Study Abroad in Tokyo, Japan

Shinjuku: Your Front-Row Seat to Tokyo
Your new home base in Tokyo, Shinjuku offers an all-access pass to the ultimate Tokyo experience. Home to approximately 350,000 residents and centered around the busiest train station on the planet, Shinjuku is where Tokyo’s many identities come together. From soaring skyscrapers and dazzling neon lights to hidden alleyways, cultural enclaves, and peaceful green spaces, every day brings new discovery.

 

As one of Tokyo’s 23 special wards, Shinjuku has the energy of a global metropolis plus the unique character of individual neighborhoods, making it the perfect place to live, study, and explore.

 

The West Side: Tokyo's Skyline - In this business and government hub, you can't miss the futuristic skyscrapers dominating the skyline. Check out the observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for spectacular, free views of the city—and even to Mount Fuji on clear days.

 

The East Side: The Entertainment Capital - Bright lights, endless energy, and unforgettable experiences await. The East Side is home to Kabukicho, Asia's largest entertainment district, where giant video screens, themed cafés, nightlife, and the famous Godzilla head create a uniquely Tokyo atmosphere.

 

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden - Need a break from the city's nonstop pace? This expansive park offers tranquil walking paths, seasonal flowers, and some of Tokyo's best cherry blossom displays in March and April.

 

Hyakunincho: A Multicultural Foodie Paradise - Hyakunincho is a vibrant neighborhood once known as Tokyo's Koreatown, that has evolved into a thriving multicultural community, now often called "Asian Town.” Stroll through shops and markets filled with Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Thai, and South Asian treasures, and then treat yourself to Korean street food, Vietnamese pho, Nepali dal bhat, or countless other regional specialties.

 

K-Pop and Beauty Culture Central
Shops in Hyakunincho are packed with K-pop merchandise, Korean skincare, cosmetics, and the latest Asian beauty trends that draw visitors from across Japan.

 

Living and studying in Shinjuku means experiencing Tokyo at its most dynamic! It’s not just a place to live—it's where you'll feel the energy, diversity, and global influence of Tokyo firsthand. 

 

pexels-itsehsanh-28934341 (1980 x 1320)
pexels-francesco-albanese-2150950215-31569911 (998 x 1331)
pexels-zoe-crafton-2150625185-31721508 (2059 x 1373)
IMG_0996 Joe
pexels-francesco-albanese-2150950215-31569914 (1306 x 980)
pexels-brittany-salatino-767017355-19133971
pexels-stephen-leonardi-587681991-28057689 (1456 x 2183)

Academics & Eligibility

J. F. Oberlin University
Located in Shinjuku, the heart of Japan's vibrant capital, J. F. Oberlin University (JFOU) is a leading private university dedicated to fostering international understanding and personal growth. Founded in 1946 and having a proud history of cross-cultural education, JFOU offers a supportive, diverse, and dynamic environment where students from all over the world come together to learn, connect, and thrive.
 
JFOU has 3 campuses in Tokyo. You’ll study at the JFOU Shinjuku campus, with modern facilities and a welcoming staff and community. JFOU offers degrees in Arts and Science, Business, Health and Social Welfare, Communications, and Performing and Visual Arts, as well as short-term and semester programs in English for international students. Japanese language courses are available, and all levels are welcome - whether a complete beginner or an advanced speaker, JFOU has a place for you!
 
Some highlights of JFOU programming are:
 
  • The Buddy program: You’ll be paired with a local Japanese student (“buddy”) who will help you settle into life in Japan, navigate campus, and meet local peers. Buddies join because they want to support newcomers to campus, practice English, and create global friendships. You’ll choose things to do together like exploring neighborhoods, gardens, and museums, going shopping or to concerts, or joining an extracurricular activity together. This is an amazing way to practice your Japanese skills, make friends with local people, and learn about the culture!
  • Curated, immersive cultural experiences: Go beyond the classroom with field trips, traditional Japanese cultural workshops, and Tokyo city exploration. 
  • Global networking opportunities while studying alongside peers from universities worldwide and building a lifelong global network.
 
DSC00551
1767875374938
IMG_7172 Joe JPG (3024 x 1442)
IMG-20260122-WA0042~2 (1227 x 1360)
DSC00192 (3000 x 2000)
DSC02225 (3000 x 2000)

Course & Credit Information

Language Requirement: None. Classes are taught in English.

