The Difference in Japanese Language School Courses and Fees by Objective: A Comparative Guide to Daily Conversation, University Preparation, and Business Programs

Japanese Language School Tuition is Determined by Three Factors

The costs associated with enrolling in a Japanese language school are not limited to tuition fees. To grasp the total amount required before you actually start studying in Japan, you should be aware of the following three main fee components:

Tuition Fees (Varies by Course and Duration)

This is the cost for the actual Japanese language learning program. It varies significantly based on your goal (conversation-focused, comprehensive, specialized, etc.) and the duration (short-term, 1 year, 2 years, etc.).

Miscellaneous Fees (Entrance Fee, Textbook Costs, etc.)

These are essential initial costs required upon enrollment. They include the selection fee, enrollment fee, and material costs. For long-term study (for the purpose of obtaining a student visa), translation fees and international student insurance fees may also be added.

Accommodation and Living Expenses

These are the costs for living in Japan. The fees for accommodation methods like homestays, guesthouses, and share houses vary depending on the support the school provides, but you must plan and prepare for them separately from tuition, considering the duration and location of your stay.

Fee Comparison: Short-Term (2 Weeks to 6 Months) vs. Long-Term (1 to 2 Years)

The necessary expenses and lifestyle change significantly depending on the type of visa required for your study objective and the length of the study period.

• Short-Term Course (Cost-Effective and Intensive Study)

  Students typically participate with a tourist visa or Working Holiday visa, studying Japanese intensively for a period of 2 weeks to 6 months. While tuition fees may be lower, it is important to compare the total cost, including accommodation expenses. Students on a short-stay visa are not permitted to work part-time.

• Long-Term Course (Systematic Study for University/Career)

  Students obtain a Student Visa (up to 2 years) with the goal of advancing to a university, graduate school, or vocational school, or seeking employment in Japan. The total tuition fees for one year, including miscellaneous costs, tend to be high, but students with a Student Visa are permitted to work part-time up to 28 hours per week. This experience can be utilized to cover a portion of living expenses.

Note: Regarding fee payment, if you use a bank transfer from outside Japan, a transfer fee of approximately +4,000 yen may be required separately from the fees charged by the school. Be sure to confirm this before making a remittance.

What is the Fee Estimate for Conversation Courses Focused on “Speaking and Listening”?

If your goal is to “acquire conversation skills sufficient for daily life in Japan” or “concentrate on becoming able to speak in a short term,” the “Japanese Conversation Course” is highly recommended.

• Course Content

  You will learn many situations and expressions immediately useful for life in Japan. Intermediate and advanced classes also include expressions useful for future job hunting and business settings, broadening your scope of learning.

• Fee Estimate

  For a short-term Japanese conversation course (tourist visa, etc.), a typical fee setting is 102,000 yen for 4 weeks (1 month), including enrollment fee, tuition, and textbook costs. Many schools offer the option to enroll from a minimum of 2 weeks, with weekly Monday enrollment available if the level is suitable (excluding absolute beginners).

Japanese Conversation Course

Master hiragana and katakana in just 4 weeks with our beginn…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/conversation.php

The Appeal and Cost of Short-Term Courses (Holiday Courses) Where You Can Also Learn Japanese Culture

If you’re studying abroad in Japan, you’d want to deeply enjoy cultural experiences alongside Japanese language study, right? Holiday courses, which combine cultural experience and study, offer valuable experiences and memories.

• Importance of Cultural Experience

  To deeply understand the Japanese language, experience with the underlying culture and society is essential.

• Examples of Holiday Courses

  There are Winter Holiday Courses and Summer Holiday Courses that combine Japanese lessons with cultural experiences such as Sado (tea ceremony), sightseeing (Shibuya Sky, teamLab, Tokyo Disneyland), and Samurai experiences.

• Fee Structure

  Fees are often packaged, including tuition, material costs, extracurricular activity fees, and accommodation costs such as homestay. For example, a Winter Holiday Course (2 weeks, including homestay) has a sample fee of 220,000 yen. If homestay is not included, the cost is 135,000 yen.

Note: For Summer Holiday Courses, there is a regulation that generally no refunds are provided if extracurricular activities or trips are canceled due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly check the breakdown of fees and regulations beforehand to choose a school with transparency.

Summer Holiday Course

Japanese culture and customs through lectures, after-class a…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/holiday.php

Essential Learning Content of the “Comprehensive Japanese Course” for University Preparation

For international students seriously aiming to advance to a Japanese university, graduate school, or vocational school, the “Comprehensive Japanese Course” is the most systematically structured course.

