MMoving to Japan

Language School Questions

  • August 26, 2025

I have been looking into doing a language school in Japan for a little while now and have come to a couple “decisions”. First off I was thinking of Kyoto, Sapporo, or Fukuoka and I want to do 2 years. I know they are three entirely different places but Tokyo and other places seem too expensive and English available. After doing some research between Reddit posts and google searches I have some questions.

  1. Visa: between looking at GenkiJACS and GoGoNihon I’m feeling confused on the visa aspect. Genki says 1-1.5 years visa but only at two locations. They have Kyoto on their website but said that is only possible if you somehow get your own Visa and I’m not sure how hard that is. GoGoNihon doesn’t say much about Visa but offer 2 years however I might not have looked in the right place.

  2. Accommodations: I was thinking of either a share house or homestay. Homestay seems more expensive however I cannot fully tell since share house would require me to buy food and other possible things that wouldn’t need to be done in a share house so any feedback is appreciated.

  3. School type: I’ve seen people say that Genki is nice if you want to learn the language and culture but not fully to work and that other more intensive schools (which I’m not sure how to differentiate those) prepare you for work/college. At this point I’m not sure I want to live/work in Japan but I am not against the idea however I only have an associates in business and currently do electrical work in the US.

  4. Length: I know that I want to do 2 years however is that truly the best or would it be “worthless” since I don’t have a bachelors and no true idea on what I want for work if I decide to try and stay in Japan.

  5. Location: I know I listed three places but I’m not really against any places (although I prefer cold but can deal with heat). I am open to any suggestions as I know very little on what each place truly offers but I’m not sure I want to go country country.

  6. Transportation: I know this carries on city and how far you are from school but is it expensive and hard to use?

EDIT: Also if anybody has input on schools that aren’t through those two resources or just other ways to get connected with schools I would appreciate it.

I would like to thank any and all feedback from everybody and I hope this doesn’t get taken down as I’ve read Reddit/google for almost 4-5 hours and just need direct help.

by Prestigious_Ad_197