I want to start learning Japanese from the beginner level! What are effective ways to study?

Category： Information

“I’ve just arrived in Japan, but… where should I start with learning Japanese?” A new country, a new language. We understand the big worries you face as a beginner. Especially when you’re not even confident with hiragana or katakana, it’s natural to worry whether you can live and communicate smoothly in Japan.

This article gives beginner-level Japanese learners a concrete roadmap to relieve their anxiety and become confident in conversation in a short period. By reading it, you’ll see clearly the first step to enjoying life in Japan as quickly as possible. Let’s begin this wonderful journey of learning Japanese together.

Find the 3 Concerns to Know Before Learning Japanese and How to Solve Them

When starting Japanese learning, there are initial hurdles everyone encounters. Knowing concrete solutions to overcome them is the key to success. As experienced professionals in Japanese education, we guide you to solve the problems you face.

1. Overcoming the Wall of Learning Hiragana & Katakana

For beginners in Japanese, the first overwhelming challenge is memorizing the writing systems of hiragana and katakana, which are different from the alphabet. If you can’t get past this, even reading signs and menus will feel difficult.

Professional Solution: Kudan Institute’s Beginner Practical Course focuses on mastering this foundation. For complete beginners, it uses a curriculum with intensive hiragana and katakana reading and writing practice. By linking them to practical vocabulary and phrases, your knowledge becomes *usable* knowledge instead of mere memorization.

For example, in the 4-week curriculum, the first two weeks are devoted to firmly acquiring hiragana and katakana alongside conversation practice.

2. Learning Conversation Expressions Directly Connected to Life in Japan

When you can’t speak Japanese at all, asking for directions, shopping, transportation, or dining—any situation feels overwhelming. We help students quickly acquire Japanese they can use in daily life.

The Beginner Practical Course is rich in useful expressions and conversation practice. Example: In “Unit 1 and 2” you learn self-introduction and asking for directions, in “Unit 3 and 4” you practice shopping and restaurant interactions.

The goal is to build the ability to express yourself and take necessary actions in Japanese daily life. In a short time, you’ll gain practical skills to ask for help or convey your needs when in trouble.

3. Setting Clear Goals to Maintain Motivation

At the beginner stage, you may lose motivation when the goal feels out of sight. Don’t rush—start by aiming for JLPT N5-level conversation. After completing the course, you’ll have continued support through various programs.

Comprehensive Japanese Course: Balanced improvement in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
Japanese Conversation Course: Focused on listening and speaking, available from short-term 2-week sessions

Escape from Being Unable to Speak Japanese! Gain Conversation Skills in the “Beginner Practical Course”

Course Overview

Duration: 4 weeks (for short-term stay visas)
Class Time: Weekdays 9:10–12:40 (20 lessons/week)
Fee: 102,000 yen (includes admission fee, tuition, and materials)
Start Months: March, June, September, December

Accommodation Support

Homestay: 4 weeks (28 nights) 102,400 yen (2 meals on weekdays, 3 meals on weekends and holidays)
Guesthouse: 1 month 65,000–80,000 yen
(plus bedding fee 10,000 yen, arrangement fee 5,000 yen)

We support both language learning and daily life through a stay-type program.

Practical course for beginners

Master real-life Japanese conversation skills from basic (N5…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/hiraganakatakana.php

Experience Japanese Language and Culture in a Short Time! Charm of Short-term Intensive Courses for Beginners

If you’re going to start learning Japanese, experience Japanese culture too! Kudan Institute offers a variety of cultural programs open even to beginners.

Winter Holiday Course Two weeks of intensive Japanese + cultural experiences (tea ceremony, Tokyo Disneyland, Shibuya Sky, samurai experience, etc.)

Winter Holiday Course

Japanese culture and customs through lectures, after-class a…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/holiday_winter.php

Sushi Course Authentic sushi-making experience taught by active Ginza Onodera chefs + Japanese learning

Sushi Course

Enhance your Japanese language skills and master authentic s…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/sushi_course.php

Manga Course Improve Japanese while learning character creation and digital coloring from a professional manga artist

Manga(Comic) course

You can learn both Japanese and Manga during your short stay…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/manga_course.php

Private Tea Ceremony Lesson Urasenke tea ceremony taught in Japanese, English, or Italian. Learn everything from etiquette to tea making in detail.

One-on-one Online Tea Ceremony Lessons

Lessons will be conducted in real time and it's one-on-one l…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/online-private-teaceremony.php

3 Reasons Why Kudan Institute is Chosen

Learn with Students from Over 50 Countries in a Multinational Environment

Student's Nationality & Voice

Join Kudan Japanese School, welcoming students from over 30 …

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/student.php

Located in Tokyo’s Suidobashi area, with an average of 35–40 nationalities present every month—perfect for deepening international exchange.
Life & Learning Support from Experienced Teachers and Staff

Accommodation Options in Tokyo - Homestays & Share Houses

At Kudan Institute of Japanese Language and Culture,「Homesta…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/accommodation/accommodation.php

Flexible support for student and short-term stay visas. Reliable arrangements for homestays and guesthouses.
Diverse Courses for Your Next Step

Business Japanese Brush-up Course (Online Lessons)

Master business Japanese online with Kudan Japanese Language…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/online-business-japanese.php

Job Hunting Support Course (Online Lessons)

Master business Japanese and job hunting skills with Kudan's…

https://www.kudan-japanese-school.com/en/job_preparation.php

From business Japanese to JLPT preparation—many options to connect to your future goals!

Summary: Turn Beginner Anxiety into Confidence!

Even if you start Japanese with worries, the Beginner Practical Course at Kudan Institute will be fine for you. From hiragana and katakana to daily conversation, you’ll acquire skills in a short time. With a multinational learning environment, professional teaching, and full lifestyle support, it’s the ideal starting point.

Feel free to contact us!