Culture Course Shibuya

Early registration and Long term registration discounts are available!
categories

  • How long does this course take?

    A full course, consisting of all 4 modules, will be 8 hours in total. One module lasts 2 hours.

  • Do you offer private lessons?

    If you prefer to participate individually, we can offer you half of the allotted time without any additional cost.

  • How many students are in one class?

    We limit our class sizes to a maximum of 8 students, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention and support from the instructor.

  • Part-time Courses

    What are Part-time Courses?

    Our Part-time Courses are designed to teach practical aspects of Japanese. Instead of a comprehensive approach - part-time courses focus on teaching grammar, speaking, and other topics. These courses are good for students who have already learned some Japanese but want to improve their grammar, or their speaking specifically.

    Are Part-time Courses available in the Evenings and on Saturdays?

    Yes they are! You can see a full schedule of our Part-time Courses here: www.cotoacademy.com/course (Click on part-time)

  • Online Japanese Courses

    Coto offers online Japanese classes.

    There are several types of Online Japanese Lessons that we offer:

    Each of these have different types of instruction and methods - also pricing for them is different.

    1-1 Online Japanese Lessons

    Our 1-1 Online Japanese lessons have two categories of lesson.

    • Speaking Sessions
    • Learning Sessions

    Speaking Sessions are designed to give a speaking practice environment with a native practice partner.

    During these sessions - there is no instruction of new concepts from a teacher - but rather just speaking practice in a free conversation environment.

    Learning Sessions are designed to teach new concepts in an instructive format. This will allow the student to learn new grammar concepts in a linear format with our custom materials.

    If you are interested in exploring availability or have questions about our online lessons - please contact us through email or online at cotoacademy.com

    Online JLPT Prep Courses

    Our online JLPT Prep courses are a bit different.

    We offer them for the following levels of the JLPT:

    These classes could be described as followed:

    • Group class in a "lecture" format
    • Designed to prepare for the written exam
    • Classes are recorded so the student can review on their own

    These classes take place 1x or 2x per week depending on if you are enrolled in both the "Kanji and Vocabulary" and "Grammar and Reading" Components - based on the level of the exam.

    Payment / Enrollment / Duration of the Course

    You may want to know - when do our JLPT Courses start? You can enroll any time - the courses themselves repeat and are paid for on a monthly basis.

    The entire curriculum for our N3, N2, and N1 courses are 6 months each.

    The curriculum is taught in a linear fashion - but there is no set start or end date.

    So, if you joined during month 3 - you would study for months 3,4,5,6, and then start with a new class at 1, and 2.

    To enroll:

    • Visit the course page.
    • Fill out the signup form with your details.
    • We will send you a payment link for the tuition and course materials fee based on your needs.
    • Pay the course materials fee - and we will give you access to the online course system and enroll you. You will be notified about this through email.

      You can learn more at our online JLPT Prep Courses website.

    Online Writing Only Courses

    We have a third type of online lesson and that is our writing only business email course.

    This course does not have a live instructor - rather it is a correspondence course where your written business email assignments are graded and assessed by our professional instructor.

    You can learn more about our business email writing course at our dedicated page.

  • Intensive Courses

    How Long Are Your "Intensive Courses"?

    Our Intensive Japanese Language Courses are 3 hours long.
    3 blocks of 50 minute sessions with a 10 minute break in-between.

    How Many Levels Are There for Intensive Courses?

    Intensive course ranges from beginner to advanced Japanese over 16 terms of 4 weeks. Total beginners are most welcome to join our crash course program. More information on our level is available here.

    How Do I Know What Level of Intensive Course to Take?

    Visit us for a free level check and interview - we will be able to determine your level and give you advice on which level of Intensive course would be most appropriate for your Japanese ability.

    You can book a level check by sending us a contact inquiry at https://www.cotoacademy.com/contact

  • Can we choose the activities we want to try for this course?

    Unfortunately, no. We have designed a schedule for each month with about 9 culture activities that you can try and enjoy. We want you to have the full experience in our culture course!

  • Is this course going to be every day for a month?

    No, the course is scheduled in the span of 4 weeks but it doesn't mean that there will be activities every day. Please check the schedule for the next 3 months here!

  • How many people will there be in the course?

    We accept 8 people per group for this course. As the spots are limited, so please apply as soon as possible!

  • Where do the culture courses happen? Are they all at your language school in Shibuya?

    Our Japanese cultural workshops and culture experiences take place at a variety of venues within day-trip travel distance to the Tokyo central area.  You can stay in Tokyo and attend the events and experiences during the day.

  • Important Info for New Students

    New to Studying at Coto?

    Here are some important details we would like to share with you.

    Evacuation Procedures

    In the case of an emergency, please follow the instructions of our staff to evacuate and do not use the elevators.  On the 3rd floor, there are emergency stairs in room 7.  If you are on the 4th floor, please use the emergency stairs in room 16.

    Classroom Rules for Intensive Courses

    In general, we ask that you do not eat during the class.  You may eat during the break times of the class and you are free to drink at any time in the classroom.  We just ask that you refrain from eating during the lesson.

    Online Lesson Scheduling

    Please use our online lesson scheduling system to view your lesson schedule and cancel lessons. (Link below)

    https://my.ptsc.jp/cotoacademy/

    Set the menu language [日本語／English] before logging in.

    (We have emailed your password and student id - if you have trouble locating it - please email us at info (at) cotoacademy.com

    Cancellations

    Please contact us by 6 pm on the previous day of your lesson from the lesson scheduling system above. For intensive course participants, please let us know your cancellation via email.

    New Reservations
    To make new reservations, please email us at [email protected] (If you would like to make a reservation - do so at least 3 days in advance to the lesson so that we can ensure your space.).  

    If you are an intensive course student, please contact us directly via email for cancellations.
    ___

    Facebook Student Group:

    We want to make sure that your time in Japan is as fruitful as possible - we also have a student group on Facebook dedicated to asking questions about Japanese - life in Japan - and anything else related to living in Tokyo.

