Considering an education in Japan? Here’s how to turn a campus visit into a meaningful family learning experience, what to ask in a campus visit and how to travel.
Choosing a university or boarding school is one of the most important educational decisions a family can make. Academic reputation, curriculum, admissions requirements, and university outcomes all matter—but they only tell part of the story.
What will everyday student life actually feel like? Will your child thrive in the academic environment? How easy will it be to build friendships, participate in extracurricular activities, and navigate daily life in another country? Should you rent or buy an apartment? What is it even like to walk home from school—is it safe? What types of supplies can be purchased at the store vs. what do you need to bring with you?
Why traveling to Japan tor a campus visit is a good idea.
For families considering an international education in Japan, visiting in person can help answer these questions in ways that websites, rankings, and virtual tours cannot.
Whether your child is exploring an undergraduate, masters, postgraduate or postdoc degree at a Japanese university or considering a British-style boarding school in Japan, a thoughtfully planned educational visit can help your family move from researching possibilities to understanding what living and learning there might really be like.
Tokudaw is founded by an educator who studied in Japan, we can help you navigate university and boarding schools in Japan.
At Tokudaw, we help families explore Japan through educational experiences, cultural activities, and carefully coordinated transportation. With the right planning, a school visit can become part of a broader introduction to the country your child may soon call home.
We’re founded by an academic who moved to Japan for university studies and staffed by some professionals who also moved abroad during their professional careers. So, our staff and family members truly understand the stakes you are considering.
Why Visit a School Before Making a Decision and what do you need to know before sending a child to university in Japan?
1. Experience the learning environment firsthand
A university's academic reputation is an important starting point, but the experience of studying there is shaped by much more than its name.
Walking around campus, exploring the surrounding neighborhood, and speaking with university representatives or students—where arrangements are available—can help families understand the institution beyond its official materials.
The following are the types of questions international students should consider asking or investigating about the academic life of students when visiting an educational institution Japan:
What application and entry expectations may differ from home country? (For example, often in Japan, a portfolio of extracurricular activities will be expected for application)
What is the language breakdown of the student body and the expectations for coursework? Is there a placement exam or an entry requirement for language?
Ask about visa requirements under a student visa to ensure the intricacies of how it is obtained, what it means for living or working in Japan with that visa.
What type of scholarship opportunities are available for students and what are the requirements for maintaining the scholarship?
Are there any code-of-conduct and / or dress-code expectations for students?
What facilities are available for students in your child's intended field of study?
What opportunities exist for research, internships, international exchange and where, or extracurricular activities, professional collaboration or practical opportunities exist?
How does the curriculum being taught align with future professional goals of the student? What is typically expected for the students in the class room (E.g. is the classroom more lecture, participatory, or memorization based)
What type of research options do students have in their last year of undergraduate study (e.g. most universities in Japan require students to conduct research in their final year)
What type of credentials does the faculty carry and what types of placements does the student body obtain in their field of study post graduation? How does the school prepare students for the practicalities of the workforce and cultural expectations (E.g. In Japan, it is common for students to attend a “seminar” held by companies of interest before officially beginning the interview process during their final year)
How accessible are academic and cultural support services and student resources?
What is the atmosphere like in shared spaces, libraries, and student areas? Does the vibe of the campus and area match what makes the student feel both safe and inspired?
Does the campus environment align with your child's preferred way of learning and socializing?
How are most students living or commuting to the campus?
As Japan is in the Ring of Fire, which is an area exceptionally prone to earthquakes and Japan also experiences many typhoons each year, weather and natural disasters are a part of everyday life. These may not be familiar to the student, so it is also valuable to understand what the disaster plans for the campus, especially as it pertains to international students might be.
2. Understand what life in Japan could look like
Choosing to study in another country involves more than choosing a school. Students also need to consider the experience of living in a different cultural and social environment.
A campus visit provides an opportunity to explore the surrounding community and consider the practicalities of everyday life.
