If you’re looking to study in Japan—and make the most of it as an international student—this guide is for you. Below we’ll walk through what “best” really means for international students, what to look for, and how DEOW Japan can help you explore excellent options. Then we’ll highlight how to use our full school directory to find the right fit.
Why Japan is a great choice
Japan offers a unique blend of rich culture, technological innovation, and serious academic institutions. For international students, this means:
- Immersive language and culture: Studying in Japan lets you dive into Japanese language and daily life—not just classes.
- Diverse program types: Whether you’re looking for a short-term language school, a long-term vocational college, or a university degree, Japan has plenty of choices.
- Support systems expanding: Many schools now cater to international students with staff who speak multiple languages, dormitories or accommodations, and tailored courses.
- Solid academic credentials: The Japanese government provides official listings of schools accepting international students
What “Best Schools” Means for International Students
When we say “best schools”, especially from the perspective of an international student, here are the key criteria:
- Language & support environment
- Does the school have courses in Japanese, but also plenty of support for non-native speakers?
- Are there staff and resources available in English (or your native language)?
- Example: Some language schools list English, Spanish, and Chinese as support languages.
- Clear pathways & visas
- Schools recognized for international student admissions can help you with the visa/immigration process.
- Living & student life support
- Accommodation (dorms, shared apartments), student lounges, administrative help, and social integration are important.
- For example, one school profile mentions: “Dormitories available”, “In-School Activities”, “Student Lounge”.
- DEOW Japan also provides comfortable student housing through Casa Tokiwa, offering a convenient and supportive living environment for international students.
- Program variety & prospects
- Whether the school offers short-term courses, long-term courses, or links to vocational/university studies.
- Schools with links to careers, internships, and specialized fields are desirable.
- Location & cost
- Location in Japan matters: Tokyo vs regional cities differ in cost, culture, and pace.
- Cost of living, commute, and part-time work possibilities are part of the decision. See our Blog for these topics!
How to Use DEOW’s School Directory to Find the Right Fit
Our central directory is here: Schools Page
You’ll find a curated list of partner schools + filters to refine your search.
Here’s a suggested approach:
- Step 1: Define your objective: Do you want a beginner language course, a long-term degree, or a vocational program?
- Step 2: Choose your preferred Japanese city/region: Tokyo (capital, very urban), Osaka/Kyoto (cultural + moderate cost), regional cities (lower cost, different pace).
- Step 3: Use the filters in the directory to check for language schools, universities, and vocational colleges.
- Step 4: Review each school’s profile for support languages, dorms/accommodations, student activities, and location.
- Step 5: Contact DEOW via the site for guidance—they provide free support in English/Spanish/French, etc.
Why Work With DEOW Japan
- DEOW Japan offers free support for international students—from choosing the school, applying, to visa & accommodation.
- They serve students in many languages, helping you from your first step abroad.
- They partner with a wide network of schools in Japan—enabling access to many options in one place.
Choosing the “best” school in Japan isn’t just about prestige—it’s about finding the right fit for your language level, budget, goals, and comfort abroad. With DEOW Japan’s personalized guidance, you’ll receive expert support in selecting the ideal school, completing your visa application, and even arranging housing, whether through Casa Tokiwa or one of our partnered accommodations, ensuring you’re fully prepared to start your journey in Japan with confidence.
Ready to start your life in Japan
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find the perfect Japanese language program for you — applications for the next intake are open now! Apply Below!