    Facebook Group

    We would also invite you to check out our blog for weekly updates as well as our social media channels where we regularly post bite-sized learning contents.

    Social Media Please follow us on Social Media to keep up-to-date on events at the school as well as school news.  We try our best to publish fun bite-sized learning content that you can use in your everyday life - so please give us a follow!  :)

    Blog

    Facebook Page

    Twitter

    Instagram

    Youtube

    Pinterest

  • Lesson Scheduling and Cancellation

    At Coto we use an online scheduling system for lessons.

    Online Lesson Scheduling

    Please use our online lesson scheduling system (link below) to view your lesson schedule and cancel lessons.

    https://my.ptsc.jp/cotoacademy

    Enter your username and password.

    Set the menu language [日本語／English] before logging in.


    Cancellations
    Please contact us by 6 pm on the previous day of your lesson via the lesson scheduling system on your student my page. For intensive course participants, please let us know your cancellation via email or face to face at the reception. For non-intensive course students - please use the online scheduling system.

    New Reservations
    You can book part-time classes online within one month from the current date. If you are taking part-time lessons on the same schedule every week, you need to book lessons online on your own after you cancel some lessons. If you would like to book lessons more than one month ahead, please contact our student support staff to make a reservation.

    To reserve other types of classes, please email us at [email protected] or visit the reception (If you would like to make a reservation - do so at least 3 days in advance to the lesson so that we can ensure your space.).  

    If you are an intensive course student please contact us directly either in person or via email for cancellations.

  • Payment Methods

    At Coto Academy, we accept the following forms of payment:

    • Cash
    • Wire Transfer Via Bank
    • Paypal
    • Credit Card

  • Studying At Coto

    What Kind of Courses Are Available at Coto Japanese Academy?

    We offer intensive conversation course, part-time group lessons, private & dispatch lesson and JLPT training courses. To know more about our available course, please kindly refer to our course page.

    How Many Students Are There in a Class?

    At Coto Language Academy, we believe in the power of small classes size. With a maximum of 8 students, our teachers can commit to improve the conversation skills of each student. Approximately 60% of our students come from Europe and North America and the rest from Asia, South America and Latin America. Most of our students are here for professional reasons or to visit family. Some are also here for short time stay. 

    Who Are the Teachers?

    They are all native Japanese speakers holding professional qualifications and have considerable experience teaching. In order to match the diversity of our students, we employ teachers with a variety of social experiences. All of them understand basic conversational English. 

    For more information, you can view our Tokyo teachers here and our Yokohama teachers here.

    What Kind of Facilities Does Coto Academy Provide?

    We provide a self-study space equipped with electrical outlets. We also offer lounges you can use during lunch and coffee break. Instant coffee and tea are also available for the student to consume. Wifi is also available for the students.

  • Signing up for Classes

    How Can I Apply to Coto Language Academy?

    First, contact us through our inquiry page. If you are already in Japan, you may call us at 03-6261-4515 or go directly to our reception desk. The application is the same for all type of courses.

    ＊If you have previously studied Japanese, we will arrange a level assessment either by Skype or during an interview in our offices, in order for us to find the class best for your level. We will do our best to make an offer tailored to your needs and ability.

    Do You Do Trial Lessons?

    We keep our classes to a maximum of 8 students with a strong focus on active participation and pair work. We don’t offer trial lessons not to disturb our students and to ensure we offer the best learning conditions. Our team will do its best to answer to all your questions and explain our courses atmosphere.

    What Are the 10,000 JPY Registration Fees For?

    New students pay a one-time registration fee to cover the charge of the administration process and in order for the members to pursue their studies in the best possible environment. The following services are made possible by members’ registration fee.

    • Lesson package discounts
    • Preparation of materials for your lessons
    • Organization of cultural and social events

  • Are makeup lessons offered?

    You may be wondering what happens if you cannot attend one of the intensive course sessions. Catch-up lessons are offered with some conditions. Catch up lessons (50min private lesson) can be offered for full day in-class lessons missed between Monday- Thursdays only, on a per-day basis. In order to qualify for a catch up lesson you must have been absent for the full class day - partial attendance is ineligible for a catch up lesson. Friday is a test / field trip day so there are no catch up lessons offered. To receive the catch up lessons you need to cancel the lesson before 18:00 on the previous day and we offer a maximum of 4 catch up lessons per 4 weeks. Please refer to the terms and conditions for more details.

  • Who can join the intensive course?

    Students from all levels are accepted from total beginner to advanced.

  • What is the Intensive course curriculum like?

    We use a practical and proven method, classes cover aspects of all Japanese language skills, with a focus on speaking. Students are encouraged to be proactive in speaking Japanese and learning grammar structures early. We see the importance of learning beyond written theory and textbooks and want to make sure that our students are learning Japanese that they can actually use. Our certified Japanese teachers place importance on communication skills: conversation, presentation, and speaking publicly. You’ll be introduced to layers of Japanese culture, manners and aspects important to your life and work in Japan. We want to prepare you for the "real" Japan.

  • Who takes Japanese lessons at Coto? Who are Coto Students?

    Our Students are typically international residents that are a mix of working professionals, people who want to improve their career prospects or change careers and families of international business people. We do not provide student visas to learners who study with us. We have a very diverse student body with many students from the United States, Canada, France, Germany.  A wide range of ages from mid twenties - all the way to 70s. We do not provide student visas to our students.

  • How is the Course Divided? What levels are offered?

    Lessons are divided into beginner (N5-N4), intermediate (N3) and advanced (N2) at different levels. Each level lasts 4 weeks.

  • How many students are in your intensive Japanese course?