Depending on the location of the Japanese campus, the following are questions and topics prospective students and their parents or guardians should consider investigating when visiting Japan:
Public transportation and the journey between campus and potential accommodation. Consider the length of time traveling, the crowdedness of trains, and alternative routes if something happens. Visit the train lines multiple times of day to gather the best sense. Also consider the impact of weather in this commute. Japan’s winters can be dry, early and late summer brings rain, whereas mid summer is humid.
Nearby grocery stores, cafés, restaurants, and other everyday amenities. Many areas close to the train station have the most amenities, however, these areas are also the most expensive.
Sports facilities, cultural activities, and opportunities to pursue personal interests. Japan is home to a wide range of cultural activities and campus life is no different. Many universities have professional affiliations. For instance, the co-founder of TokudAw is a scientist and has partnered with Women in Science Japan’s student members to provide facilitation mentorship.
The balance between a busy urban environment and quieter residential neighborhoods. Consider the environment the child performs best in—if the city noise is a nuisance or something that provides comfort to the child. Even an area that seems residential may not be quiet. Be sure to check with landlords about construction and zoning plans in an area to ensure the quietness of the area.
Access to healthcare, student support, and other services relevant to international students. Understand what options the student has for acute ailments as well as more severe medical needs, especially if the student is not yet strong in Japanese.
Understand the student holidays and how the existing student body navigates travels domestically or home during these periods.
Understand how students handle finances in a foreign country. In some situations, tuition transfers may be coming from foreign bank accounts into Japan. Additionally, the student will need local funds to support daily life. Understanding the best practices in how this works is important.
For families unfamiliar with Japan, these details can be especially valuable. A university in central Tokyo may offer a very different daily experience from one in Kyoto or a campus in a regional city. For instance, Tokyo is a great city for those who are more independent yet curious, whereas those who thrive off a warm environment where strangers are more friendly to each other may enjoy Osaka more. It is also important to consider the industry of focus. For those interested in engineering and manufacturing, Nagoya is both an international hub and has a focus in production industries.
Exploring the neighborhood helps students begin to imagine their lives outside the classroom, not just their academic experience inside it. Take the time to visit a variety of local grocery stores too, to ensure the students’ favorite food ingredients can be found.
If there is time, also visit living quarters of the boarding school or university or arrange an apartment tour with a realtor or ask questions about the typical student housing. If this is not possible, it may be valuable to also visit a Japanese furniture store such as Muji or Nitori or even Ikea to better understand the scale of Japanese furniture in relation to apartments. This will help with imagining what life could look like living in Japan.
3. Give your child a voice in the decision
Parents naturally want to make sure their children have access to excellent educational opportunities. However, the student who will attend the institution should also feel confident that it is the right environment for them. Their choice may surprise you!
A school visit creates space for the student to identify their own priorities, ask questions, and assess how comfortable they feel in the setting.
What should you prepare before your university visit?
Before traveling, encourage your child to make a list of what matters most to them. They might prioritize access to particular academic programs, opportunities to conduct research, an active sports community, international friendships, or the chance to develop Japanese language skills. The language skills could be particularly important if a student wishes to build a career in Japan or apply to a Japanese university.
How should we narrow down the list of schools we are considering in Japan? What criteria should we use?
Try to visit the campus first. After the campus visit, take time to discuss what stood out, what felt unexpected, and what questions remain unanswered.
The goal isn't necessarily to fall in love with a campus. It is to leave with a clearer understanding of whether the institution aligns with your child's goals and needs.
Planning a Boarding School or University Visit in Japan
Japan offers a variety of education environments, including major research universities, private institutions, specialist schools, and those with English-first programs such as IB.
The best visit plan starts with your child's academic interests and the institutions they are seriously considering.
Step 1: Identify the right institutions
How do you pick the right university or school to visit and apply to in Japan?
Begin by narrowing the list to universities that offer relevant academic programs and meet your family's priorities.
