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Meiji Academy

Meiji Academy

4.99 Rating
137 reviews
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Why choose Meiji Academy?

Meiji Academy is an independent educational institution offering a variety of Japanese language and culture classes to make sure students can study in a way that is efficient and fun! The standard courses offer 20 classes per week. Classroom lectures along with training in real-life settings allow you to become accustomed to using actual spoken Japanese. Courses range from complete beginner to advanced speaker. Meiji Academy also offers intensive Japanese courses where students take up to 24 classes per week and have a private teacher to help focus on personal needs.

Japanese business classes and internships are also available. These courses are for people who plan to do business in Japan or with Japanese clients. The course focuses on Keigo (Japan’s business language), the Japanese business mind/manners and business role-plays.

Meiji offers additional courses in Japanese ancient arts, pop culture, and Kanji. Check out our website for more information!

Website
meijiacademy.com
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Community Photos

Japanese Castle in Karatsu
Fukuoka Tower
Hiking near Fukuoka
Tori Gates in Dazaifu
Visit to Dazaifu
Kimono Experience in Ohori Park
River Cruise in Fukuoka
Visit to a temple in Yanagawa
“Standing beneath the Torii ⛩️, feeling grateful for an unforgettable time in Japan 🇯🇵. Every moment here was filled with beauty 🌸, culture 🎎, and memories I’ll cherish forever ❤️.”
A cool photo from a temple with red torii gates.
Samurai Experience
Amazing Time with Friends
Shrine
Kimono-experience
View from the accommodation
nice view on Fukuoka Tower

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Community Awards

  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award

Reviews

Default avatar
Sarah
21
Female
Austria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Japanese in Japan with Meiji Academy

A Journey Through Culture, Language, and Growth

May 29, 2025

Spending time in Japan with Meiji Academy was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had. The program combined a professional internship with cultural immersion and language learning, making every day feel meaningful.

Meiji Academy organized unique cultural activities like kimono dressing, a samurai experience, and traditional tea ceremonies. These moments helped me understand and appreciate Japanese culture far beyond what I expected.

The Japanese lessons were well-structured and interactive, making it easy to apply what I learned in daily life.

In my free time, I loved exploring Fukuoka, relaxing by the sea in the evenings, and taking weekend trips to places like Dazaifu, Itoshima, and Beppu.

This experience helped me grow, become more open, and gain confidence in a new environment.

Advice for future participants: Don’t stress too much—everything is well-organized, and the team is always there to support you. Just be open and enjoy the journey!

What was your funniest moment?
"A bird of prey decided to join me for dinner—I had to share my burger during sunset at the beach!"
Pros
  • Great Cultural Immersion
  • Supportive Program Staff
  • Language & Personal Growth
Cons
  • Language Barrier in Daily Life
  • Food is very meat-based, and vegetarian options are often limited.
  • Limited Free Time for Exploration
“Standing beneath the Torii ⛩️, feeling grateful for an unforgettable time in Japan 🇯🇵. Every moment here was filled with beauty 🌸, culture 🎎, and memories I’ll cherish forever ❤️.”
Default avatar
Michelle
23
Female
Austria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Japanese in Japan with Meiji Academy

Unforgettable Time Abroad

May 29, 2025

My time abroad in Fukuoka was unforgettable because I studied Japanese while living in a cozy, typical Asian-style apartment with a bunk bed and a small balcony. I loved exploring places like Daimyo and Canal City, grabbing coffee at Starbucks, and watching sunsets by the beach. The local support was amazing, helping me feel confident and independent. Future participants shouldn’t worry if things feel different than expected—it’s all part of the experience and growth that makes the program so special.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate a bowl with salmon on top and rice underneath, but I didn’t know the dish would come with tiny fish underneath the salmon—tons of baby fish! It felt a bit unusual to eat them at first, but in the end, it turned out super delicious.
Pros
  • Improved my Japanese language skills through daily practice and classes.
  • Loved exploring cozy neighborhoods like Daimyo and vibrant spots like Canal City.
  • I loved the people there because they were so friendly and lovely.
Cons
  • Sometimes struggled with being away from friends and family.
  • Missed having some alone time, as I was mostly with friends or groups.
  • At first, adjusting to unfamiliar food and living arrangements was a bit challenging.
A cool photo from a temple with red torii gates.
Default avatar
Quentin Tyr
22
Male
Austria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Japanese in Japan with Meiji Academy

Finally got to visit Japan!!

