Learn. Explore. Experience Japan.
Short-term study.
Your Japan experience.
Combine Japanese-language learning with time exploring Japan. A short-term course can help you practise everyday communication, build confidence or try studying abroad before considering a longer program.
Choose a course around your goals
Think about what you would like to achieve: learning the basics, improving conversation, refreshing previous study or focusing on a particular skill.
Ask each school about its minimum enrollment period, lesson schedule and available levels. “Short-term” does not mean every school offers the same duration or starting dates.
Study and explore
Consider how much time you want to spend in class and how much time you want for sightseeing, activities and independent study.
Check lesson times and expected homework before planning your travel schedule.
Build your Japanese
Tell the school about your current level and what you want to practise.
Complete beginners should confirm which start dates accept students with no previous Japanese study.
What to compare between schools
- Minimum and maximum course duration
- Starting dates for your Japanese level
- Lessons per week and lesson length
- Class size and placement procedures
- Course focus and learning materials
- Age requirements and student support
- Activities and accommodation options
- Cancellation and refund policies
Our directory helps you narrow down your options. Confirm your preferred course and dates directly with the school.
Plan your destination and accommodation
Consider the experience you want outside the classroom, as well as the school itself. Think about transport, your daily commute and the places you would like to explore.
Ask whether the school can help arrange accommodation or whether you need to book it independently. Check availability, arrival dates and the full cost before making a reservation.
Find accommodation for your exact dates. Explore our Student Accommodation in Japan guide to compare homestays, residences, share houses and apartments. Check minimum stays, move-in dates and whether your booking covers every night of your trip.
Budget for more than tuition
Request a fee breakdown for your intended course length. Check whether registration, textbooks, activities and other charges are included.
Your overall budget should also account for accommodation, flights, local transport, food, insurance and personal spending.
Visit our Costs guide for help planning your budget.
Check entry requirements before booking
A short course does not automatically mean you can enter Japan without a visa. Visa exemptions and permitted periods of stay depend on your nationality and passport conditions.
Confirm with the school and the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence which entry arrangements are appropriate for your course and travel plans.
Check the official short-stay visa exemption information and Japan’s official visa guidance.
You can also explore our Visa & COE guide.
Questions to include in your inquiry
Share your preferred dates, intended course length, current Japanese level and study goals. Mention whether you need accommodation assistance.
Ask whether a suitable class is available, what the total school fees would be and when you need to apply.
Send one free inquiry for up to three schools. After our introduction, communicate directly with school staff to confirm current details and compare their answers and support. There is no commitment to enroll.
Find your short-term study options
Browse the directory and use the Short-term study filter to explore schools. Compare your options and request free introductions.
Tuition and other school fees are paid directly to your chosen school. Study Japan Your Way never charges students or collects tuition payments.
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