Japanese schools
Yokohama Design College
YDC is a visual and art design vocational school located in the heart of Yokohama. Since it is primarily a Japanese vocational school, there are Japanese high school and vocational school students studying in the same building as Japanese language students! This is a great opportunity for students to interact with Japanese students and improve their Japanese.
Prices starting from
Prices starting from
Prices starting from
Prices starting from
24 months
Yokohama Design College
Video overview
Open classes
Twice a year, YDC provides all students the opportunity to sign up for open classes taught at their vocational school, and other activities. These special classes are offered over one or two days, and range anywhere from how to use mangaka supplies like screen tone, to music, dance, or even hula dance! Classes change every year, so you never have to take the same class twice!
Please keep in mind that some classes require for students to have some prior Japanese knowledge.
Student lounge available
English speaking staff available
There will be English-speaking staff available to assist you with any issues that may arise during your time at the school.
Full time employement support
From preparing you for interviews to teaching you proper business Japanese, this school provides support for when you’re ready to join the Japanese workforce.
Part time job support
The school provides support by posting available part-time jobs in the area and preparing you for the interview.
Interact with Japanese students
Location
Our school is located in Nishi Ward, Yokohama
YOKOHAMA – Japan’s second largest city by population, Yokohama has many things to offer to tourists and residents alike. You won’t be disappointed with the city lifestyle that Yokohama has to offer without being too far removed from Tokyo. Yokohama station and Minato Mirai are popular hangout spots for young Japanese locals, so there’s plenty to do, see, and buy. Located right on the bay, Yokohama feels spacious and refreshing.
From Yokohama station, you can reach Tokyo or anywhere in Kanagawa prefecture with relative ease. Also within the city of Yokohama, you have Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and beautiful Yamashita Park.
DISTANCE TO TRAIN STATIONS (Walking time)
Apply now
We are now accepting applications for July 2025 term
Yokohama Design College (YDC)
Our Japanese Courses
Yokohama Design College (YDC)
GENERAL JAPANESE COURSE
This course includes standard lessons, JLPT and EJU preparation, and cultural activities throughout the year.
Course length
WITHOUT STUDENT VISA
3 months
WITH STUDENT VISA
6 - 24 months
Available starts
April - October
Schedule (weekdays)
Morning class 09:00 to 12:30
Or
Afternoon class 13:10 to 16:40
Course hours per week: 20
Classes are either in the morning or in the afternoon, based on your level of Japanese.
Other features
JLPT prep elective classes
These JLPT classes will prepare you for levels N2 or N1. They will focus on teaching you techniques to pass the test and will focus on the different sections that you will encounter in the test.
Open classes
Language students are able to sit into various “open classes” that regular vocational school students attend. Although they are offered only for a limited time, it is a great way to experience classes in art, design, music, and more.
School Intensity
Medium intensity means the school gives you a perfect balance between study pace and free time. This means that you’ll be able to enjoy your life in Japan, while still being able to effectively progress your studies.
3 months
6 months
12 months
18 months
24 months
Costs
Total course costs
The total course costs in these charts includes class time, staff guidance and school activities. For long-term students (6 months or more), it also includes extended student insurance and textbooks.
TERM 1 - 3
BEGINNER - 9 MONTHS
Main focus will be on daily conversation. You will receive strong verbal training plus instruction in grammar and sentence structures. Upon completion, you will be JLPT N4 level.
TERM 3 - 4
INTERMEDIATE - 6 MONTHS
Heavy focus on reading comprehension, verbal communication, and kanji. Learn to clearly understand conversations and convey your own opinions. Upon completion, you will be JLPT N3 level.
TERM 5+
ADVANCED - 12 MONTHS
Ability to read and understand newspapers and watch the news. Heavy focus on learning high level Japanese for business situations, research, and beyond.
Yokohama Design College
Student demographics
Students come from all over the world to study at this school.