• Curriculum

  The course aims to acquire the four Japanese language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening) in a balanced way. Beginners learn practical expressions used in daily life, while intermediate and advanced students study social issues and news, fostering higher-level Japanese skills to express their opinions, not just understand.

• Importance of Kanji Study

  Kanji is indispensable in Japanese language study, but mastering the characters can be challenging. In many schools, Kanji classes are integrated into the Comprehensive Japanese Course, with some schools offering detailed level divisions corresponding to the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) levels (N5 to N1).

• Fee Setting

  For long-term study (Student Visa, 12 months), examples of total fees, including miscellaneous costs like selection and insurance fees, range from 915,000 yen to 1,059,000 yen.

How to Choose a Japanese Language School with Future Education in Mind

To achieve the important goal of advancing your education, choosing a school based solely on low fees can lead to regrets.

• Confirm the Advancement Support System

  If you plan to apply to a university or vocational school, gather information on whether the school offers comprehensive individual support for selecting target schools, preparing documents, and interview practice.

• Curriculum Content

  You need to check if classes for JLPT preparation and EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) preparation are included in the course, or if additional measures are available for a separate fee. Choose a course directly linked to achieving your goals.

Intensive Course

Looking for a Japanese language school in Tokyo? Kudan Insti…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/intensive.php

Learning Content of the “Job Preparation Course” for Successful Job Hunting in Japan

Those wishing to find a job or change careers in Japan must have a deep understanding of business culture, manners, and honorific language, in addition to Japanese language skills.

• Practical Curriculum

  Practical learning specialized in Japanese job hunting is conducted over a short period (e.g., 2 months). The class content comprehensively covers honorific language, self-introduction, how to write resumes and cover emails, interview techniques (in-person and online), and Q&A practice.

• Instruction System

  Some schools have not only Japanese language teachers but also corporate HR experienced staff providing practical guidance and mock interviews. This allows for concrete measures based on the experience and know-how required in actual job hunting.

• Fee Example

  The fee for an Online Job Preparation Course is an example of 66,000 yen (tax included) for a 2-month period.

Job Hunting Support Course (Online Lessons)

Master business Japanese and job hunting skills with Kudan's…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/job_preparation.php

Level Up While Working! Fees and Skill Improvement in the Business Japanese Course

The Business Japanese Brush-up Course is effective for those already working in Japan or those aiming for employment in the Japanese business world from overseas.

• Skill Improvement Content

  Essential skills for business situations such as honorific language, phone etiquette, writing chat and emails, presentations, and responding in meetings are systematically acquired over 10 weeks.

• Fee Example and Study Flexibility

  For the Online Business Japanese Brush-up Course, an example fee is 88,000 yen (tax included) for 10 weeks. Since it is conducted online (live lessons during Japan time), its appeal lies in the flexibility to attend according to work schedules.

Business Japanese Brush-up Course (Online Lessons)

Master business Japanese online with Kudan Japanese Language…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/online-business-japanese.php

Fee Examples at Kudan Institute of Japanese Language & Culture Tailored to Your Study Goal!

1. If You Aim for Daily Conversation / Short-Term Stay: Beginner Practical Course

   This course is for absolute beginners with no Japanese knowledge. Over a period of 4 weeks, you can intensively acquire reading and writing of Hiragana/Katakana, as well as expressions useful for life in Japan. Fee Example: 102,000 yen for 4 weeks (including enrollment fee, tuition, and textbook costs)


Practical course for beginners
Master real-life Japanese conversation skills from basic (N5…
https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/hiraganakatakana.php

2. If You Aim for Career Advancement: Online Business Japanese Brush-up Course

   Specialized in communication in business situations, the course involves instruction by Japanese teachers and practical training by corporate HR professionals, allowing students to gain knowledge and experience immediately useful for job hunting and business. Students from Hong Kong and Lithuania, among others, have commented that the small class sizes and personalized instruction for individual weaknesses were beneficial. Fee Example: 88,000 yen for 10 weeks (tax included)


Business Japanese Brush-up Course (Online Lessons)
Master business Japanese online with Kudan Japanese Language…
https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/online-business-japanese.php

3. If You Value Cultural Experience: Japanese + Culture Course (Sushi, Manga, etc.)

   The school also offers a wide range of courses combining Japanese lessons and cultural experiences. For example, the Sushi Course collaborates with active sushi chefs from the Sushi Academy operated by Ginza Onodera, a luxury sushi brand, allowing students to learn professional techniques simultaneously with Japanese study. Fee Examples: Sushi Course (1 month) is 200,000 yen, Manga Course (1 month) is 162,000 yen


Sushi Course
Enhance your Japanese language skills and master authentic s…
https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/sushi_course.php

Why a Multinational Environment and Reliable Support System Ensure Learning Outcomes

• Experience International Exchange

  With an average of 35-40 nationalities enrolled each month, you can experience learning about various cultures and customs through Japanese study. This will be a valuable experience that broadens your worldview.

