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Japanese in Kyoto
Experience
Study
Destination
Japan
Duration
2 to 12 weeks
Ages
18 to 85
Limited spots. Earliest available arrival is currently Jan 2025, and closing very soon.
Book now, pay later. Cancel anytime.
Trip overview
Learn to speak Japanese – the authentic way – while living in the heart of Kyoto for up to 12 weeks on this unforgettable trip.
What better way to learn a language than to jump right into the deep end? Engaging with the community as you live like a local in one of the most advanced countries in the world.
On this done-for-you trip, you’ll get everything you need to live in Kyoto while learning Japanese, including:
- Small group classes. With a max of 8 students per class, you’ll get plenty of personal attention from your tutor during 20 structured lessons a week in a relaxed, supportive environment.
- Accommodation included. For stays of 1-3 weeks, you’ll stay in a homestay with a local family. For stays of 4+ weeks, you’ll stay in a private room in a shared house in Kyoto. Or you can upgrade to private accommodation at an extra cost.
- Private airport transfer. Our in-country partners will be there to support you from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave with private airport transfers to/from your accommodation in Kyoto.
Japan is a cultural powerhouse that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with futuristic marvels. To truly explore this captivating country, start by immersing yourself in the language while living among the vibrant locals.
Envision yourself surrounded by the juxtaposition of old and new that defines Japan. Traditional temples harmonize with dazzling skyscrapers adorned with flashing billboards. You might sit beside a Geisha on a high-speed bullet train, with manga/anime influence and a fashion scene found nowhere else.
By embracing the culture and engaging with locals, your Japanese skills will rapidly progress. Days spent learning will be followed by evenings practicing with your new neighbors. Enjoy the intriguing culture, delectable cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the people.
And when you book with Global, you book with the best. We offer a complete package for learning Japanese in Kyoto, assisting with visas, enrollment, accommodation, and more. Start your incredible journey confidently, unleashing a world of exciting possibilities as you navigate the streets of Kyoto with your newly acquired Japanese language skills!
Inclusions
Tap to expand
Small group Japanese classes
Dedicated Trip Coordinator
Pre-Departure Guide
Trip Visa Guidance
Personal Travel Concierge
Private Airport Transfer
Comfortable accommodation
Certificate Of Completion
Ongoing local team support
Global Emergency Line
gWorld Access
Social
Global Academy
Marketplace Deals
$250 Off Your Next Trip
Just in case it’s not clear already, we’re not an employment or recruitment agency. Read more
Qualification
To qualify for this trip you must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18-85 years of age
- Be a citizen of an eligible country
- Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years
Get more info!
Got questions or need to know more? Ask us here, we're online 24hrs Mo-Fr.
Trip details
Our Study in Kyoto trip is designed to get you travelling, living and learning Japanese overseas as smoothly as possible.
Our partners were founded with one goal in mind: “Japanese for everyday life, rather than academic Japanese.” They’re not here to help people pass exams, instead, they want to give you the skills to talk with the locals and let Japanese culture become a part of you.
On this trip, you’ll be learning in the smallest group classes in Japan, with an atmosphere that will make your classmates end up feeling more like family. After class, there are a range of optional add-on activities to choose from, or you and your new friends can do what you like to unleash your new skills in the delightful city of Kyoto.
Japan is a very unique culture and one that can be quite intimidating to arrive in solo, but you can be assured that we have set up every single aspect of your trip to ensure you settle right in. With your accommodation and schooling all sorted, you can hit the ground running and get stuck right into your studies.
Your style of accommodation will be determined by your length of stay in Kyoto as well as your personal preference. We have set up a range of accommodation options so you can choose the one that suits you most.
If you are staying for 1-3 weeks, you will have an immersive experience living with a local homestay family. If you are staying for 4 weeks or longer, you will be allocated a room in a share house where you will form a deep bond with your classmates and meet students from all over the world.
If you want to have your own space, we can arrange a private apartment in the city for an additional cost. Additionally, if you wish to extend your homestay beyond 3 weeks, you can do so as well, with an additional charge.
Study in Japan, immersing yourself in a culture that perfectly balances a mindful way of life, with a wild sense of modernity.
Travel the country and explore breathtaking landscapes and a unique and completely magical history, leaving the logistical stuff to us.
