Situated between the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan, Japan consists of four major islands, surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands. Being a compulsory part of education, English is widely spoken.
In no other place will you find the mix of a bustling fast-paced metropolis with the calm tranquillity that hangs over the zen gardens and temples. Studying abroad in Japan, you should be sure to catch some of the cultural and sporting events which take place throughout the year. Catching a Sumo tournament should certainly be on your agenda.
Study abroad in Japan offers something for everyone. From the postcard backdrop of Mount Fuji to the crowded 24-hour days in Tokyo, the splendid ranges of Daisetsuzan National Park to the culture capital that is Kyoto.
Japan is also home to the Saegaia Ocean Dome - the largest indoor water park in the world. A virtual environment of beaches, oceans and even a sky.
In a nutshell, Japan is the future – technology that you probably would have thought you would never see in your lifetime – and with the neon light and crowded sidewalks of Tokyo, you will feel as if you are walking through a movie set, yet immersed in the infectious and mystical religious aura that surrounds you.
Japan is the powerhouse of higher education in Asia, with 11 universities in the THES – QS World University Rankings Top 200 Universities and three in the Top 100.
Higher education is split into a number of clearly defined sections and students can enter any one of five types of institutions. These are Colleges of Technology, Professional Training Colleges (senmom gakko), Junior Colleges, Colleges and Universities and Graduate Schools.
There are over 700 universities in Japan, the majority of which are private.
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International student accommodation in Japan is hard to come by, especially in Tokyo. Choices are limited and can not be offered to all students.
Dormitories are fairly common, and for international students, there are specially designated international student houses. Sometimes, private accommodation may be offered, although a basic proficiency in Japanese is often required to secure these. Private apartment houses are another option with the shortage of university housing.
The climate in Japan is influenced by monsoons to the south of the island. The north is generally warmer than the south. Winter along the Pacific coast and to the south are very mild, whilst further north, the winter snow makes for excellent skiing and winter sports.
Summer, which runs from June to August, tends to start with some rather heavy rainfall, followed by very hot and humid weather. This is also the time when most of the festivals take place. The autumn bring a welcomed cool to the air, and makes for even more spectacular views of the parks and garden.
Japan is very well connected and has excellent, clean and modern public transport systems. 90 airports serve domestic and overseas flights, primarily through JAL and the JAL network.
All major cities have subways which are clean, quick and efficient. The Yamanote-sen loop line in Tokyo and the kanjo-sen loop line in Osaka both circle the centre of the respective cities. Buses are available both as public transport and linking cities, but are not as reliable as the trains and planes, and can also prove a problem to non-Japanese speaking visitors.
| Item | Price |
| litre of milk | ¥190.00 |
| 12 eggs | ¥300.00 |
| cheap bowl of noodles | ¥400.00 |
| average temple/museum admission | ¥500.00 |
| internet per hour | ¥500.00 |
| developing a roll of 36 exposure film | ¥600.00 |
| simple restaurant meal | ¥1,000.00 |
| youth hostel accommodation | ¥2,800.00 |
*WorldGuide Index from Lonely Planet
Dialing code: 81
Currency: Yen (¥)
Time zone: GMT/UTC +9
Excellent reputation for academic excellent throughout Asia
High cost of tuition and living expenses