Shinjuku might not be everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to studying, but you might be surprised that some of the best Japanese language schools are located in Shinjuku. Along the Yamanote Line and many other train lines, Shinjuku is a bustling city center with iconic locations such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Building, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and the Shinjuku Golden Gai. There are also many restaurants and shops, making it not only perfect for foodies or shopaholics, but also an opportunity to practice your Japanese!
Wondering where to study in Shinjuku? As a study-abroad agency that has helped hundreds of students come to Japan, we’re highlighting our favorite Japanese language schools in Shinjuku.
Should You Study Japanese in Shinjuku?
If you’re looking for a “quiet” place to study Japanese, then Shinjuku might not be the place for you. In addition, Shinjuku tends to be pricey compared to other places in Tokyo, so make sure you consider whether studying in Shinjuku will break your budget or not.
However, there might still be a few reasons why Shinjuku is a good place to study Japanese. For example, because it’s such a central location, you’ll have better access to part-time job opportunities in Japan and more chances to connect with both locals and international residents, making it a great place to network.
What is the Cost of Studying Japanese in Shinjuku?
The cost of studying in Shinjuku depends on how long you want to study and what your Japanese study goals are. For example, if you’re planning on taking a short-term Japanese course, you can expect to pay around 200,000 to 400,000 yen, depending on the school. This option is ideal if you’re staying in Japan for a limited time or are already in the country on another type of visa — for instance, if you’re working full-time and need Japanese lessons that fit around a 9-to-5 schedule.
For courses that last up to a year, you could be paying around 900,000 yen to 1,000,000 yen, and for courses that last for two years, you might be paying around 2,000,000 yen.
If you would like to learn more, check out our full guide on how to study in Japan.
Top Language Schools in Shinjuku
1. Coto Japanese Academy (Short-term Japanese Language School)
While they don’t sponsor student visas, Coto Japanese Academy is a great option if you’re visiting Japan and looking for short-term Japanese lessons. Since the school is not visa-dependent, it offers greater flexibility, including evening and weekend classes for those already working in Japan.
The school provides part-time and short intensive courses to suit a wide range of goals, whether you want to improve your conversational skills or your overall Japanese proficiency. What really sets Coto apart is its diverse students. You’ll study alongside a group of learners from all walks of life, including startup founders, working holiday visa holders, homemakers, and business professionals, who all share the same goal of improving their communication skills!
There’s also the option to take private Japanese lessons tailored to your needs and study objectives. Their new Shinjuku campus, which opened in 2026, offers beginner-friendly lessons in a modern learning environment.
| Category | Details |
| Location | 5F Nishi Shinjuku Takagi Bldg., 1-20-3, Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023 |
| Class Size | Maximum of 8 students |
| Courses Offered | ・Beginner Intensive Japanese Course ・Part-time Japanese Course ・Private Course |
| Access | 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station |
| Visa Sponsorship | No |
2. Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin
Our first long-term Japanese language school in Shinjuku that is eligible to sponsor a Japanese student visa is Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin. The school is ideal for those planning to work in Japan long-term. Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin’s courses are designed to teach students business Japanese, incorporating real-life business situations into their lessons.
They have smaller class sizes (maximum 14 students) and, to prepare students for the workforce, incorporate Japanese business scenarios into their readings from day one. One thing to note is that applicants must already have a bachelor’s degree before applying, so you know they are serious about their career!
| Category | Details |
| Location | COMORE Yotsuya Global Study Square 3F, 1-6-2 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo |
| Class Size | Maximum of 14 students |
| Courses Offered | ・General Course (1 year) ・General Course (2 years) ・Short-term Course (10 weeks) |
| Access | 3-minute walk from Yotsuya Station |
| Visa Sponsorship | Yes |
3. ISI Japanese Language School
If you want to get a bachelor’s degree or join a university in Japan instead, ISI Japanese Language School in Shinjuku might be the best option. As one of the largest Japanese-language schools in Japan, ISI is a strong option for those seeking higher education in Japan. The school offers academic Japanese courses that are not only designed to improve your Japanese but also to prepare you for university studies in Japan.
| Category | Details |
| Location | 10F & 11F, Nishi-Shinjuku Prime Square, 7-5-25 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023 |
| Class Size | Approximately 20 students |
| Courses Offered | Long-term Academic Courses (1–2 years) |
| Access | ・4-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station ・5-minute walk from JR Okubo Station and Toei Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station ・7-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Shinjuku Station ・8-minute walk from JR / Odakyu / Keio Shinjuku Station |
| Visa Sponsorship | Yes |
4. Linguage Japanese Language School
Another great option for those looking for a Shinjuku-based Japanese language school that focuses on career-building is Linguage Japanese Language School.