    Our lessons are small and friendly. With a maximum of 8 students, we focus on community learning. This allows you to participate in more conversations, build confidence in speaking Japanese and feel at ease with your peers. We find that having someone motivated alongside you will increase your motivation. The small class size allows you to receive extensive support and guidance from our professional language teachers. Having this cap allows our instructors to monitor your growth and give feedback — something that isnt possible in a large class. Most importantly, you will have more chances to speak Japanese with your classmates.  

  • When can I join the intensive course? How long are classes?

    You can join at the beginning of each month.

    When should you apply?

      (Applying for the course is best done at least 2 weeks prior in order to secure your space.)

    How long does the course last?

      The intensive course is divided by separate levels.  Each level last 4 weeks.

    What time are the classes?

      You can choose between morning and afternoon classes according to your own schedule. The morning course is from 9:10 to 12:00 ( Yokohama ).  9:30-12:20 (Iidabashi, Tokyo ) , and the afternoon class is from 14:10 to 17:00 at both locations.  

  • What is the Schedule of Intensive Courses?

    Please see the intensive course schedule for 2022 below.

  • How many levels are there?

    There are 16 class levels - divided into units of 4 weeks.

    Based on your level check results - we will suggest a suitable course level for you based on your current ability and class availability.

    For a total beginner with no knowledge of Japanese - it would take 64 weeks to complete all of the course levels.

  • Are classes instructed in Japanese?

    We conduct our classes primarily in Japanese, but use English in our basic course to facilitate comprehension. Students just beginning to learn Japanese can rest assured that more complex instruction will be in English.

    As your ability progresses and you join higher level courses - English is used progressively less until it disappears entirely.

  • Intensive Course Cancellations and Refunds

    Can I Receive a Refund on My Intensive Course?

    We understand that plans change and you may need to alter your study schedule.

    Coto proccesses refunds based on when you withdraw from the class.
    In some cases - we can offer a full refund. In other cases we offer a partial refund.

    Please note that changing when you study with us is regarded as a cancellation.

    For example - if you were going to start intensive course in June, but then you decided to start in September - this would be counted as a cancellation.

    If you are doing this before the required cancellation deadline - there is no penalty and you can shift your start date.

    If you are leaving the country - we also offer the option to transfer your existing lesson credits / package to online course credits for our Online Courses

    Below we have included our terms and conditions for our refund policies which can also be found in our terms and conditions at the bottom of the intensive application - as well as in full at our support base. (COMING SOON)

    Please read the terms below to find out if you qualify for a refund.

    Refund & Cancellation Policy

    These policies are subject to the cooling off guidelines as set forth by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs Agency, Government of Japan. Should you wish to cancel the whole transaction, you need to notify us in writing within 8 calendar days of the date of the remittance.  Please contact Coto Japanese Academy for more details.

    　In case you receive refund due to cancellation, please apply from the specified forms and select the mode from the methods we specify. The refund must be made to the account in the name of the payer. In addition, please note that if you apply for a refund of 100,000 yen or more multiple times, there will be restrictions on your next contract.

    1) We recommend also notifying us by email.

    2) Coto Academy retains the enrollment fee in the case of cancellation after course commencement.

    3) Coto Academy accepts cancellation on a weekly basis only.

    4) Changing the course dates, classes (AM/PM) or level is considered a cancellation.

    Refund prior to the course start

    1) 15 days or more before course commencement: full refund, no charges.

    2) Within 14 days prior to course commencement: tuition will be refunded minus a 15,000 yen cancellation fee.

    Refund after the course start

    Tuition will be refunded minus a cancellation fee based on rules indicated below.

    The deadline for cancellations for the following week is 18:00 on Thursday of the week prior.

    A) Coto Academy will retain the weekly tuition cost for the number of weeks counted as completed.

    B) Coto Academy will refund the weekly tuition cost for the number of weeks left, minus a 20% cancellation charge.

    C) In the case B) exceeds 50,000 yen, the maximum cancellation charge will automatically be set at 50,000 yen.

    All refunds will be made by the end of the month after approval of cancellation, by bank transfer or PayPal, minus the transfer fee.

    Course Availability

    Our Intensive Courses will be open if a minimum of 2 students are enrolled. Classes have a maximum of 8 students.

    However, if by the time of the scheduled start date, or after the course begins, it occurs that you will be the only student due to other students cancelling, we will provide 2 lessons a day (50 min×2) in your scheduled class time.

    Regarding any field trips, we will provide 3 lessons as a replacement in the event of you being the single class participant.

     
     
     
     
     
     

  • Intensive Courses

    How Long Are Your "Intensive Courses"?

    Our Intensive Japanese Language Courses are 3 hours long.
    3 blocks of 50 minute sessions with a 10 minute break in-between.

    How Many Levels Are There for Intensive Courses?

    Intensive course ranges from beginner to advanced Japanese over 16 terms of 4 weeks. Total beginners are most welcome to join our crash course program. More information on our level is available here.

    How Do I Know What Level of Intensive Course to Take?

    Visit us for a free level check and interview - we will be able to determine your level and give you advice on which level of Intensive course would be most appropriate for your Japanese ability.

    You can book a level check by sending us a contact inquiry at https://www.cotoacademy.com/contact

  • What is the difference between 3 Months and Full-Year Prep Course?

    Due to the course duration, our 3 months course goal is for you to ace the JLPT exam, which makes it the perfect choice for those who need to pass and get the certification quickly. Meanwhile, our full-year course is a more in-depth learning for each JLPT level, without solely focusing on the exam itself. Check out the table below to understand the key differences between the two courses!

    Key Differences 3 Months Course Full-Year Course
    Course Duration Three months One year
    Covered Test Elements All test elements (grammar, reading, vocabulary, kanji) Only grammar and reading

  • What types of JLPT classes are available?

    We offer both passive JLPT Prep Courses online as well as full preparation classes that you can either join online as part of our online group lessons or in-person at our school locations.

  • Can I Interact with Teachers in the Class?

