7 Best Study Abroad Programs in Japan in 2025

Looking to get down and a little domo arigato with Mr. Roboto? Well perhaps studying abroad in Japan (whether it be high school or college) is exactly what you should peek into. Perhaps you’ll find some programs that don’t really tickle your fancy, but then others will have you jumping for joy. When you hop on the study abroad bandwagon, which will YOU rely on, not only as an investment in your safety, convenience, and learning, but also as the organization you’ll look back on someday and say, “Studying in Japan was honestly UHH-MAZE-ING.” Even though Japan is one of the best study destinations in 2025, you have to take your study abroad plans a step further and figure out who you’re going to study with. 

Like a Japanese game show; not every study abroad program will fit PERFECTLY for you...that’s where we come in!

You might not realize it, but choosing between schools and study abroad programs in Japan is a big decision. Since we’re on YOUR team and we are rooting for you, we wanted to make your decision process a little easier for you so you don’t get stuck saying to yourself, “what did I get myself into?!” Here are the best Japan study abroad programs in 2025 according to our community of fearless, meaningful travelers—like yourself.

What makes the “best” study abroad programs in Japan?

As you start to dig down deep into all of the Japan abroad programs you seem to like, there are a few key details you need to pay attention to in order to gauge the quality of the experience you wish to have. Reviews, ratings, and other fancy shmancy data, OH MY!; but you have to find the right program for YOU. Your needs, opinions, and goals vary from those who’ve left reviews of their study abroad experiences, so really tune into your inner self during this time. Namaste. Start digging through your closet of options (here’s how to actually pick a study abroad program if you want a shortcut), and while doing so, pay attention to these factors:

• Reviews can be of great help when looking into programs. Getting to take an inside look into alumni experiences and what they had to say can help pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for . What you are interested in may be different from what others, so make sure to take that into account when reading feedback for study abroad programs in Japan. 
• Make sure you find the information you need! Availability of information is crucial; so if you are going on a treasure hunt to find simple details (*cough* cost *cough*), you may want to keep looking at other programs. 
• Partnerships! A lot of organizations work hand-in-hand with other organizations, whether it be national, local, or international. 
• Alumni perks, anyone? How to put your experience on your resume!
• Respect for the culture the organization is working within. You can get a feel for this in the photos and language they use to market themselves. How well do they integrate cultural lessons into the day-to-day of student participants?
• Support and assistance can be a deal breaker. Do they email you back promptly pre and post departure? Are they there for you during your time abroad when you need help? What’s their plan for staying in touch with you once you’re in Japan? Ask these questions to find out their level of support.
• Language inclusion—not every program in Japan will include four hours daily of Manga reading or Kanji writing, but a good program operator knows that language is a key ingredient to a successful study abroad for any student.

GoAbroad’s 2025 round-up

1. KCP International - Learn Japanese in Tokyo, Japan—9.5 rating

“KCP was fantastic. My room in the Ikebukuro dorm was larger than some in the US, and the location is unbeatable only a 2 minutes' walk away from two great places to eat (fish place up the street and Indian restaurant just around the corner are both awesome and cheap), and less than 10 minutes from the train and the happening center of Ikebukuro (pretty large, plenty to do). The Japanese program itself is a blast. Most classes had about 30% US students and the rest a combo of Chinese, Korean, and some Vietnamese students. Learning to speak Japanese in that setting—where there is no other language in common, and in order to talk with your classmates, you must learn it in—is very satisfying, and being able to practice with people at your same language level is very helpful. Class pursuits are a good, workable blend of student-to-student, student-to-teacher/class, and individual practice. Language class is very interactive and appealing. Having to listen and speak in Japanese all of the time—really!, you learn a lot.” — KCP International alum

• Where?: Tokyo
• When?: Year Round
• Why?: KCP is a Japanese school, run by Japanese people and staffed by Japanese—so it’s steeped in the Japanese way of life (like any good cup of matcha). Not to mention the teachers really know their way around… perfect forgetting truly “local” ramen recommendations! What better way to immerse yourself? Enjoy the Japanese way of life while living in a homestay, having all transportation between lodging and school provided, and don’t forget about all the cultural sites and excursions available!

2. CISabroad - Summer in Japan—9.5 rating

“CISAbroad’s summer in japan program was perfect for me as a soon to be graduating student. I was able to study abroad without having to push back my classes at my own school. They are always ready to help YOU. The program itself is very immersive but they still give you your independence. I loved that my classes had multiple TA’s to help me out when I needed it. CIS takes us on trips outside of school. I got to experience a Japanese tea ceremony and even wear a yukata! It was very special for me to do this because I was able to feel like I was getting a deeper glimpse into their culture. I was happy to have my own room, but still be so near my new friends! I gained strong friendships I don’t ever want to lose while studying in this program. I highly recommend going with CISAbroad, they are the best out there!” — CISabroad alum

• Where?: Tokyo
• When?: Summer
• Why?: CISabroad staff all have experience with life, work, travel, or study abroad, making them basically experts when it comes to guiding your transition to life on the archipelago. Their Summer in Japan program gives you ample opportunities to explore between classes at Seisan University and wandering the cosmopolitan streets. Between your studies and discovering the hidden gems in this city, your time in Tokyo will zip by as fast as Japan’s high-speed bullet trains!

