Go! Go! Nihon blog

Tag: study in japan

Food&Drink
10 - Sep - 2025
Beyond a typical vacation When most people think of visiting Japan, they imagine seeing the famous sights, sampling sushi and ramen, and following a tour guide from one famous spot to the next. Although these...
Learn Japanese
03 - Sep - 2025
Have you been daydreaming about Japan lately? Perhaps about the vibrant cityscapes, the centuries-old traditional culture, the delicious food, or the chance to learn and speak Japanese confidently in the language where it’s from? Lucky...
Learn Japanese
20 - Aug - 2025
You’re excited and ready to start your new Japanese language lessons, only to begin class and discover that everything is being taught in Japanese. You’re just a beginner! How are you supposed to understand anything?...
Life in Japan
13 - Aug - 2025
This article is part of our Study Spots in Japan series. You’ve settled into your new home in Japan and your Japanese language lessons have started, so it’s time to get down to business and...
Learn Japanese
09 - Apr - 2025
If you’re thinking about studying Japanese in Japan, understanding how Japanese language school terms work is key to planning your move. There are generally four terms per year, which means four chances to start. But...
How to
12 - Mar - 2025
If one of your goals is to study in Japan long term, then you’ll want to know all you can about applying for a student visa for Japan. This article will go through everything from...
How to
26 - Feb - 2025
A visit to the Immigration Office is inevitable during your time in Japan, especially if you wish to stay long-term. Whether you want to extend a Japanese student visa or change it to another visa,...
Learn Japanese
19 - Feb - 2025
You may have heard that it’s impossible to study in Japan over 30 years old. Luckily for those who fall in that category, this isn’t actually true and it’s never too late to chase your...
Life in Japan
29 - Jan - 2025
As a country that loves celebrations, there is certainly no shortage of popular Japanese events and festivals to enjoy over the course of one year in Japan. Read on to find out about some of...
Life in Japan
22 - Jan - 2025
For many students, studying Japanese at a French university is just the beginning of a larger journey toward fluency and professional success. While university courses provide a foundation, the immersive experience of living in Japan...
Life in Japan
09 - Jan - 2025
Sometimes known as the “second city” of Japan, living in Osaka is very different from Tokyo. It’s often described as “gritty”, but Osaka is also a lot of fun and has arguably some of the...
Life in Japan
27 - Nov - 2024
Each year, Japan attracts thousands of international students to its tertiary institutes. According to the most recent figures, Japanese universities and graduate schools took on more than 135,000 students from abroad in 2023. So what...
Life in Japan
16 - Oct - 2024
You’ve made the decision and you’re ready to move to Japan: awesome! Out of all the countries in the world, you have concluded that Japan is the place you want to be. But what about...
Learn Japanese
11 - Sep - 2024
Studying Japanese in Japan might be your dream but what comes after that? Starting a job hunt can seem daunting but you’ve already taken a step in the right direction by deciding to learn a...
News
28 - Aug - 2024
For 15 years, helping students from around the globe start their journeys to live and study has been the goal for Go! Go! Nihon in Japan. Founded in 2009, Go! Go! Nihon has assisted more...
How to
22 - Aug - 2024
If you’re planning to study Japanese in Japan, you may have encountered the 150-hour Japanese study requirement to prove basic proficiency in the language. Starting from April 2025, Japan’s immigration guidelines (source in Japanese) mandate...
Japanese Culture
11 - Aug - 2024
Every year on August 11, people celebrate Mountain Day, or Yama no Hi 山の日, in Japan. This is the country’s newest public holiday, enacted in 2014 with the intention to encourage people to pay homage...
How to
13 - Jun - 2024
The reality is that it’s not possible to study in Japan if you’re under 18 long term without restrictions. Although you could technically obtain a student visa, your accommodation options are extremely limited as a...
Life in Japan
26 - Sep - 2023
A lot of magic happens during the spring in Japan, think cherry blossoms in full bloom and a fresh start to the school year in April – that is the kind of backdrop we’re talking...
Life in Japan
17 - Sep - 2023
Once the capital of Japan and now more of a laid-back city with lots of temples and shrines, living in Kyoto is for those of you with a spiritual side. It could be described as...
