Immersing yourself in the Japanese language is widely considered the most effective way to learn, but doing so in Tokyo can be more challenging than it seems. The city’s expat-friendly infrastructure makes it easy to get by with little or no Japanese, allowing many foreigners to rely on English or translation apps for daily tasks. However, this convenience often comes at a cost. Without Japanese language skills, you may miss out on the deeper cultural experiences and personal connections that truly make life in Japan special.
Moreover, even simple tasks such as filling out forms at city hall, navigating the post office, or discussing projects with Japanese coworkers can turn into significant challenges without a basic understanding of the language. Over time, these hurdles can feel limiting and may even impact your overall experience of living in Tokyo.
To enhance your experience in Tokyo and make daily life smoother, taking a Japanese language course is a great option. Whether you are just starting your journey or looking to refine your existing skills, learning Japanese can open up new opportunities, help you navigate day-to-day situations more easily, and allow you to connect more deeply with the local culture and community. Be sure to check out the list of recommended Japanese language schools we’ve provided here to find the right course for your needs.
If you are looking for more specific information based on where you live in Tokyo, check out our living guides by selecting an area directly on the map or clicking on your ward’s name and city’s name.
n addition to business Japanese lessons, this academy offers courses for foreign students wishing to pursue higher study in Japan; the options are long-term or short-term, intensive or regular courses. The intensive course has up to 20 students, while other classes are smaller. Lessons for corporate clients are available for individuals or groups.
This academy focuses on small class sizes, conversation and flexible schedules. It offers survival Japanese through to advanced levels, for one to three months; regardless of level, only Japanese is spoken during class. Furthermore, uniquely flexible group classes allow students to customize their own schedules. Private lessons are also available.
This school offers tailor-made program to match the student's needs and personality. "Cross-cultural communication" session is provided in all courses in order to understand Japanese language more deeply. Private, semi-private, and small group lessons are available.
For beginners, this school offers a kana course after which a student begins the intensive course, in classes of 12-20 students. A focus on kanji is built into regular lessons, and special classes are also available for reading manga, conversation or summer holiday courses. Private lessons are also possible.
Founded by business executives, this company features teachers and staff from many different professions. It offers corporate consultancy and specialised language courses including Japanese for diplomats, financial analysts, housewives and children, using its own set of ten proficiency levels. Regular courses range from beginner to advanced and can be taken intensively or long-term, in private or group settings.
In addition to the business Japanese lessons offered throughout many Japanese language schools in Tokyo, this school features a university admission course, as well as academic and career counselling. Staff speak several different languages. Apart from long-term courses from beginner through to advanced levels, it also offers short-term and private lessons.
One of the most traditional Japanese language schools in Tokyo, this school focuses on business Japanese and full-time college admission courses. General courses for beginning through to advanced students are also available, for daily, 3-days or 2-days per week schedules. Private lessons are possible at companies or homes.
All courses at this school are designed for English speakers; they include group lessons, on-site lessons for company employees, private, intensive courses and JLPT preparation. There are plenty of study materials, such as quizzes, for free download, and online lessons are available. Lessons can be tailored to student needs and private lessons may be either fixed or flexible.
With lessons focused on business Japanese and tailored to individual needs, this school offers small group classes, and private or semi-private lessons for beginner to advanced levels. Options also include online lessons, a lunch-time chat program, and preparation for Japanese proficiency tests.
Acquire Japanese social skills faster with Akira's online Japanese classes. We provide best courses for you based on the second language acquisition research - business Japanese, daily Japanese and JLPT preparation. Try Akira's online lessons and ascertain the efficacy of SLA. We offer interview and trial at your convenience - daytime, evening and weekend from Azabu-Juban, central Tokyo.
Toranomon-based Tokyo language school offers everything from set group courses to private or semi-private lessons as well as online courses. Group courses in JLPT preparation are also offered. Private lessons can be taken off-site from early morning onwards. This school has a Japanese teacher-training course, which means there are roughly 100 teachers to choose from.