    These JLPT Online Instruction & Exercise courses are lecture format, so no conversation or interaction is required.   If you have any questions, you can submit them through the chat box.

  • When Can I Join the Online JLPT Class?

    You can join the JLPT Online Instruction & Exercise Courses at any time. Lessons are linear and occur weekly.

  • Which JLPT Tests Can I Prepare for Through the Online Instruction and Exercise 6 Month Courses?

    As of now, we are providing online lecture-style 6 month courses to prepare for the JLPT N1, JLPT N2, and JLPT N3 Tests.

  • Can I study with custom materials for my lesson?

    If you would like to study with custom lesson materials or textbooks of your own choice, you can consult with our course coordinators and teachers. Keep in mind that this is only applicable for special private lessons to accommodate personalized requests. For example:
    • Homeschooling Japanese language program.
    • Japanese lessons with a focus on pronunciation
    • Japanese lesson preparation for certain examinations (like JLPT or school tests)
    • Supplementary after-school Japanese courses

  • Where can my kids take the courses?

    Coto Academy may accommodate private and private group classes for kids in our Yokohama and Iidabashi (Tokyo) school branches. Classes can be taken online via Zoom (or other online platforms depending upon consultation) too. For inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

  • What is the age range for Coto’s kids Japanese classes?

    Currently, our kids courses are targeted for children from the age of 6 to 15 years old.

  • Can I book private Japanese lessons for my children?

    Yes, you can!  This service is handled on a per-request basis and depends on the age of the child, as well as the availability of the teacher who teaches. If you would like to have private Japanese language lessons for your children, we would first like to book a consultation session to learn more about your needs. You can do this by sending us an inquiry.

  • Payment Methods

    At Coto Academy, we accept the following forms of payment:

    • Cash
    • Wire Transfer Via Bank
    • Paypal
    • Credit Card

  • How to learn Katakana?

    Learning to read and write Katakana is also an essential part of Japanese learning. There are several good apps and resources to help accomplish this task. We recommend you check out Duolingo, Memrise, and other Japanese learning Apps that have free Katakana and Hiragana courses. You can also use our free katakana flashcard deck.

  • How to learn Hiragana?

    Learning to read and pronounce Hiragana can be easy and fun! Here are two ways to learn Hiragana:

  • Is it possible to learn Japanese while working full-time?

    Learning Japanese while working IS possible - but you need to adjust your expectations towards how quickly you can progress in the language. Here are some tips to make working while studying Japanese easier. Set Realistic Goals and Priorities: With a busy work schedule, it's crucial for you to set achievable learning goals. Understand that progress may be slower than if you were learning full-time.  Prioritize the most relevant aspects of the language for your needs, such as basic conversation skills or specific vocabulary related to your job.  A useful tip is to have an effective time management method. With that, you can have a good overview on when to do what.  Use Language Learning Apps and Resources: Take advantage of language learning apps and resources that fit your schedule.  Apps like Duolingo, Anki, or Coto Cards offer bite-sized lessons that can be done during short breaks or downtime.  Online courses and textbooks designed for self-study can also be valuable resources. Stay Motivated and Be Patient: Learning a language while working full-time can be challenging, so it's essential to stay motivated. Remind yourself of your reasons for learning Japanese and the benefits it can bring to your personal and professional life. If you would like to learn Japanese while you are working, you can consider: Coto Online Lessons Or Evening or Weekend Lessons at our Coto Academy Locations in:
    • Shibuya, Tokyo
    • Iidabashi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
    • Azabu-Juban, Minato, Tokyo

  • Free Japanese Learning Resources

    On this page, we will compile a list of our favorite Japanese Learning Resources - Check back often!

  • About the JLPT

    What is the JLPT?

    JLPT stands for Japanese Language Proficiency Test which measures your Japanese language ability according to a set of international standards. Many companies in Japan requires you to have passed at least N2 level of the JLPT. More information about the JLPT can be found here.

    What Are the JLPT Levels?

    The JLPT levels are ranked from N5 (lowest) to N1 (highest). N4 and N5 are the easiest levels, which cover basic Japanese vocabulary, kanji, and grammar.

    JLPT N3 is a mid-level proficiency test, and serves as a "bridge" between the lower levels (N4 & N5) and the higher (N2 & N1). It is also a significant jump up from N4 level that will require considerably more study hours.

    Finally, JLPT N2 and N1 are business level Japanese that cover highly advanced concepts and fluent understanding of the Japanese Language.

    Does Coto Academy Offer JLPT Focused Courses?

    At Coto Language Academy, we provide JLPT training course for N3, N2 and N1 classes, for more information please kindly refer to our course page.

    We also have Online Prep Courses for the JLPT N3, JLPT N2, and JLPT N1.

  • Studying At Coto

    What Kind of Courses Are Available at Coto Japanese Academy?

    We offer intensive conversation course, part-time group lessons, private & dispatch lesson and JLPT training courses. To know more about our available course, please kindly refer to our course page.

    How Many Students Are There in a Class?

    At Coto Language Academy, we believe in the power of small classes size. With a maximum of 8 students, our teachers can commit to improve the conversation skills of each student. Approximately 60% of our students come from Europe and North America and the rest from Asia, South America and Latin America. Most of our students are here for professional reasons or to visit family. Some are also here for short time stay. 

    Who Are the Teachers?

    They are all native Japanese speakers holding professional qualifications and have considerable experience teaching. In order to match the diversity of our students, we employ teachers with a variety of social experiences. All of them understand basic conversational English. 

    For more information, you can view our Tokyo teachers here and our Yokohama teachers here.

    What Kind of Facilities Does Coto Academy Provide?

    We provide a self-study space equipped with electrical outlets. We also offer lounges you can use during lunch and coffee break. Instant coffee and tea are also available for the student to consume. Wifi is also available for the students.

  • Illustrated Guides to Japanese Appliances (Vocab)

    When first moving to Japan - one of the most challenging things that new Japanese learners experience is not being able to operate simple home appliances.

