Hello, my name is Phil, and I went to a Japanese language school in Okinawa in 2022. I had the best time ever, because I went to a good language school. All the schools can teach Japanese, but there are other factors to consider when selecting a language school.

• VIBES: There are over 600 Japanese language schools in Japan, but most of them don’t want students from America / Europe / Korea / Australia. Most Japanese language schools don’t know how to accommodate western students, and they can’t provide a fun language school experience. I have found the Japanese language schools that welcome all nationalities, and put them on this website.

• SIZE: The smallest school I have visited was 50 students, and the largest was over 1000 students. The larger schools will have a more international student population, but are typically 25% more expensive than a smaller school in the same city.

• LOCATION: I have been everywhere in Japan, and Okinawa is my favorite place. However, most people would say Okinawa is not “real Japan,” and they would be correct. Okinawa is more chilled-out and tropical than “real Japan,” and that’s why I like it. Everyone likes different stuff. Watch the video below to hear my thoughts on the different areas in Japan.

• HOUSING: Most schools have affordable housing for students. The bigger schools typically have more student housing options. I always recommend living as close to the school as possible, because riding the rush-hour train everyday is hell.

• PRICE: There are cheap and expensive schools in every city. Most small schools are around $5000 USD/year, and most big schools are around $7000 USD/year. The cost of living in Tokyo and Kyoto are the highest in Japan, and everywhere else is pretty much the same.