Our school has a rich 30-year history and is approved the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education. We provide various classes to fulfill a variety of needs and we pride ourselves on our fun, easy-to-understand lessons. We have original programs tailored for your Japanese language goals, ranging from everyday conversation, business Japanese, exam preparation, and more! Our teachers are well-trained, experienced professionals who will guide you to your goals. We are located a convenient 5 minutes walking from the Tokyo Metro Omotesando or Gaienmae stations, so access is a breeze. Feel free to inquire about anything related to Japanese!
This school offers private lessons from survival Japanese through to advanced, and courses are adaptable for special purposes, whether business Japanese, JLPT preparation, or reading comprehension for newspapers and magazines. Flexible plans are devised to suit any schedule, location and start date. Semi-private lessons are possible for groups of family or friends.
Lesson programs at this school accommodate a broad range, from academics and diplomats to refugees and children. Along with its signature teacher-training program, the Association has produced its own textbooks, such as Japanese for Busy People, which is used by other schools and individuals studying by themselves as well. Group and private lessons run from beginner to advanced, plus online lessons with plenty of resources.
This Tokyo language school specializes in private one-to-one lessons for any level or purpose, connecting language with etiquette and social customs. The teachers have professional backgrounds in law, arts, business, marketing, and IT and can tailor business Japanese lessons for these fields. There is also a short monthly group lesson for beginners.
Japanese language school in Azabu Juban - easily Accessible from Roppongi, Hiroo, Azabu, Shirokane Takanawa. Small sized classes, conversation focused Japanese Lessons with Flexible scheduling. Japanese daily course, Japanese crash course, part time course and private lessons. Unique combination of classes and events.
While some language schools in Tokyo may focus primarily on Japanese language, helping foreigners to thoroughly understand Japanese culture is key to this school’s teaching style. It offers a wide variety of courses for Japanese university entrance, survival Japanese, business Japanese, daily conversation, JLPT preparation, and specific professional fields. Both group and private lessons are offered, and regular level checks ensure that students are on track.
This school for corporate, diplomatic and individual students incorporates multimedia tools into lessons that are communication-focused. Online, private, semi-private and group lessons are all available, and can be tailored to suit, whether at the school or off-site. The teaching method is structured to regularly review individual needs.
This organization of Japanese language teachers uses an original teaching method. Private or group lessons can be held at any location, and the bilingual teachers offer English explanations where necessary. With a focus on corporate and diplomatic clients, classes range from business Japanese for beginners through advanced students, as well as JLPT preparation.
Focusing on communication using both language and cross-cultural understanding, this Tokyo language school uses a “task-based approach” and encourages students to be able to express themselves in real-life situations. Special programs are available for technical trainees and customizable classes include raising children in Japan, business Japanese, daily conversation, and JLPT preparation.
The Kitani method was designed as a fast-track learning system for English speakers, using inherent English knowledge and focusing on the differences between English and Japanese. This school offers JLPT preparation for level 3 and up, focusing on conversation and communication for beginner students. Private or pair lessons.
Run out of a translation and interpretation business, this school offers lessons in six languages, and additional services include translation of documents and in-person interpretation. Lessons are aimed at technical interns, foreign medical personnel and company employees, plus college admission, in groups, privately or online.
Here at Tranomon Language School, we teach practical Japanese you can use immediately in the office and in daily life, as well as Japanese grammar and expressions using second language acquisition theory. Our activities like "Walk and Learn", and other intercultural activities at business sites as seen on media give you great opportunites to speak the language and acquire deeper understanding of life in Japan. You can also move up to more challenging Japanese with our JLPT and Business Japanese courses, and step out of your comfort zone to see what Japan truly has to offer. Let us help you enjoy your life in Japan!
Since its establishment in 1986 in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, Roppongi, students of many nationalities have been studying in the same classroom surrounded by internationally famous icons, such as Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, and Tokyo Mid Town. UJS considers speaking, reading, listening and writing the cornerstones of communication ability. In order to improve their students’ communication skills efficiently, UJS follows well a balanced curriculum and teaching strategy at all times. Due to the development of the global economy, each student’s goals have become highly diversified. To maintain high satisfaction from all students (customers), UJS provides not only qualified Japanese class lessons but also full order made private Japanese lessons. We open the door widely to all learners.
