SAT Test Centers and Dates in Japan

topschoolsintheusa March 18, 2019

According to the College Board, there are 24 test centers for SAT and SAT Subject Tests in Japan. Please note that before you register either of the SAT exams, you should choose your test date and test location. Each testing location is affiliated with an educational institution, such as high school, community college, or university. The following test centers administer one or more of SAT tests in Japan.

SAT Testing Centers in Japan

2025-2026 SAT Test Dates in Japan

For students in Japan planning to take the SAT during the 2025-2026 academic year, the following test dates are available:

• August 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025
• March 2026
• May 2026
• June 2026

These test dates follow the international SAT schedule. Students in Japan should verify the specific dates and available test centers through the official College Board website. Test centers are usually located in major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. Early registration is highly recommended due to limited availability of seats at some centers.

SAT Test Taking Fees in Japan

The SAT test-taking fees in Japan are consistent with the College Board’s international fee structure. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the fees are as follows:

• SAT (without Essay): Around $60.
• SAT (with Essay): Approximately $85.
• International Registration Fee: An additional $43 for students registering from Japan.
• Late Registration Fee: $30 if you register after the deadline.
• Change Fee: A $25 fee applies for changing the test date, test center, or test type after registration.

Additional costs may apply for sending extra score reports or rush reporting. For the most up-to-date fees, students should visit the official College Board website.

How to Register for the SAT in Japan

Registering for the SAT in Japan is a straightforward process that can be done online through the College Board’s official website. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Create an Account: Go to the College Board website and create a student account.
2. Select a Test Date: Choose from the available SAT test dates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
3. Find a Test Center: Select a test center in Japan, usually located in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto.
4. Pay the Fees: Complete the registration process by paying the required fees using a credit card or other accepted payment methods.
5. Receive Confirmation: Once registered, a confirmation email with your admission ticket will be sent. Print this ticket and bring it to the test center on exam day.

Early registration is recommended to ensure a seat at your preferred test center, as they may fill up quickly.

Japan Country Overview

Country Facts

• Population: Approximately 125.4 million (2024 estimate).
• Capital: Tokyo.
• Largest Cities:
  • Tokyo
  • Yokohama
  • Osaka
  • Nagoya
  • Sapporo
• Languages: Japanese (official), with English widely taught as a second language.
• Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY).
• ISO Country Code: JP (ISO 3166).

Geography

Japan is an island nation located in East Asia, composed of four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, as well as numerous smaller islands. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Sea of Japan to the west, and lies east of the Korean Peninsula and China. The country covers an area of about 377,975 square kilometers.

Japan is known for its mountainous terrain, with around 73% of the country covered by mountains. The highest peak is Mount Fuji, an iconic stratovolcano standing at 3,776 meters. Japan experiences a wide range of climates, from the subarctic conditions of Hokkaido in the north to the subtropical climate of Okinawa in the south. The country is also prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, being located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”

Major rivers such as the Shinano River and the Tone River are crucial for irrigation and hydroelectric power, while the coastal regions are dotted with bays and harbors that support Japan’s fishing industry.

Education

Japan’s education system is one of the most highly regarded in the world, known for its strong focus on discipline, academic achievement, and innovation. Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 15, encompassing six years of elementary school and three years of junior high school. Students may then proceed to high school, which is not compulsory but widely attended, followed by university or vocational training.

The academic year in Japan starts in April and runs until March of the following year. Students face rigorous exams, especially for high school and university admissions. Japan’s universities, such as The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Osaka University, are world-renowned and offer programs across various fields, including science, engineering, business, and the humanities.

Higher education institutions in Japan are a mix of public and private universities, with public universities generally regarded as more prestigious. Many Japanese universities offer English-taught programs to attract international students, and the government has made efforts to globalize education by promoting international exchanges and research collaborations.

Vocational education is also a significant part of Japan’s educational system, with many technical colleges offering specialized training in fields such as engineering, information technology, and healthcare. Despite the country’s focus on academic excellence, Japan faces challenges such as declining birth rates, which have led to smaller student populations.

Transportation

Japan is known for its highly efficient and advanced transportation infrastructure, which connects its cities and regions seamlessly. The transportation system includes an extensive network of trains, subways, buses, and airports, making travel both within and outside the country convenient and accessible.

• Railways: Japan’s railway system is one of the most developed in the world. The Shinkansen (bullet trains) are famous for their speed and punctuality, connecting major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto with speeds of up to 320 km/h. The national railway company, Japan Railways (JR), operates the majority of the country’s rail services, including the Shinkansen. Additionally, Japan has an extensive local train network that services both urban and rural areas.
• Public Transport: Public transportation in Japan’s cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka, is highly efficient. Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway provide comprehensive subway services, while buses and taxis are widely available for city travel. Japan’s public transportation is known for its cleanliness, punctuality, and user-friendliness.
• Air Travel: Japan is served by numerous airports, with Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport in Tokyo, as well as Kansai International Airport in Osaka, being the major international gateways. Domestic air travel is also popular, particularly between Japan’s islands, with airlines such as All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) providing extensive domestic routes.
• Roads and Highways: Japan has an extensive highway network that connects its major cities and regions. The Tomei Expressway and the Meishin Expressway are some of the busiest routes, facilitating car travel across the country. Car ownership is common, but public transportation is the preferred method of travel in urban areas due to traffic congestion.
• Ferries: Given Japan’s island geography, ferries are an important part of the transportation system, connecting the main islands and smaller islands. Ferries operate regularly between cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido, as well as between Okinawa and the mainland.

Major Landmarks

Japan is a country rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, offering a blend of ancient traditions and modern attractions. Some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks include:

• Mount Fuji: As Japan’s highest peak and a symbol of national pride, Mount Fuji is a popular destination for hikers and tourists. Its symmetrical cone shape is often depicted in art and photography, and the mountain holds significant cultural and spiritual importance.
• Tokyo Tower: A modern icon of Japan, Tokyo Tower stands at 333 meters and offers stunning panoramic views of Tokyo. Modeled after the Eiffel Tower, it serves as a broadcasting tower and a popular tourist attraction.
• Kyoto Temples: Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is home to some of the most beautiful and historic temples in the country. Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic torii gates are must-see landmarks for visitors interested in Japanese culture and history.
• Osaka Castle: One of Japan’s most famous castles, Osaka Castle is a historical landmark that played a key role during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. The castle is now a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Osaka’s heritage.
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: This park is a sobering reminder of the devastation caused by the atomic bomb during World War II. It houses the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
• Shibuya Crossing: Located in Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. It’s a symbol of Tokyo’s vibrant, fast-paced urban life and attracts thousands of people every day.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Located in Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a picturesque natural site that allows visitors to walk through towering bamboo stalks. It is a popular spot for photography and a peaceful escape from the city.
• Nara Park: Nara is home to free-roaming deer that are considered sacred. Nara Park also houses historical landmarks such as Todai-ji Temple, which features the Great Buddha statue, one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world.