Embrace a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel, live and learn in Japan and change the way you think forever.
Requirements
You must take a Japanese language test before your arrival to determine your starting level. Complete beginners are not required to take a language test, but must know the hiragana alphabet.
What extra costs will I have?
Flights, travel insurance, souvenirs & spending money.
Accommodation
Your style of accommodation depends on how long you’ll be in Japan.
For trips of 1-3 weeks, you’ll stay in a homestay with a local family. For trips longer than 4 weeks, you’ll stay in a private room in a shared house in Kyoto.
Alternatively, you could upgrade to a private apartment at an additional cost.
Trip itinerary
Arrival
Once you’ve touched down at Kansai International Airport or Osaka International Airport, your transfer will take you to your accommodation in Kyoto. You will touch down on a Sunday and with courses beginning on Monday, this will give you a day to settle in and get acquainted with the city and your new classmates! Kyoto is an enchanting city and the best way to experience it is to just throw yourself in!
Day 1
Punctuality is very important in Japanese culture, so don’t be late! Your specific class times will be determined by your course schedule, and the weekly class schedule is provided one week ahead of time.
On your first day, you will retake a level check test to ensure that you’ll be placed in the right class. This test includes written and interview portions.
After that, you'll run through your orientation. This will include information about the school, classes, study methods, Japanese culture and manners and life in Japan.
Then dive straight into your first class! You’ll undertake a two-hour Japanese class in the afternoon. After that, we recommend hitting the streets of Kyoto, taking in some of the sites with your new classmates and beginning to form a bond that will last a lifetime.
Ongoing
You’ll have four classes a day, though your schedule may vary week-to-week. Morning classes run from 9:30am – 1:10pm and afternoon classes are from 11:25am – 3:50pm or 2:05pm – 5:45pm.
Your weekly schedule will depend on your class level, and you'll receive each new week's schedule about one week in advance.
Daily classes are separated into two lessons of Japanese Grammar and two of Language Skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
You may want to undertake additional courses offered by your school, such as standard Japanese, plus conversation and cultural activities (a mixture of Traditional and pop though focusing more on traditional in Kyoto). These will take place outside regular school hours or on weekends.
Otherwise, your weekends are yours to explore the city, or go further around Japan!
We’ll constantly keep in touch with you throughout your stay. If at any point during your trip you need advice or support, our team will be on hand to answer all your questions. Don’t forget you can jump on our social media pages too or buzz our 24/5 Emergency Support Line for urgent matters.
Why choose us
Our Study trips are designed to get you set up in your new life overseas – learning new skills from the locals – as smoothly as possible. Our goal is to save you time, money, and stress while eliminating the risk of returning home early. Here’s how we do it:
We’re with you from the moment you get started. You’ll be assigned a dedicated Trip Coordinator. They’ll guide you through the next steps and answer all your questions. They’ll also help you with the pesky visa. No guesswork – only the right paperwork, approved the first time, in your hands before you leave.
Your Personal Travel Concierge will help with flights, insurance, visas, and any add-ons you’d like for your trip. These are real humans too – no robots here.
Once you land in Japan our local team will be waiting for you at the airport. You’ll be taken straight to your initial accommodation in Kyoto.
But our support doesn’t end there. We’ll be in touch during your trip to make sure everything is going smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns we’re one quick message, DM, email, or carrier pigeon away.
Our team is well travelled so you can rely on our experience. We’re with you every step of the way.
Join 95,000+ travellers – giving us 10,000+ 4 & 5 star reviews – by choosing Global to make your travel dreams come true.
Most travellers book their trip 6-12 months in advance. Dates are flexible, but spaces are limited. So if you’re serious about studying in Japan, don’t delay.
With our Book Now, Decide Later feature, you can get started with a small deposit today, and take a full year to choose your dates.
We’ll take over from there, helping you with visas, flights, accommodation, and setting you up with our partner in Japan.
This is the trip for you if you’re after the ultimate teaching experience in Japan, complete with everything you need and 24/5 support.
Click the red button to check dates & prices.
Why Study
The main purpose of this trip is to get you speaking Japanese like a local while you live like a local. Which makes this trip perfect for those who want to connect more with the country, instead of simply stopping in for a visit.
Our in-country partners operate with one goal in mind: “Japanese for everyday life, rather than academic Japanese.”