3. USAC - Nagasaki, Japan: Language, Society, and Culture—9.3 rating

“The JASIN program at Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies does an incredible job of helping every student really experience Japan to the fullest extent possible. The Japanese courses are super helpful, the conversation partner program is a great way to branch out, and the school is constantly offering odd-jobs and events for any student interested. The staff from both USAC and JASIN were always helpful. I'd absolutely recommend JASIN to anyone.” — USAC alum

• Where?: Nagasaki
• When?: Fall, Spring, Academic Year
• Why?: Time to combine your academics with life in a beautiful city right on the water! With a focus on Japanese society and everything that encompasses the culture, the JAISN program could be your glass slipper that fits you just right. Gaining exposure to a culture and language, while participating in a range of activities will have you becoming part of the local life in no time!

4. CIEE - Summer Japanese Studies Program in Tokyo—10.0 rating

“I had such a wonderful experience with CIEE in Tokyo. Honestly, I didn't have a single issue from the start of the process to the finish. Once I was accepted, CIEE had a steady stream of info coming my way, and they laid out everything clearly with an online pre-departure orientation and lots of printed materials. Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better trip. The CIEE Tokyo team is filled with such wonderful people, and they were always there to answer my questions and help me out whenever I needed it. I met friend I hope to stay with for life and had an experience like no other in Japan. I can't recommend this program enough!!” — CIEE alum

• Where?: Tokyo
• When?: Summer
• Why?: Homestays, language trainings, and inspiring cross-cultural activities, OH MY! Challenge yourself and grab life by the horns by jumping into your academic area of interest. Oh, and don’t forget about CIEE’s iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits!

5. Hokkaido Japanese Language School - Seasonal Japanese Course—9.7 rating

“I truly had a great time living and experiencing all the great culture of Japan. The teachers were all very nice and very helpful with all the different course materials they provided. I would recommend this course for beginners or even those for advanced. As one of the longer students who stayed and I'm glad I got to go through this great experience with them. It would be so great to be able to go again.” — Hokkaido Language School alum

• Where?: Sapporo
• When?: Year Round
• Why?: With an amazing location, small class sizes, academic flexibility, and so many opportunities to become an asset to the community, the Hokkaido Japanese Language school will constantly surprise you with something new and exciting. Some Japanese language is required, but we can promise you that your knowledge will skyrocket even further during this study abroad program in Japan.

6. Meiji Academy - Study Japanese in Fukuoka—10.0 rating

“I was doing the Standard Course with additional private classes for six weeks this Spring. I have to say I learnt in this short period more than I have done in my half year Japanese studies before. The teachers are really capable and insist to talk Japanese during the classes all time. The other really good points about their teaching method are their small classes sizes (2-5 people), strong focus on conversational Japanese and role-plays outside of the classroom. Yes! You heard right!! We went outside of the classroom once or twice a week to practice real life situations!” — Meiji Academy alum

• Where?: Fukuoka
• When?: Year Round
• Why?: Meiji Academy’s main purpose of existence is being the Gateway into Japan for all students and young professionals eager to learn, master the Japanese language, or simply experiencing the many facets of the Japanese culture. You will not only have classes in the classroom, but also in real life settings—to helps you quickly accustom to actual spoken Japanese. From complete beginner to advanced speaker, your learning curve will be steep yet rewarding. 行くぞ—let’s go!

7. Youth For Understanding - Study Abroad in Japan—10.0 rating

“So, why YFU? Personally, I describe my exchange as my true transition from childhood to adulthood. Abroad, I was more independent in the way that I made most of my own decisions. However, YFU always made sure that I always had resources to assist me. Exchange really makes you aware of how big the world truly is. I’ve learned so much about a culture different from my own. These experiences that I have had, thanks to the YFU program, are sure to stay with me throughout my lifetime.” — YFU alum

• Where?: Country Wide
• When?: Academic Year
• Why?: YFU advances intercultural understanding, life-long learning, global competencies, mutual respect, and social responsibility through transformational educational exchanges for generations of youth, families, and communities, supported by dedicated volunteers and professional staff. YFU is a homestay experience where you live with a carefully selected Japanese host family who has agreed to open their home and their hearts to you!

[Want More Choices? Browse ALL Study Abroad Programs in Japan]

More resources for study abroad in Japan

Why study abroad in Japan? Pretty sure this view speaks for itself

We’re hoping some of these programs already have you packing your stuff and ready to wax on and wax off right on out of here! However, if none of these programs are quite what you’re looking for, take a gander through our entire Japan study abroad program directory. There are filters galore, allowing you to really hunt down the program that you’ve been daydreaming about.

Overwhelmed by the options? We get it. Our Online Advisors are here to save the day. Just tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll do your homework for you / send you a handful of specific recommendations to your preferences. No sweat!

Pro tip: One of the most important steps to figuring out which study abroad programs in Japan are right for you—that many students unfortunately skip—is identifying your WHY(s). Why are you studying abroad? Why study abroad in Japan in the first place? To learn and get more familiar with the language, to travel far and wide, to make buddies from all over the world, to learn beside the experts in your industry of choice? Set goals, then use them to influence the Japan study abroad programs you’re thinking about.

And last but not least, since we all know studying abroad comes at a cost, we put together this guide of how to pay for study abroad. Scholarships, loans, and financial aid EVERYWHERE! Don’t forget, that piggy bank that you forgot about may be of good use as well.

Study abroad in Japan in 2025!

Your Japan study abroad experience can be just as colorful as the city you live in!

Japan is a unique island country full of adventure and so much to immerse yourself in; and you can experience all of it! Choosing to study and seek more knowledge in your area of interest can open up your eyes, as well as so many doors. So whatcha waiting for? 2025 is your time to shine! So get out there and say “Konnichiwa Japan!”