Top 10 Language Schools in Tokyo
Photo by Yan Krukau
So you’re thinking of moving to Tokyo for purposes of studying Japanese, and you’re wondering what your best options are. After researching dozens of schools and by considering a multitude of metrics, here is our roundup for the Top 10 language schools in Tokyo.
We are listing them in no particular order, because we don’t believe that there can be a universal best in this case– it depends on what is best for you! We’ve had many clients from the schools below, and we’ve only heard positive things about all of them.
Photo by Engin Akyurt
Make sure to check out our charts below the Top 10 list, to see our comparison on 8 different metrics, which would be wise to consider when choosing a school.
🡲 Number of Courses Offered Comparison
🡲 Average Class Size Comparison
🡲 Alumni Success Rates Comparison
🡲 Language Proficiency Levels Comparison
🡲 Most Common Nationalities Comparison
🡲 Average Student Age Comparison
🡲 Apartment Rentals for Language Schools
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Top 10 Language School in Tokyo
Known for its comprehensive courses and diverse student body, ISI has campuses in Takadanobaba, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, and Harajuku.
2- ARC Tokyo Japanese Language School
Offers a variety of courses including General Study, Intensive Japanese, and Business Japanese.
3- Tokyo Central Japanese Language Institute
ISO29991:2020 certified, this institute offers a range of courses and has a multicultural student community.
4- Kyoshin Language Academy Shinjuku School
Part of the nationwide KLA group, known for its unique teaching methods and diverse course offerings.
5- Shinwa Foreign Language Academy
Offers personalized learning experiences and has a strong focus on practical conversation skills.
6- Kudan Institute of Japanese Language & Culture
Known for its cultural immersion programs alongside language learning.
Offers flexible class schedules and focuses on real-world Japanese skills.
8- KAI Japanese Language School
Known for its innovative teaching methods and supportive learning environment.
9- Intercultural Institute of Japan
Offers a variety of courses and has a strong focus on intercultural communication.
10- Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute
Known for its structured curriculum and supportive learning environment.
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School Ratings
All of the language schools in the Top 10, rarely are rated below 4/5.
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Number of Courses Offered
Depending on your specific needs, it’d be wise to overview the breadth of courses provided by potential language schools. You might be looking for something quite standard, or you might be looking for something niche.
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Average Class Sizes
How do class sizes affect education? In general- the smaller the class size, the more focus the instructors can give per student. In group learning environments, class sizes can be irrelevant, but when looking for the highest level care, class size is definitely something to consider.
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Alumni Success Rates
Metrics measuring further education or employment potential.
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Language Proficiency Levels
Below are average Japanese proficiency levels of students. Some schools are more geared towards beginners, while others excel at higher level to business level Japanese. In the chart below, shorter bars are higher proficiency (highest being N1).
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Most Common Nationalities
Some language schools do have very high percentages of certain nationalities attending them, but within the Top 10, the class demographics are well mixed.
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Average Student Age
Most of our language student clients tend to be in their early to mid-20’s. As can be seen below, it might not be coincidence that the highest average student ages, are from the schools that have the highest average Japanese proficiency levels.
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Tuition Costs
Tuition is something to consider when considering education, but luckily, many of the top language schools in Tokyo have similar pricing.
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Apartment Rentals for Language School Commutes
Already chosen a Tokyo language school, and now you’re thinking about where to live in Tokyo?
🔍 SEARCH NOW for Student-Friendly rental housing options
Adjust your budget under Filter, and see what the Tokyo housing market has to offer you!
Or CONTACT US, and we’d be happy to search for rentals for you, advise you on most convenient commutes for your school, as well as suggesting locations for you that suit your lifestyle. Should anything ever come up- we offer lease-length support. We have you covered, from before you even enter Japan, until your move-out. apts.jp has been your foreigner-friendly and student-housing solution since 2017. We look forward to supporting your move.
NOTE: The above search is for long-term rentals (over 1 year). If you’re looking for short-term furnished options with more flexible lease terms, you can search our short-term rentals HERE.