Konnichiwa! Studying in Japan is an exciting opportunity and adventure. But, it is a large country with many universities to choose from. To help you a little with your decision – here is what you can expect from life in five different cities.
Sapporo
Sapporo is the largest city and administrative heart of the northernmost main island of Hokkaido. The history and culture of Hokkaido differ a lot from the rest of Japan and Honshu in particular. It used to be the home of the Ainu people. In modern Japan, they are fully integrated, but their influences can still be felt in the architecture and food.
Hokkaido boasts unique culinary creations. They use a lot of spices to give their food more of a kick than traditional Japanese cuisine. For example, Hokkaido Ramen includes butter and corn – it is delicious. Hokkaido is also known and loved for the “Jingisukan” – a loosely Mongolian-inspired lamb barbecue prepared on a traditional, conic grill.
Sapporo is not a very large city. It is calm for most of the year, except when it is time for the “Sapporo Snow Festival” – a once-a-year winter fest with display and competition of large-scale snow sculptures, illuminations, music, and winter sports.
Speaking of winter sports, the powdery snow in Hokkaido is world-famous. So, if you love to fly down a slope, or have always wanted to learn how to do it – studying in Sapporo is your best choice. The ski resorts also are a perfect opportunity to work as a part-time ski or snowboard instructor during the winter season.
For enthusiasts of nature, Sapporo borders the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, full of beautiful hiking trails, natural hot springs, and incredible views.
Accommodation in Sapporo can be tricky to find, especially if you prefer to live off-campus. Some landlords in Japan are hesitant to rent to foreigners, especially if they can’t speak Japanese. Sharehouses are another budget-friendly option.
Sapporo does not have an international airport, the nearest is the New Chitose airport, about 50 km southeast from the city. If you move here, you will have to arrive by train.
Tokyo
The capital and biggest city of Japan, that never sleeps, will have plenty of excitement for you, no matter what you like. If it is not in Tokyo, it is nowhere in Japan. Niche hobbies, rare culinary experiences, museums, art and culture, festivals – it’s all here and something is going on every day. If you want to have all of Japan in one city, Tokyo is the place to be.
The greater Tokyo Area (That is Tokyo, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Saitama, and Chiba together) is home to 30 million people. Tokyo itself with its 23 wards has a population of 11 million people. When seen from above, it stretches in all directions until the horizon, and at night it is one of the most beautiful sights in Japan. Life in Tokyo will be a unique experience, especially for students who come from less population-dense areas.
Tokyo is a city of opposites. A busy, modern district can be only one corner away from a calm and tranquil traditional restaurant, that has been operating for over 100 years. To understand Tokyo, you have to experience it.
The public transit system is usually what newcomers find most intimidating at first, but it is quite logical and extremely reliable, once you get the hang of it. Tokyo is also the most international city on this list. You will have no trouble meeting people from all over the world, both at university and outside of school. Being international means that this is the place easiest to navigate without speaking Japanese.
Staying in a dormitory, sharehouse, or apartment in Tokyo will be more expensive than in other areas of Japan, but you will also have the biggest selection available. Many landlords here are already used to renting to foreigners and there are fewer reservations.
Tokyo has 2 international airports, Haneda and Narita.
Kyoto
Kyoto is the old capital of Japan. The city has a very distinct vibe and atmosphere. Every corner, every building even some trees have centuries of history attached to them. In Kyoto old traditions, crafts, and cultural values that the rest of Japan is losing, are still alive. Kyoto people are very proud of their city and their heritage, so much so, that they are the only ones in Japan where you stand on the right side of the escalator and walk on the left. The entire remainder of the country does it the other way around.
The city itself, despite a population of almost 1,5 million people and 75 million annual visitors feels surprisingly calm. Most buildings are no taller than 4 stories. Narrow alleys with few pedestrians crisscross the busy main roads and the buses or your trusty bike will take you everywhere. Kyoto is surrounded by hills and tea plantations – plenty of green space to go for a hike after a busy week of classes.
Despite being a very popular tourist destination, most local people don’t speak English very well. You will have to pick up the language quickly. Kyoto people have their own way of speaking and their own jargon. Japanese people can always tell who is from Kyoto from their manner of speaking.
Finding affordable accommodation in Kyoto can be a challenge, because of the competition you will face from short-term visitors. The university dormitory or sharehouses near campus will be your best bet.
Kyoto has no international airport. You will have to arrive from the Kansai International Airport in Osaka.
Osaka
Osaka is the second-largest city in Japan, located in the Kansai area. In many aspects, it mirrors Tokyo – busy, full of life and activities – but on a smaller scale. One can say, it is less busy and intimidating. Historically, Osaka has always been a city of merchants and trade. Some people say that this is why Osaka people are more outgoing, warm, and friendly, compared to the reserved politeness of Kyoto and Tokyo people. You will have no trouble at all making many Japanese friends in this city.
One of the most distinctive features of Osaka and the Kansai area is “Kansai Ben” – the unique dialect spoken in the region. It is similar to standard Japanese but has a lovely melodic quality to it. If you choose to study here, you will pick it up after a while.
Osaka is also the heart of Japanese “street” food. Already in the 17th century, it was designated the “Nation’s Kitchen”. Its role as a trading hotspot and port city created a vibrant fusion cuisine. If you are a foodie, this city is a good choice for you.
Osaka is less expensive than Tokyo, but still one of the more expensive cities to live in Japan. Like in other cities, landlords can be apprehensive of renting to foreigners, especially students. Because Osaka is a popular place to study for Japanese and foreign students, there are many sharehouses and dormitories available.
As mentioned, Osaka has the Kansai International Airport.
Fukuoka
Fukuoka is located on the southernmost main island – Kyushu. Despite being the fourth-largest city in Japan, it does not feel that way at all. Living in Fukuoka you will be able to experience a typical Japanese town. There is very little international tourism here, so you could call it “authentic”.
At the same time, in recent years, the Japanese government has invested heavily to encourage and develop start-ups in the city. Many young entrepreneurs moved to the city and it has been rejuvenated. As a result, the atmosphere is very different from other Japanese cities. In places like Osaka and Tokyo, you will still find students on the typical “graduate, get a job at a big corporation, be loyal to the company” career path. Not so in Fukuoka. If you plan to start your own business after university and want to befriend like-minded Japanese – study in Fukuoka!
As a whole Kyushu is less developed and densely populated than Honshu. Houses tend to be bigger, roads wider and there is just more space in general. For the same rent, you can expect a slightly larger flat or sharehouse here.
At the same time, because it is more “Japanese”, being a foreign student, you will stand out here more and might experience more scrutiny. Especially if you accidentally break cultural norms like talking on your phone on the train or forgetting to take off the toilet slippers.
Fukuoka has an international airport.
We hope this helps you narrow down your choices. But no matter what city you pick, studying in Japan will be a life-changing experience and enrich your life.
Apply to Study in Japan!
Admission requirements vary by university, but typically you can expect English and Japanese language requirements from most schools. Book a call with our experienced student advisors, or browse 100,000+ available programs worldwide. Some universities have 2 intakes (spring and fall) and others have a third one in the summer. Here are the deadlines:
Intake | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
Spring | October-November |
Summer | February-April |
Fall | June-July |
Are you ready to start your studies in Japan with us today? Ganbatte-ne!