These classes won’t teach you formal Japanese with strict rules and fancy words. It’s all about being able to communicate with Japanese people in Japanese, so you can let the Japanese culture become part of you as you get to know it more intimately.
One of the many reasons you’re encouraged to strike up conversation with locals after hours – even if you’re a newbie.
Living amongst the community while you’re learning the language will fast track your path to success. It will also help you integrate into the community so you’ll get to know Japan much better than most tourists.
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Frequently asked questions
Why are you the best company to choose?
As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we pride ourselves on providing a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide, and let us assist you with visas, pre-departure preparations, flights, insurance, and tours. Throughout your journey, our cool tech features will support you every step of the way. As a Global Traveller, gain access to gWorld, our personalised app designed to enhance your travel experience. Keep important documents and trip details handy, and take advantage of exclusive Marketplace deals, a vibrant social network, language learning resources, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like having all your favorite travel apps merged into one, but even better! But our support doesn't end there. With four international offices, over 100 dedicated staff members, a 24/5 emergency team, and the backing of over 90,000 Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us, rest assured you're in good hands. We also proudly boast the most and best reviews in the biz, and maintain a massive following on our social channels including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Embark on your next adventure with confidence and ease. Join us and discover the world in a meaningful way!
Are flights & insurance included?
While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!
How do I choose the right study trip?
With so many incredible options, we understand that selecting the perfect study trip can be tricky. That's why we recommend booking your favourite one, and your dedicated Trip Coordinator will guide you through the project details. They will consider your interests, goals, and desired outcome for the trip. If we find another trip that better suits your preferences, we can easily swap you over to ensure you have the ideal study experience. Rest assured, we're here to help you find the right fit!
Do I need any prior experience for a study trip?
Most of our study trips are designed to cater to participants of all abilities and levels of experience. You can confidently join our program without any previous background or expertise. Our courses are structured to provide a valuable and enriching learning experience for everyone, ensuring you can make the most out of your study trip adventure, and go home with a new or developed skill!
What is the typical group size I'll be studying with?
The group sizes for our study trips typically range from 4 to 12 people, with variations depending on the specific trip. Most of our participants are travelling solo and share a common enthusiasm for learning and making new connections. And as our travellers come from various countries worldwide, joining a study trip offers an exceptional opportunity to build a diverse network of friends from all corners of the globe!
Do I get a certificate upon completing the study course?
Absolutely! Upon successfully completing the study course, you will be awarded a certificate to acknowledge your hard work and dedication. This valuable certificate serves as a notable achievement and an impressive addition to your resume. Future employers will recognise your commitment to personal and professional growth, reinforcing your qualifications and enhancing your career prospects. Or, frame it on your wall to show off to family and friends of the epic skill you picked up abroad!
Why should I book now?
After the last unexpected disruption to travel caused by the..c word..people are now more eager than ever to venture out and explore the world, determined not to miss out on any experiences. Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12+ months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!
Can I travel with a friend or partner?
Yes you can! Simply tell your Trip Coordinator after booking that your friend is also going and they can link your profiles. For most of our trips we should be able to have you and your friends placed together or nearby. Meaning that you can live, work, play & travel together! But wait there's more! Not only can you travel the world with your besties at your side, you can also earn some extra cash towards your own trip just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. You can learn more about the great referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you join. And for those who decide to go-it-solo, we’ve made it easier to meet other Global Travellers in the same region as you. Just like any other social platform, you’ll be able to interact, share, chat and meet with some really cool people who are doing trips just like you!
Can I bring my pet along?
At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, as well as holidays through DealsAway.com, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.
How it works
1. Choose a trip style
Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!
2. We become friends
Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.
3. Time to go!
We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!
4. Global support
Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24 hours, Mon-Fri.
How it works
1. Choose a trip style
Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!
2. We become friends
Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.
3. Time to go!
We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!
4. Global support
Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24 hours, Mon-Fri.
Still have questions?
Why go Global
Flexible trips
The unexpected can happen sometimes. Can't travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.
Worldwide support
Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/5.
We're the experts
With over 10 years in the industry and a team of over 90 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.
Partner network
We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.
Flexible trips
The unexpected can happen sometimes. Can't travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.
Worldwide support
Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/5.
We're the experts
With over 10 years in the industry and a team of over 90 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.
Partner network
We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.