Learn Japanese in Okinawa

Known colloquially as “the Hawaii of Japan” Okinawa is the paradise you’ve been looking for! This tropical island has sunny skies all year round, complete with idyllic palm trees and a huge variety of marine life that you would expect from this natural gem. Aside from its natural beauty, Okinawa has its own unique culture, cuisine, and traditions based on an ancient history away from the mainland. Whether kayaking through mangrove forests, snorkelling with manta rays, or sampling fresh, unique local dishes—carve out your own adventure in Okinawa with ESL.

Japanese schools in Okinawa

Okinawa has developed a culture largely distinct from mainland Japan. While it has some similarities, studying in Okinawa means diving into a unique world of colourful art, bold dancing, fresh cuisine and special crafts such as Ryukyu glass and bingata textile dyeing. Despite this cultural “isolation”, you can still visit the Japanese mainland fairly easily, with just a 2-hour flight to the country and 3 hours to Tokyo. Overall, our Japanese schools in Okinawa give you unbeatable opportunities to soak up this unique culture while learning Japanese.

Why study Japanese in Okinawa?

City Life

Okinawa is unlike any other part of Japan, with a unique culture and cuisine that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Make sure to try Rafute: pork belly braised in local alcohol.
The island is a paradise for marine life, those who enjoy snorkelling will have the time of their life while looking for local fish and water fauna, from sea turtles to whale sharks!

Travel

Experience Okinawa’s unique history by visiting Shuri Castle, the ancient palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
The Japanese mainland is just 2 hours away by plane, the perfect distance for a weekend trip to practise your Japanese and impress locals with your new Okinawan slang!

Activities

Okinawa is a playground for thrill-seekers and adventurers: with its vast natural beauty, you can do anything from kayaking through the mangroves to scuba diving in coral reefs.
The crystal clear Pacific waters around the island hold several secrets to be discovered, make sure to do a tour of the mysterious underwater Yonaguni ruins.

How much does it cost to live and study in Okinawa?

Japan in general has a reputation for being somewhat expensive to live and study, but Okinawa can be an exception! The relaxed island has a cheaper cost of living than the mainland, with a cost of living between 700 to 1000 euros depending on your lifestyle. The only exception to this is groceries. As a smaller island, importing goods can be more complicated, and thus groceries can be up to 5% more expensive than in Tokyo.