Why learn Japanese in Tokyo?
A language stay in Tokyo immerses you in Japan's capital, one of the largest urban areas on earth, yet surprisingly calm and orderly. Each district has its own character: Asakusa keeps the atmosphere of old Edo, Shibuya and Shinjuku buzz day and night, and residential streets hide tiny restaurants and neighbourhood shrines. Signs, menus and conversations give you constant practice.
Tokyo suits students aiming for a Japanese university or career, gap-year travellers fascinated by anime, gaming and design, and adults who want to experience modern Japan in depth. Our partner schools offer general and intensive Japanese courses, and a placement test on arrival makes sure you start in the class that fits.
- Accredited partner schools across Tokyo
- Homestay or student residence, both vetted and near a train line
- Placement test on arrival, from first hiragana to advanced
- Insurance and transfer from Narita or Haneda organised for you
Your stay at a glance
Tokyo highlights
Make the most of your time beyond the classroom: the places worth seeing, and the city at its best.
The events that bring Tokyo to life
From major festivals to once-a-year traditions, these are the moments that give the city its own rhythm.
Cherry Blossom Season (Hanami)
Late March to early April
Picnics under blooming cherry trees in parks like Ueno and along the Meguro River.
Sanja Matsuri
May
One of Tokyo's liveliest festivals, with portable shrines carried through Asakusa's streets.
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
July
Tokyo's most famous summer fireworks display, lighting up the sky near Asakusa.
Frequently asked questions
Tokyo gives you Japanese in every register, from polite keigo in shops and offices to casual slang among students. A language stay in Tokyo lets you practise constantly in a safe, efficient city, then spend your free time exploring temples, museums, pop culture districts and some of the best food in the world.
You can start from scratch. Our partner schools in Tokyo introduce hiragana and katakana in the first weeks, alongside useful phrases for daily life, before moving on to kanji and grammar. If you have studied Japanese before, a placement test on arrival matches you with the right class.
Yes. Many of our partner schools include JLPT preparation, covering the five levels from N5 to N1. In Japan, the test is normally held on the first Sunday of July and December, so it helps to plan your stay around one of those dates. Tell us your target level and we'll suggest a suitable course.
It can be. A vetted homestay offers a real insight into Japanese home life, usually with a train commute to school, while a student residence gives you more independence. Tokyo's rail network is superb, and we check your journey to class before confirming your accommodation from Brussels.
Spring, when cherry blossoms appear in late March and early April, and autumn, from October to November, are the most popular seasons. The rainy season runs from June into July, followed by a hot, humid summer with fireworks festivals. Winters are cold but mostly dry and sunny, a good time for focused study.
Tokyo can work well for motivated teenagers, especially on dedicated summer programmes that combine lessons with supervised cultural activities. Many Japanese language schools focus on adult learners, though: minimum ages vary by school, and some courses are for adults only. Contact us and we'll guide you towards the right option.