• Reliable Life Support

  Experienced teachers and specialized staff provide detailed support not only for Japanese study but also for all aspects of life in Japan (accommodation arrangements, airport pickup, visa support, etc.). Homestay and guesthouse arrangements are also possible, allowing short-term residents to focus on their studies with peace of mind.

Cost Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Japanese Language Learning

Cost Benefits

Since physical facility costs and travel/accommodation expenses to Japan are unnecessary, fee settings tend to be cheaper than face-to-face classes. For this reason, many students start learning online first and consider studying abroad once they are comfortable with the language.

Drawbacks

Many online classes are in a live lesson format (using ZOOM, etc.), requiring students to adhere to Japan time and account for time differences. Also, preparation of the online environment (such as downloading the ZOOM app) is necessary for smooth classes.

Online Course Fee Comparison by Objective: JLPT Prep, Private Lessons

Online courses are also abundant and tailored to specific learning goals.

• JLPT Preparation Course

  The course aims to efficiently increase scores by intensely focusing on a thorough analysis and strategies for JLPT grammar problems over a short period. Fee Example: Online JLPT preparation courses for N1 to N3 levels are offered for costs such as 49,500 yen (tax included).


Online Private Lessons
日本語能力試験（JLPT）の合格を目指している方へ。九段日本文化研究所 日本語学院が提供するオンラインJLPT対策講座は…
https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/jlpt.php

• Online Private Lessons

  These are one-on-one lessons customizable to your goals, pace, and preferred time. Since the instructors are qualified professionals, you can receive high-quality lessons. Fee Example: Tuition for Private Lessons (60 minutes x 8 sessions) is 44,000 yen, with an additional 11,000 yen arrangement fee, totaling 55,000 yen.


Online Private Lessons
Master Japanese with flexible online private lessons at Kuda…
https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/online-private.php

Specific examples of students include those who want to regain conversation skills from when they studied abroad in Japan, or those aiming for business Japanese or JLPT N1 qualification, with instructors flexibly responding to and supporting individual goals.

Don’t Just Choose Based on “Low Fees”! Is the School Capable of Delivering Learning Outcomes Aligned with Your Goal?

• Instructor Quality

  Whether the instructors directly in charge of classes are experienced, qualified professionals significantly affects the outcome of your learning. Check if there are instructors with knowledge in specific fields (e.g., an instructor with 55 years of experience in Sado) in addition to simply teaching Japanese, such as business or cultural experiences.

• International Environment

  Studying abroad has international exchange as a major goal besides Japanese language learning. Choosing a school with students of various nationalities provides the valuable experience of boosting learning motivation and broadening perspectives in a multinational environment.

Clarify Your Visa and Stay Duration Plan to Avoid Wasting “Costs”

• Confirmation of Visa Type and Duration

  The visa you need to obtain?such as a tourist visa, short-term stay visa, or student visa?differs depending on the period you plan to study in Japan (2 weeks, 1 year, 2 years, etc.). Your plan for preparing living expenses will also change based on the visa type, as short-term visa students cannot work part-time.

• Importance of Application Timing

  For courses requiring a long-term Student Visa, you need to complete the application process up to 6 months before your desired enrollment date. Plan your preparation strategically to ensure a smooth selection process.

Don’t Panic in Case of Trouble! Check for Transparent Cancellation and Refund Policies

Confirming that the cancellation and refund policies regarding unforeseen circumstances or withdrawal are clear before paying fees is a critical checkpoint when choosing a school.

• Notes on Specific Courses

  Some courses, such as Japanese + Culture Courses, may have minimum enrollment requirements. For example, the Sushi Course may require 3 participants to open, and the Kintsugi Course 2 participants, with a full refund provided if the minimum number is not met. However, if you cancel due to personal reasons after the course has started, while tuition refunds follow the school’s policy, the cultural experience portion of the fees may not be refunded; therefore, it is necessary to understand the breakdown of fees and specific regulations.