 

Summer U.S. Credits: 3 credits (1 course) per session (multiple sessions offered)

 

January Term U.S. Credits: 3 credits (1 course)


Semester U.S. Credits: 15 credits per semester. Normal course load is 5 courses. Students who enroll in more than the maximum credits allowed will be charged an additional fee per credit.

 

Final Transcript: Issued by J.F. Oberlin University

 

 

 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum GPA 2.50 (Applicants with GPA between 2.30-2.49 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
  • Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Japanese.
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Must have completed at least 1 semester at a U.S. or Canadian college/university before applying and be currently enrolled full-time
  • Unofficial Transcript from your college or university. Must show your courses currently in progress, as well as your final grades for at least 1 full semester (min. 12 semester credits), not including semesters in progress. If you have attended more than one institution, you must submit an Unofficial Transcript from each institution.
  • Photo of your valid and active college/university Student ID card where you’re currently enrolled
  • ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
  • Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 1 year after the day you plan to return home from abroad. A scan of your valid passport is required at latest 2 weeks after the application deadline. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.

Course Finder

You MUST have DOUBLE the number of classes approved by your home institution than you actually plan to take. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in availability or schedule conflicts.

 

COURSE OFFERINGS AND SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. 

 

Use the filters above to search for courses or click "View All Courses" to browse available courses on this program.

Costs & Dates

Program pricing and important dates.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA’s control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

 

When can I book my flight? Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and you receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure date.

 

<p style="font-weight: bold;">Cost of Attendance &amp; Budget Sheet</p>

* Prices subject to change. Financial aid available.

ASA is a small program, but that’s what makes it so great. The personal attention can’t be beat and I made plenty of friends outside of the group.

Chelsea Francis

I would recommend ASA to other students because not only was it a great price for what you get, but it was so much fun and the site director was great.

Morgan Pecknold

ASA is a very thorough program. It is well organized and structured, yet allows for plenty of independent activity and personal responsibility. There were many times where I felt foreign, but I rarely felt like a tourist. I engaged in the culture with the ASA program, I didn’t just take a picture and a souvenir

Aaron Bannasch

Housing

Your home away from home.

We place a high priority on safety, housing location, and proximity to school. Housing includes WiFi and is located in safe neighborhoods within a reasonable distance from school. All program housing in Tokyo is located 30-45 minutes from the J.F. Oberlin Shinjuku campus by train.

 

Friends studying abroad together can request to live in the same building, and we’ll do our best to accommodate!  



Hotel-Style Accommodation

ASA student housing in Tokyo is in hotel-style accommodation, and each student will have a single room with a kitchenette and en suite bathroom. The residences where students are typically placed are the Flexstay Inn Ekoda (Ekoda neighborhood, Nerima ward) or the Hotel Mystays Kameido (Kameido neighborhood, Koto ward). Your room will have air conditioning, a private bathroom, a small fridge, and a microwave or hot pot. There are restaurants and convenience stores nearby with a variety of fresh and inexpensive food - this is a big part of Japanese culture!

 

The building is all-gender but rooms are single, and bathrooms are private (en suite). Please be aware that housing accommodations in Japan are smaller than in the U.S. with minimal storage space.

Housing FAQs

Yes, we can usually arrange for friends to live in the same building. You'll complete a Housing Request Form after being accepted, and you can give us the name(s) of those you want to live with. Roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back!

No, all rooms are single.

ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 2 weeks before the start of your program.

A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins.

Meals are not included, but you’ll have a microwave or hot pot in your room, and plenty of restaurants and convenience stores nearby with a variety of fresh and inexpensive food (convenience stores are a big part of Japanese food culture!)

The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.

All program housing in Tokyo is located 30-45 minutes from the JF Oberlin Shinjuku campus academic building by train.

Excursions

Explore the region with organized trips and cultural activities.

ASA Summer and January Term programs in Tokyo include at least 4 cultural activities. Semester programs include 3 day excursions and at least 4 cultural activities. A sample of trips and cultural activities are below.

 

Tokyo Cultural Scavenger Hunt: Foods, Sights & Hidden Gem

Tokyo Cultural Scavenger Hunt: Foods, Sights & Hidden Gem

Cultural Activity

Experience Tokyo through an interactive scavenger hunt that blends culture, Japanese cuisine, and discovery. Explore lively neighborhoods and bond with your peers as you search for iconic Japanese foods, unique drinks, famous landmarks, and quirky items found only in Japan. Along the way, you'll uncover cultural traditions woven into everyday life, learn to navigate the city, and discover off‑the‑beaten‑path surprises.

