Study Japanese in Okinawa and enjoy an unforgettable linguistic and cultural immersion in Japan! Improve your Japanese skills in a friendly language school environment while living the unique island lifestyle, beautiful beaches, warm weather, local traditions, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to practice Japanese every day.

The Japanese language courses in Okinawa are open to students and adults (from 16 years old) for a short-term stay from 2 weeks. Outside class, you can discover Okinawan culture, join optional activities, and meet new international friends.

Study abroad Okinawa Japan
Age from 16 to 99 years old
Language Japanese
Dates all year round
Length From 2 weeks
Overview

Study Japanese in Okinawa with Nacel Educational Travel.

Often called the “Hawaii of Japan”, Okinawa is a tropical island destination with warm weather, beautiful beaches and a relaxed pace of life, perfect for a Japanese language immersion experience that blends study, culture and nature. The campus is located in Naha, the island’s main city, with easy access by local transport and great connections for exploring the island.

Want to meet new friends while learning Japanese in Japan? The school welcomes students from all over the world and organizes optional activities and excursions (free or paid), so you can practice Japanese beyond the classroom.

Accredited language school in Okinawa

Your Japanese course is arranged with a reputable local language school in Okinawa, known for its student-centered approach, communicative teaching style and international learning environment. The school follows internationally recognized quality standards and is part of a multi-campus network in Japan.

Facilities and staff

  • Modern, air-conditioned classrooms with learning technology
  • Student lounge with social spaces and study areas
  • Manga/anime library + textbook rental library
  • Free Wi-Fi and student-use computers
  • Friendly, qualified teachers (English support when necessary, but strong immersion in Japanese)

General Japanese courses (short-term)

  • Levels: complete beginner to intermediate (and higher levels depending on availability)
  • Maximum class size: generally 8 students (occasionally 9 in peak season)
  • Lessons: 20 lessons per week (Monday to Friday), combining grammar + language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing)
  • Start dates: Start any Monday (most levels); complete beginners have set start dates
  • Placement: online placement test before arrival + level check/interview on the first day

Dates of the Japanese courses

  • First day: orientation + first lessons + a short local area tour (optional)
  • Timetable: may include morning and/or afternoon classes depending on your level (like a university schedule)
  • No classes on Japanese public holidays; a free activity may be organised instead 
  • The school is also closed during the last week of December

Optional add-ons in Okinawa

  • Plus Conversation (conversation-focused classes)
  • Plus Cultural Activities (Saturday cultural activities)
  • Okinawa-exclusive: Plus Marine & Nature Activities (ocean and nature experiences such as snorkeling/kayaking/island tours; season-dependent)

Do you know that learning a foreign language can change your life? Check our blog article to see why! 

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Activities

The school offers optional free or paid activities throughout the year (depending on the season and the number of participants). It’s a great way to study Japanese in Okinawa outside the classroom, practice with other international students, and enjoy a real cultural immersion in Japan.

Examples may include:

  • Movie night at school

  • Japanese game night (traditional games)

  • Karaoke competitions and social events

  • Tea ceremony or calligraphy experiences

  • Seasonal gatherings (e.g., cherry-blossom viewing when in season)

Extra activities

For an even deeper immersion, you can add the “Plus Marine & Nature Activities” module (Okinawa exclusive) to your Japanese course.

  • 2–3 activities per week, held on weekdays and/or Saturdays (schedule varies).

  • Example activities may include snorkeling, introductory diving, sea kayaking, SUP, whale watching, uninhabited island tours, aquarium visits, and marine conservation activities (season-dependent).

  • If only 1–2 students are booked in a given week, the module may be cancelled; an alternative module may be offered or the fee refunded.

  • These activities take place outside the core Japanese lessons, so your weekday classes remain the priority.

Accommodation
  • Homestay: half board (breakfast and dinner), single room, facilities shared with the family. Around 40–50 minutes from school on average.
  • Shared house / residence: single room, no meals, shared facilities with other residents. Around 30–60 minutes from school on average (depending on location).
  • Private apartment: fully independent accommodation, no meals. Around 20–60 minutes from school on average (depending on location).

Note: the minimum stay is 2 weeks. Most accommodation options usually require a 4-week stay, so for a 2-week program, homestay is generally the easiest option (or students may arrange their own accommodation).

Age conditions: Students under 18 must stay in a homestay.


Fees
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Study Japanese language in Japan

Prices on request.  Contact your Nacel advisor!

Please contact us before making a booking to make sure there are still available spots in this program (courses and accommodation can fill up during peak periods).

Starting dates for complete beginners in 2026: 

5 January / 2 February / 2 March / 6 April / 11 May / 1 June / 6 July / 3 August / 7 September / 5 October / 2 November / 7 December 2026

Some complete beginner start dates are available for 2-week programs only. We’ll confirm the best start date based on your chosen length.

How to arrive to Okinawa?

  • By plane: Naha Airport (OKA)
  • By public transport: from Naha Airport, you can reach the city and surrounding areas easily by monorail, bus or taxi.

How do I get to my accommodation in Okinawa?

We can arrange an airport pick-up for you, or you can travel by public transport from the airport and continue to your accommodation.

Are you interested in other cities in Japan (Kyoto, Tokyo, Nagoya)? Contact us for more information!


💰 What's Included in the Price?

  • Administration fees
  • Japanese language course (20 lessons per week)
  • Placement test (for students who are not complete beginners)
  • Textbooks 
  • Accommodation homestay half board, shared house/residence (no meals) or private apartment (no meals)
  • Support, assistance and a 24/7 emergency hotline during the whole program



🚫 What's Not Included?

  • Round-trip international airfare
  • Local transportation (public transport tickets/passes)
  • International travel insurance (medical, liability and emergency repatriation)
  • Visa and passport fees (if applicable)
  • Optional activities and excursions (including Okinawa exclusive add-ons, if chosen)
  • Personal expenses and spending money
  • Airport pick-up and transfers (optional, on arrival and/or departure)
  • Application fees (65 euros)
Eligibility
  • Age: 16+
  • Minimum language level: Complete beginner to intermediate. Students who are not complete beginners take a placement test to join the right level. This is a short-term Japanese course in Okinawa with a minimum stay of 2 weeks.
  • VISA: Please arrange your tourist visa (if required) by contacting your nearest Japanese embassy/consulate. Many nationalities benefit from a visa waiver allowing a short stay (often 3 or 6 months) for tourism and short-term study, depending on passport and entry rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

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School staff are available 24/7 for emergencies. They assist with medical issues, lost items, and natural disasters. Students carry an emergency card and have clear instructions for evacuation procedures.