This small school offers something apart from most language schools in Tokyo: A unique combination of both Japanese lessons and piano lessons in English. Language classes are limited to 2-4 people with a focus on functionality, and they hold regular language exchange events. JLPT preparation courses are also available.
Part of its local area, this school aims to help foreign people live more comfortably in Japan. Class schedules are constructed to include both lessons on formal grammar and skills, and lessons for real life and current affairs, often set in practical situations. Private classes with a special focus can be arranged, whether giving speeches or reading letters from your child’s school.
Tokyo-based Temple University campus offers over 300 non-credit courses open to the community, including Japanese language courses.
Courses here are either long-term (1-2 years) or short-term (1-3 months) and offered in private, semi-private or group settings. The school encourages an environment of cross-cultural sharing between international students and Japanese people and culture, actively supporting students throughout their daily lives in Japan.
This company provides services in business training that include Japanese language classes. Lessons combine face-to-face classes with personal online study, aiming to be cost-efficient and convenient. Courses are offered for survival through advanced Japanese. Special classes, such as cultural activities or JLPT study, are also offered.
EF provides life-changing education for global citizens and combines language training with cultural exchange, academic achievement and educational travel to deliver courses and programs that transform dreams into international opportunities. The Tokyo campus offers Japanese language courses and is centrally located in the heart of Shibuya.
This school has a wide range of options, whether time-efficient courses for busy people with a variety of purposes, JLPT preparation, basic grammar, reading manga, or etiquette and culture classes ? plus regular long-term courses for beginner to advanced. They will also help you settle in by accompanying around your neighbourhood.
At this Tokyo language school, courses for beginners to advanced students are supplemented by intensive 1-3 week courses for beginners, JLPT preparation, and kids’ classes. They provide classes for company employees, either one-to-one or in small groups. The focus is on conversation and personalized lesson plans and teachers offer English explanations when necessary.
Named for the founder of the linguistic institute to which the school is affiliated, this Tokyo language school integrates cultural and language learning simultaneously. It offers many options for different purposes and schedules, including Japanese for business, job-hunting and university preparation. The teachers have working experience in a variety of professional backgrounds.
With four streams in daily conversation, business Japanese, JLPT preparation, or an intensive course from beginner through advanced, the majority of students here are business people. Group or private lessons are available, with flexible scheduling and regular progress evaluations.
This innovative school in Shinjuku offers flexible and communicative Japanese classes. Group classes have a maximum of 8 students, and courses start every Monday year-round. GenkiJACS was voted the Star World Language School for 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020. Courses include cultural activities, conversation course and a summer program aimed at younger students, all to make the most of your time in Japan. They also offer online group and private lessons for those students wanting to try the school before taking the step to travel to Japan.
This college provides an educational environment for foreign students to learn Japanese language and culture. It offers a comprehensive program that allows students to acquire language proficiency and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and society. The program is divided into classes for beginners, elementary, intermediate, upper-intermediate, and advanced levels. Starting from the intermediate level, students can aim to continue their education at universities, graduate schools, or vocational schools in Japan. They learn practical Japanese language skills and foundational knowledge of Japanese culture.
Japan Switch is one of the lowest cost options in Tokyo with 3000 yen private lessons and 3000 yen 100 minute group lessons. They are open on weekdays from morning to noon and focus on conversational lessons to help students improve their speaking as fast as possible. They also offer self-study support and monthly events for students.
This Tokyo language school uses the Ezoe Method of visual grammar and accommodates people wanting to speak everyday Japanese, work in business or tourism, or enter a Japanese university. Class times are available for weekdays, evening or Sunday lessons, from beginner to advanced. Kanji and calligraphy classes are also available.
Established in 1988, Tokyo Central Japanese Language School (TCJ) has been engaged in “cross-cultural communication” through Japanese-language education. The student body of TCJ is made up of about 830 students (as of December 2019). There’s always a wide variety of students from around 30 to 40 countries and regions making the school a place where international exchange takes place on a daily basis.
Flexible enrollment and class times are a feature of this school, which offers private and semi-private lessons, particularly for corporate and government clients. It also supports students wishing to enter a Japanese graduate school. Regular courses can be complemented by targeted classes focusing on specific skills. Classes for foreign children also offered.
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