※This page contains affiliate links. Affiliate disclosure Researched: October 2026
Tsuru Driving School is a gasshuku (residential) driving school in Tsuru, Yamanashi Prefecture.
Quick answer: Tsuru Driving School may suit students who want lodging close to the school and buffet meals. Before applying, check high peak-season prices and limited transport reimbursement. Lowest listed AT price: ¥297,000 (tax incl.); fastest AT course: 14 days.
Basic information
| School | Tsuru Driving School (都留自動車教習所) |
|---|---|
| Address | 山梨県都留市法能2493 — Tsuru, Yamanashi |
| Access | Free school bus from Otsuki Station |
| Shortest course | AT from 14 days / MT from 16 days |
| Meals | Buffet-style meals are served. Meals differ by lodging; check your plan. |
| Official website | Not found during research |
| Booking page (Drivers License) | Check price & availability → |
Pros
- Lodging within 2 minutes of the school
- Buffet-style meals at the school or some lodgings
- Highway lessons on real roads (not a simulator)
- Free bicycle rental
- Scenic surroundings
Cons and things to check
- Peak-season prices rise to about ¥374,000
- Transport reimbursement is capped at about ¥4,000
- Applicants aged 51+ cannot enter
- Higher price level than most schools (from ¥297,000)
Price (tax incl., AT)
Prices below were listed on the booking page in October 2026 (yen, tax included). They change by entry date and room type, so always check the latest table before applying.
| Entry dates | Shared room(men) | Triple (men) | Twin (men) | Single (men) | Hotel Single A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1–Jan 9, Mar 23–May 31 | ¥297,000 | ¥297,000 | ¥297,000 | ¥302,500 | ¥374,000 |
| Jan 10–Jan 27, Mar 16–Mar 22 | ¥341,000 | ¥352,000 | ¥352,000 | ¥363,000 | ¥418,000 |
| Jan 28–Mar 15 | ¥374,000 | ¥385,000 | ¥385,000 | ¥396,000 | ¥451,000 |
Dash (—) = plan not listed for that period.
- MT (manual) costs ¥33,000–¥36,300 more (the listing shows both amounts).
- Holders of a motorcycle license get ¥18,150 off.
- Transport reimbursement is capped (up to about ¥4,000 round trip, depending on origin).
- Reimbursement requires graduation; reserved seats and green-car fees are excluded.
Lodging and meals
Typical lodging options (names are the facilities' Japanese names):
- 専用宿舎 – dormitory, men only, 2 min walk, curfew 22:00
- ホテルスターらんど – hotel, mixed, 3 min walk, curfew 23:00
Meals
Buffet-style meals are served. Meals differ by lodging; check your plan.
Who can enter
- Applicants whose registered address (juminhyo / resident record) or family home is in these areas cannot enter the gasshuku program: Tsuru, Otsuki, Uenohara (Akiyama), Doshi, Nishikatsura, parts of Fujikawaguchiko and Fujiyoshida.
- Applicants aged 51 or older cannot enter.
Student reviews
We did not find public student reviews for this school on the English-language portal we checked (i-drive.jp) or on the official site. We do not invent reviews.
For international students
Foreigner-friendliness: not confirmed
- Lessons and the practical test are conducted in Japanese. An English-language portal notes this for all driving camps; English textbooks or an English written test may exist in the system, but we could not confirm them for this school.
- We could not identify an official website for this school, so foreigner support is unconfirmed.
Documents and eligibility for international students: see our gasshuku guide for international students.
Who it suits / who it does not suit
Suits students who want lodging close to the school, buffet meals, and real-road highway lessons.
Less suitable if you mind high peak-season prices, limited transport reimbursement, and an age limit.
Summary
Tsuru Driving School offers lodging close to the school, buffet meals, and real-road highway lessons. Keep in mind high peak-season prices and limited transport reimbursement. The lowest listed AT price is ¥297,000 (tax incl.), and the fastest AT course is 14 days. Check the latest prices and your entry dates before applying.
FAQ
Q. How many days does the AT course take at Tsuru Driving School?
A. The fastest AT course is about 14 days and the MT course about 16 days. The exact graduation date depends on your entry date.
Q. How much does Tsuru Driving School cost?
A. The lowest listed AT price is ¥297,000 (tax incl.). Prices rise in peak seasons (see the price table) and vary by room type.
Q. Can I enter if I live in Yamanashi?
A. Applicants living in or having a family home in these areas cannot enter: Tsuru, Otsuki, Uenohara (Akiyama), Doshi, Nishikatsura, parts of Fujikawaguchiko and Fujiyoshida.
Q. Does Tsuru Driving School offer English or foreign-language support?
A. We found no evidence of foreign-language support. Lessons are in Japanese. Ask the school before applying.
More schools
Sources: Drivers License booking pages, school/group websites where available, and i-drive.jp reviews (October 2026). Details change; verify before applying.