How Much Does It Cost to Study Japanese in Japan?

Embarking on a journey to study Japanese in Japan is an exciting and transformative experience. From the thrill of learning the language in its native environment to immersing yourself in the country’s vibrant culture, studying in Japan offers countless rewards. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand one key factor—the cost.
How much does it actually cost to study Japanese in Japan? The answer depends on various factors, including tuition fees, accommodation, daily expenses, and more. In this guide, we’ll break down the costs so you can plan your adventure with confidence.
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1. Tuition Fees: The Core Cost of Studying in Japan
The biggest expense for most students is tuition fees. The cost varies depending on the type of school you choose and the length of your studies.
Japanese Language Schools
Japanese language schools offer structured programs ranging from a few months to two years. The average tuition costs are:
– 3-month course: ¥150,000–¥250,000 ($1,000–$1,700 / €950–€1,600)
– 6-month course: ¥300,000–¥500,000 ($2,000–$3,500 / €1,900–€3,200)
– 1-year course: ¥600,000–¥900,000 ($4,000–$6,500 / €3,800–€5,700)
Long-term programs (6 months or more) often require upfront payment, so be prepared to budget accordingly.
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2. Accommodation: Finding Your Home in Japan
Where you live in Japan can greatly impact your expenses. Here are some common housing options and their average monthly costs:
– Share House: ¥40,000–¥90,000 ($270–$600 / €250–€550)
– Private Apartment: ¥60,000–¥150,000 ($400–$1,000 / €380–€950)
– Homestay with a Japanese Family: ¥80,000–¥120,000 ($550–$800 / €500–€750)
– Student Dormitories: ¥30,000–¥80,000 ($200–$550 / €190–€500)
Tokyo tends to be more expensive than other cities, while places like Fukuoka, Osaka, and Sapporo offer more affordable housing options.
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3. Daily Living Expenses: Food, Transport, and Fun
Food Costs
Eating in Japan can be as affordable or expensive as you make it.
– Cooking at home: ¥20,000–¥40,000 ($140–$270 / €130–€250) per month
– Eating out (cheap restaurants & convenience stores): ¥30,000–¥60,000 ($200–$400 / €190–€380) per month
– Mid-range restaurants & dining out often: ¥60,000+ ($400+ / €380+) per month
Transportation Costs
If you live close to your school, walking or biking can save you money. However, if you need to use public transport, expect the following costs:
– Monthly train/subway pass: ¥5,000–¥15,000 ($35–$100 / €30–€95)
– Individual train/bus rides: ¥200–¥500 ($1.50–$3.50 / €1.40–€3.20)
Tokyo has a more expensive transport system compared to smaller cities, so location matters!
Entertainment & Leisure
Japan offers endless entertainment, from karaoke and arcades to weekend trips and cultural experiences. Here’s what you might spend:
– Social outings (cafes, izakayas, karaoke): ¥10,000–¥30,000 ($70–$200 / €65–€190) per month
– Day trips & sightseeing: ¥5,000–¥20,000 ($35–$140 / €30–€125) per trip
– Gym membership: ¥5,000–¥12,000 ($35–$80 / €30–€75) per month
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4. Additional Costs: Health Insurance, Study Materials & More
– National Health Insurance (required for students): ¥2,000–¥4,000 ($15–$30 / €13–€25) per month
– Study materials & textbooks: ¥5,000–¥15,000 ($35–$100 / €30–€95) per term
– Mobile phone plan: ¥2,000–¥5,000 ($15–$35 / €13–€30) per month
– Visa-related fees (if applicable): ¥10,000–¥30,000 ($70–$200 / €65–€190)
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5. Can You Work While Studying?
Yes! If you have a student visa, you can work up to 28 hours per week to help cover your expenses. Part-time job salaries vary, but here’s what you can expect:
– Convenience store staff: ¥1,050–¥1,400 ($7–$10 / €6.50–€9) per hour
– Café/restaurant worker: ¥1,100–¥1,500 ($7.50–$10.50 / €7–€10) per hour
– English teaching/tutoring: ¥2,000–¥4,000 ($14–$28 / €13–€25) per hour
Tip: You can work up to 48 hours per week during school holidays (about two weeks in 3 months)
Working as a student can help you for daily expenses over time.
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How Much Should You Budget?
The total cost of studying Japanese in Japan depends on your school, location, and lifestyle. Here’s a rough estimate for one year of study:
– Language school tuition: ¥600,000–¥900,000 ($4,000–$6,500 / €3,800–€5,700)
– Accommodation: ¥360,000–¥1,200,000 ($2,500–$8,000 / €2,300–€7,600)
– Living expenses: ¥500,000–¥1,000,000 ($3,500–$7,000 / €3,200–€6,300)
– Other expenses: ¥100,000–¥300,000 ($700–$2,000 / €650–€1,900)
Total Estimated Budget (1 year): ¥1,500,000–¥3,500,000 ($10,000–$25,000 / €9,500–€24,000)
Studying Japanese in Japan is a significant investment, but it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will shape your future. Whether you choose a short-term or long-term course, careful budgeting and planning will help you make the most of your language learning adventure.
Contact us today and start your journey to studying in Japan!
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Currency Exchange Rate (as of January 2025):
• ¥1 = $0.0067 USD
• ¥1 = €0.0063 EUR
(Exchange rates fluctuate, so be sure to check for the latest rates before making financial plans.)

 

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