Japanese Courses in Tokyo
Overview
Tokyo, consisting of the city itself and of the Izu and Ogasawara Islands, is Japan’s capital and the world’s most populous metropolis. Formerly known as Edo, the city was renamed Tokyo when the emperor and capital moved there from Kyoto in 1868. Today, Tokyo offers an almost unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city’s history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city center and in its outskirts.
Why study Japanese in Tokyo?
Japanese Manners
For as bustling and crowded as Tokyo is, its people are incredibly considerate. Everything from the train stations to the sidewalks is clean.
Tokyo Fashion
“Cosplay” (or “costume play”) is much more common among young people, and they often use it to pay homage to favorite anime, movie, or comic book characters.
Tokyo Cuisine
The food in Tokyo is fresh, rich, and delicious, and the sheer amount of options is overwhelming.
The Tokyo Transit System
With 6 million passengers per day, Tokyo’s public transit system is currently the world’s busiest, but the trains are fast and the transit line layout is very efficient and easy to navigate.
Tokyo’s Temples, Shrines and Gardens
For such a highly urbanized city, Tokyo actually has an unbelievable amount of beautiful gardens and shrines for anyone seeking a peaceful respite from the hectic environment.
Japanese Gadgets
A cup-holder that attaches to your windowsill? Yes please! A watch that beeps when you’re close to a police car? I’ll take it! Like most things in Japan, the gadgets and technology are not only impressive, but incredibly well-made.
Toyko’s Nightlife
Tokyo is the home of packed dance clubs, upscale bars, and an abundance of surprisingly competitive karaoke lounges.
Japanese Fireworks
Fireworks are an integral part of Japanese culture and history, and hundreds of dazzling shows and festivals are put on throughout the year. The biggest celebrations are in the summer, though, when the weather is breezy, warm, and perfect for relaxing outdoors.
Language Schools and Camps in this Destination
In Tokyo, Marshall Language Services offers full immersion Japanese language courses at the Genki Tokyo and Kai Japanese language schools.
Images of Tokyo, Japan.
Things to Do and See During a Vacation Study
Koishikawa Korakuen
Koishikawa Korakuen is one of Tokyo’s oldest and best Japanese gardens, built in the early Edo Period (1600-1867) in the Koishikawa district. The garden was named Korakuen after a poem encouraging a ruler to enjoy pleasure only after achieving happiness for his people.
Tokyo Imperial Palace
The current Imperial Palace, where Japan’s Imperial Family resides, is located in the center of Tokyo, on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls.
Tokyo National Museum
The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and largest of Japan’s top-level national museums, which also include the Kyoto National Museum, the Nara National Museum and the Kyushu National Museum. The Tokyo National Museum features one of the largest and best collections of art and archeological artifacts in Japan, made up of over 110,000 individual items including nearly a hundred national treasures.
Asakusa
Asakusa is at the center of Tokyo’s shitamachi (“low city”), where the Tokyo of past decades survives. Students can visit the Sensoji, a very popular 7th century Buddhist temple, and the Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries.
Akihabara
Akihabara, or Akiba, is a district in central Tokyo famous for its many electronics shops, and in more recent years, Japan’s otaku (diehard fan) culture. Many of its establishments are devoted to anime and manga.
The Mori Tower Observation Deck
Students can visit the observation deck of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, a 54-story skyscraper that houses companies like Google Japan, Pokemon, and The Mori Art Museum.
Hama Rikyu
Hama Rikyu, is a large, traditionally styled garden in central Tokyo. Located alongside Tokyo Bay, Hama Rikyu features seawater ponds which change level with the tides, and a teahouse on an island.
Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji Market, in central Tokyo is best known as one of the world’s largest fish markets, and also stocks fruits and vegetables.
How to Arrive at your Language Course
By Air
Tokyo has two airports: Narita Airport, located 60 kilometers outside of Tokyo, which handles the majority of international flights, and the more central Haneda Airport for some international flights and the majority of domestic flights.