    Below we have included a list of blog articles that explain the labels of Japanese appliances.

    japanese rice cooker guide in japanese
    Example of our Guides

    You can click one of the links below and see a useful guide for each Japanese Appliance.

    Illustrated Guide to Your Japanese Rice Cooker

    Illustrated Guide to Your Japanese Washing Machine

    Illustrated Guide to Your Japanese Toilets

    Illustrated Guide to Your Japanese Food Labels

    Illustrated Guide to your Japanese Bathtub




  • Events and Entertainment

    Where Can I Find Fun Things To Do In Japan?

    Coto Academy organise many monthly cultural events. More information can be found on our facebook page or on the bulletin board in the school. Other than these cultural events, there are also many interesting events and places to visit in Japan.

    Refer to TokyoCheapo or Japan Guide for more interesting places to go. Interesting articles and places to go can be found by following us on Twitter and Instagram @cotoacademy where we post about our events and unique things about Japan.

  • Accomodation, Transportation and Jobs

    Does Coto Academy Provide Assistance for Accommodation?

    Yes, we do provide partial assistance for your accommodation in Tokyo, convenient to go to our school. If you would like to experience homestay or to stay in a sharehouse, please kindly refer to our accommodation information page. During your inquiry to our school, please precise what kind of lodging you would like to have. 

    If you you prefer a private accommodation – apartment and studio room, we would recommend the following agencies among others : Sakura-house & Oakhouse.

    What Is the Estimated Overall Monthly Cost of Living (Including Housing, Transportation and Food)?

    We understand some students are concerned by the cost of living in Tokyo. Please understand it is difficult to give an accurate estimation since many factors are to be taken into account. First of all, the housing cost greatly depends on your choice of lodging:

    • Studio: around 80,000 JPY
    • Sharehouse: from 40,000 to 75,000 JPY
    • Homestay: 4,860 JPY per night per person

    The cost of living will depend from one person to another. You can first check the following websites to have a better understanding of average prices in Japan: Numbeo and Expatistan.

    Finally, you can get an estimation of your average cost of transportation with the Hyperdia timetable and route search engine. Transportation cost can range from 6,000 to 10,000 JPY a month.

    How Can I Travel Around Japan?

    Japan has a very efficient public transportation system. The majority of the people commute using metro and train. At first, Tokyo’s transportation system may be frightening for foreigners. You can use the application Navitime. More information about travelling around Japan is available at Japan Guide.

    Does Coto Academy Provide Counsel to Find Part-time Jobs or Assistance Finding Internships?

    We understand you may inquire about the possibility of supporting your study with a part-time job in Tokyo or by finding an internship. Please check out Coto Work. 

  • Air Travel, Visa and Insurance

    Does Coto Academy provide assistance for the plane tickets and airport arrival?

    We understand some students would like some assistance for their trip to Japan. Unfortunately, we cannot provide any assistance on this matter. We would recommend you to contact travel agencies in your country to organize your arrival in Tokyo.

    Does Coto Provide Support for Student Visa, Cultural Visa or Tourist Visa?

    Many countries benefit from visa exemption for short stay (15 to 180 days). Please check if your country benefit from the visa exemption on the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s website.

    As of today, the citizens of the following countries can benefit from an extendable 90-day visa: Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland, UK. Those who wish to stay in Japan for more than 90 days are required to apply for an extension of the period of stay to the Ministry of Justice (Regional Immigration Bureau) before the period of permitted stay is to expire.

    The working holiday programme in Japan is available for the following countries: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Republic of Korea, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Taiwan, Honk Kong, Norway, Portugal and Poland. Please refer to the official website to check your eligibility to the programme.

    Would you be in need of a proof of enrollment for non-visa matters, we can provide the document after the completion of your application to our school.

    Does Coto Provide Medical Insurance?

    No, we do not provide medical insurance. However if you are staying in Japan for over 3 months, you can enroll in the National Health Insurance of Japan. You will find more information about insurance in Japan on the following website: Japan Health Information and Shinjuku City, Enrollment in National Health Insurance. 

  • What is the difference between Lite Intensive Courses and Intensive Courses?

    Regular Intensive Courses meet for 3 hours 5x a week. Lite Intensive Courses meet for 100 minutes 2x a week. Lite Intensive Courses offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling and are recommended for working professionals looking to improve their Japanese while working.

  • Can I take Lite Intensive Courses while working?

    YES! Lite Intensive Courses are designed for working professionals looking to improve their Japanese while working. The class meets for 100 minutes 2x a week, allowing you to maintain a perfect balance between your studies and work life while still yielding incredible progress.

  • How much does the Lite Intensive Course cost?

    The course fee for the Lite Intensive Course is 36,800 yen per month.

  • Will my lesson time change during daylight saving time?

    If you’re in a daylight saving timezone and your teacher’s not, your lesson time will move forward one hour. The teacher’s booking has not changed—but your local timezone has. For example, Thursday lesson before DST: Teacher in Japan: 20:00 Student in EST: 06:00 Thursday lesson after DST: Teacher in Japan: 20:00 Student in EST: 07:00 If you’d like to keep your local time the same, you’ll need to check with your teacher to see if they’re able to change their schedule, and cancel your Recurring reservation 2 weeks prior to the desired date of change and make a new Recurring reservation at the new time. Please note: Lessons with teachers who are located in daylight saving time zones will not experience this. If your teacher is in a daylight saving timezone, their schedule will also move forward one hour and match yours.

  • Other FAQs

    Q: Where can I read and learn more about Coto Online?

    Read through our Online Help library at https://cotoacademy.com/onlinehelp/docs
     

    Q: How can I access the chat?

    Access the chat by clicking on the Coto speech bubble on the upper right of the home page.
     

    Q: How long can I access the chat?

