There are lots of great universities in Japan. The worldly known Tokyo University, Kyoto University, Keio University, Waseda University, Sophia (or Jouchi) University etc etc.
Today, more universities are opening new campuses for the foreign students - these new campuses are called the "English campus" where lectures are held in English by Japanese or Foreign professors. These campuses are located nearby each other - just minutes away by walk or a subway station away.
In Japanese universities, there are excellent facilities for everything and many students around the world wishes to study in Japan at some point. But it isn't as easy to get in. Many universities in Japan (whether it be the main campus or the English campus) now require TOEFL, SAT (depending on the major, SAT II), IB or AP scores. Applicants must be age 18 or older (I applied to Sophia University (the English campus of course), and they rejected me because I was only 17). Some good universities (such as Tokyo U., Kyoto U., Waseda and Keio) require an interview followed by an entrance exam.
To be honest, these schools do not look at your overall high school grades that much, they take time in looking at IB/AP/SAT/TOEFL scores.
All schools, for the English campus, requires a really good essay and in most cases, you can write about whatever you want for 500 words. But this can be tough - so write about yourself, your achievements and/or why you want to study in that school. Exaggeration is the key to success for Japanese universities.
To get into a Japanese university is really tough, but after you got accepted and start going to school, it's really relaxed and easy.
Last note, the good thing about universities in Japan is that 1. campuses are usually located near or in the city 2. great facilities and faculties 3. after graduation, 80%~90% gets recruited from great firms.
Getting masters is a different story though. . .
The disadvantage of going to Japan for studies is that 1. you have to look for an apartment nearby school (since there are no dorms) 2. the cost of living is expensive 3. too many things to do in too little time.
