Schools/Tokyo/
Tokyo Ikuei Japanese School
Tokyo
·Higashi-Nippori
Tokyo Ikuei Japanese School
東京育英日本語学院
New 2024 building
2 min from the station
Own dormitory
About the school
Tokyo Ikuei is a Japanese language school in Higashi-Nippori, in north-east Tokyo. Since 2024 it has been in a new building 1–2 minutes from Mikawashima Station, and it is built around “hospitality” — personal attention for every student.
Founded2010
Students from20+ countries
Course length18 months – 2 years
IntakesApr · Jul · Oct
What makes it different
A new 2024 campus next to the Yanesen area
In 2024 Tokyo Ikuei moved into a spacious new building in Higashi-Nippori, 1–2 minutes from Mikawashima Station and close to the old Yanesen area (Yanaka–Nezu–Sendagi). Classrooms on three floors, a cafeteria, a library and an event hall. The school’s philosophy is “hospitality”: warm, personal attention for every student.
Philosophy
Hospitality and closeness to students
A small, family-like atmosphere: staff look after each student in study and daily life, with plenty of extracurricular events and trips.
New campus
A 2024 building by Mikawashima Station
Classrooms on three floors, a library, a cafeteria with light meals and a nurse’s room. 1–2 minutes on foot from the station on the JR Joban Line.
University entrance
A preparatory course up to N1
The university preparation course lasts 1.5 to 2 years: four stages from beginner to advanced, with JLPT preparation classes on Fridays.
Everyday support
Care for every kind of student
Help with your visa and housing, advice on life in Japan, support with job hunting, and attention to religion, diet and LGBTQ questions.
Tokyo Ikuei Japanese School (東京育英日本語学院) opened in 2010 in Meguro with room for just 80 students. In 2014 it moved to Shibuya, and in July 2024 into its own new building in Higashi-Nippori (Arakawa ward). Since April 2025 the school has had room for 480 students, who come from about 20 countries.
The building is 1–2 minutes on foot from Mikawashima Station (JR Joban Line), in a quiet part of old Tokyo next to the traditional “Yanesen” area (Yanaka–Nezu–Sendagi) with its temples, small shops and pre-war atmosphere. Inside are classrooms on three floors, a library, a video room, a cafeteria and a nurse’s room. Haneda and Narita airports are about an hour away.
What makes Tokyo Ikuei different is “hospitality”: close relationships between students and staff, lots of extracurricular events and trips, and detailed support with study and daily life. The school accepts students on a student visa.
Programs
University Preparation Course (進学課程)
For students planning to enter a Japanese university, graduate school or vocational college. 4 lessons a day, 20 hours a week, Monday to Friday, in the morning (9:10–12:30) or afternoon (13:10–16:30). Fridays are for JLPT preparation and skills practice.
Whole course¥1,348,000 – ¥1,713,000
Four stages up to N1
The beginner stage takes you to N4, pre-intermediate to N3, intermediate to N2 and advanced to N1. Classes are matched to your level.
Short-term course (短期課程)
For people in Japan on a visa other than a student visa (short-term, working holiday, family or spouse of a Japanese national). No student visa is issued for this course.
Whole course¥90,000
First-year costs
Application fee¥35,000
Enrollment fee¥50,000
Tuition, first year¥690,000
Other fees, first year¥124,000
Total, first year¥899,000
Whole course, 2 years — ¥1,713,000
Payment terms and extra costs
Scholarships and discounts
Principal’s special scholarship — ¥20,000 a month
For new students with outstanding academic results or special skills, or on the principal’s recommendation. Paid for 1 year from the start of your studies.
Excellent results scholarship — ¥20,000 a month
From the second year of study, with 95%+ attendance and a 90%+ average test score. For no more than 10% of students.
Top university entry award — ¥100,000
For entering a university or graduate school on the school’s list with 95%+ attendance and 90%+ scores. Paid once, at the graduation ceremony.
Term exam awards
Prizes for the best students in the term exams at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
Intakes
April Main intake, 2 years
Applications from 1 August to about 15 October of the previous year. You need N5-level Japanese (or the school’s test). The CoE and student visa take several months, so apply early.
July Summer intake, 1 year 9 months
Applications from 1 December to about 15 February. You need N5-level Japanese (or the school’s test).
October Autumn intake, 1 year 6 months
Applications from 1 March to about 15 May. This intake needs N4-level Japanese (or the school’s test).
The school applies for your Certificate of Eligibility; with the visa this takes about 4–6 months. Places are limited — apply early.
Student visa. For a long-term course you study on the Student status of residence: the school applies for your Certificate of Eligibility, then you get the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate. Student visa for Japan · Which documents do I need?
Working while you study. With permission, up to 28 hours a week: Part-time work for students
Housing
School dormitory
Tokyo Ikuei dormitory
Single and twin rooms (bunk bed and two desks). Each room has a TV, washing machine, fridge, microwave, bed, desk, air conditioning, kitchenware and internet. Apply with the consent form by the deadline; places are limited and allocated by lottery when demand is high. Ask us for the current price.
Partner residences
Student residences across Tokyo
from about ¥52,000 / monthdepending on the residence and area
Furnished rooms in student residences across Tokyo (some with meals and an on-site manager). The school helps you choose one and sign the contract.
Help finding housing
School staff help you find housing and sort out daily matters: registration, buying appliances, finding a room. The search starts once your enrollment is confirmed and immigration has made its decision.
Photos and videos
Location
6-25-13 Higashi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 116-0014 — 1–2 minutes on foot from Mikawashima Station (JR Joban Line)
Questions about Tokyo Ikuei Japanese School
Can I start with no Japanese at all?
No. For long-term study the school accepts students from N5 (N4 for the October intake). You can show your level with a JLPT or similar certificate, or through the school’s test and interview when you apply. Applicants with no Japanese are not accepted.
What education do I need? Is 11 years of school enough?
The school accepts applicants aged 18 or over who have completed 12 years of education or an equivalent program. With 11 years of school you usually need one more year at a college or university — we will look at your case. Selection is based on documents, a written test and an interview.
How much does the first year cost?
¥899,000: application and entrance exam fee ¥35,000, enrollment fee ¥50,000, tuition ¥690,000 and other costs ¥124,000, including study materials and insurance. The whole course is ¥1,713,000 for 2 years, ¥1,527,000 for 1 year 9 months and ¥1,348,000 for 1 year 6 months.
Does the school help with housing?
Yes. The school has its own dormitory with furnished single and twin rooms (appliances, internet, kitchenware), and partner student residences across Tokyo from about ¥52,000 a month. Staff help you choose and sign the contract.
Can I work while studying?
Yes. With a student visa and permission from immigration you can work up to 28 hours a week, and in school holidays up to 8 hours a day (40 hours a week). The school advises on everyday and work questions.
Where is the school and how do I get there?
The school is in Higashi-Nippori (Arakawa ward), 1–2 minutes on foot from Mikawashima Station on the JR Joban Line, next to the old Yanesen area. Haneda and Narita airports are about an hour away.
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