much is Japanese language school?

Practice what you learned in class on your daily shopping trips.

The type of program you choose plays a big part in determining how much it costs to study Japanese in Japan. If you want to take the academic route and study at a Japanese university, .

You can also opt for short-term intensive courses lasting about one semester or summer. These range from ¥80,000 to ¥150,000.

Or if you’re a very casual learner, you can participate in free language exchanges in many public places around Japan, or at most at the price of a cup of coffee. If you’re looking for an immersive experience including cultural highlights, you might want to look into more rather than language-based ones.

READ:

How much does it cost to study Japanese in Japan? 4 costs to consider

Some costs to take into account if you choose to study Japanese in Japan include:

Since Japan won the bid to host the Olympics, the demand for English language teachers has been high. Japan is particularly welcoming of foreigners who want to , and this may be a great way to also earn money to fund your stay in Japan while learning Japanese in your free time!

3 affordable Japanese language programs to consider

1.

• This intensive program offers 20 hours of Japanese lessons per week and has a variety of additional module types depending on your goal, from Business Japanese all the way to Pop Culture Japanese. Fukuoka is a smaller city than Tokyo, with a more relaxed pace of life. It is also home to the famous Sumo Wrestling tournaments that take place seasonally—something you absolutely cannot miss while you’re there!
• Tuition: A standard course starts at about $200 per week, on top of a $138 registration fee. Each week you will have access to 20 Japanese classes. You can also add on other modules depending on your specific interest at additional costs. The Academy also helps with accommodation.

2.

• The ski slopes of Hokkaido (or the ancient serenity of Kyoto—JaLS Group offers classes there, too) may be just what you need to take your Japanese learning experience to the next level! You can take 15 to 21 classes per week depending on the course you choose. They have a more structured schedule, with courses starting every Monday and ending every Friday. Each lesson is 50 minutes long, and each class size is no bigger than 8 people.
• Tuition: Tuition starts around $195 per week for a standard course.

3.

• Genki Japanese and Culture School has branches in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, so you have more options to choose from in terms of location. The Core Course consists of 20 lessons per week, which include 50-minute grammar classes and ten skill “application” classes where you practice what you learned.
• Tuition: Prices start at about $228 a week, with options to add on modules depending on your interests. They also have longer-term courses starting at about $4,000 for a 6-month package all the way to $9,500 for an 18-month package. They do provide scholarships for students who qualify.

Your time studying Japanese in Japan will be priceless!

How much does it cost to study Japanese in Japan? You can’t put a price tag on the level of learning (and unbeatable views) you’ll get.

The best way to master any language is to put it into practice, and when you live in Japan, you’ll challenge yourself every day to use and communicate in your target language. Furthermore, you’ll be able to build connections, make friends, and open your mind to experiences you just can’t get when you stay home. Take a chance on Japan, and feel the difference!

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