Top Japanese Language Schools in Tokyo: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re a foreigner in Tokyo, your first stop is to learn Japanese. This is because learning this language will open the doors for career opportunities and an understanding of Japan that you otherwise might never get. 

That’s where the best Japanese language schools in Tokyo come in. And with the demand for such a skill by more than the Japanese, it’s no wonder that more than 90,000 foreign students were enrolled in these schools as of May 2023!

This guide is here to lead you through the process, letting you know all the details on fees, programs, and locations. 

After all, if you’re interested in learning, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or just looking to advance your existing skills – a Japanese course Tokyo is the perfect option for you!

If you’re looking for additional support for short-term study at a language school in Japan, check out Travellife Japan. They are an educational agency that supports students in finding and applying to Japanese language schools for free. You can find out more at their website here.

Top Japanese Language Schools In Tokyo

1. Akamonkai Japanese Language School

The Akamonkai Japanese Language School is in Nippori, and it’s one of Tokyo’s best language schools. In fact, since it was established in 1985, it has climbed the ladder with its comprehensive curriculum, which has been designed to make sure students learn Japanese pretty well. 

There are a couple of programs available to students in Akamonkai Nippori. Some of the more relevant options in the regular programs list are as follows:

You can find this Japanese Language school at 6-39-12 Higashi Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo, or you can contact them directly via telephone at 03-3806-6102. 

Get more details on the available programs and courses here!

2. ISI Language School

A second option is attending ISI Language School, another top Japanese language school in Tokyo. With a number of campuses across the city, ISI has a flexibility that few other schools can provide. 

The programs that ISI offers include a number of options, but the one that will best suit you is the short-term Japanese language course. It provides 20 lessons per week to 20 students per class, making sure there are plenty of opportunities for you to join. 

It starts at a minimum of only two weeks and is especially perfect for anyone who wants to learn Japanese without needing a student visa at hand. 

This course is offered at most campuses, including:

• Takadanobaba Campus
• Ikebukuro Campus
• Osaka Campus
• Kyoto Campus

The fee at the campuses mentioned above is ¥219,000. On the other hand, the cost at Nagano Campus is ¥130,000. Each cost mentioned is for the first term (ten weeks).

3. KAI Japanese Language School

Then there’s the KAI language school in the heart of Tokyo, which is known for its innovative teaching methods and diverse student body – a lot of the students come from North American and European countries. 

It also has a lot of course options, including a comprehensive general course, a practical conversation course designed to enhance daily communication skills, a business Japanese course tailored for professionals, and flexible online courses for remote learners. 

With the advance of technology, it’s also become important to integrate these resources into the learning methodology. That’s where the KAI Digital Learning System (KAI⋮DLS) comes in, making an iPad a necessity in the KAI classroom. 

The general course, for example, costs from ¥318,000 to ¥1042,000, depending on the number of terms you choose to study. If you don’t have an iPad, there are rental availabilities – from ¥12,000 for one term to ¥48,000 for four.

4. GenkiJACS Tokyo

The Genki Japanese & Culture School is another good choice, especially for people who are looking for a friendly and supportive learning environment. It’s located at a distance from urban areas, giving it a great environment as well. 

The core Japanese language course means small classes both inside and outside the classroom – meaning practical and theory – with ten grammar classes per week (around 50 minutes each) and ten 4-skill application classes. There, you practice what you learn in communicative situations.

More importantly, GenkiJACS costs ¥36,000 per week. 

5. Coto Japanese Academy

With conversation-focused courses and learning, Coto Academy has a reputation that draws in a lot of students from around the world. Over 8000 students have credited Coto with their proficiency in Japanese since 2000. 

It offers all kinds of Japanese classes, from intensive courses to part-time lessons. Private lessons and JLPT prep courses are also available to students from all over. 

• The intensive course is five days a week (Monday to Friday) and costs from ¥40,000 to ¥648,000, depending on the time frame you choose, from one week to six months.
• The part-time lessons are based on the number of lessons. For eight lessons, for example, the fee is ¥20,000 (per lesson being ¥2,500 for 50 mins), and for 24 lessons, the cost is ¥50,400 (per lesson being ¥2,100 for 50 mins).

Cheap Japanese Lessons in Tokyo

For people on a budget, Tokyo isn’t completely unreasonable. There are affordable options that you can choose if you don’t have resources to spare. These classes tend to be run by local community centers, non-profit organizations, or volunteers. 

For example, the Tokyo Nihongo volunteer network happens to offer cheap Japanese lessons that volunteers teach. Classes are held at a number of locations throughout Tokyo, and students only need to pay a small registration fee in the beginning. 

There’s also the Suginami-ku International Exchange Association, which again gives people access to low-cost Japanese lessons (though mainly to residents). Fees are definitely minimal, so people who don’t have the option to invest more can think about this. 

And perhaps the best option for affordable Japanese lessons is Japan Switch, where you can even save up to 30 – 60%! There are online lessons, group lessons, and even private lessons available.  

Teaching English with OCE

While you explore the top Japanese language schools in Tokyo, you might also want to think about the benefits of teaching English in Japan. Living in Japan offers an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture while also making a difference. 

Teaching with One Coin English is a way to do just that – it’s a fulfilling way to connect with people, share your language, and learn from your students. 

With schools in Yokohama, Tokyo, and online, OCE is perfect for part-time positions, as well as for those passionate about teaching and cultural exchange.

The Bottom Line

In simple words, whether you’re looking for an intensive program or more affordable classes to learn culture and language, Tokyo has quite a lot of Japanese language schools that will best suit you. 

From the Akamonkai Japanese Language School to Coto Japanese Academy, you will find your perfect fit whatever you choose. 

And, side by side, you can teach English with OCE, with which you can work and learn in Japan, especially since OCE also gives you the chance to learn Japanese with a discount at Japan Switch. 

So, stop waiting and enroll now!

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