    For one-time class bookings, you can access the chat from the time of reservation creation to 24 hours after the lesson concludes. If there is no next appointment, the chat will not be available until the next appointment is made. For recurring reservations, you can access the chat from the time of reservation creation to 2 weeks after the end of the last recurring lesson.

    Q: Does Coto teach children?

    Both our Group and Private lessons currently accept students aged 16 and older. We have a separate online course for Beginners kids from 7- to 15-years-old. Get in touch with us through Help if you’re interested in hearing more.
     

    Q: Can I ask for things to be translated?

    As a Japanese language school, Coto doesn’t currently offer translation services. Our teachers are not available to do translations for students.
     

    Q: Can I book a lesson to learn specific terminology, such as legal and financial terms?

    Our Japanese language instructors are able to teach and accommodate vocabulary within the scope of general Japanese. Currently, we don’t offer any lessons regarding the terminology of specialized fields.
     

    Q: How do I get an attendance record?

    Attendance records can be found on the My History page. Please go to My History and select Download History to download your attendance record as a CSV. For 3,000 yen, students can purchase a TK attendance record here.

    Q: How do I get an official certificate?

    Official certificates are available for a fee. You can purchase them using the following links:

  • Payment System and Credit Cards

    Q: Which payment methods are accepted?

    We accept payment by credit card and bank transfer. However, payment by bank transfer is available only for the Points Package and is limited to domestic bank accounts. If you wish to make payments through bank transfer, please contact us through the Help page.
     

    Q: How can I change my registered credit card?

    Please go to My Profile under the profile icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Then, go to My Payment Methods to register new card information and delete the old information.
     

    Q: Is there a registration fee?

    Currently, there’s no registration fee for online lessons. However, if you wish to start taking in-person lessons at Coto schools in Japan, there will be a 10,000 yen registration fee.
     

    Q: I signed up for a subscription plan. When is my next payment due or date?

    You can see your payment schedule on the My Points Balance page. Click the number of points next to your profile picture.
     

    Q: What happens if my payment fails to be processed?

    First, please check and update your payment information and, if necessary, contact your credit card company. The system will retry your transaction up to 5 times, so please DO NOT create a new point subscription. If you do so, you will have duplicate subscription plans, and double amounts may be charged. If you have recurring bookings and the payment for your point subscription does not go through by the deadline, your recurring bookings may be automatically canceled due to lack of points. If they are canceled, please start new recurring bookings again.

    Q: What’s the minimum contract term for a Subscription plan?

    There’s currently no minimum contract term. However, cancelations take two weeks to process; they’ll be reflected two weeks after you make your cancelation request.
     

    Q: Can I get a receipt or an invoice with the Coto company seal?

    Please contact us well in advance through the Help page. It typically takes about 2 to 3 business days to issue an invoice. Year-end and New Year holidays are a particularly busy time, and your request around then may take even longer.

  • Lesson Points

    Q: What are lesson points?

    Points are the currency that the Coto system uses to book lessons. Each lesson costs a set number of points. When you book a class, the system will deduct those points from your balance to pay for the lesson reservation.
     

    Q: Where can I check my points? 

    A: After logging into your account, your points will be displayed in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
     

    Q: How do I buy more points?

    A: After logging in, click the point bubble displayed in the upper right-hand corner of the screen to access the points purchase site.
     

    Q: What are the different types of point plans?

    Currently, we have two lesson plans: Subscriptions and Points Packages. Subscription
    • Each point cycle is 28 days, and payment and point refills will be automatically processed
    • Recommended for students who want to take a certain number of lessons each week
    • Points purchased with a monthly subscription do not carry over to the next month and must be used to book lessons within the current 28-day cycle
    Points Package
    • Outright purchase of lesson points
    • Each package you purchase has a set expiration date specific to that package. Packages can be used to book recurring lessons if you have enough points to cover the 28 days of lessons. You must buy a new package or replenish your point balance before the next recurring booking day, when our system charges you points and books you for the next round of lessons
     

    Q: Do the points have an expiration date?

    Yes, points have expiration dates, as follows:
    • Subscription: 28 days from purchase. Points will be invalid after the expiration date, which cannot be extended
    • Points Package: The expiration date depends on the package. Please check the Points Purchase page for more information. Points will be invalid after the expiration date, which cannot be extended
    Lessons reserved before the expiration date can still be taken after the expiration date. If you cancel after the expiration date, the points will be invalid

    Q: I have more than one point plan. Can I combine them and have the expiration date extended by that amount?

    No, this is currently not possible. But your points will be deducted first from the package with the earlier expiration date.
     

    Q: Can I give my points to family or friends?

    A: No, points cannot be given away to others.
     

    Q: I can't use up my points before the expiration date. Is it possible to get an extension?

    Currently, we’re unable to extend the validity of points. All remaining points can be used for both Group and Private lessons, so we recommend trying different kinds of lessons. Please contact us through the problem report help function if you can’t find available teachers or appropriate group classes.

    Q: Why do the points have expiration dates?

    A: We set expiration dates for class points to help our students study at a steady, continuous pace. As you all know, learning a foreign language is not something that can be done overnight. Although learning speeds differ, depending on the individual, Coto instructors know that continuous learning leads to progress. We also don’t want students to fall behind after making the decision to start, and a points system helps reduce cancelations. If you get stuck with your studies, we’re happy to offer some guidance. Contact us anytime using the Help page.

  • Cancellation Policy and Cancellations

    Q: What are the rules regarding recurring class cancellations? 

    In the case of recurring Private lessons, cancelations up to 24 hours before the start time will return points to your account—but only twice per calendar month (between the first and last day of the current month. For example, January 1-31) per weekly lesson. After that, points will not be refunded, even if the recurring Private lesson is canceled within 24 hours of the lesson start time. This limitation applies only to recurring bookings. Once points are returned, you can make a new reservation. We recommend one-time reservations for those whose schedules change frequently. For recurring Group classes, you can't cancel and get the points back. However, if there is at least one student attending the class, you can watch the video of the class for two weeks after it takes place. If there are no participants in the lesson, there will be no class recordings for the lesson. If you want to watch the class recording later, you can keep your booking even if you know that you are not able to attend in advance.