How to
17 - Aug - 2023
If you’ve dreamed of living and studying in Japan for a year but are unsure of where to begin, worry not! We have put together all the essential information needed to guide you through the...
How to
17 - Jun - 2023
If you are a part of the United States (U.S.) military, you might know all about the benefits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers. These include educational benefits to veterans, active duty service members,...
Life in Japan
22 - Feb - 2023
Have you ever wanted to study Japanese in Japan? We often receive questions about the different options to study in Japan and live in the country.  We created this article about the different options to...
Life in Japan
08 - Feb - 2023
Traveling with accessibility needs involves lots of planning and research, especially if you’re visiting an unfamiliar place – but it’s completely doable and worth it in the end! If you’re traveling, or moving, to Japan...
Life in Japan
14 - Dec - 2022
Japan in winter often gets overlooked, but it’s a magical time of year for a lot of reasons. From delicious warming oden 御田 (various stewed ingredients) to relaxing in an onsen 温泉, or getting your...
Life in Japan
04 - Dec - 2022
As of September 2025, this article has been updated to reflect recent changes in the system. The health insurance scheme is required by the government in Japan for all Japanese citizens, permanent residents, and any...
Learn Japanese
26 - Oct - 2022
Do you want to go to Japan to study, but not sure if it’s for you? Applying for a language course and making the move to Japan can be a bit intimidating, especially if you...
Life in Japan
09 - Oct - 2022
Clear, turquoise waters and white sandy beaches aren’t typically the first images that come to mind when you think of Japan. But located south-west of the biggest of Japan’s islands lies the tropical and picturesque,...
How to
28 - Sep - 2022
Leaving Japan for a few weeks during school break? You will want to make sure you are all set and ready to leave, and don’t forget the most important thing of all: your re-entry permit....
News
28 - Sep - 2022
Note that while we aim to provide the most up-to-date information, it’s always best to get the latest updates on entry requirements for Japan from your local Japanese embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs...
Learn Japanese
24 - Sep - 2022
Kansai-ben, or Kansai dialect, is probably the most well-known and common Japanese dialect. You’ll often hear it on Japanese TV comedy shows and you’ll hear it all around you if you travel to the Kansai...
Life in Japan
31 - Aug - 2022
When looking at options for schools in Japan, you may automatically be looking at Tokyo – but it’s not for everyone. It’s busy and heavily populated, a sensory overload for some. With the rest of...
Life in Japan
24 - Aug - 2022
Having to make friends in Japan – or any unfamiliar environment – can be daunting. Add language and cultural barriers in the mix and it can be a recipe for a lonely start to life...
Life in Japan
17 - Aug - 2022
Imagine this: you make your way through a throng of people scattered about a busy street. Neon lights wash the asphalt a kaleidoscopic spectrum of colour. Hawkers shout as you pass, beckoning you to some...
Learn Japanese
25 - Jul - 2022
Starting to learn a new language can seem like an overwhelming task. It seems like there’s a lot to learn and you don’t always know the best way to start. Even more difficult with a...
Life in Japan
15 - Jun - 2022
You’ve done your research, picked a city you think you’d love, and even started hunting online for good schools or jobs in the land of the rising sun. There’s just one question burning in the...
Life in Japan
20 - Apr - 2022
It is a fact that Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world. The punctuality of its public transport, clean streets, public safety, and high life expectancy are well known outside the...
Life in Japan
13 - Apr - 2022
There is a lot to organize when you study abroad, from finding accommodation and setting up internet to registering at your local ward office and signing up for health insurance. It can be extremely daunting...
Life in Japan
09 - Apr - 2022
Famous for its folklore history, delicious fruit and beautiful landscape garden, Okayama is an important city located on the western part of Japan’s Honshu island. The smaller size and relaxed pace of the city makes...
Life in Japan
06 - Apr - 2022
Nagoya 名古屋 is the capital city of Aichi Prefecture (Aichi-ken 愛知県) and is Japan’s fourth most-populated city with more than two million people who call it home. Today, it’s known as Japan’s transport and industrial hub....
