This graduate thesis briefly presents the current education system in Japan, its specificities and problems. It also presents in detail the past and present of gakushū juku schools, special optional schools that provide students with supplementary and additional knowledge and prepare them for entrance exams. The paper further explores the data of several conducted studies (by MEXT and BERD) on the topic of gakushū juku schools. In addition, the paper brings into view the opinions of 56 Japanese students about attending gakushū juku schools. This research has shown that Japanese students often attend gakushū juku school at least once during their education, whether it is in elementary, lower secondary or upper secondary school. According to the research, the largest number of participants of gakushū juku schools is in the lower secondary school with 85%, and the reason for attending is most often preparation for the entrance exam for the admission into upper secondary school. The conducted research also showed that gakushū juku schools are not only a place to learn, but also a place to make new friends. Although not with all respondents, the students state that they made new friends at gakushū juku school. Of the subjects in elementary and lower secondary school, mathematics is the most frequented, while in upper secondary school, the English language takes first place. Students state that most often they themselves decided to attend gakushū juku school, however, some stated that attending gakushū juku school was suggested or even forced upon them. As for the positive aspects of attending gakushū juku schools, the most frequently mentioned by the respondents was passing the entrance exams, good preparation for entrance exams, improving grades and averages, and mastering useful study techniques. Among the negative aspects, the problem of financing the gakushū juku school stands out the most. Then comes stress, lack of free time, and too many obligations. The research conducted on Japanese students shows many similarities with the research conducted on Japanese students and their parents, but it differs from the articles and books covered. The research indicates fewer permanent physical and psychological problems than the theoretical material covered. It is significant that as many as 70% of Japanese students would recommend attending a gakushū juku school. This shows that gakushū juku schools truly have a great influence on Japanese education, society and life.