What is the difference between a vacation and educational travel?

A vacation is about sightseeing. Educational travel (or a Study Trip) is about living in Japan. You have a schedule, you learn a skill, and you engage with locals, giving you a deeper connection to the country.

Can I really learn Japanese in 2 weeks?

You won't be fluent, but you will learn "survival skills." You will be able to read menus, ask for directions, and introduce yourself comfortably. It builds a foundation for future fluency.

Do I need a student visa?

Usually, no. If your course is under 90 days, most nationalities can enter as a "Temporary Visitor" (Tourist). This saves you months of paperwork.

Is this only for university students?

No. While many participants are 18-25, we have a growing number of adult professionals (30+) joining our trips to upskill or take a career break.

How much does a study trip to Japan cost?

Prices vary by length and housing choice, but packages are generally more cost-effective than booking tuition, housing, and activities separately. Plus, the current exchange rate makes your currency go further.

Home • Study and Travel in Japan

Study and travel in Japan

Stop choosing between a holiday and a language course. Discover how to study and travel in Japan with an immersive package that combines cultural adventure, language learning, and lifelong friends.

“I want to see Japan, but I also want to learn the language. Can I do both without quitting my job?”

Most people think you have to choose between being a full-time student on a student visa at a language school or university or a casual tourist passing through for a week. But there is a third option: both studying and traveling in Japan. This hybrid approach allows you to explore the country’s unique culture while gaining a tangible skill, the Japanese language.

At Go! Go! Nihon, we have helped over 15,000 students navigate this exact journey since 2009. We know that organizing education and housing by yourself in a foreign language can be stressful, which is why we created a solution that handles it all.

This guide will define exactly what educational travel is, show you how to plan a two to four week trip that fits your budget, and help you decide which Study Trip package is right for you.

Key takeaways

Hybrid travel: Educational travel combines the excitement of a holiday with the structure of a language school, letting you live like a local.
The “sweet spot” duration: You can see real results in just two to four weeks, making it perfect for professionals on annual leave or students on break.
All-inclusive value: Our Study Trip packages include accommodation, tuition, and activities, which solves the logistical nightmare of booking them separately.
Choose your path: You can customize your experience to focus on fun/experience (like anime and festivals) or skills/career (like language prep).
Affordable: With the current exchange rate, studying and traveling in Japan is more accessible than ever.

Educational travel in Japan

What exactly is "educational travel" in Japan?

Educational travel in Japan is a unique travel format that combines formal Japanese language lessons with immersive cultural activities, allowing you to live like a local rather than just a visitor.

While the travel industry often calls this “educational travel,” at Go! Go! Nihon, we call them Study Trips. Unlike a standard vacation where you observe culture from the outside, a Study Trip places you on the inside. You attend language classes in the morning — where you learn survival phrases to order food or ask for directions — and then immediately use those skills in the afternoon while exploring with new friends.

Further reading: Learn more about the specific benefits of this travel style in our guide to planning your dream Japan study tour.

Choosing your path

Choose your path: which type of study traveler are you?

To get the most out of your trip, you need to decide if your priority is cultural adventure or serious language acquisition.

We have designed our Study Trip packages to cater to two distinct types of travelers. Identifying which one you are will help you choose the perfect itinerary.

Path A: The "experience seeker" (Study Tripper)

You want to make friends, see anime spots, and have the summer of your life. Your goal is to “test the waters” of living in Japan and have fun.

Your interests: Festivals, pop culture, nature
Recommended packages: Summer Course, Otaku Japan, Winter Course
Your guide: Read our guide to planning your dream Japan study tour

Path B: The "skill builder" (language lover)

You want to break through a learning plateau, pass the JLPT exam, or boost your career. Your goal is measurable progress and efficiency.

Your interests: Intensive study, Business Japanese, certification
Recommended packages: Intensive Course
Your guide: Read our guide on how to study Japanese short-term for professionals.

Packages vs. DIY travel

Why choose a package over "DIY" travel?

A structured Japan study and travel package gives you instant access to a community of like-minded friends and safe, vetted schools that are difficult to book as an individual.

Trying to organize a study and travel experience on your own (DIY) can be isolating and difficult. You might find a language school, but will you find housing that welcomes foreigners? Will you meet people?

Our packages solve the two biggest fears of solo travelers: loneliness and safety.

Community: You are placed in a group of peers from day one. Many students tell us the “instant community” was the highlight of their trip.
Safety: Japan is safe, but navigating medical emergencies or lost passports alone is scary. Our team is on the ground to support you.

	DIY travel	Study Trip package
Housing	Find it yourself (difficult)	Included & vetted (safe)
Friends	Hopefully make friends	Guaranteed group of like-minded people
Support	None	Local team support during activities
Activities	Book alone	Curated and guided

Further Reading: See the full list of experiences included in our packages in our trip activities guide.

Stay duration and timing

How long should you stay and when should you go?

A two-week study abroad experience in Japan is the perfect duration to learn survival Japanese without quitting your job, and you always have the option to extend your trip with additional language classes if you want to keep learning.

One of the most common questions we get is, “Is two weeks enough?” The answer is yes, if your goal is to build confidence and gain cultural insight.

Two to four weeks: The “sweet spot” for professionals and students on break. You can learn hiragana, katakana, and basic conversation.
Extend your stay: Want to keep learning? You have the option to add on extra weeks at your language school after your Study Trip concludes, allowing you to deepen your immersion and continue your language journey.

Visa and housing

Do you need a visa? How does housing work?

Planning to study and travel in Japan is simpler than you think: most nationalities can enter on a visa waiver, and our packages include vetted accommodation to solve your biggest logistical challenge.

We handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on the adventure.

Visas: Good news! Citizens of 74 countries (including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia) generally do not need a student visa for trips under 90 days. You enter on a simple visa waiver.
Housing: Finding a short-term apartment in Japan is notoriously difficult for foreigners. Our packages include accommodation — either a private hotel room or a homestay — so you have a guaranteed safe place to sleep.
Cost: While Japan has a reputation for being expensive, the current “weak yen” makes it cheaper than ever before.

Further reading:

Check your specific entry requirements in our student visa guide.
See a full cost breakdown in our student budgeting guide.
Compare housing options in our student accommodation guide.

FAQ

FAQ: Educational travel essentials

What is the difference between a vacation and educational travel?
A vacation is about sightseeing. Educational travel (or a Study Trip) is about living in Japan. You have a schedule, you learn a skill, and you engage with locals, giving you a deeper connection to the country.
Can I really learn Japanese in two weeks?
You won’t be fluent, but you will learn “survival skills.” You will be able to read menus, ask for directions, and introduce yourself comfortably. It builds a foundation for future fluency.
Do I need a student visa?
Usually, no. If your course is under 90 days, most nationalities can enter as a “temporary visitor” (tourist). This saves you months of paperwork.
Is this only for university students?
No. While many participants are 18-25, we have a growing number of adult professionals (30+) joining our trips to upskill or take a career break.
How much does a Study Trip to Japan cost?
Prices vary by length and housing choice, but packages are generally more cost-effective than booking tuition, housing, and activities separately. Plus, the current exchange rate makes your currency go further.

Summary

In Summary: study and travel in Japan

Studying and traveling in Japan is the ultimate way to experience the country. Instead of just sightseeing, you gain a skill, make friends, and live like a local. Whether you choose a summer course for festivals or a winter trip for culture, our educational travel packages handle the hard work so you can focus on the adventure.

Ready to combine learning and adventure? Browse our upcoming Study Trip dates and find your perfect study and travel package.

Not sure which trip fits your goals? Contact our team for a personal recommendation.

Start planning Today: