There’s buzz around traveling to Japan, to study abroad or vacation, and for good reason! The country offers a unique mix of ancient and modern; soaring skyscrapers in Tokyo are juxtaposed with traditional tea houses. This diversity extends to the landscape—temperate rainforest gives way to snow-capped mountains, pink cherry blossoms in spring contrast with the red maples and sumacs of the fall.
The best places to study abroad in Japan offer a vast spectrum of sights and experiences while providing insight into daily life and culture. When deciding where to study abroad in Japan, consider what you hope to gain from the experience—whether that’s learning a new language, trying authentic Japanese cuisine, or simply witnessing firsthand the beauty of “the land of the rising sun.”
Why study abroad in Japan?
Pick any of the best places to study abroad in Japan and you’ll instantly see why!
Studying abroad in Japan is an experience you’ll never forget. With a rich, enthralling culture, Japan is a fascinating destination for those interested in history, anthropology, architecture, and art.
Music lovers will find interesting traditional instruments, like the koto, which are used frequently in popular theatrical performances. There’s an eclectic live music scene—you won’t want to miss going to a show!
Most of the best places to study abroad in Japan have highly available and efficient public transportation and are safe for students and tourists alike. You’re sure to meet fellow travelers and make friends with those in your community, especially if you live with a Japanese host family and study at a Japanese school.
For those looking for a bit of excitement, there are an abundance of festivals and active nightlife. You won’t have a boring moment in Japan!
8 best places to study abroad in Japan
The best study abroad cities in Japan offer a mix of all of the great things the country has to offer: authentic cultural experiences, opportunities to try local dishes and attend traditional festivals, and proximity to stunning natural beauty. These destinations will make it hard to say goodbye at the end of your time in Japan.
1. Tokyo
The first city you probably think of when talking about Japan is Tokyo, and it definitely lives up to the hype! The largest city by population in the world, Tokyo is exciting, dynamic, and full of opportunity.
You’ll want to select a program in which you’re fully immersed in the daily life of Tokyo and have the opportunity to explore the heritage sites, museums, architectural marvels, and gardens that make it such a memorable place. The Tokyo SkyTree, Senso-ji Temple, and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden are must-sees.
You may also have the opportunity to discover other regions like Sendai, Kansai, or Nagano, which are easy to get to from Tokyo. You’ll never forget your first sight of Mount Fuji, rising up from the surrounding land and dwarfing the Tokyo skyscrapers. See one of the world’s greatest cities while learning a new language and experiencing the culture of Japan!
- Recommended program: CIEE Arts and Sciences Program in Tokyo, Japan
2. Osaka
Are you ready to see for yourself why Osaka is one of the best study abroad cities in Japan?
The friendly and laid-back city of Osaka presents a great backdrop for any program you choose. Known for food, fun, and nightlife, the city will let you spend your free time exploring temples, visiting Osaka Castle, shopping in Tenma, or traversing the Bay Area.
Don’t miss out on the traditional Japanese restaurants and street food. Strolling around Osaka, sampling takoyaki (octopus dumplings) and butaman (pork buns) under the neon lights, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite destination among travelers to Japan.
Fun fact: Osaka was host to the G20 Summit in 2019! If you’re interested in international business, technology, and innovation, this city may be one of the best places to study abroad in Japan.
- Recommended program: Emerging Future Technology Training Program in Osaka, Japan
3. Kyoto
Study Japanese conversation and culture in picturesque Kyoto! Charming Kyoto offers the perfect setting to become conversational in Japanese, with ample opportunity to practice with locals and participate in local activities.
While there are plenty of temples to explore in Kyoto (it’s known as the “city of 10,000 shrines”), there are many other interesting ways to spend your time. Meet friends at the Kamogawa River, visit the Manga museum, walk through the bamboo forests of Arashiyama, or enjoy a night of karaoke in Shijo or Sanjo.There’s truly something for everyone in Kyoto, which makes it one of the best study abroad cities in Japan!
- Recommended program: Japan Across the Eras: Kyoto
4. Hokkaido
Hokkaido should be at the top of every nature-lover’s bucket list! An island with rolling hills, majestic mountains, colorful flora and fauna, and temperate weather—what more could you ask for in a study abroad destination?
Hiking is a popular pastime, as is biking and skiing. A program in Hokkaido provides students with the opportunity to have the great outdoors as their classroom.
Visit the clear blue waters of Shirogane Blue Pond and capture some incredible photos in the lavender and tulip fields of Farm Tomita. Love animals? Make sure to stop by the Asahiyama Zoo, which features natural enclosures and many cold-climate species.
- Recommended program: Short-term Japanese Course & Cultural Activity in Hokkaido
5. Sapporo
If you’re looking for a more laid-back, affordable experience, Sapporo has you covered.
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and home to Hokkaido University, making it a great destination for international students. Sapporo is affordable and more relaxed than the bustling cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. With many parks and things to do around Hokkaido, Sapporo is the perfect place to observe and become a part of life and culture in Japan.
- Recommended program: Japanese Language Course and Immersion in Sapporo, Japan
6. Nagoya
History is all around you in the centuries-old city of Nagoya (many of history’s most famous samurai battles happened around the greater Nagoya region)! Nagoya Castle is popular with tourists and the city is highly accessible through public transportation.
Pair a visit to the temple Atsuta Jingu with the Tokugawa Art Museum. Time your visit with one of the many Japanese festivals to avoid the crowds of the bigger cities while still getting the full cultural experience!
- Recommended program: IES Abroad - Study Abroad in Japan
7. Fukuoka
On the southern island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is well known for food and fashion—it’s a true foodie paradise! Visit Hakata in the center of the city to try the world-famous Tonkotsu Ramen and wander the iconic food stalls.
Check out Canal City shopping district in your free time and practice your newly acquired Japanese language skills. Fukuoka is a great destination for study abroad students looking for an exciting city just a bullet train away from other popular destinations.
- Recommended program: Study Japanese in Fukuoka | Learn Japanese the Authentic Way
8. Hiroshima
Studying abroad in Hiroshima will give you incredible and sobering insight into world history.
When considering where to study abroad in Japan, don’t count out Hiroshima! While you may immediately think of the devastation created by the atomic bomb in 1945, the Atomic Bomb Dome (which was one of the only buildings still standing in Hiroshima after the war) is now a symbol of world peace, and the city is thriving.
From the delicious okonomiyaki (pancakes) to the popular streetcars, you’ll find that there’s something special about this unique city. You may also have time to visit nearby Miyajima Island, a romantic and enthralling place.
- Recommended program: USAC JAPAN: Hiroshima - Full Curriculum
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Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, and beyond—you’ll know why Japan is a top study abroad destination!
No matter which city you choose, you’re in for an amazing experience.
From the heights of Mount Fuji to the southern tropical islands, bustling Tokyo to picturesque, rural countryside—there’s something for everyone when choosing where to study abroad in Japan. It’s not surprising that Japan is a top destination for travelers of all kinds. Experience a culture unlike anywhere else in the world, and spend time getting to know what it’s like to live in one of the best study abroad cities in Japan!
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