Which Japanese City do You Want to Study in?

With growing interest among Indian students to study in Japan, choosing the right city is important. It can directly affect your study abroad experience. Based on a recent poll insight, this blog explores the top Japanese cities preferred by Indian students.

Due to frequent policy changes and multiple Geopolitical situations, Indian students are choosing Japan as a study destination over popular study destinations. Popular universities, proximity to India, and available job opportunities are some of the key reasons to study in Japan. To understand which Japanese cities attract the most interest, Shiksha conducted a poll asking: “Which Japanese City Do You Want to Study In?”.

The goal was to get insight into student preferences and help other students to make informed decisions. As per the poll results, the Japanese capital Tokyo is the most preferred city among students, followed by Osaka, Kyoto, and Sapporo. Now, the question is what feature of these Japanese cities attracts students. This article guides your Japan study abroad journey, comparing popular cities' costs, student life, and universities.

Read: Top 10 Safest Cities in the World for Students in 2025-26

Best Student City in Japan: Poll Results

Check out the poll result conducted by Shiksha Study Abroad. This result gives you a clearer picture of the recent trend among Indian students:

Here is the breakdown of the poll result:

Key Factors to Choose a Japanese City

It is never an easy task to select a city to complete higher studies. You will be there for the next 2 to 4 years as a student. This is why choosing the right city to study in Japan involves more than just picking a famous name. Students consider a mix of academic, financial, and lifestyle factors.

• Course/University Reputation: Demanding courses and top universities in Japan are the key factors, as many aim for universities with global recognition and strong research output.
• Cost of Living in Japan: The expenses in Japanese cities vary widely. Tokyo is more expensive, and places like Sapporo offer a more affordable lifestyle. Important for Indian students, who are managing budgets in INR.
• Culture and Student Life: Some students like the fast-paced life of Tokyo, while others choose Osaka for its friendly people and delicious food.
• Languages: Yes, the English language will help you in your higher studies in the classroom. Indian students choose cities with better English support. However, for daily life conversations, learning basic Japanese is important.
• Jobs and Internship Opportunities: It is an important factor for you. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka offer better access to part-time jobs and internships in IT, engineering, and business. However, you need to have the required skills to get a job.
• Climate: The snowy winters of Sapporo city is a big change for Indian students, while Tokyo and Osaka offer milder, more pleasant weather.
• Safety: Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for higher studies. According to the Global Peace Index 2025, the rank of Japan is 12^th, whereas India is on 115^th

Tokyo: The Japanese National Capital (65%)

Overall, 65% of total respondents said that they are going to Tokyo. It is a hub of innovation, culture, and academic excellence. There are multiple top-ranked universities located in Tokyo, such as the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, and Tokyo Institute of Technology. These universities are in the list of the top 100 universities in the world.

For Indian students, Tokyo offers a dynamic student life, Indian restaurants, cultural centres, and global networking events. Also, the headquartered of top Japanese companies are here.

• Monthly Living Cost: YEN 120,000 - YEN 160,000 (INR 65,000 to INR 85,000)
• Climate: Mild winters, hot summers.
• Public Transport: Japan Railways lines, Buses, and Metros (Colour Coded Like in India)

Osaka: Lively Street Hub (18%)

18% students said that they want to study in Osaka. It is known for its more relaxed alternative to Tokyo while still being highly urban. Home to Osaka University and Kansai University, it's great for science, international studies, and engineering. Other than this, the street food and life of Osaka attract Indian students. It has strong ties to industries like manufacturing, biotech, and trade, plus opportunities for part-time work.

• Monthly Living Cost: YEN 90,000 to YEN 120,000 (INR 50,000 to INR 65,000)
• Climate: Similar to Tokyo but slightly more humid
• Public Transport: Well-connected metro and JR lines

Kyoto: The Cultural City (13%)

13% of students from the poll chose Kyoto. This city is known for its rich cultural heritage, peaceful environment, and academic excellence. There are some popular universities in the city, like Kyoto University and Ritsumeikan University. It is one of Asia’s top-ranked institutions. There are fewer internships and job opportunities in Kyoto than in Tokyo and Osaka. Kyoto provides an ideal atmosphere for focused study and personal growth.

• Monthly Living Cost: YEN 80,000 to YEN 110,000 (INR 45,000 to INR 60,000)
• Climate: Distinct seasons — hot summers and cold winters
• Public Transport: A Reliable bus and subway network

Sapporo: The Peaceful Escape

Now, 3% of students selected Sapporo. It is on Japan’s northern island. Hokkaido University is the most reputed university in the city. It is on the 170th rank of the QS ranking 2026. It offers top programs in agriculture, environmental science, and engineering.

Sapporo offers a refreshing, nature-connected lifestyle, which attracts students who want a quieter and more affordable study destination. The cost of living in Sapporo is lower than in Tokyo and Osaka. Now, you need to learn basic Japanese language skills may be more necessary here for daily life.

• Monthly Living Cost: YEN 70,000 to YEN 100,000 (INR 40,000 to INR 55,000)
• Climate: Cold, snowy winters; pleasant summers
• Public Transport: Efficient, with subway, buses, and trams

Top Scholarships to Study in Japan

To reduce the overall cost of studying in Japan, you can apply for various scholarships. The government and universities offer financial assistance to international students to fund their higher studies in Japan. Check out some popular scholarships to study in Japan:

 For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.