One of the most common questions from people who dream of studying in Japan is: “How much money do I actually need?”

Japan is often seen as an expensive country, but many international students live comfortably here with proper planning.

In this guide, we explain the main expenses you should consider before starting your Japanese language studies in Japan.

Tuition and school fees

The first major expense is the tuition for a Japanese language school.

On average, studying Japanese in Japan costs 700,000 to 900,000 yen per year, depending on the school and the city.

This typically includes:

• enrollment fees

• learning materials

• intensive language classes

• administrative support for international students

Most language schools offer multiple intake periods throughout the year, making it easier to plan your arrival.

 Accommodation

Housing is the second biggest expense for students.

Costs depend on the city and the type of housing you choose. Some common options include:

• Student dormitories: 40,000 – 70,000 yen per month

• Share houses: 50,000 – 80,000 yen per month

• Private apartments: from 70,000 yen and up

Many students start in dormitories or share houses and move later once they become more familiar with life in Japan.

 Daily living expenses

Daily expenses in Japan can be manageable if you budget wisely.

On average, students spend around 40,000 to 70,000 yen per month on:

• food

• transportation

• phone bills

• daily necessities

Convenience stores, supermarkets, and affordable restaurant chains help keep everyday costs reasonable.

 Part-time work

One of the advantages of the student visa is that international students can work up to 28 hours per week.

Part-time jobs typically pay between 1,000 and 1,300 yen per hour, depending on the location and the job type.

Many students use this income to help cover their daily expenses while studying Japanese.

 Other initial costs

Before arriving in Japan, you should also consider a few additional expenses:

• international flights

• health insurance

• transportation from the airport

• initial setup costs

Planning ahead makes your transition to Japan much smoother.

So… is studying in Japan possible?

The answer is yes. Every year, thousands of international students come to Japan to learn the language, experience the culture, and open new opportunities for their future.

With proper preparation, studying in Japan can become a life-changing experience.

At KOKO JAPAN, we support students through the entire process—from choosing a school to preparing documents and settling into life in Japan.