Hello! I’m Masuda from Kudan Institute of Japanese Culture & Language. Every day I interact with students from all over the world, and I often receive inquiries such as “I’m not sure which course to choose…”
There are truly many Japanese language schools in Tokyo, each offering unique courses. Today, I’d like to introduce 7 recommended courses from Kudan Institute of Japanese Culture & Language that you can select based on your learning goals and interests! (Please note that the fees listed in this blog are as of June 2025 and may be subject to change.)
1. General Japanese Course: For those who want to improve Japanese skills in a well-balanced way
First up is the classic General Japanese Course, widely offered at Japanese language schools. This course aims to help you systematically and comprehensively acquire the four skills of Japanese—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—in a balanced manner.
Recommended for:
- Those considering admission to Japanese universities or vocational schools
- Those aiming to find a job in Japan
- Those who want to thoroughly learn Japanese from the basics
Course Features: At the beginner level, you focus on practical expressions immediately useful in daily life. At the intermediate/advanced level, you strengthen your ability to assert opinions through discussions about social issues and news.
A major highlight is the inclusion of kanji classes. Students from kanji-using countries and those from non-kanji backgrounds have different levels of understanding, so the system allows advancement through 7 finely-tuned levels matching individual pace.
While many Japanese language schools have similar courses, when choosing a school, we recommend comparing class size, teacher quality, and curriculum. At our school, you can study for anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 years; the 4-week course is 102,000 yen, with sessions starting every January, April, July, and October.
2. Japanese Conversation Course: For those who just want to become able to speak
If you know grammar but find it hard to produce Japanese, the conversation-focused course is recommended!
Recommended for:
- Those who prioritize communication with Japanese people
- Those who need to use Japanese at work
- Those who know grammar but struggle with conversation
Course Features: This course focuses on practical training for various situations and topics to improve your conversation. You’ll learn useful expressions for daily life and job-hunting in higher-level classes.
Vocabulary building, practical grammar usage, listening, discussions, presentations, and pronunciation correction—all conversation skills are comprehensively developed.
More and more Tokyo Japanese language schools offer conversation-specialized courses. Important points for choosing a school include how much speaking time you get and whether class sizes are small. At our school, you can enroll from as little as 2 weeks, and the 4-week course is 102,000 yen. With the exception of complete beginners, you can start any Monday.
3. Beginner Practical Course: For absolute Japanese beginners
If you want to learn Japanese but can’t even read hiragana, no problem! You can start confidently with the Beginner Practical Course.
Recommended for:
- Those starting Japanese for the first time
- Those who want to carefully learn from hiragana and katakana
- Those who want to quickly establish a foundation for life in Japan
Course Features: This course focuses not only on learning characters, but also on practical content directly relevant to daily life—shopping, transportation, hospitals, and other situations you’ll encounter soon after arriving in Japan.
The course also emphasizes developing your ability to communicate proactively, not just passively. You’ll acquire relevant knowledge and skills for life in Japan in an intensive 4-week course.
Many schools have beginner courses, but few offer such a life-oriented curriculum. At our school, it’s 102,000 yen for 4 weeks, available every March, June, September, and December, for ages 15 and up.
4. Manga Course: For those who want to learn both Japanese and manga skills
This truly is a unique course—especially recommended for Japanese pop culture fans.
Recommended for:
- Manga and anime lovers
- People interested in creative activities
- Those who want to make Japanese learning more enjoyable
- Those aiming for a career in the manga industry
Course Features: Realized in cooperation with “Nihon Manga Juku,” this luxurious course lets you learn both Japanese and professional manga techniques. Pro manga artists and bilingual coordinators guide you from beginner to advanced levels.
The curriculum covers facial and body drawing, character design, story composition, digital coloring—everything you need for manga creation. The best part: you don’t need any Japanese ability to join—the course is offered in both Japanese and English!
This combination of cultural experience and language learning is rare in Tokyo. There are 1, 2, and 3-month courses, with the 1-month option starting at 162,000 yen. Graduates receive a certificate and their own work, plus enjoy excursions like visiting Akihabara!
5. Sushi Course: For those who want to experience Japanese language and authentic sushi making
Sushi is one of the main symbols of Japanese culture. This course lets you gain authentic sushi-making skills while learning Japanese—a true two-in-one!
Recommended for:
- Those interested in Japanese cuisine, especially sushi
- Those who want to understand Japanese culture deeply through cooking
- People wanting to work as sushi chefs after returning home
- Fans of hands-on learning
Course Features: With special cooperation from internationally famous “Ginza Onodera,” active sushi chefs teach you how to prepare vinegared rice, handle seafood, and master the skills for nigiri and maki sushi.
