ISI Japanese Language School: Campuses & Programs | Nihongo to Japan
ISI Japanese Language School, founded in 1977, has 9 campuses across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nagano, offering academic (university prep), career (employment) and short-term study tracks. Complete beginners are welcome, and consultation through us is completely free (currently offered in Traditional Chinese).
Campuses
Tokyo · Shinjuku
Heart of Tokyo, steps from Shinjuku Station — the world's busiest. Perfect for vibrant city life.
- Shinjuku Main（Academic）— 3 min walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Stn (Marunouchi Line)｜1-year tuition ¥994,000
- Shinjuku Prime（Academic）— 7 min walk from Shinjuku Stn (Marunouchi Line)｜1-year tuition ¥1,044,000
Tokyo · Takadanobaba
Famous student district near Waseda University. Academic & career tracks both available. Career campus is 1 min from the station.
- Takadanobaba Academic（Academic）— 3 min walk from JR Takadanobaba Stn (Waseda Exit)｜1-year tuition ¥942,000
- Takadanobaba Career（Career）— 1 min walk from JR Takadanobaba Stn (Toyama Exit)｜1-year tuition ¥984,000
Tokyo · Shibuya · Harajuku
Tokyo's business hub — ideal for Business Japanese. Career-focused with evening classes available.
- Shibuya Harajuku（Career）— 7 min from JR Shibuya Stn / 5 min from Meiji-jingumae Stn｜1-year tuition ¥984,000
Tokyo · Ikebukuro
Anime & subculture hub. Share campus with Japanese students for natural daily interaction.
- Ikebukuro（Academic）— 6 min walk from JR Ikebukuro Stn (East Exit)｜1-year tuition ¥942,000
Osaka
2025 Expo city. 2 min from Shinsaibashi. Largest campus outside Tokyo with excellent amenities.
- Osaka（Academic）— 2 min walk from Shinsaibashi Stn (Midosuji Line)｜1-year tuition ¥942,000
Kyoto
Ancient capital of Japan. Near Kinkaku-ji & Kiyomizu-dera. Strong academic environment near Kyoto University.
- Kyoto（Academic）— 7 min walk from JR Enmachi Stn｜1-year tuition ¥942,000
Nagano
Escape city noise for full immersion. Lowest tuition of all campuses. Unique winter ski experience.
- Nagano（Academic）— 12 min walk from JR Ueda Stn｜1-year tuition ¥834,000
Elective courses
Academic track (進学)
- Advanced class (by internal selection): elite university prep
- EJU & JLPT exam prep
- In-school cram school: Art / Music / Research / Science tracks
- University fair twice a year — universities present on campus
- Job fair twice a year — interviews possible same/next day
Career track (キャリア)
- Business Japanese (beginner level available)
- Tokutei Ginou exam prep: Dining & Hospitality
- Job-hunting class & interview practice
- BJT Business Japanese Test prep (upcoming)
- Future Classroom thematic course: company research & proposals
FAQ
Do I need Japanese ability to enroll?
Not at all. Both long-term and short-term courses accept complete beginners (N5/A1 level). You take an online placement test before arrival and are placed in the appropriate class.
What are the class hours?
Classes are half-day. AM: 8:50–12:00, PM: 13:00–16:10. You cannot choose — the online placement test before enrollment determines your time slot.
What should I know about the tourist visa for short-term?
Taiwan passport holders enter Japan visa-free (up to 90 days per visit). Frequent or long stays are decided case by case by immigration — don't treat "180 days a year" as a guaranteed allowance. Short-term courses run up to 10 weeks — no student visa required.
How long is one semester for short-term students?
One semester is 10 weeks. There are 4 intakes per year (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct). Short-term students typically enroll for one semester. Extension is possible, but frequent or long visa-free stays are decided case by case by immigration (no guaranteed annual allowance).
Can I work part-time on the long-term course?
Yes. Long-term students on a student visa can work up to 28 hrs/week after obtaining permission. Career-track students get extra part-time job placement support.
Is there a Business Japanese class for beginners?
Yes. ISI's Business Japanese starts from beginner level — you don't need N2/N1 first. Electives cover phone calls, emails, meetings, business negotiations, and more.
Is student dormitory available?
ISI-managed dorms are available in Tokyo (4 buildings), Kyoto (2), and Nagano (2). Utilities & internet included. Limited spots — first-come, first-served (lottery basis). Tokyo: approx. ¥245,000–¥417,000/semester.
What is the nearest 2026 application deadline?
Long-term Jan 2027 intake → deadline end of Aug 2026. Short-term applications close 30 days before your desired start date.