Gaido Japan — Your Ultimate Guide to Living, Working & Thriving in Japan

Gaido Japan

Language Schools in Japan

Study Japanese in Japan

Discover top-rated language schools across Japan. Get visa sponsorship, student accommodation, and career support — all in one place.

Visa Support

Student Housing

Career Support

JLPT Prep

Showing 20 schools

Featured

Medium-High

Shinjuku, Tokyo

KAI Japanese Language School

KAI Japanese Language School is a modern and innovative language school located in the heart of Shin-Okubo, Tokyo. Known for its creative teaching methods, KAI goes beyond textbook learning, incorporating cultural experiences, conversation practice, and project-based activities. The school attracts students from over 40 countries, creating a truly international environment. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, while the central location provides easy access to all of Tokyo's attractions.

Visa SupportStudent HousingPart-time OKEnglish Staff

6 – 24 monthsEst. 1987

Featured

High

Tokyo

Akamonkai Japanese Language School

Akamonkai is one of the largest Japanese language schools in Tokyo, located in the charming Nippori area. With over 30 years of history, the school has helped thousands of international students achieve their language goals. Akamonkai offers a comprehensive curriculum from beginner to advanced levels, with specialized tracks for university preparation, JLPT success, and career development. The school's student dormitory makes settling into Tokyo life easy and affordable.

Visa SupportStudent HousingPart-time OKEnglish Staff

6 – 24 monthsEst. 1985

Featured

Medium-High

Osaka City, Osaka

ECC Kokusai Language School

ECC Kokusai Language School is located in Kita, Osaka, and is part of the prestigious ECC education group. The school offers an excellent Japanese language program with a proven teaching methodology developed over decades. ECC specializes in preparing students for higher education in Japan, with strong university placement rates. The Umeda location provides easy access to all parts of Osaka.

Visa SupportStudent HousingPart-time OKEnglish Staff

6 – 24 monthsEst. 1992

Featured

Medium

Shinjuku, Tokyo

Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute

Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute (SNG) is one of Tokyo's most well-regarded language schools, located in Takadanobaba. The school uses a proprietary visual teaching method called the Ezoe Method, which uses images and visual cues to teach Japanese grammar and vocabulary intuitively. SNG's approach is particularly effective for beginners and helps students build a strong foundation in practical Japanese.

Visa SupportStudent HousingPart-time OKEnglish Staff

6 – 24 monthsEst. 1951

Medium-High

Tokyo

Sendagaya Japanese Institute

Sendagaya Japanese Institute is a pioneer in Japanese language education with campuses in Komagome and Takadanobaba. Known for developing the original Sendagaya teaching methodology, the school combines traditional grammar instruction with modern communicative approaches. The institute also trains Japanese language teachers, ensuring the highest quality of instruction for its students.

Visa SupportStudent HousingPart-time OKEnglish Staff

6 – 24 monthsEst. 1975

Low-Medium

Shinjuku, Tokyo

Shibuya Gaigo Gakuin

Shibuya Gaigo Gakuin has over 30 years of experience teaching Japanese through conversation-focused methods. Located in Takadanobaba, the school maintains small class sizes to ensure a personalized, friendly atmosphere. The curriculum emphasizes practical communication skills, enabling students to confidently use Japanese in everyday situations. Cultural events and excursions complement classroom learning.

Visa SupportPart-time OKEnglish StaffJLPT Prep

6 – 24 monthsEst. 1988

High

Shibuya, Tokyo

Naganuma School Tokyo

Naganuma School is Japan's oldest Japanese language school, founded in 1948 in Shibuya. With over 70 years of educational excellence, the school is known for its rigorous academic standards and proven teaching methods. Small classes with experienced instructors offer beginner through advanced-level courses. The Shibuya location puts students at the center of one of Tokyo's most vibrant neighborhoods.

Visa SupportEnglish StaffJLPT Prep

6 – 24 monthsEst. 1948

Medium

Sakai, Osaka

Daiwa Academy

Daiwa Academy provides a balanced approach to Japanese language studies in the Sakai area of Osaka. The school emphasizes practical language skills alongside cultural immersion, offering a relaxed yet focused learning environment. With smaller class sizes and personalized attention, Daiwa Academy is ideal for students who prefer a less intensive but thorough study experience.

Visa SupportStudent HousingPart-time OKJLPT Prep

6 – 24 monthsEst. 2005

Medium

Kyoto City, Kyoto

ARC Academy Kyoto

ARC Academy Kyoto offers the same high-quality education as its Tokyo counterpart, set in Japan's ancient capital. Located in the Marutamachi area, students can immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture while studying. The school provides a supportive environment with career guidance and cultural activities, including visits to temples, tea ceremonies, and seasonal festivals that bring the Japanese language to life.

Visa SupportPart-time OKEnglish StaffJLPT Prep

6 – 24 monthsEst. 1986

Medium-High

Fukuoka City, Fukuoka

Fukuoka Foreign Language College

Fukuoka Foreign Language College (FFLC) is located in the Higashi area of Fukuoka, offering comprehensive Japanese language programs. The school provides strong support for both academic advancement and career development. Fukuoka's lower cost of living compared to Tokyo and Osaka makes it an attractive option for international students. The school's location near Hakata Station provides easy access to all of Fukuoka's attractions.