May 28, 2025

I was very lucky to spend a month in Fukuoka, and it was an experience I will never forget. The lessons were excellently structured and practical. I was particularly impressed by the friendly and respectful manner of the teachers, and they also responded to our individual needs.

On the weekends, I explored the city with my colleagues, including visits to Fukuoka Tower, the beach, and Osaka. In Osaka, we visited the World Expo and Universal Studios, which was truly wonderful and unforgettable. Unfortunately, the rain bothered me a little, so if you come to Japan, make sure you always carry a small raincoat or umbrella!

Also, the food in Japan is amazing. From fresh sushi and hearty ramen and countless local specialties, every meal was a delight. Trying out different dishes at local markets and restaurants became one of my favorite parts of the trip.

In short, I can recommend the Meiji Academy to anyone who wants to improve their Japanese and actively engage with and experience Japanese culture. It was just great, and I would love to come back again!!!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Next time i would inform myself better about the place and plan better what i would like to see.
Pros
  • Good learning Experience
  • Amazing Food
  • Beautiful Country
Cons
  • It rains alot
Samurai Experience
Default avatar
Philipp
24
Male
Austria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Japanese in Japan with Meiji Academy

My Wonderful Time in Fukuoka at Meiji Academy!

May 28, 2025

I had a fantastic time studying at Meiji Academy in Fukuoka! During my 4-week stay, I not only improved my Japanese skills but also got to experience Japanese culture in a very authentic and engaging way. The teachers were friendly, professional, and always supportive, making the lessons both effective and enjoyable. Thanks to the small class sizes, everyone got plenty of individual attention.

The accommodation provided was clean, quiet, and located close to the school, which made everything very convenient. I especially appreciated the cultural activities the academy organized—wearing a kimono, visiting a local shrine, and the boat tour in Yanagawa were definite highlights!

What made the experience truly special was the warm atmosphere and the opportunity to meet people from different countries. I can wholeheartedly recommend Meiji Academy to anyone who’s serious about learning Japanese and wants to make the most out of their time in Japan.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Rindermagen
Pros
  • Exciting cultural activities
  • Friendly and supportive People
  • Wonderful City
Amazing Time with Friends
Default avatar
Marcus-Alin
27
Male
Romania
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Japanese in Japan with Meiji Academy

Exploring Language and Culture in Fukuoka – An Unforgettable Time at Meiji Academy

May 28, 2025

My time at Meiji Academy in Fukuoka was an incredible experience that went far beyond just learning Japanese. From the moment I arrived, I felt supported and welcomed by both the staff and fellow students. The atmosphere at the school was friendly, relaxed, and encouraging — the perfect environment for improving language skills and meeting people from all over the world.

One of the things I appreciated most was how much cultural immersion was part of the experience. Besides the lessons, Meiji Academy organized amazing activities and excursions that helped us explore Japan beyond the classroom. We visited Fukuoka Tower, went on a day trip to Yanagawa, and took part in seasonal festivals. Each event gave us a deeper appreciation of Japanese life and traditions, and they were also just a lot of fun!

The city of Fukuoka itself is vibrant yet calm — a great place for international students. It’s easy to get around, full of friendly people, and has a perfect mix of urban life and nature.

Even outside the school, there were plenty of chances to practice Japanese in real situations, whether at restaurants, temples, or while navigating daily life. That’s something you just can’t get from studying at home.

Overall, Meiji Academy gave me a truly well-rounded cultural and educational experience. I came to Japan hoping to learn the language, but I left with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a real connection to the country.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore Japan in a meaningful way!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Unagi (ウナギ) which is a Japanese eel.
Pros
  • Small, personalized classes
  • Fun cultural activities
  • Friendly, international atmosphere
Shrine
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 3 of 3

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Bronte Higgs

Program
Study Japanese in Japan with Meiji Academy
a large group of people sitting around a table in a traditional Japanese restaurant

Why did you choose this program?

