You’re not alone if Japan tops your list of dream destinations. After all, this setting features astounding contrasts you can experience in a relaxed, safe way. Centuries-old traditions, many rooted in customs that date back millennia, come together with an eye for all things cutting-edge and new, making Japan an amazing place to study abroad.
Japan kind of speaks for itself, right?
The country’s geography is a study in contrasts, too, with volcanoes and hot springs stretching across the island chain. Hot, humid summers in many major cities offset snowy winters in the north and mountains along the Sea of Japan’s coast, while autumn and spring transform the landscape thanks to vibrant, changing leaves and blossoming flowers.
It’s no wonder, then, that the seasons play a big role in Japanese life. You’ll get to experience all of that in a culture that prides itself on caring for its guests, so you can count on support whether you’re setting off on a solo weekend trip or you’re grabbing a meal at the local place you just discovered.
Our studying abroad in Japan advice starts with embracing that approachability—jetting off across the globe can seem like a scary step, but you’ll have plenty of support in Japan to help you feel at home. Read on for more studying abroad in Japan tips to get you ready for this life-changing adventure.
READ MORE: How to Study Abroad in Japan
8 tips for studying abroad in Japan in college
Eager to send in your program application? Start preparing with these studying abroad in Japan tips that will make your experience even more rewarding once you get there.
1. Don’t let the language scare you
Before you board that plane, familiarize yourself a bit with the three Japanese writing systems: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. You don’t have to become super fluent overnight, but you’ll give yourself the basis for your upcoming studies.
The Japanese language is beautiful, and absolutely worth learning.
At the same time, don’t be afraid to study abroad in Japan just because you’re new to the language. Whether you’ve studied Japanese for years and you’re ready to dive headfirst into an immersive experience, or you don’t know the difference between omiyage and onsen, there’s a program in Japan for you.
You’ll find plenty of programs that let you take subject courses in English while learning Japanese—at any level.
2. Always expensive? Say goodbye to that idea
Foreign student life in Japan doesn’t need to be super expensive. In fact, though the country has a reputation as a costly tourist destination, Japan is actually a great place to study abroad on a budget.
Sure, you can easily find ways to spend a whole lot if you want. But you’ll also find inexpensive and safe places to stay if you’re traveling, and you’ll have access to quality food at fair prices whenever you go.
You can even fund a huge chunk of program costs thanks to various scholarships designed for students studying abroad in Japan or Asia. Start researching opportunities like the Freeman-Asia Awards, Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship, and Bridging Scholarships while you’re planning your time abroad so you’re ready to apply.
Check with your home school and chosen program to see if there are any college- or program-sponsored funding you’re eligible for as well.
3. Get acquainted with Japan’s amazing public transportation
Explore your “home” city and travel throughout the country; especially within and between big cities, public transportation offers a practical way to get around. Public transportation here is reliable. It’s safe. It’s really, really punctual (shinkansen trains usually leave on time…to the second). Yes, it’s also crowded, but that’s just part of the experience.
Public transportation is a huge part of foreign student life in Japan.
An extensive railway network connects the major islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku); shinkansen, those famous high-speed bullet trains, link Tokyo with most major cities on Hokkaido, Honshu, and Kyushu. You can also use highway buses as a cheaper medium- and long-distance travel alternative to trains.
Subway, train, bus, and even tram networks within cities make spanning shorter distances efficient, too.
4. Make no mistake, overnight hospitality in Japan doesn’t have to be costly
As with many things in Japan, you’ll find a huge range of accommodation options, making it easier to explore the country than you might imagine. In addition to hotels and hostels, some unique possibilities to check out when you’re planning your overnight trips include ryokan, minshuku, and business hotels.
Ryokan, traditional inns, and minshuku, bed and breakfast lodgings often run by families, both offer a unique cultural experience while you’re traveling thanks to Japanese-style rooms.
Business hotels operate across the country as well and include small Western-style rooms at an affordable price point. By looking into the assortment of accommodation possibilities available in Japan, you’re sure to find ways to see more of the country (and experience remarkable hospitality) no matter your budget.