How to
23 - Feb - 2022
There are many reasons why you might want to change to a student visa in Japan. You might be on a Japanese work visa but wish to study full-time to improve your language skills. Or...
Life in Japan
08 - Jan - 2022
If you have been through the process of moving to Japan already, you’ll know that there’s a lot to prepare in advance and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. From ensuring you have a valid visa,...
Learn Japanese
24 - Nov - 2021
Given the geographic proximity of Japan and Korea, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that these two countries share many things in common. One of those things is the language – although different in many...
How to
27 - Oct - 2021
One of the most important things you need for your study abroad experience is money. You need it for rent, tuition, daily life and without meeting the minimum amount required by Japanese immigration, your visa...
Learn Japanese
20 - Oct - 2021
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is seen as the gold standard of Japanese language tests for non-native speakers. But did you know there are actually many other tests you can take aside from the...
How to
29 - Sep - 2021
Moving to a new country to learn a new language by yourself can be intimidating. Some people may prefer to study in Japan with a friend. Or you might be in a relationship where you...
How to
26 - May - 2021
Studying abroad is a big life event and you might feel a lot of pressure to choose the right Japanese language school. This decision involves many personal factors and what is right for someone else...
Life in Japan
17 - Apr - 2021
Oita prefecture (Ōita-ken 大分県) is located on the island of Kyūshū 九州 and is famous for its thousands of hot springs (onsen 温泉) and its unspoiled nature. If you think you want to live in...
Life in Japan
17 - Mar - 2021
Like so many others hoping to study in Japan in 2020, Jose Moreno was forced to delay his plans as COVID-19 spread across the world. But with patience and Go! Go! Nihon’s help, Jose was...
Life in Japan
13 - Mar - 2021
Depending on where you live in the world you may or may not be familiar with the seasonal sniffles of hay fever, but hay fever in Japan is very common. With distinct seasons comes strong...
Life in Japan
03 - Mar - 2021
Marco is one of our students from Italy, who was meant to start Japanese language school from April 2020. But then the global pandemic hit, the world went into lockdown and Marco was faced with...
Learn Japanese
16 - Jan - 2021
Why study Japanese? Well let’s start with you. Why are you interested in learning Japanese? There’s a number of reasons why there’s a growing number of people interested in learning Japanese, and each have their...
Life in Japan
09 - Dec - 2020
Hear “Nagano” and you might think: snow, Winter Olympics, snow monkeys. And while Nagano is all of those things, it is also so much more. If you’re thinking about whether to live in Nagano, read...
Learn Japanese
07 - Nov - 2020
Getting your Japanese to an advanced level is entirely possible by studying in your home country. But to get more natural and fluent language skills, it’s worthwhile considering studying in Japan for advanced Japanese learners....
How to
28 - Oct - 2020
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the most widely recognised Japanese proficiency exam. Foreigners who want to work in Japan sweat blood and tears to pass the coveted JLPT N2 exam – the level...
How to
06 - Sep - 2020
If you’re looking to study at a Japanese university or vocational college, you may know about or already be signed up for a Bekka program. Designed for non-Japanese students, this preparatory course is normally taught...
Learn Japanese
05 - Sep - 2020
Each language has its own way of counting things and in Japanese, there are literally hundreds of different counters. A counter is a word that describes a thing that you are counting, for example people,...
Learn Japanese
26 - Aug - 2020
Visiting your local ward office is a necessary, but sometimes burdensome, part of living in Japan. Most of the time, you’ll get by with basic Japanese, but it’s always better to go equipped with some...
Learn Japanese
19 - Aug - 2020
Kore, sore and are are some of the first pronouns you’ll learn as a beginner Japanese language student and at first, they seem fairly straightforward. But, the difference between kore, sore and are is often...
Life in Japan
05 - Aug - 2020
Tokyo is known to have some of the highest living costs in the world and the cost to live in Tokyo as a student might seem impossibly expensive. But, it is actually totally possible to...
Life in Japan
03 - Aug - 2020
This article was last updated August 2022. Want to study in Japan for 6 months, but you don’t know how or when to start? Don’t worry, we’ve made this helpful study-in-Japan guide for you, including...
