What makes a perfect study abroad location? How about friendly people, a complex and interesting culture, delicious food, and a prestigious education system? Well, Japan has all of the above! Japan is a beautiful country that effortlessly combines timeless traditions and exciting modernization, which put it at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists!

Once you start looking into study abroad programs in Japan you won’t want to go anywhere else!

Major cities like Tokyo and Osaka are famous for their hustle and bustle, amazing food, and activity on every corner. Kyoto is a city that is home to temples and tradition. Okinawa makes you feel like you stepped out of Japan and into a tropical paradise. And all of the regions and cities in between have their own unique charm!

What does all of this mean? It means you should absolutely study abroad in Japan this year! If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure, then get searching for programs ASAP. But for good measure (and a little inspiration), here are the best reasons to study abroad in Japan.

Why study abroad in Japan?

1. Eat amazing (and affordable) food

Why study abroad in Japan? For the delicious food, of course! You’ve probably already heard a thing or two about Japanese cuisine. You may have tried savory goodies like sushi and ramen, but there are so many other foods to broaden your palate.

You will have the chance to try all sorts of tasty tofu, seafood, and fermented veggies. Fried street foods like takoyaki will make your mouth water. Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) is a fun, communal experience for you and your study abroad friends. Then you can finish the day with different kinds of mochi and red bean desserts.

Why study abroad in Japan? You’ll look forward to every meal.

Japan has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, in part due to the variety in the foods available. You can either go super healthy (and budget friendly) and cook at home, or take advantage of convenience in a country where fast food is easily accessible.

Even convenience stores (konbinis), are well-stocked and you can get a cheap, delicious, and even healthy meal from the corner store. There’s something tasty at every corner, and more importantly, options to fit your student budget.

2. Get an excellent education

Japan is home to an esteemed education system, often ranking in the top 10 countries for quality of education. Even at an elementary and high school level, Japan is known for its commitment to education.

In one of the most high-tech countries in the world, it’s probably not surprising that there are some awesome STEM and technology Japan study abroad programs available. Japan is also a huge economic and business hub, and is perfect for students in those fields! 

While Japan is well-known for technology and business-related studies, there is no shortage of arts programs. Just look to Japan’s love for design, anime, and trendy clothing, and you’ll see how arts and cultural studies are integral to Japanese culture. Regardless of your field of study, high-quality programs is one of the top reasons to study abroad in Japan!

3. Take advantage of job opportunities 

Japan has a booming economy, and many job opportunities for English speakers. If you take the time to learn Japanese, that’s even better! Bilingual English and Japanese speakers are in huge demand in Japan, a country that is home to a number of global brands.

There’s just one caveat: Japanese is an extremely difficult language to learn as an English speaker. Luckily, the demand for English teachers is also very high in Japan! Japan is actually one of the top locations for international English teachers.

This means that you have job opportunities after you graduate; you can also work part time as a teacher or tutor while you study abroad in Japan. If you decide to stay after you’re finished with school, Japan also has working holiday agreements with many countries.

4. Live in a clean and safe country

Two important benefits when looking into study abroad programs, right?

Communities take great pride in keeping their public spaces clean in Japan — and it shows! Rarely will you see litter or graffiti on the streets of Japan. If you’re a bit of a neat freak, then cleanliness is just one of the many reasons to study abroad in Japan! 

Japan also has an exceptionally low crime rate. As a student, studying abroad might be one of your first experiences venturing out on your own. This means that safety might be a top concern (for your parents, at the very least).

Not only does Japan have a low crime rate, but they also have an excellent health care system, which makes Japan one of the safest countries to study abroad.

5. Accessible and travel-friendly

The transit system in many Japanese cities is top-notch: fast, reliable, and comfortable. Millions of people use it every day, especially in the major cities where public transit is the fastest and most convenient method of transportation.

Why deal with traffic or parking when you can get on a train and get there in half the time? The transit system is known for its punctuality and efficiency, which will make getting to class a breeze.

If you want to travel around the country, jump in a shinkansen (bullet train). Although the experience is a bit pricey, taking the bullet train is a must-do activity in Japan! Of course, as a student, there are also budget options. Many cities are connected by comfortable overnight buses, so you don’t have to miss out on exploring all of Japan during your study abroad adventure.

6. Experience Japanese culture

Japan has a culture that has influenced the world — and you get to be right in the middle of it if you study abroad in Japan! Japan is known for its flashy, high-tech, and fun culture, balanced with a historical richness that makes up the strong Japanese cultural identity.

Study abroad in Japan and experience a world where tradition and tech coexist!

In Japan, you can stay in a ryokan (a Buddhist temple homestay), participate in tea ceremonies, watch sumo, and visit beautiful temples. Centuries of history are still evident in Japan through its temples and well-maintained historical sites. 

And there’s an awesome fun side as well! When you study abroad in Japan you can also explore all things kawaii, watch and read anime, and maybe go out on the town for a night of karaoke! All of this can be centered around food and drinks, so grab a few beers and meat skewers in an izakaya on the weekends.

7. Learn Japanese

Japanese can be a tough language to learn, so immersion is your best bet if you want to become fluent. And when else would be a better time to immerse yourself than during Japan study abroad programs?

Becoming fluent in Japanese is a great resume booster, especially if you want to work at a Japanese company. With an increasingly globalized economy, Japanese companies are always interested in bilingual, international applicants.

If you want to open doors in the job market, learning Japanese is the way to go! Surrounding yourself with native Japanese speakers is the best way to get the hang of the language as quickly as possible.

8. Great quality of life

You can experience both an influential culture and an amazing quality of life when you study abroad in Japan.

Once you use a Japanese toilet, your world view will change. This is not a joke. Many toilets are equipped with seat warmers, heated bidets, and even the option to play music in case you’re *ahem* a little shy about bathroom noises. 

The thought put into something as simple as a toilet is a metaphor for the quality of life in Japan. The comfort and care, efficiency, and convenience are some of the things you can take advantage of when you study abroad in Japan.

Politeness is at the forefront of Japanese culture, and you will be greeted with kindness wherever you go. This is all on top of the amazing food, great education and medical system, and top-notch transit infrastructure. Why study abroad in Japan? With all these perks, why not?!

9. There are tons of awesome programs to choose from

Japan is on the top of many travelers’ bucket lists, so it’s no surprise that it’s a top location for students looking to study abroad. Study abroad in Japan programs are plentiful, and there are opportunities to spend a summer, a semester, or even complete your entire degree in Japan. 

CIS Abroad runs some awesome summer study abroad programs in Japan. IES Abroad runs both study abroad and intern abroad programs in Japan, and programs through CIEE will give you a chance to explore Japan and Asia further afield! These are just a few of the many options to choose from in terms of study abroad in Japan programs.

You’re ready to study abroad in Japan!

From the beautiful streets to the delicious food, Japan is an excellent destination for studying abroad!

What are you waiting for? With your handy list of reasons to study abroad in Japan, it’s time to pack your bags and get going! Whether it’s the beautiful temples, tasty sushi, or heated toilet seats calling your name, studying abroad in Japan is an experience like no other. 

Traveling and living in Japan is nothing short of an amazing experience, especially as a student. Excellent safety, accessibility, and high quality of life standards make Japan a top location for students.

Studying abroad in Japan means you will further your studies in a well-rounded education system, experience a unique new culture, and gain a more international perspective! Win-win-win.

Explore ALL Study Abroad Programs in Japan