Where to Take the JLPT: Test Locations Worldwide
If you’re taking the JLPT outside of Japan, you’re probably wondering where is the nearest JLPT location, and where it is held exactly. The short answer is that test locations are typically offered at designated test centers in cities around the world. These JLPT test locations typically include universities, schools, or Japanese language or Japanese cultural institutions.
The JLPT is offered twice a year, in July and December, though some overseas cities hold the test only once a year. If you’re thinking about applying for the JLPT, check out how to apply for the JLPT.
Check out what you need to know about all the locations where the JLPT is held.
What Is The JLPT?
The JLPT stands for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test. In Japanese, it is called the 日本語能力試験 (Nihongo Nou Shiken). It is a standardized Japanese-language test administered by the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) and taken by more than a million applicants worldwide.
With an annual pass rate of 35.06%, the levels range from N5 (the easiest) to N1 (the hardest). While the JLPT is offered in major cities in Japan, you can also take it at test centers worldwide, making it convenient for those who cannot travel to Japan or who prefer to take it near home.
Can Anyone Take the JLPT in Japan?
If you happen to live in Japan, the short answer is yes, you can definitely take the JLPT in Japan. In fact, Japan is one of the regions with the most test takers. Estimates show that in December 2025, about 402,228 examinees took the test in Japan, while 474,256 took it overseas, making examinees based in Japan nearly half.
However, as of 2026, tourists can no longer take the test as short-term visitors. To take the JLPT in Japan, you need proof of residency, such as a valid Zairyuu Card (在留カード), which you use to register for the test in Japan. So if you don’t have valid residency in Japan, you must take the test in your home country. One of the most common visas for this is a Japanese student visa, which you can read more about.
If you want to take the test in Japan, Coto Academy offers classes designed to prepare you for the JLPT, from N5 to N1.
Can You Take the JLPT Outside Your Home Country?
If you are wondering if you can take the test outside your home country, then yes, you may be able to take the JLPT outside your home country, but it depends on the local host institutions of your target location and their requirements. Local host institutions handle overseas registration, and requirements can vary by location. The official JLPT overseas instructions specifically say to follow the local host institution’s instructions for your target location. Registration periods also vary depending on location.
For example, if you live in the United States and want to take the JLPT in another country, you may be able to take the JLPT there.
If you are taking the JLPT in a country where you are not a resident, keep in mind that physical test results can often take months to arrive. This means you may not receive them if you are only visiting the country temporarily.
You can read more about taking the JLPT test overseas on the official JLPT website.
Why Do JLPT Locations Matter?
If you’re overseas and plan to take the JLPT, where you take it matters more than you think. Not every country has a test center in every corner, and many countries may not even offer the JLPT in every city.
The dates you can take the JLPT may also vary by location. While most cities in certain countries may offer both the July and December exams, some may offer only July or only December. For instance, if you live in the United States, you will most likely take the test once a year in December (source).
JLPT test levels can also vary by location. For instance, a particular JLPT test site may only include levels N5 through N2, or even N5 through N3. In some cases, the JLPT may not be held anywhere near your city, or even in your country. Because of this, we recommend checking your nearest JLPT test site’s available levels, dates, and registration requirements. This will save you time and money before you make travel arrangements. You can find this information on the official JLPT website.
Countries and Regions That Offer the JLPT
The JLPT is held in over 80 countries and regions worldwide. This means Japanese learners worldwide have many opportunities to take the exam outside Japan. Test locations vary by country, and some countries have multiple test centers while others may have only one.
Note: While the JLPT is offered in many countries, not every country offers both test periods. Some test sites offer the JLPT only in July or December.
Below are some countries and regions where the JLPT is offered.
JLPT Test Locations in Japan:
If you live in Japan, you’ll find many testing centers nationwide. As the country with the most Japanese speakers, Japan offers multiple testing locations in many major cities, making it convenient for most people planning to take the JLPT. The test is offered for all testing periods.
The following cities have JLPT testing locations.
| Country | City | July | December |
| Japan | Tokyo | Yes | Yes |
| Japan | Osaka | Yes | Yes |
| Japan | Kyoto | Yes | Yes |
| Japan | Nagoya | Yes | Yes |
| Japan | Fukuoka | Yes | Yes |
| Japan | Sapporo | Yes | Yes |
Note: If you are taking the JLPT outside Japan, the test is offered in multiple locations across Asia, North America, Europe, and other regions worldwide. However, testing periods and levels may vary depending on location, as not all locations offer both July and December testing periods.
JLPT Test Locations in the United States:
If you live in the United States, the following cities offer JLPT testing locations. As shown in the table below, the United States does not offer the JLPT in July, as the test is only available once a year, in December.
| City | State | July | December |
| New York | New York | No | Yes |
| Los Angeles | California | No | Yes |
| Chicago | Illinois | No | Yes |
| Houston | Texas | No | Yes |
| Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | No | Yes |
| San Francisco | California | No | Yes |
| Seattle | Washington | No | Yes |
| Washington, D.C. | District of Columbia | No | Yes |
| Boston | Massachusetts | No | Yes |
| Miami | Florida | No | Yes |
| Honolulu | Hawaii | No | Yes |
| Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania | No | Yes |
| Ann Arbor | Michigan | No | Yes |
| Newark | New Jersey | No | Yes |
| Boulder | Colorado | No | Yes |
| Portland | Oregon | No | Yes |
| Monterey Bay | California | No | Yes |
| Fayetteville | Arkansas | No | Yes |
| Middlebury | Vermont | No | Yes |
| Charlotte | North Carolina | No | Yes |
If you live in the United States but want to take the JLPT in July instead, consider booking the JLPT as part of your summer travel plans! Let’s take a look at some regions that host exams in both July and December.