For international students, it is particularly important to confirm the language of instruction, graduation requirements, admissions eligibility, tuition and living costs, and available support for international students.
If your child is interested in a particular field, consider whether the university has relevant research facilities, specialist resources, or opportunities to connect academic study with industry.
Step 2: Arrange visits in advance
What places are typically visited in a campus tour in Japan?
Do not assume that every university allows prospective students to attend classes, enter laboratories, meet faculty members, or explore restricted facilities. While it is often typically offered daily in countries, this is not always customary in Japan academic settings. Some institutions offer formal open-campus events or guided tours, while others require individual inquiries or have specific procedures for prospective applicants.
Contact each university well before your planned visit. Explain your child's academic interests, intended level of study, and the information you hope to gather. Ask which activities are available and whether any require advance registration.
For example, the International Christian University lists open-campus events and individual campus visits among its prospective-student opportunities. Waseda University also provides virtual and in-person ways to explore its campuses.
Ritsumeikan University's campus visits include an introduction to its English-medium undergraduate programs, admissions information, and a tour of campus facilities. The University of Tokyo also offers guided campus tours in English and Japanese, including insights into campus history and student life.
What if a tour of the campus is not available or not available on the dates I would like to visit?
If a formal visit is unavailable during your travel dates, or the campus you are interested doesn’t offer visits, you can still learn about the surrounding area and experience the city in which your child may study. Depending on the school and interest, TokudAw may already have connections with professors or instructors and alumni and may be able to set up meetings with alumni during your visit. For Americans, Singaporeans, Australians, Europeans and other English-Speakers interested in attending university or continuing education in Japan, TokudAw can help you plan a look and see visit to help you feel confident in your educational decision.
Is English supported in school tours in Japan?
While many international schools will support their student body and tours in English, however, to get a stronger sense of the community, asking TokudAw for a bilingual guide for the duration of tour travels is recommended.
Step 3: Build a realistic itinerary
It can be tempting to schedule as many university visits as possible during one trip. However, rushing between campuses can leave little time to reflect on what you have seen.
Allow time for the actual visit, transportation, meals, and exploration of the surrounding area. Consider grouping institutions by location and leaving room for unexpected discoveries.
How do we efficiently plan for multiple campus visits?
If your family is visiting multiple cities, private transportation may be useful for connecting campuses with hotels, cultural activities, or destinations that are less convenient to reach by public transport. For other journeys, Japan's extensive rail network may be the most practical option.
How do we balance getting a sense of the academic and off-campus live of international students living in Japan?
The right balance depends on your itinerary, group size, luggage, mobility needs, and how much time you have available. Don’t just rely on AI for this, as AI can have challenges. Things frequently close in cities, and there are a lot of hidden gems not yet documented on the internet. Further, AI’s recommendations are not able to understand the packing of your group and what logistical challenges travel in Japan may impact your plans. Staffed by a working academic who studied in Japan, TokudAw understands both a parent and student’s needs when a prospective or accepted international student visits a campus in Japan.
What are the Best British-Style or English-Speaking Boarding Schools in Japan?
Japan is home to schools offering international curricula and schools associated with established British educational institutions. Depending on the school, families may be considering a British-style curriculum, an international student community, residential life, or a combination of these features. Schools such as Harrow International School Appi Japan and Rugby School Japan are examples of British-affiliated boarding school options to research.
Where possible, families should ask the school whether they can meet relevant staff, speak with students or parents, and learn more about a typical school day. These opportunities depend on the school's own admissions arrangements and safeguarding policies.
For example, The British School in Tokyo offers scheduled school tours during term time, allowing prospective families to experience the school on a normal school day. However, it does not offer boarding facilities, illustrating why families should confirm each school's residential arrangements rather than assuming that every British-style school in Japan provides the same experience.
Specific boarding school questions to ask
In addition to the questions at the top of the article, those who are considering boarding school may also wish to consider questions beyond the academic side:
Community and belonging: How does the school help students develop friendships and adjust to living away from home?