This school is located in the skyscraper district, right in the heart of Shinjuku, so there is easy access to the city center and its many iconic landmarks. Not only will their courses teach you Japanese up to the business level, but you will also learn about Japanese culture as well. Since it’s a small school, you will receive the support you need to achieve your career goals in Japan through counselling. The school has partnerships with recruitment agencies to help you find a job in Japan!
| Category | Details |
| Location | Zenken Plaza II 11F, 1-3-13 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo |
| Class Size | Maximum of 20 students |
| Courses Offered | Japanese Comprehensive Course(1 year, 1 year 3 months, 1 year 6 months, 1 year 9 months) |
| Access | 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Station |
| Visa Sponsorship | Yes |
5. KAI Japanese Language School
For those who want to learn Japanese in a multinational environment, this school may be a good fit. KAI Japanese Language School is best known for integrating ICT into its classes, so you will be studying in a truly international, modern, and flexible environment. The small class sizes mean that you will receive personalized instruction to improve your Japanese learning journey.
| Category | Details |
| Location | Miyuki Building 3F, 1-15-18 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0072, Japan |
| Class Size | 10–16 students |
| Courses Offered | General Course (1–2 years) |
| Access | ・5-minute walk from JR Shin-Okubo Station ・0-minute walk from JR Okubo Station ・6-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Higashi-Shinjuku Station |
| Visa Sponsorship | Yes |
6. Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute (SNG)
SNG offers a variety of Japanese learning courses, including JLPT and EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) preparation, as well as daily Japanese courses. There is also the option to take special classes, such as learning business Japanese or learning Japanese to work in the tourism industry.
They typically offer 1-, 1.5-, and 2-year study programs, with intakes varying by program duration. However, if you already hold a visa, you can study at SNG under the same general program on a short-term basis.
| Category | Details |
| Location | 2-9-7 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075, Japan |
| Class Size | Average of 6 students |
| Courses Offered | ・Daily Japanese Language Course ・JLPT Preparation Course ・EJU Preparation Course (and more) |
| Access | 3-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station |
| Visa Sponsorship | Yes |
7. ARC Academy Shinjuku School
This is another option for those who wish to study at Japanese universities or seek employment in Japan. ARC Academy offers a standard Japanese course aimed at improving your Japanese to an advanced level. They also offer intensive classes and business Japanese classes as well.
| Category | Details |
| Location | Toshin Nishi-Shinjuku Building, 1F & 3F, 7-18-16 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo |
| Courses Offered | ・Standard Study Abroad Course ・Intensive Course ・Business Japanese Class |
| Access | ・7-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station ・10-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station |
| Visa Sponsorship | Yes |
8. Tokyo International Japanese School
Located near Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo International Japanese School is ideal for those seeking to study Japanese in an international setting. The school is known for using the Minna no Nihongo textbooks in its classes. Summer courses are also available for those who wish to study not only Japanese in a short amount of time, but also Japanese culture.
| Category | Details |
| Location | 2-13-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022 |
| Courses Offered | ・Long-Term Course ・General / Short-Term Course ・Summer Course |
| Access | ・10-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station ・3-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Shinjuku-Sanchome Station and Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station |
| Visa Sponsorship | Yes |
9. ECC Japanese Language Institute
This school is another strong option for those seeking to study Japanese in a multicultural environment. ECC Japanese Language Institute offers a comprehensive Japanese course that not only helps students develop their communication skills but also their reading, writing, and listening skills.
What’s nice about ECC is its flexible, eight-level curriculum, designed to support a wide range of learners, from complete beginners with no Japanese experience to advanced students aiming to enter Japanese universities, graduate schools, or the workforce.
| Category | Details |
| Location | ECC Tokyo Headquarters Building 1F, 7-6-4 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023 |
| Class Size | Maximum of 20 students |
| Courses Offered | ・Japanese Language Comprehensive Course ・Private Lessons |
| Access | ・5-minute walk from JR Okubo Station and Seibu-Shinjuku Station ・7-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station |
| Visa Sponsorship | Yes |
Conclusion: Start Your Journey with Coto School Finder
Choosing the right Japanese language school in a district as diverse as Shinjuku can feel overwhelming, but it’s also one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your journey to Japan.
With so many schools to choose from, it can be hard to know which one best fits your goals and lifestyle. That’s where Coto School Finder comes in. As a dedicated study-abroad agency, we take the guesswork out of the application process. We create a personalized roadmap to help you start your life in Japan with confidence.
Why Choose Coto School Finder?
- 100% Free Support: Our school matching and visa application services are completely free of charge. You only pay the standard tuition directly to the school.
- Expert Visa Guidance: We provide a clear checklist of documents and handle the communication with the school to ensure your student visa application is seamless.
- Tailored Recommendations: Based on your budget, preferred city, and intensity level, we match you with the school that fits you best from our partnership with nearly 20 top-tier institutions.
Ready to make Shinjuku your classroom? Contact the Coto School Finder team and get a free consultation.
FAQ
Does Coto Academy have a school in Shinjuku?
Coto Japanese Academy officially opened its Shinjuku campus in April 2026, offering beginner-friendly intensive and part-time courses just five minutes from Shinjuku Station. While this specific location does not sponsor student visas, it is a top choice for residents and short-term visitors looking for practical conversation skills.
What are the best Japanese language schools in Shinjuku?
Top-rated schools in the area include ISI Japanese Language School for students pursuing higher education, Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin, which specializes in business Japanese, and KAI Japanese Language School, known for its international environment and use of technology.
How much does it cost to study Japanese in Shinjuku?
Short-term courses (around 3 months) typically range from 200,000 to 400,000 yen, while long-term programs for one year average between 850,000 and 1,000,000 yen. These fees generally cover tuition, registration, and materials, though prices vary slightly depending on the school’s focus and intensity.
Is Shinjuku a great place for students?
Shinjuku is a premier study destination because its central location provides unparalleled access to transportation, part-time jobs, and networking opportunities. While it can be a high-energy and pricier district, it serves as a “living textbook” where students can immediately practice their Japanese in real-world shops, restaurants, and corporate hubs.