JLPT Test Locations in North America
While the US may only administer the exam in December, other regions in North America may actually allow testing in July as well. While the United States administers the exam only in December, several locations in Canada offer both July and December. Mexico also has multiple test locations, but availability may vary by city. Check with the local host institution before making any travel plans.
| Country | City | July | December |
| United States | (See Previous Table) | No | Yes |
| Canada | Vancouver | Yes | Yes |
| Canada | Edmonton | Yes | Yes |
| Mexico | Mérida | Yes | No |
| Mexico | Aguascalientes | Yes | Yes |
JLPT Locations in Europe
As shown in the table below, July test dates are common in Europe, while December test date availability is more mixed. Some countries have cities where tests are available in both July and December.
For example, Spain offers both July and December, while Madrid and Granada only offer July testing. If you live outside of Europe and plan to take the JLPT in Europe, check with your target city’s local host institution before making any travel plans.
| Country | City | July | December |
| United Kingdom | London | Yes | Yes |
| Ireland | Dublin | Yes | Yes |
| France | Paris | Yes | Yes |
| France | Strasbourg | Yes | No |
| France | Nantes | Yes | Yes |
| Germany | Düsseldorf | Yes | Yes |
| Germany | Berlin | Yes | Yes |
| Spain | Barcelona | Yes | Yes |
| Spain | Madrid | Yes | No |
| Spain | Granada | Yes | No |
| Spain | Valencia | Yes | Yes |
| Austria | Vienna | Yes | Yes |
| Netherlands | Leiden | Yes | No |
| Sweden | Stockholm | Yes | No |
| Belgium | Leuven | Yes | No |
| Slovenia | Ljubljana | Yes | No |
| Georgia | Tbilisi | Yes | No |
JLPT Locations in Asia:
As shown in the table below, most Asian countries offer the JLPT in both July and December. However, some locations offer only one testing period. For the complete list, check the official JLPT website for the latest information on your test center and the test dates it offers.
| Country | City | July | December |
| China | Beijing | Yes | Yes |
| China | Shanghai | Yes | Yes |
| China | Guangzhou | Yes | Yes |
| South Korea | Seoul | Yes | Yes |
| South Korea | Busan | Yes | Yes |
| Taiwan | Taipei | Yes | Yes |
| Indonesia | Jakarta | Yes | Yes |
| Indonesia | Bandung | Yes | Yes |
| Philippines | Manila | Yes | Yes |
| Philippines | Cebu | Yes | Yes |
| Vietnam | Hanoi | Yes | Yes |
| Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | Yes | Yes |
| Thailand | Bangkok | Yes | Yes |
| Singapore | Singapore | Yes | Yes |
| India | Mumbai | Yes | Yes |
| Nepal | Kathmandu | Yes | Yes |
| Azerbaijan | Baku | Yes | Yes |
| Uzbekistan | Tashkent | Yes | Yes |
| Kazakhstan | Almaty | Yes | Yes |
| Kyrgyzstan | Bishkek | Yes | Yes |
JLPT Locations in Oceania:
As shown in the table below, Australia offers only certain levels in certain locations. Canberra offers only N1, N2, and N3, while Sydney offers only N4 and N5. Check the official JLPT website for the latest information about your test center and the test dates it offers.
| Country | City | July | December |
| Australia | Canberra | Yes (N1, N2, N3) | No |
| Australia | Gold Coast | Yes | Yes |
| Australia | Sydney | Yes (N4, N5) | Yes |
| New Zealand | Auckland | Yes | Yes |
| New Zealand | Palmerston North | Yes | Yes |
| Papua New Guinea | Port Moresby | Yes | No |
| Fiji | Nadi | Yes | No |
JLPT Locations in the Middle East:
Below is a table for JLPT test locations in the Middle East. As shown, Saudi Arabia and Jordan offer testing only in July, while the United Arab Emirates and Turkey offer testing in both periods. Check the official JLPT website for the latest information about your test center and the test dates it offers.
| Country | City | July | December |
| United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi | Yes | Yes |
| Saudi Arabia | Jeddah | Yes | No |
| Turkey | Ankara | Yes | Yes |
| Jordan | Amman | Yes | No |
To find a JLPT testing site near you, check the official JLPT website for a complete list and up-to-date information on locations and test centers.
How to Find Your Nearest JLPT Center and Registration Process
Now that you have a basic understanding of the JLPT test locations, let’s go through the JLPT registration process.
If you plan to take the JLPT outside Japan, the overseas registration process may differ from Japan and can vary by region. This is because local host institutions, rather than the application system in Japan, handle JLPT registration. However, the process is actually much more straightforward than you might think; just follow these 6 simple steps:
- Find your nearest JLPT test center
- Check the local registration period
- Complete the application & pay the fee
- Receive your test voucher
- Take the JLPT
- Receive your results
Once you receive your test voucher, refer to our list of what you need to bring for the JLPT.
If you follow these six simple steps, applying for the JLPT will feel pretty simple, and you will be ready to test your Japanese ability and start your JLPT journey.
When Do You Find Out Your Exact Test Location?
When you register for the JLPT outside Japan, you may receive the option to choose a preferred test city or host institution, but not its exact location. In fact, it wouldn’t be confirmed at registration, but instead revealed within three weeks before the exam.
For example, if you plan to take the exam in July, expect your voucher in early to mid-June. If you plan to take the exam in December, it might arrive mid-November.
To confirm your exact test location, check your local host institution’s website or watch your email for instructions.
If you are traveling to another city or country to take the JLPT, we highly recommend waiting until you receive your final test location information. Do not make any travel arrangements until you finally receive this information.
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