Skip to content
What’s the best student accommodation option for me?
Choosing where you will live is one of the most exciting parts of planning your adventure. Your accommodation is your home base for exploring, studying, and making friends. This guide is a core part of our complete plan for your life-changing Study Trip to Japan. We know from our Study Trippers that one of the biggest questions is about location. While we confirm the exact properties closer to your Study Trip, rest assured that all our options are carefully selected for safety, convenience, and a supportive environment.
Main key takeaways
- For most of our Study Trips, we offer three standard accommodation types: homestay, budget hotel (private or shared room), and standard hotel (private room).
- Homestays offer the deepest cultural and language immersion.
- Budget Hotels are a great option for independence and socializing with fellow students.
- Our Akita Study Trips have a unique sharehouse accommodation to create a close-knit community experience.
- It’s important to have realistic expectations about room sizes in Japan.
At a glance: Which student accommodation in Japan is right for your short-term study?
| Homestay | Budget Hotel (Private Room) | Budget Hotel (Shared Room) | Standard Hotel (Private Room) | |
| Best For | Full immersion & language practice | Independence & privacy | Making friends & saving money | Extra comfort & amenities |
| Meals | Breakfast & dinner included | Not included | Not included | Breakfast often included |
| Social Life | With a Japanese family | Private | With a roommate | Private |
| Cost | Mid-range | Mid-range | Most affordable option | Highest cost |
Which accommodation do our students choose?
Our 2024 survey data shows that the majority of our Study Trippers prefer the independence of a private hotel room, with the budget hotel (private room) being the most popular choice. Wondering what other students pick? We looked at the numbers from our 2024 students to see how they chose to live during their Study Trip in Japan.
| Accommodation | Number (%) |
| Budget Hotel (Private Room) | 55.2% |
| Budget Hotel (Shared Hotel) | 13.4% |
| Standard Hotel (Private Room) | 22.4% |
| Homestay | 9.0% |
This shows that while options like homestays offer deep immersion, most of our Study Trippers value the privacy and independence that come with having their own space. The standard hotel is also a popular choice for those looking for extra comfort, while a shared room remains a great option for budget-conscious Study Trippers who want to make a new friend.
What is a Japan homestay for students like?
A homestay in Japan offers international students a unique opportunity for full cultural immersion by allowing you to live with a vetted local family, practice your language skills daily, and form lasting personal connections. This option is perfect for Study Trippers who want to experience the reality of Japanese home life. You’ll share meals with your host family, giving you a chance to try authentic home-cooked food and engage in natural conversation far beyond what you can learn in a classroom alone. As one Study Tripper shared,
“The experience of living with a Japanese family was incredible. You get to learn a lot of the language and their culture, but above everything else, they make you feel like a member of their family.”
This kind of deep connection can be powerful and even life-changing. As our Tour Leader Jose recalled,
“This one guy from Mexico did two Study Trips in a row, and on the first one he did a homestay. He actually got into a single mother homestay, and he became pretty much her son. Five to six years later after he came back, they met again in person, but he kept writing her letters. He is a chef and apparently thanks to her teaching him Japanese food he also ended up getting hired in a Japanese restaurant in Mexico”.
What are the budget hotel options like?
For Study Trippers seeking more independence and a social environment with their peers, our budget hotel options are an ideal choice. These hotels provide a comfortable and convenient home base where you can easily meet and hang out with other international people on your Study Trip. They are always in central locations with easy access to your school and public transportation. You can typically choose between two room types:
- Private room: For those who prefer their own space.
- Shared room: A great way to make an instant friend and save on costs.
While most of our Study Trippers choose a private room for more personal space, a shared room is a fantastic way to make an instant friend and save on costs.
It’s good to remember that rooms in Japan are generally smaller than what you might be used to at home. Our team’s best tip for making a smaller space work is simple but effective:
“Tidy up your trash, snacks, and suitcases daily. Only keep things out which you need.”
Is a standard hotel upgrade worth it?
Upgrading to a standard hotel is a great option for Study Trippers who value extra comfort, convenience, and privacy during their stay. These hotels, often from well-known brands, typically offer larger rooms and more amenities than our budget options, making them a comfortable and reliable choice.
Our Tour Leader, Jose, noted that this option is often chosen by students who “want a more known branch hotel experience.” The key benefits that our students appreciate are the inclusion of a daily breakfast and access to more hotel facilities, which can sometimes even include a public bath for a relaxing, traditional Japanese experience.
What is accommodation like for the Akita Study Trips?
Our Akita Study Trips offer a unique sharehouse accommodation to create a close-knit, immersive community experience in the Japanese countryside. This is different from our other trips. In Akita, all Study Trippers live together in a sharehouse, which is the perfect way to build strong friendships and feel like part of a family while you explore a more rural part of Japan.
FAQ about student accommodation in Japan for short-term study
- How much is student accommodation in Japan?
The cost of your student accommodation in Japan is already included in the total price of our Study Trips, so you don’t have to worry about finding and booking it separately. - How much should I budget for student accommodation in Japan?
Since your housing is part of the package, you don’t need to budget for it separately. For a detailed look at budgeting for other costs, see our Complete Student Budgeting Guide. - Are the accommodation options safe?
Yes, the safety of our Study Trippers is our top priority. Every accommodation option, including our host families, is carefully selected by our team to ensure a safe and supportive environment. - When will I know my exact address?
Exact hotel details are usually confirmed about one month before your Study Trip starts, while homestay placements are confirmed one to two weeks prior. We provide all the information you need well in advance of your departure. - Can I choose to share a room with a friend?
Yes, if you and a friend are booking a Study Trip together and choose a shared room option, you can request to be roommates.
Conclusion:
Our team is here to help you at every stage of your journey. With the logistics handled by experts, you can focus on the most important part: getting excited for your adventure in Japan. Ready to find your home away from home? Explore our Study Trips to see which student accommodation in Japan is right for you!
