Reasons why Gasshuku Menkyo is recommended
The first reason is “the price is cheap.” The tuition fee in most driving schools ranges from 300,000 to 350,000 yen. In addition, many driving schools charge foreigners more than Japanese people.
On the other hand, Gasshuku Menkyo only costs about 200,000 yen from start to finish. This includes entrance fee, lessons fee, textbooks and also boarding expenses, with 3 meals a day.
Moreover, the allowance for round-trip transportation to Yamagata-ken will be given to you in cash once you graduate. Therefore, although travelling by shinkansen from Tokyo may cost you 18,000 yen, this will be returned to you after graduation.
Gasshuku Menkyo in Yamagata-ken
There are 2 driving schools in Yamagata. It takes about 2 hours to travel from Tokyo by shinkansen, this is not really a long time but the distance is far.
So why should you go that far to Yamagata to study? The reason is Yamagata-ken offers the cheapest tuition fees in Japan and the “Gasshuku Menkyo” here is popular.
Because of that, many foreign students living in Tokyo, Saitama and Chiba go all the way to Yamagata-ken to learn how to drive, choosing Gasshuku Menkyo.
When to enroll in Gasshuku Menkyo
With the exception of New Year’s Eve, there will be no holidays during the course of Gasshuku Menkyo. In addition, foreigners who are not students can also apply.
On the other hand, students of universities, vocational schools or language schools have classes during the day, so the time to participate in Gasshuku Menkyo is limited.
- Gasshuku Menkyo in Summer: from July to September
- Gasshuku Menkyo in Winter: from December to January
- Gasshuku Menkyo in Spring: from February to April
Foreign students can choose between these 3 seasons for their study options.
When you apply for Gasshuku Menkyo, there is an important thing to remember. It is to know when is the best to make a reservation.
For example, during winter if you make an early reservation on certain days, you may get a cheaper price
When is the best time to make a reservation
In well-known driving schools, the slots become full very fast and as soon as they do, reception closes. And the 2 schools recommended here in Yamagata-ken are very well-known.
- Reservation for Summer: Full and closed in the middle of May
- Reservation for Winter: Full and closed in the beginning of November
- Reservation for Spring: Full and closed in the end of December
Reservations must be made 2 or 3 months in advance. The reason is Gasshuku Menkyo is very popular.