Kimono Experience

Kimono Experience

Cultural Activity

Step into the elegance of traditional Japan during this hands-on kimono experience. You'll learn about the history, symbolism, and craftsmanship behind the kimono — from fabric selection and seasonal patterns to how this iconic garment reflects Japanese identity. After a short cultural lesson, you'll have the opportunity to be dressed in a kimono by professional attendants and take photos around the studio or nearby scenic spots.

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

Cultural Activity

Discover the calm, intentional beauty of chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony. During this cultural immersion, students will learn the meaning behind each movement — from the preparation of matcha to the etiquette of receiving tea — and how the ceremony reflects core Japanese values such as harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Guided by a trained tea master, students will observe the ritual, then participate themselves.

Japanese Calligraphy Workshop

Japanese Calligraphy Workshop

Cultural Activity

Explore the expressive art of shodō, Japan’s traditional form of calligraphy, in this hands-on cultural workshop. You will learn how brushwork, ink, posture, and breath come together to create characters that are both linguistic and artistic. A local calligraphy instructor will introduce the history and aesthetics of the practice, demonstrate foundational strokes, and guide students as they create their own calligraphy pieces to take home.

Kamakura

Kamakura

Day Trip

In Kamakura, visitors find a perfect mix of history, nature, and coastal charm. Students will visit iconic temples, the Great Buddha, lively shopping streets, and peaceful forest paths while learning how Buddhism and Shinto shaped Japan. It’s a fun, scenic full‑day escape just an hour from Tokyo.

Nikko

Nikko

Day Trip

Nikko offers ornate UNESCO‑listed shrines, unforgettable mountain scenery, and rich spiritual history. Students will visit Toshogu Shrine, explore Buddhist and Shinto traditions, and enjoy Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. Its unique blend of culture, nature, and heritage makes Nikko one of Japan’s most memorable experiences.

Program Inclusions

What's included in your program fee.

What's Included

  • Exclusive "A World of Care" Student Support Suite
  • Hotel-style accommodation - single room with a kitchenette and en suite bathroom. Meals are not included. See housing tab for more info.

  • Tuition for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee.

  • Academic Credits: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.

  • Official Transcript: Final transcript is issued by J.F. Oberlin University. ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.

  • Excursions: Semester programs include 3 day excursions. Locations to be decided.

  • Cultural Activities: Summer and Semester programs include at least 4 cultural activities. Locations and activities to be decided.

  • Internet Access: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.

  • Airport Pick-Up: Group ground transportation is provided from Tokyo (TYO) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.

  • Site Director: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.

  • Medical Insurance: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.

  • Visa Advising: Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa (if required for their term), but ASA will provide detailed, helpful information upon acceptance about which visa students will need and how to go about applying for one. Please click here and scroll down to "Student Visa Information" to find out if a visa is required for your program.

  • Pre-Departure Handbook & On-Site Orientation

  • Subscription to Safeture Safety-Enhancing Mobile App

  • Subscription to Mindhamok: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about Mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs

  • $150 Returning Student Credit toward your next ASA Summer program! (Up to 2 Summer programs)
  • $350 Returning Student Credit toward your next ASA Semester program! (Up to 2 Semester programs)

Not Included

  • Round-trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location.

  • Books, materials, supplies (if applicable)

  • Local transportation

  • Personal expenses

  • Meals 

  • Laundry

  • Meals on excursions

  • Visa, if required

  • Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time

  • Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program

For students enrolling in more than one session, housing, medical insurance, and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions.

Program Calendar

Important dates and deadlines for this program.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA's control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure dates.

  1. January 2, 2027

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Tokyo (TYO) airport on January 2 (time TBA). We recommend arriving earlier in the day, if possible.
  2. January 16, 2027

    Housing move-out (time TBA); students depart

Accessibility & Inclusion

We are committed to making study abroad accessible to all students.

Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please contact us.

  • Culture & Ethnicity

  • Disability Accommodation

  • Food & Diet

  • Financial Aid & Money Matters

  • First Generation

  • Gender Identity & Sexuality

  • Mental Health

  • Non-traditional Students

  • Religion

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your study abroad journey. Contact our team to learn more about our programs and start your application today.

Apply Now