    Q: What’s the deadline for canceling/rescheduling one-time lessons?

    For one-time lessons, cancelations up to 24 hours before the lesson start time are free, and you’ll get your points back. For cancelations within 24 hours of the start time, there will be a 100% cancelation fee and no point refunds. Once points are returned, you can make a new reservation.

    Q: I was not able to have my lesson because I couldn't connect to my internet. Can I get back the points?

    If the connection is lost due to a problem on the part of the student, the points will be digested. Please refer to our lesson policy regarding the Internet Connection Disruption below: If the connection is lost during a lesson, the following actions will be taken
    1. If the connection is lost due to a problem on the part of the instructor, points will be returned to your account.
    2. If the connection is lost due to a problem on the part of the student, the points will be digested. If the connection is lost, the instructor will take all possible measures to reconnect.
    Please be sure to test your connection in advance. We do not recommend taking courses in public Wi-Fi environments such as cafes and restaurants. Also, if you encounter any connection problems, please make sure to report them using the Problem Report Form. We will review the report function and use it to verify the issue.

    Q: What happens if I cancel a class booking after my points have expired?

    If you book a lesson held after the expiration date of points used to book, and then cancel it, the points will be invalid. For example: Your points expire on February 1. On January 28, you book a lesson for February 4. If you cancel on January 30, the points will be returned, and you can reschedule for a future date. If you cancel on February 2, the points will be returned but will expire immediately.

    Q. I have a recurring lesson for a group class. I cancelled one of my bookings more than 24 hours before the lesson start time, but the points were not returned to my account. Why?

    For group recurring reservations, you can't cancel and get the points back. However, if there is at least one student attending the class, you can watch the video of the class for two weeks after it takes place. If there are not participants in the lesson, there will be no class recordings for the lesson.

    Q: Where can I find the Coto Terms & Conditions?

    Coto Terms & Conditions are…. in the menu in the upper right corner.
     

    Q: Is it possible to take a month off from recurring Private lessons?

    It’s not possible to put a recurring Private lesson reservation on hold, so please cancel your recurring lessons and reserve them again when you’re ready. If you have a point subscription, your booking reservation and your point subscription are separate and must be canceled separately. Please note that cancellations of your recurring lessons take two weeks to process; cancellations take effect two weeks after the date of your cancellation request. Once you cancel a recurring reservation, there’s always the chance your teacher or timeslot may not be available when you resume. If you’d like to keep taking lessons with the same teacher and on the same schedule, keep your recurring reservation and cancel the individual classes you won’t be attending. But please note: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the start time of the lesson are only available twice a month.

  • Other FAQs about lessons – what video platform?

    Q: Which meeting platforms are used?

    Online courses are mostly conducted via Zoom, so you should have an up-to-date web browser such as: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Internet Explorer. We strongly encourage you to have access to a desktop or laptop computer and a reliable internet connection for certain Japanese lesson components.
    Private lessons are held through Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet. Each teacher has prepared a meeting link on their personal page, so just click on your instructor’s link to join the lesson.
    Group classes are held through Zoom. You need to be signed into your own Zoom account when clicking our group class meeting link. Create one if you do not have one. A free account is fine. Sign in to your own Zoom account, find your class on the My Classes page, and click "Link to Zoom" to join. You will be asked to enter your Zoom account information (name and email address).

    Q: When I click the Zoom URL for my Group class and enter the information required, I get an error message: “This meeting is for authorized attendees only.” What should I do?

    Check to make sure you’re signed into your own Zoom account before joining the Group class. Once signed into your own Zoom account, click the Zoom URL. You should be able to join.

    Q: Are there makeup lessons if Group classes are not held on public holidays?

    No, there are no makeup lessons—but you can book another Group or Private lesson in its place. If you would like to re-take group content, you can do so by filtering for the same class in the group lesson search and looking for the content number.
     

    Q: Can I see the record of group lessons I took in the past?

    Recording will be available for two weeks from the day the lesson takes place. If there were no participants for the day, the video recording would not be available.
    Click the "My History" tab on the top of the screen to see your lesson records. If necessary, you can search within a specified date range. You will see "Link to Class Recording" in the lower right corner of your group lesson card.
     

    Q: The Lite Intensive class has a PDF for homework assignments. Can I have the homework corrected by the teachers?

    If you have a recurring reservation, you can ask for corrections from your teacher. Just send it to the teacher via GROUP CHAT/Coto Chat. For one-time bookings, you can download the PDF, but the instructor won’t be able to offer corrections.
     

    Q: Who should I notify if I can’t attend the//recurring//any class? [ED NOTE: So you don’t cancel a class anymore?]

    Please let your teacher know via Coto Chat/PRIVATE CHAT or GROUP CHAT.
    [ED NOTE: Need to clarify all the chats we have happening. There’s the main chat, and then you get a chat with each class?]

  • Booking Lessons & Lessons FAQ

    Q: How do I book lessons?

    After logging in, click Book Classes at the top of the screen. Indicate the following to book your preferred class:
    • Type of class: private or group
    • Level
    • Day and time
    If you’d like to join the same class each week, click JOIN EVERY WEEK. If you would like to participate just once, make sure to leave the box unchecked.

    Q: How long is each lesson?

    All lessons are 50 minutes each. Some group courses are a combination of two 50-minute lessons. In that case, the lesson will be 50 minutes + 10-minute break + 50 minutes.

    Q: Do I need to purchase textbooks?

