What are the best colleges for Japanese studies in the US?

I'm really interested in Japanese culture and language. Can anyone recommend some top colleges in the US that offer strong Japanese studies programs? It would be great to know about schools with experienced faculty or study abroad options.

Sure, there are several US colleges renowned for their Japanese studies programs.

1. The University of California, Berkeley has a robust Japanese language program and a renowned Center for Japanese Studies that hosts numerous academic events and exchanges with Japanese institutes.

2. Stanford University, too, offers a major in East Asian Studies, where you can further focus on Japanese linguistics, literature, and culture. You also have the chance to study abroad at Stanford's center in Kyoto.

3. The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) has an East Asian Languages & Civilization department with a comprehensive Japanese division.

4. Georgetown University provides a Japanese major within its Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures and offers study abroad opportunities in cities like Tokyo.

5. Middlebury College in Vermont also has a very strong Japanese department, providing intensive language programs and a wide range of courses related to Japanese history, culture, and literature. The College’s School of Japanese, which operates in the summer, is regarded as one of the best Japanese language institutes in the world.

6. Columbia University features a well-regarded Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures with a specialization in Japanese language and culture.

7. The University of Washington offers a bachelor's degree in Japanese Language and Literature, and it's home to one of the largest and oldest Japan Studies programs in the United States.

These colleges offer great faculty, rigorous coursework, and study abroad options that could provide practical experience and enrich your understanding of Japanese culture. As with any college decision, I would advise you to visit the colleges, if possible, and talk to current students or faculty in the Japanese departments to get a feel for each program's strengths. Remember to evaluate other aspects of the college experience such as campus culture, location, financial aid, etc. when making your decision.