Hey everyone,
I’ve been researching and planning a three-month stay in Tokyo for a language school and wanted to reach out for advice, insights, and personal experiences. I know this subreddit has many people who’ve lived in Japan, studied there, or made similar moves, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’m 37, from the Netherlands, currently studying N4-level Japanese through classes and self-study. I’ve worked full-time for 17 years and have never done anything like this before, so this would be a huge step. I know 3 months isn’t enough for fluency, but for me, this is about the experience, immersion, and seeing if this is something I want to commit to long-term. If it works out, I’d love to come back for a more extended stay in the future.
Right now, I’m looking at KAI Japanese Language School for a medium-high-intensity course and planning to stay in a private room rather than a shared house. I’ve budgeted around €9,000, which includes school, housing, flights, and day-to-day expenses. I don’t drink, don’t party, and don’t need luxury, but I love eating out and want to be able to enjoy Japan without stressing about money.
I’d love to hear from people who’ve done something similar. Was 3 months valuable for you? Did you feel it was enough to make real progress? How was your experience with language schools, housing, and day-to-day life in Japan? Would you have done anything differently? Also, does my budget sound realistic for a comfortable stay without constantly watching my spending?
I’m super excited but also battling some insecurities and doubts. Some people say learning Japanese isn’t “worth it” unless you plan to work there, which makes me second-guess myself. But the truth is, studying Japanese gives me a sense of purpose and confidence I can’t explain, and I feel like this trip could be life-changing.
Any personal stories, practical advice, or general thoughts would mean the world to me.
Thanks in advance! 😊
by Slow_Solution1