When I was looking for a language school in Japan, I wanted to be in a city with a nice environment and have flexibility in my course. Meiji Academy met both of these requirements. Lot’s of language schools require you to stay for around 1-3 months or over a year, but with Meiji Academy you can decide exactly how many weeks you need and can also customise which classes you want to take. They also have a school in Fukuoka, which I found was the perfect city to live and study in without being too overwhelming.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Meiji Academy helped with organising accommodation, being picked up from the airport, and doing events and tours to explore the city and Fukuoka lifestyle. However I had to sort out things like my visa, SIM card, and transportation. They give you advice in these areas but in the end you’ve got to figure it out yourself, which can be a bit confusing in a different language.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I’d say definitely research into what the weather will be like while you’re here. I mostly assumed that since Fukuoka is in South Japan, it would be warm all year around. Boy was I wrong. It got a lot colder in winter than I expected and I’d only brought a few jumpers. Especially if you’re going to be here for a long stay, make sure you prepare for all the seasons!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Classes usually start at either 9:30am or 1:30pm and go for 3 hours unless you have extra classes. Mine were usually in the afternoon so I was able to spend the morning doing whatever I wanted and could go meet friends for lunch later. After classes, Meiji Academy would sometimes have parties to eat Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Nabe, etc. They would also occasionally have trips on the weekend, which was always really fun. Some of my favourites was going strawberry picking in Itoshima, or riding the boats along the canals of Yanagawa.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was definitely the communication barrier as my Japanese speaking ability was pretty much non-existent when I first arrived. However I decided to jump into the deep end and stay with a host family for my first month. It turned out to be the best decision I could’ve made. They were so friendly and welcoming that I straight away felt at home in Japan. They introduced me to a lot of cultural things I wouldn’t have otherwise experienced and, as a bonus, my Japanese improved so much faster with having to speak it everyday.

This really helped my confidence with speaking and allowed me to use it in real-life situations, like ordering from restaurants or asking for directions. So I’d really recommend this for anyone that’s a bit worried about being able to communicate. Even if your Japanese isn’t very good yet, I found that locals really appreciate you at least trying to say a few words.

How could you have better prepared for your time in Japan?

I would’ve tried to budget my money better. I came to Japan thinking, ”I’ll just see how it goes“ but around a month in I realised how quickly my bank account was being emptied. Everything is so exciting and you want to experience it all, but of course everything costs money.

It’s pretty tricky trying to find a job or part-time work as a foreigner. If your Japanese isn’t at least an N3 level (JLPT) then you’re pretty much stuck with teaching English lessons (if that’s your native language). It’s also not usually paid very well either. So I’d suggest to really make a plan before you arrive to figure out the best way to make your money last.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Osafumi Hamada

Program
Japanese Traditional Culture Study Abroad Course in Japan
Job Title
Japanese Teacher and Cultural Event Organiser
Osafumi has a background in Architecture and studied fashion in Paris for a few years. He started off by learning French in Paris; that is when he realized his passion for Japanese culture and he wants to spread this to the world through his fashion and by teaching Japanese.
portrait image of a man an in front of a white screen

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favourite travel memory as when I was studying overseas. I had the opportunity to travel most of Europe and experience the differences in culture and traditions between Europe and Asia. That made my sense of pride as a Japanese stronger and I was determined to return to Japan and make an impact on people’s lives after this.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Ever since working for Meiji Academy, I was able to share my passion for the Japanese culture and language with the students I have interacted with, which has deepened my understanding on how international students perceived our culture to better organize future cultural events based on their interests.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

One of the best memories I have from talking to return students is how I have managed to impact one particular student's life with my passion for Japanese culture and fashion. In fact, he actually decided to pursue Japanese culture for his major in university because of what I had taught and told him in class.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

If I were a student here at Meiji Academy, I would definitely take part in the Pop Culture course to understand more of the interesting cultures we have here in Japan. It is unique as compared to all other countries on this planet and I encourage students to explore this exciting mix of traditional and modern culture!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

What is unique about Meiji Academy is that it is not only a language school but also a centre for intercultural exchange. Here, students can also earn more about Japanese culture (both pop and traditional) and explore the culture that lays outside of the textbook. I believe this to be an invaluable experience.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Passion. Without passion, employees will not be able to work to an optimal level. Staff must be passionate about his/her job so they will give their best in their tasks at hand. Passion also makes teaching more enjoyable to the teachers as well as learning more fun for the students. I can most certainly see that staff members, teachers and students at Meiji Academy are highly motivated and passionate, which makes me happy to be teaching here!