By taking both Japanese and sushi lessons, you naturally acquire specialized vocabulary and expressions used in the chef’s world. Even beginners in Japanese can participate, as practical work is the main focus.
Such combined sushi and Japanese language courses are rare in Tokyo. The 1-month course is 200,000 yen, held every January and July. If you attend over 80%, you’ll receive a certificate!
6. Holiday Course (Winter/Summer): For those who want to enjoy Japanese learning and sightseeing
If long-term stay is difficult but you want to enjoy both learning Japanese and sightseeing, the Holiday Course is perfect for you.
Recommended for:
- Students coming to Japan for winter or summer break
- Those who want to combine Japanese learning and sightseeing
- Those eager to experience Japanese culture in a short time
- Anyone wanting to try homestay and Japanese family life
Course Features: Combines Japanese lessons, Japanese cultural activities, and sightseeing in one package. For winter, activities include Tokyo Disneyland, TeamLab, tea ceremony, etc. For summer, trips to Nikko, Enoshima, Kamakura, Kyoto, and more are included.
Homestay is the basic accommodation, letting you experience Japanese family life firsthand. The program offers many intensive opportunities to practice Japanese in a short time.
Many Tokyo schools offer similar programs, so compare content and pricing carefully. At our school, winter is 189,000 yen for 2 weeks (homestay included); summer ranges from 3–7 weeks, for example, 4 weeks (with homestay) is 402,000 yen. Anyone age 15 and above can participate.
7. Online JLPT Preparation Course: For those who want to efficiently pass the JLPT
Passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is very important for both academic advancement and employment in Japan. If you want to pass efficiently, a specialized preparation course is recommended.
Recommended for:
- Those aiming to pass JLPT N1, N2, or N3
- Those considering admission to Japanese colleges or graduate schools
- Those hoping to work at a Japanese company
- Those wanting to study online from far away
Course Features: This online course allows you to efficiently raise your grammar scores for JLPT in a short period. Instead of simply memorizing, you thoroughly analyze grammar questions and study solution strategies.
Through interaction with native Japanese teachers, you’ll also improve practical abilities. Small class sizes allow for lessons customized to each student’s weaknesses.
Most schools offer JLPT preparation courses, but few have small online classes with such practical orientation. The cost is 49,500 yen (tax included) for twice-weekly 90-minute live lessons; flexible enrollment is possible at any time during the year.
Applicants should have Japanese skills equivalent to JLPT N4, and especially those with clear and specific goals are recommended.
Course Selection Points
We’ve introduced 7 courses, but which to choose depends greatly on your goals, interests, and length of stay.
- For short-term stays:
- Beginner Practical Course (4 weeks)
- Holiday Course (from 2 weeks)
- Manga Course (from 1 month)
- For long-term study:
- General Japanese Course (up to 2 years)
- Japanese Conversation Course (can be continued)
- For specific goals:
- JLPT Preparation Course (for exam success)
- Sushi Course (for specialized skills)
- For those emphasizing cultural experiences:
- Manga Course
- Sushi Course
- Holiday Course
Tips for Choosing a Japanese Language School in Tokyo
There really are many Japanese language schools in Tokyo. When choosing, we recommend considering not just course content but also the following points:
- Location and Accessibility: Transportation is crucial for daily commuting
- Quality of Teachers: Are there qualified and experienced instructors?
- Class Size: Smaller classes allow for more individualized instruction
- Support System: Can you get advice about daily life and future plans?
- International Environment: Opportunities to interact with students from many countries
Summary
The 7 courses introduced all have their own characteristics; the best fit depends on your hopes and needs. The most important thing is to choose the course that most closely matches your goals and interests.
If you’re not sure which course to choose, please feel free to contact us!
Learning Japanese is by no means easy, but with the right course and continued effort, improvement is guaranteed. At Kudan Institute, you’ll study in an international environment alongside many friends from around the world.
We also offer unique courses and experiences such as the Manga and Sushi courses, and provide full support for employment and academic progression through our experienced staff, beyond the regular curriculum.
At Kudan Institute of Japanese Culture & Language, we fully support your Japanese learning journey. We sincerely hope your Japanese language learning adventure turns out to be a wonderful one!
Studying Japanese in Tokyo will surely be a valuable experience in your life. Do your best and enjoy learning!