5. Sweet gestures and more, don’t forget your omiyage
Omiyage technically translates to “souvenir,” but the concept goes beyond that simple trinket you’d get for yourself to commemorate your trip. The omiyage custom includes the thoughtful gifts for your friends, host family, or coworkers. Typical omiyage etiquette means you’ll come back with something special to the region you visited that everyone can share.
Don’t worry about blowing your budget on omiyage shopping, though. These gifts aren’t meant or expected to be expensive. Look for items grown or produced in the place you visit—regional food specialties often make the best omiyage!
The abundance of omiyage also speaks to the Japanese shopping culture overall. You’ll find everything you need (or want) and more, from fun electronics and cute clothes for yourself to sweet treats to bring when you’re hanging out with your new Japanese friends.
6. Osusume—recommendations? Omakase—chef’s choice? Either way, be open
Fresh Japanese food at your fingertips—lucky you!
Ask just about anyone to name their highlights from studying abroad in Japan in college and you’re sure to get “the food!” near the top of that list. Depachika and ekiben offer two ways to sample a wide variety of traditional and regional treats, all while experiencing a unique aspect of Japanese culture.
The expansive food markets known as depachika stretch underneath major department stores, offering up sushi, tempura, fancy tins of green tea, sweets, and so much more. Each depachika has sections for prepared Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Western foods. Though these food halls are often a little pricier than your regular supermarkets, they’re a great way to try out a huge range of Japanese cuisine in one spot.
Then there’s ekiben, the boxed meals for long-distance travelers you’ll find at train stations. Most ekiben include basic items like fish, tempura, and some seaweed or pickled daikon, then feature a regional favorite (think: takoyaki, fried octopus dumplings from Osaka), with offerings changing throughout the year to incorporate seasonal ingredients.
The beautiful packaging also gives a nod to the region where a particular ekiben is produced, making the boxes themselves cool souvenirs.
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7. Hanami and beyond. Explore the blossoming multitude of festivals
Whether you’re studying abroad in Japan for a few weeks or a whole semester, you don’t want to miss the festivals that take place while you’re there. Take some time before you arrive to plan out the festivals you want to experience. Many of these festivals, or matsuri, are organized by Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples, but you’ll also find secular events.
Tons of local festivals happen throughout the year (almost every shrine has one), so check out what’s planned right in your own neighborhood as well as investigating how to best enjoy the more well-known festivals.
From jazz to fireworks to a whole range of cherry blossom festivals, there’s sure to be a festival (or maybe two or three…) you don’t want to accidentally miss while you’re studying abroad in Japan in college.
8. Three more things: Onsen! Onsen! Onsen!
You’re not the only one who will love the hot springs.
Japan sits right on a volcanic zone, creating breathtaking mountains that draw in tourists by the thousands thanks to picturesque landscapes and scenic hiking trails. Another result of the country’s location at a literal hotspot of geothermal activity: countless onsen, natural hot springs, have become an integral part of Japanese culture over the centuries.
This might explain why the term onsen actually can describe any indoor or outdoor bathing possibilities, ranging from individual bathhouses to whole spa villages. In other words, you’re sure to find a way to visit an onsen at least once, no matter where you’re studying or what your budget is.
Keep in mind some bathing etiquette when you go. First, you’ll need to wash off before getting into the thermal bath. Most onsen won’t allow bathing suits (though there are separate baths for women and men). Many onsen also don’t allow photography, so make sure you check with staff before snapping that perfect Instagram shot.
You’ll also want to check the onsen’s tattoo policy before going. As tattoos were traditionally associated with organized crime and gangs, many onsen don’t allow them. Ask the onsen you’d like to visit if they allow for any compromises, such as covering up your tattoo with a bandage, if you do have ink.
Onsen can seem daunting at first to foreigners, but don’t let that stop you from indulging in this unique cultural experience. If you haven’t already fallen for the country while studying abroad in Japan in college, we think your first visit to an onsen will do the trick.
Foreign student life in Japan will be sensei-tional
One last piece of studying abroad in Japan advice: Do some research to discover a location with a vibe that lets you feel at home in your daily life. Whether you’re looking for life in the big city, a laid-back experience that lets you connect with nature, or anything in between, you’ll find it in Japan. じやあね!
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