A Day in My Life as a Japanese Language Student

2025/06/30

Studying Japanese in Japan has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. From early morning classes in the heart of Shibuya to late-night part-time jobs, each day was packed with challenges, lessons, and unforgettable moments. In this blog, I’ll take you through a typical day in my life as a Japanese language student — the good, the exhausting, and everything in between.

Whether you’re thinking about studying abroad in Japan or just curious about the daily life of a language student, I hope this story gives you insight and inspiration.

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Waking Up in Tokyo: Mornings of Discipline and Determination

7:00 AM — The Battle with the Alarm Clock

I set my alarm for 7:00 AM every day, aiming to start the morning with energy, mindfulness, and a good breakfast. But let’s be honest — not every morning went according to plan. Living alone in my manshon in Setagaya, far from my family, it was easy to hit snooze a few times. Still, I always tried to make time for a simple breakfast to fuel my day.

In Japan, punctuality is sacred. My school in Shibuya started at 8:50 AM sharp, and arriving even one minute late was considered a tardy. Being 10 minutes late? That was counted as an absence. This taught me discipline and respect — values deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

8:50 AM — Classes Begin in the Heart of Shibuya

My Japanese language school was located in the vibrant and bustling Shibuya district, surrounded by endless restaurants, shops, and cultural spots. Every morning, I took the train to school and made sure to arrive early, just to avoid any chance of being late.

Classes usually ended around 12:00 PM. We practiced grammar, kanji, listening, and conversation. The fast pace of lessons kept me on my toes, and being surrounded by motivated international students helped me stay focused on my goals.

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Afternoons in the City: Food, Friends, and Focusing on Japanese

12:30 PM — Exploring Shibuya and Yoyogi Park

After class, I’d often take a short walk through Shibuya’s energetic streets or enjoy the peaceful greenery of Yoyogi Park. It was my way to decompress and recharge after the intense classroom sessions.

If I had some money to spare, I’d join my classmates for lunch at family restaurants like Saizeriya or Gusto. These casual places were affordable and popular among students. But on tighter days, I would either grab an obento (boxed lunch) from a convenience store or head home to cook a simple meal.

2:00 PM — A Nap and Study Time

The early mornings and language immersion left me mentally drained, so I often took a one-hour nap in the afternoon. It helped me regain energy and focus for the rest of the day.

After resting, I tried to study or do homework — though not every day was successful. Discipline was key, and some days were harder than others. But I always reminded myself: I wasn’t just studying a language — I was building a future.

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Evening Hustle: Balancing Part-Time Work and Personal Goals

5:00 PM — Part-Time Job in a Hotel Kitchen

After a few months, I started working part-time to support myself. I found a job washing dishes in the kitchen of a hotel. My shift began at 5:00 PM and ended at 11:00 PM. It was physically demanding, especially after a full day of classes, but it taught me the value of hard work and resilience.

Learning to balance study and work in a foreign country was tough, but it made me grow in ways I never expected. I met amazing people, improved my Japanese in real-life situations, and gained a deep respect for those who juggle multiple responsibilities every day.

Midnight — Late Dinners and Rest

I returned home around midnight, completely exhausted. I’d make myself a light dinner, maybe miso soup or rice with eggs, and try to unwind. By the time I got to bed, it was usually 1:00 AM. That meant I only slept about 5 to 6 hours a night — for two years straight.

To keep my energy up, I often relied on caffeine and convenience store supplements like Oronamin C, Lipovitan D, and Pocari Sweat. While it wasn’t the healthiest routine, I knew it was a temporary sacrifice for a better future.

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Weekend Balance: Study, Rest, and Tokyo Adventures

Saturdays — Study Sessions and Catching Up

During the week, my schedule was so packed that weekends became essential for catching up. Saturdays were often dedicated to reviewing grammar, practicing kanji, and finishing homework. I also used that time to review notes from the week’s lessons and sometimes attend online language exchange events to improve my speaking skills.

Even though it was tempting to sleep in, I tried to stick to a routine and make the most of the day. I’d often go to a café with my textbooks and spend a few hours reviewing in a peaceful setting. That little change of environment helped keep me motivated.

Sundays — Rest, Recharge, and Explore Tokyo

Not everything was study, though. Sundays were my chance to rest, relax, and enjoy the incredible city I was living in. Tokyo is full of amazing places — from peaceful shrines in Asakusa to futuristic districts like Odaiba or quirky neighborhoods like Shimokitazawa.

Sometimes I visited museums, tried new foods, or just walked around with my camera, taking photos and enjoying the vibe of the city. These small escapes reminded me why I came to Japan in the first place — not only to study, but to live a new and exciting chapter of my life.

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Why I Chose This Life — And Why I’d Do It Again

Everything Was for a Reason

It wasn’t easy. My days were long, my sleep was short, and my schedule was packed. But I knew every class, every kanji, every shift at work — it all led me one step closer to my dream: to build a new life in Japan and support my family back home in Chile.

Today, I can proudly say I achieved what I came for. I found work in Japan and began shaping a life I once only dreamed about. And it all started with learning Japanese.

Thinking About Studying in Japan?

If you’re considering studying Japanese in Japan, know that it’s a life-changing experience. It will challenge you, but it will also open doors you never imagined.

And if coming to Japan isn’t an option right now, don’t worry. You can start your Japanese learning journey from anywhere in the world — with the right school and support.

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Ready to Start Your Japanese Journey? Join Nihongo Online School

Whether you dream of studying in Japan one day or just want to learn Japanese from home, Nihongo Online School is here to guide you. With expert teachers, flexible schedules, and a curriculum tailored to real-world Japanese, it’s the perfect place to start — or continue — your language journey.

Join thousands of learners around the world who are discovering the joy of Japanese, one lesson at a time.
Visit Nihongo Online School today and take your first step toward fluency.