Learn Japanese
29 - Jul - 2020
From introducing yourself to someone for the first time, to asking another person for a favour, the phrase yoroshiku onegaishimasu, よろしくお願いします is an essential part of Japanese language. You hear and use it everywhere, but...
Life in Japan
22 - Jul - 2020
Just a little to the southwest of Kyoto and west of Osaka, Kobe is a beautiful port town bordered by some mountains to the north and west and the sea to the south. As for...
Learn Japanese
08 - Jul - 2020
Is learning Japanese from anime really an option? Or will you just learn a lot of slang and fighting talk? Well actually anime can be a great accompaniment to your Japanese language studies (although definitely...
How to
27 - May - 2020
Japan often seems to be at the forefront of many things, but when it comes to zero waste living, it can feel like it’s in the dark ages. Living zero waste in even the most...
Life in Japan
06 - May - 2020
Just like convenience stores, it seems as if there are drugstores everywhere in Japan. And rather than just sell medicine, they offer you so much more. Read on to find out what you can buy...
Life in Japan
29 - Apr - 2020
Fukuoka was rated one of the most livable cities in the world for several years in a row. It is Japan’s 4th largest urban area in Japan with a population of 1.5 million. Tokyo, on...
How to
18 - Apr - 2020
Updated July 2025 When you imagine your future in Japan, what do you see? Study, then work? Language study, then higher education? Running your own business? Whatever your vision is, you need to have a...
Learn Japanese
01 - Apr - 2020
We all feel under the weather sometimes. Whether you’re visiting on a trip or studying abroad in Japan, in the case you are feeling ill, it’s important to know how to take care of yourselves...
How to
07 - Mar - 2020
When traveling anywhere in the world it’s important to think about what you’re packing and most importantly what you can and can’t bring into a country. Japan is no different, so we’ve put together a...
Learn Japanese
19 - Feb - 2020
We’ve prepared a list of Olympics vocabulary you can study to be in the know once the Games officially begin. Learn game terminology, and phrases used to discuss the Games with friends or express joy...
Only in Japan
15 - Feb - 2020
It has been 56 years since the Summer Olympics were held in Tokyo, and much has changed. In the 1964 games, there were 19 sports represented, compared to the 33 sports we expect to see...
Life in Japan
05 - Feb - 2020
If you’re moving to Japan to study long-term, then you’ll want a comfortable place to stay that won’t break the bank. But finding accommodation in Japan as a foreigner can often be tricky. That’s why...
Life in Japan
18 - Jan - 2020
In recent years, general interest for traveling to Japan has been growing steadily. And more and more people are considering moving there in the medium or long term. But visiting Japan for two weeks or...
Life in Japan
15 - Jan - 2020
You may already know that working in Japan without a university degree is essentially impossible unless you have at least 10 years of work experience in a specific field. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy way to...
Life in Japan
11 - Jan - 2020
Living in Kofu is a unique experience compared to the other major cities in Japan. Of course, this city, the capital of Yamanashi, is a busy place but it’s a lot quieter and more relaxed...
Only in Japan
28 - Dec - 2019
With the New Year around the corner, why not take a chance and grab a lucky bag in Japan? Fukubukuro (福袋) or lucky bag is a tradition on New Year’s Day in Japan where merchants...
Life in Japan
19 - Dec - 2019
Education has the power to change your life, but without a high level of Japanese it might seem impossible to study at a higher level in Japan.   But, for those who are serious about higher...
Learn Japanese
14 - Dec - 2019
Is it really possible to learn Japanese from manga? Well, maybe not completely but it can actually be a very effective tool for practicing reading. Just make sure that you combine it with some properly...
Life in Japan
30 - Nov - 2019
Japan is at the top of many people’s bucket lists – and for good reason. It’s a beautiful country with kind people, delicious food and a remarkable culture. If you’re looking for a memorable study...
Learn Japanese
13 - Nov - 2019
Japanese cuisine is delicious and one of the best ways to get an understanding of it is to visit restaurants and try the food. However, you’ll need to navigate your way around it with some...
