1 best Japanese boarding schools in Japan

The Japanese school system primarily consists of six-year elementary schools, three-year junior high schools, and three-year high schools, followed by two or three-year junior colleges or four-year colleges. Compulsory education lasts for nine years in elementary and junior high schools.

In Japanese boarding schools, classes are held five days a week, from Monday to Friday, although some schools also have classes on Saturdays. In junior and high schools, each day typically consists of six classes, each lasting around 50 minutes. After classes, students take turns cleaning classrooms and then participate in club activities. There are various clubs available, including both cultural and sports clubs.

The academic year usually starts in April and ends in March of the following year. Most schools follow a three-semester system: the first semester runs from April to August, the second from September to December, and the third from January to March. Students also enjoy summer vacation (from late July to the end of August), winter vacation (from late December to early January), and spring vacation (from late March to early April).

English is a mandatory subject in junior and senior high school boarding schools in Japan. Some senior high schools allow students to study languages other than English, such as Chinese, Korean, French, and German.

Student clubs are a distinctive part of Japanese school education. Under the guidance of teachers, students with similar interests in sports, cultural activities, or specializations voluntarily gather after classes and on weekends. There are numerous student clubs dedicated to traditional Japanese sports and culture, and students can participate in school exchanges and friendly matches.

Sports Clubs:

• Baseball
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Track and Field
• Swimming
• Judo
• Kendo (Japanese fencing)

Cultural Clubs:

• School band
• School choir
• Drama
• Art
• Literature
• Kado (Japanese flower arrangement)
• Sado (Japanese tea ceremony)
• Shodo (Japanese calligraphy)

International schools have become more popular throughout Japan due to the increasing number of foreigners living in the country. While Japanese schools primarily teach in Japanese, international schools offer instruction in English, catering to immigrant children and those from dual-cultural backgrounds. International boarding schools are typically considerably more expensive than Japanese public schools.

There are numerous international schools across Japan, but not all of them are accredited by the Ministry of Education.