Generally speaking there are two major categories of places where you can study the Japanese language: Japanese language schools, which are educational institutions devoted to teaching the Japanese language, and other facilities. Tuition fees are required at Japanese language schools, but at other facilities that offer Japanese language courses and classes you can participate for free or at relatively low cost.

Those who are interested in enrolling as full-time students of the Japanese language schools are required to receive a proper student visa prior to entering Japan. In order to receive such a visa, it is necessary to enroll in a Japanese language school that is officially recognized by Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education. You can search for a Japanese language school by looking at documents such as the Guide to Japanese Educational Institutions available at Japanese overseas diplomatic offices (available in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean) and at other locations. Please contact the school that you are interested in and request necessary application documents so that you can proceed with the necessary application process. Once the application process has been completed, a representative of the Japanese language school may apply on your behalf for the issuance of a certificate of eligibility required for the application for student visa.
・Website of the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education: http://www.nisshinkyo.org/