Life in Japan
01 - Nov - 2019
At Go! Go! Nihon, we love hearing from Japanese students and their experience: we hope you do too! Talking to them offers us the unique opportunity to see and share things from their point of...
Life in Japan
30 - Oct - 2019
For some, Japan can seem like a costly country but as with many cities around the world, you just need to know the tricks to living cheaply. We love Japan and don’t want you to...
Only in Japan
26 - Oct - 2019
Halloween in Japan isn’t as all-encompassing as it is in the west but with major parties taking place in the centre of Tokyo, it’s still the perfect excuse to get dressed up. So what are...
How to
16 - Oct - 2019
Bringing your pet to Japan is a process that can be both time-consuming and expensive. But, it is absolutely possible to successfully bring your fur friend to Japan, with a bit of patience and a...
How to
02 - Oct - 2019
While in Japan you’ll probably get some recommendations or instructions to go to a specific place or address. Finding your way there might be a bit tricky if you can’t read a Japanese address, so...
Learn Japanese
25 - Sep - 2019
Apps are a great learning tool to supplement your Japanese lessons. In this article we explore some of our favourite and best apps to learn Japanese with. Note that we recommend using these apps together...
Learn Japanese
21 - Aug - 2019
Japan has always been a major contributor in the video game industry. It pioneered the field since the end of the 70’s, with game companies like Nintendo and Sega, increasing its market share through the...
Life in Japan
07 - Aug - 2019
It’s no secret to anyone that Japan loves paperwork. And the Japanese student visa application process is certainly no exception! So, when is the right time to apply? In this article, we give more information...
Life in Japan
24 - Jul - 2019
You’ve chosen your school, completed the application, now you just need to book your flights and sort out somewhere to live. But what are your accommodation options in Japan, how do you make a choice,...
How to
17 - Jul - 2019
In Japan there’s so much more to do at the post office than you might think. It’s the place to go to send mail and parcels, but also to withdraw money and even get souvenirs! In...
Learn Japanese
03 - Jul - 2019
Getting the conversation started in any language or culture is important and saying hello in Japanese is no different. There are different forms, different levels of politeness and certain rules that you must follow depending...
How to
26 - Jun - 2019
When you’re settling into your new life in Japan you’ll think that you won’t have to worry about some of the basic things like setting the heating or using a Japanese washing machine but if...
Life in Japan
20 - Jun - 2019
Understanding what your embassy in Japan can do for you is important, if you get in trouble or just need some support then it can be incredibly useful to know what support is available. It’s...
Learn Japanese
12 - Jun - 2019
Are you familiar with the saying “kill two birds with one stone”? Well, it turns out that it’s quite the universal phrase and even exists in Japanese too. This Japanese proverb is written as: 一石二鳥...
Learn Japanese
04 - May - 2019
It can be very useful to learn things like parts of the face when starting a new language. Particularly in Japanese where the parts of the face are often used as general descriptors in everyday...
Life in Japan
20 - Apr - 2019
If you’ve looked around our site you may already know a few things about us. But here’s a little background in case we’ve not met you yet and you’re wondering if you should apply through...
News
30 - Mar - 2019
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be held 56 years after it was last held in Tokyo from July 24th to August 9th. The Paralympics follow 16 days later and run from August 25th to September...
How to
23 - Mar - 2019
Coming from the US, redelivery—Fuzaihyou (不在表) in Japan—can be a touchy subject. It’s a common joke over there to hear about our postmen ringing the doorbell and slapping a “We missed you! We’ll try again...
Life in Japan
02 - Mar - 2019
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a language student living in Osaka? Lee, a Go! Go! Nihon student, has taken the time to answer a few of our questions about his experience. Hi Lee, tell...
go-go-nihon-who-we-are

Who we are

Go! Go! Nihon Live and Study in Japan!

In 2009, after meeting and studying at a Japanese language school together, Davide and John start working on a project that will make the process of living and studying in Japan much easier. The idea for Go! Go! Nihon is born. The service and website is launched with Italian, Swedish, and English language support. There is an immediate positive reception to the service and the first long-term students start the October session that year.