Student wellbeing: What systems are in place to support students' physical, social, and emotional wellbeing? How are students supported when the school is on holiday?
Student conduct: Understand how the school handles multi-cultural environments and resolves conflicts that might arise. Ask for specific examples. In Japan, conflict resolution approaches may also be different than you are accustomed to in your home country.
For boarding schools, a visit may also be an opportunity to explore the wider region. Experiencing the local community, transportation options, and nearby cultural activities can help families understand the setting in which their child would be living.
Make the Most of Your Time in Japan
For families traveling a considerable distance, combining educational appointments with cultural and regional experiences can make the journey more rewarding as well as help the entire family build a deeper connection with Japan.
Depending on the location and your child's interests, you might consider:
Explore Japanese culture. Participate in a traditional craft workshop, learn about Japanese food culture, or experience an activity that connects with your child's interests.
Discover the local community. Visit neighborhood markets, museums, public spaces, and local businesses to understand the area beyond the school grounds.
Connect education with real-world learning. Students interested in science, technology, engineering, arts, or environmental studies may enjoy visiting relevant museums, cultural institutions, or public learning spaces. Japan is rich in experiences for those who are curious to explore it.
Compare different environments. If your family is considering schools in different parts of Japan, take time to experience the differences between urban and regional settings. Even within an urban area different neighborhoods have completely different feels.
Meet with real estate agents. If your family is considering making an apartment purchase for the student to live in while attending school, meeting with a real estate agent may be important. This could help the family better plan what requirements may be needed as well as how to understand the basic language in the industry they may not be used to. For example the difference between a 1LDK and a 1LK apartment.
Consider a homestay for the student. If your student is unsure about life in Japan, it may be good to consider a homestay experience. The TokudAw co-founder, Wanping Aw, participated in a homestay experience, where she lived with a Japanese family for several weeks before deciding to commit to her educational experience. This experience allowed her to simulate life in Japan and understand challenges she may face beyond what a tourist might experience. This extra time can also be used to meet additional professors or students, which TokudAw could help arrange for customers.
How Tokudaw Can Help Coordinate Your Educational Visit
Planning an international school visit can involve more than booking flights and accommodation. Families may need to coordinate appointments, manage transportation between locations, account for different schedules, and make the most of limited time in Japan.
Tokudaw helps families and educational groups explore Japan through coordinated transportation, cultural experiences, and educational travel planning.
Depending on your family's needs, we can help with:
Transportation planning: Coordinate journeys between airports, hotels, campuses, and other destinations.
Multi-location itineraries: Organize a practical route for families visiting more than one university or school.
Cultural experiences: Incorporate Japanese cultural activities that complement your child's interests and educational goals.
Regional exploration: Help families discover the communities and destinations surrounding their prospective school.
Tailored travel arrangements: Take into account your group's schedule, interests, and practical requirements.
University and college meetings, admissions appointments, classroom observations, and access to school facilities must be arranged or approved by the relevant institution. Our role is to help coordinate the travel experience around those arrangements. Because TokudAw is founded by an academic, we are often able to arrange meetings with teachers, instructors or alumni who are often difficult to contact. In some cases an interpreter may be useful, which we are also able to arrange for a fee.
Whether you are planning a focused campus visit, a homestay experience, or a longer educational journey across Japan, thoughtful preparation can help you spend less time managing logistics and more time exploring the opportunities available to your child.
Start Planning Your Educational Visit to Japan
Choosing where your child will study is about finding an environment where they can learn, develop independence, build relationships, and discover new possibilities.
A visit to Japan can help your family look beyond academic rankings and promotional materials to better understand the experience of studying and living in the country.
With the right itinerary, you can combine campus visits, conversations with school representatives, and experiences of Japanese culture and daily life into one purposeful journey.
Planning a university or boarding school visit in Japan? Contact Tokudaw to discuss transportation, cultural experiences, and educational travel arrangements tailored to your family's itinerary.