Visa SupportStudent HousingPart-time OKEnglish Staff

6 – 24 monthsEst. 2002

Yokohama International Education Academy

Medium-High

Yokohama, Kanagawa

Yokohama International Education Academy

Yokohama International Education Academy offers an excellent location in the vibrant port city of Yokohama. With a proven teaching curriculum spanning over 35 years, the school is ideal for anyone looking to excel in Japanese studies. The school provides comprehensive support including accommodation assistance, part-time job referrals, and academic counseling. Yokohama's international atmosphere and proximity to Tokyo make it a perfect study destination.

Visa SupportStudent HousingPart-time OKEnglish Staff

6 – 24 monthsEst. 1988

Medium

Yokohama, Kanagawa

Yokohama Design College

Yokohama Design College (YDC) is a unique institution where international students study Japanese alongside Japanese high school and college students studying design and fashion. This integration creates natural opportunities for language practice and cultural exchange. The school offers strong art and design electives alongside Japanese language courses, making it ideal for creative students.

Visa SupportStudent HousingPart-time OKJLPT Prep

12 – 24 monthsEst. 1948

Medium-High

Sapporo, Hokkaido

Hokkaido Japanese Language Academy

Hokkaido Japanese Language Academy is one of Sapporo's premier language schools, offering a unique study experience in Japan's beautiful northern island. The school provides quality Japanese language education in a supportive environment, with smaller class sizes and experienced instructors. Students enjoy Sapporo's lower cost of living, delicious food culture, and stunning natural surroundings including nearby ski resorts and national parks.

Visa SupportStudent HousingPart-time OKEnglish Staff

6 – 24 monthsEst. 2000

Medium

Kobe, Hyogo

Communica Institute

Communica Institute in Kobe offers exceptional Japanese language education with a focus on business Japanese and career development. The school's teachers bring real business and teaching experience, working individually with students to plan their futures in Japan. Original business Japanese textbooks and internship opportunities at Japanese companies set Communica apart from other schools.

Visa SupportPart-time OKEnglish StaffJLPT Prep

3 – 24 monthsEst. 1988

Low-Medium

Nagoya, Aichi

SPC Nagoya

SPC Nagoya offers strong English support and a student-friendly learning environment in Japan's fourth-largest city. The school focuses on real-life language practice through community events, conversation exchanges, and cultural activities. Located centrally in Nagoya, students benefit from the city's lower cost of living while still having access to excellent transportation connections to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Visa SupportStudent HousingPart-time OKEnglish Staff

3 – 24 monthsEst. 2010

Medium

Chiba

Funabashi Japanese Language Academy

Funabashi Japanese Language Academy helps students achieve their goals in both Japanese language and career development. Located in Chiba's Funabashi City, the school offers a supportive and focused study environment with easy access to Tokyo. The school's strong career development program helps students transition from language study to professional life in Japan.

Visa SupportStudent HousingPart-time OKJLPT Prep

6 – 24 monthsEst. 2008

Medium

Yamanashi

UNITAS Japanese Language School

UNITAS was founded in 1970 and is part of the Teikyo University Group, one of the largest education groups in Japan. Located in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture near Mt. Fuji, UNITAS offers a unique study experience surrounded by stunning nature. The school benefits from Teikyo University's resources and provides pathways to higher education within the group. Kofu's affordable cost of living and welcoming community make it ideal for focused study.

Visa SupportStudent HousingPart-time OKEnglish Staff

6 – 24 monthsEst. 1970

Medium

Tokyo

Tokyo Galaxy Japanese Language School

Tokyo Galaxy Japanese Language School is located in the Shinkawa area of Tokyo, offering a well-structured curriculum designed to build confidence and fluency. The school provides specialized courses for students preparing for university entrance exams, JLPT, and careers in Japan. With a strong focus on academic Japanese and research skills, Tokyo Galaxy is ideal for students with higher education goals.

Visa SupportPart-time OKEnglish StaffJLPT Prep

6 – 24 monthsEst. 1986

Medium

Tokyo

Intercultural Institute of Japan

The Intercultural Institute of Japan is located in the heart of Akihabara, Tokyo. The school offers a wide range of courses from beginner to advanced levels, with a strong focus on communication skills and cultural understanding. Students from over 50 countries create a vibrant, multicultural environment. The Akihabara location offers unique access to Japanese pop culture and technology districts.

Visa SupportStudent HousingPart-time OKEnglish Staff

6 – 24 monthsEst. 1977

Medium

Shinjuku, Tokyo

ARC Academy Tokyo

ARC Academy Tokyo is a well-established Japanese language school located in the Iidabashi and Shinjuku areas. ARC focuses on practical communication skills and career support for students who want to work in Japan. The school provides extensive job placement assistance, making it ideal for career-oriented students. With a diverse student body from over 40 countries, ARC creates a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for real-world Japanese use.

Visa SupportPart-time OKEnglish StaffJLPT Prep

6 – 24 monthsEst. 1986

Why Study Japanese in Japan?

Full Immersion

Practice Japanese every day in real-life situations — from ordering coffee to making friends

Student Visa Support

Most schools sponsor student visas, allowing you to live and study in Japan for up to 2 years

Career Opportunities

Many schools offer career placement services and part-time job support while you study

Cultural Experience

Experience festivals, food, and traditions firsthand while building lifelong memories