Having an Epiphany: How much would I need to move? Join Language School
by redditDUBedition on 2026年6月16日
(Edit) To give context: I’m 28m from NZ, still live at home but did temporarily moved out through a toxic relationship, where I used a lot of my money, which was about 2 years ago. Since then I’ve saved up a good amount. I don’t have a bachelors degree but do have a diploma and certificates for different disciplines. I’m currently situated in Fukuoka for the month and ideally would probably want to end up here compared to bigger cities like Tokyo or Osaka.
After working in retail most of my adult life I bit the bullet and I finally quit my job and am currently on a 3 month holiday through Japan. I always had a fascination with Japan since I was a child and have been twice before, this is the first time on a solo trip. I love it here, the people, the way of life and so on, and yes I’m fully aware of the cons too that come with the Japanese culture.
Being here has made me think that once I come back I will probably look to maybe save for another year and half or so and have let’s say ideally 40-50k NZD. From there I’d like to go on a student visa and enter a language school with the goal of eventually working and living in Japan.
I guess I’m just asking for anyone that has similar experiences? Has saved and gone on to language schools? People that have moved with a lot of cash? Those who moved with little? I’d really appreciate any and all input from you guys, because any help or insight goes a long way. Hopefully people see this.
Comments
by innosu_ on 2026年6月16日
You still need a work visa to work in Japan after you finished your language school. The condition of work visa require Bachelor degree or 10 years experience in relevant experience. Going to language school won't help you get a work visa.
by redditDUBedition on 2026年6月16日
Ahh I see, so from my understanding I could look to go to a university for further study potentially? Like extend a student visa? Or is concrete the only way of acquiring a work visa is by having that 10 years of experience?
by shellinjapan on 2026年6月16日
Yes, you could study at a university in Japan after language school. You need either a bachelors degree or ten years experience, not both.
Note that planning to also attend several years of university would increase the amount of savings you’d want to have.
by redditDUBedition on 2026年6月16日
Yeah the plan is that once I come back it’s nothing but saving for at least a year maybe two and then looking to head off. It’s just as much as I love New Zealand, it’s expensive, and in many ways I wish to have a small reset of my life, and to become my own person if that makes sense.Like previously said I’ve mainly lived at home my life and through different circumstances I wished I saved my money better. But I’ve truly loved Japan each time I’ve gone and can really see it as my future home, even with its cons.
by dalkyr82 on 2026年6月16日
> Or is concrete the only way of acquiring a work visa is by having that 10 years of experience?
Just for clarity: The "10 years of experience" route requires that it be *relevant* experience, not just general work experience.
by redditDUBedition on 2026年6月16日
Yeah I understand, 10 years within a designated field, thanks heaps
by DirtCheapDandy on 2026年6月16日
If you're coming from New Zealand and have a bachelors degree, you're probably better off going through the English teacher route than the language school route.
by spotatos on 2026年6月16日
Mid-40s Canadian here. I spent 18 months in Kyoto attending a university Japanese language program and had an excellent experience. I’m now considering returning permanently on a Business Manager Visa.
I chose a university over a language school because of the campus facilities, location, and wider course selection.
NZD $40–50k should be enough for 12–18 months in Osaka or Tokyo if you’re reasonably budget-conscious.
My approximate costs:
\- Rent: ¥135,000/month (new 1LDK apartment w/internet)
\- Utilities: \~¥20,000/month
\- Mobile: \~¥3,000/month
\- Tuition: \~¥740,000/year
\- Furnishings/electronics: \~¥1,000,000 one-time (TV, console, home setup)
Total housing fixed cost is \~$1.9k NZD monthly. Personally, I felt that I splurged on housing.
Food, transportation, and entertainment vary significantly. I’ve met students spending as little as ¥30,000/month beyond rent, while others spend ¥200,000+.
A student visa also allows up to 28 hours/week of part-time work, which can help offset expenses. If your plan is language school!first and then a vocational school (専門学校) or degree program, working part-time can make your budget go much further.
Let me know if you have any additional questions or would like to know more about any specific experience.
by redditDUBedition on 2026年6月16日
Yeah I think if I’m to do it, I’d prefer to immerse myself further in the culture and schooling and earn at least JLPT2 as this is required for further study. I would also like to get a part time job through the school if possible.
In terms of what I’d be looking for it’s pretty much spot on to what you did, in terms of a 1LDK w/internet with further costs like you listed, though I’d have no problems going cheaper for a 1R. I was able to save up a good amount in this 2 year span but am splurging a little bit tbh on this holiday I’ve decided to take. But will still have by rough estimate has about 15-20k NZD once I come back, then I’ll look to reapply for work and save up again. I’ve also timed my trip to where most applications for a lot of jobs happen around once I come back.
Ideally I would probably look to go to Japanese school first and then continue on with further study most likely through a vocational school both because it would be quicker but there courses tend to be what I’m most interested in, again I do have qualification just none that are a bachelors.
Apologies for going on a lot but you’ve been very helpful. I’m guessing that you had a bachelors of some kind? In business? Also apologies again if it’s too personal but are you single? Have a family? Relationship etc? How has that factored into your decision making?
by throwaway12212025 on 2026年6月16日
I don’t have a degree, am married, and spent over 20 years in the corporate world. I came to Japan on a student visa to learn Japanese and explore opening a business here. However, recent Business Manager Visa changes have made that path more challenging, so I’m reassessing my options.
As others have mentioned, a degree is generally the minimum requirement for most work visas. If your plan is to study Japanese for 1–2 years and then enter a four-year university program, that could set you up well for the long term.
Maybe use your first year to learn Japanese and see whether you genuinely enjoy living here. Visiting Japan as a tourist and building a life here are very different experiences.
by dalkyr82 on 2026年6月16日
Immigration requires you to show ~2M yen (~$21k NZD) *every year of study*. So the exact nitty-gritty of "exactly how much will it cost to live" is almost secondary to that number.
For two years of language school (the maximum allowed) you'd be required to show 2M yen up front, and then the same amount when you renew your visa/status of residence after the first year. Being a student is NOT a zero-sum game, so even if you get a part time job you'll burn some of your savings and thus will need extra to make up the required amount for the second year.
You mentioned university in another comment, and the same financial requirements would apply. So you'd need to show 2M yen in savings every year for 6 years straight. A part time job would offset some (but not all) of the costs. Let's conservatively say you pay half your expenses/tuition using job income. So you'd need an additional 1M yen worth of savings for each year of study. So 2M up front, plus 5M in recurring savings requirements. That's ~7M yen (~$75k NZD) in savings before you start. And that's assuming you get a job, and that said job pays half your expenses, which is probably a bit optimistic. It would be safer to assume you'll need 8-10M yen in savings to be able to live relatively comfortable and be able to focus on your studies.
by redditDUBedition on 2026年6月16日
Thank you for breaking it down better than I could.