    We use a mix of our in-house materials, Coto's self-published Nihongo Fun and Easy, and other trusted textbooks and workbooks like Genki. 
    For Group lessons, it will depend on the course you’re taking. If the course requires you to purchase textbooks, the Amazon link will be shared with students through Coto Chat. Please purchase course materials before the first lesson. Some classes use materials distributed as PDFs.
    For Private lessons, the appropriate materials will depend on your Japanese level and learning goals. For your first class, we’ll use PDFs or general textbooks, but please make sure to let the teacher know in advance through Coto Chat if you have preferences. The teacher may be able to offer recommendations.

    Q: What is a one-time (trial) class for Group lessons?

    Students are able to book one-time lesson per class. We recommend doing this when you're not sure if a class will match your level and needs, or if you want to try using new material. When booking a class, make sure to leave the box "Join this recurring class Every Week" unchecked.

    Q: Can I participate in the same class with the same teacher without having to book every week?

    Yes, you can sign up for recurring lessons. However, if you run out of points, the recurring reservation will be canceled and other students will then be able to reserve that time slot and instructor. In that situation, there’s always the chance you won't be able to re-book the same teacher due to changes in their schedule and availability.

    Q: I started recurring bookings. When will my next round of recurring classes be booked?

    You can confirm the booking schedule for recurring classes in the lower right-hand corner of the My Classes page.

    Q: What Japanese levels does Coto offer?

    Classes are generally broken down into the following levels:
    •  Level 1: Total Beginner, survival conversation
    • Level 2: Beginner, JLPT N5
    • Level 3: Beginner, JLPT N5
    • Level 4: Upper Beginner, JLPT N4
    • Level 5: Upper Beginner, JLPT N4
    • Level 6: Intermediate, JLPT N3
    • Level 7: Intermediate, JLPT N2
    • Level 8: Advanced, JLPT N2 and above
    More detailed info can be found in the Course Catalog.

    Q: How do I know which class matches my Japanese level?

    Students can take the free Coto Japanese Level Check to assess their Japanese skills. You can then choose to take a trial class or a one-time class to get familiar with a curriculum, level or teacher. And we can always help with recommendations.

    Q: Do you have lessons for Total Beginners?

    Yes, we do! We often recommend students start with the Practical Japanese for Beginners Group class. If you’d prefer Private lessons, we suggest starting with the “Nihongo Fun & Easy 1” textbook. Read more about classes and the textbook in the Course Catalogue.

  • Can I Interact with Teachers in the Class?

    These JLPT Online Instruction & Exercise courses are lecture format, so no conversation or interaction is required.   If you have any questions, you can submit them through the chat box.

  • When Can I Join the Online JLPT Class?

    You can join the JLPT Online Instruction & Exercise Courses at any time. Lessons are linear and occur weekly.

  • Which JLPT Tests Can I Prepare for Through the Online Instruction and Exercise 6 Month Courses?

    As of now, we are providing online lecture-style 6 month courses to prepare for the JLPT N1, JLPT N2, and JLPT N3 Tests.

  • How many students can I expect in group Japanese lessons?

    To learn Japanese in the most effective way, we limit a Japanese lesson to 8 students. This allows you to participate in more conversations and receive ample support from our professional language teachers. 

  • How do I select online lessons?

    You can visit the course catalog to browse our part-time and lite intensive Japanese classes. In addition to searching by course duration and availability, you can also search by subject to ensure you find a course that reflects your interests.    Alternatively, you can fill out our contact form for a free course consultation, or reach out to us at [email protected] with some information on your background and what you hope to learn. We can then provide some personalized course advisement.

  • What is the difference between online intensive, part-time and lite intensive classes?

    In an intensive online course, you'll learn Japanese five days a week for a month. A lite intensive course is a two-day-per-week course, with a total of four 50-minute sessions. Our current part-time Japanese lessons meet weekly too, but it puts a stronger focus on conversation practices. Lite intensive and intensive course is a more traditional “course”  that covers many aspects of the Japanese language.

  • Is there a minimum Japanese level requirement to join Coto’s online course?

    Students from all language levels are welcome. Lessons are divided into beginner (N5-N4), intermediate (N3) and advanced (N2). We even have a class for learners who have never learned Japanese. If you're unsure about your Japanese level, please contact us for a consultation.

  • Online Private Lessons – How do I book a lesson? How do I get points?

    In order to book a private online Japanese lesson you will need: How to get points
    1. Login to your user account.
    2. Click on the purchase points button at the top menu - or visit this page - Points Purchase Page
    3. Either take the "which package" assessment, by clicking "get started" or select a subscription directly.


    How to book lessons.
    1. Visit the booking calendar by clicking on the reservation button or visiting this link - User reservation Calendar
    2. Click on an available class. Available classes are marked with a + icon.
    3. Once you have selected the session, scroll down to the book button and click book. You will be asked to confirm the booking.
    4. Now your booking is confirmed, enjoy your lesson!

  • Can I book private Japanese lessons for my children?

    Yes, you can!  This service is handled on a per-request basis and depends on the age of the child, as well as the availability of the teacher who teaches. If you would like to have private Japanese language lessons for your children, we would first like to book a consultation session to learn more about your needs. You can do this by sending us an inquiry.

  • Online Private Lessons – How do I book a lesson? How do I get points?

    In order to book a private online Japanese lesson you will need: How to get points
    1. Login to your user account.
    2. Click on the purchase points button at the top menu - or visit this page - Points Purchase Page
    3. Either take the "which package" assessment, by clicking "get started" or select a subscription directly.


    How to book lessons.
    1. Visit the booking calendar by clicking on the reservation button or visiting this link - User reservation Calendar
    2. Click on an available class. Available classes are marked with a + icon.
    3. Once you have selected the session, scroll down to the book button and click book. You will be asked to confirm the booking.
    4. Now your booking is confirmed, enjoy your lesson!

  • Part-time Courses

    What are Part-time Courses?

    Our Part-time Courses are designed to teach practical aspects of Japanese. Instead of a comprehensive approach - part-time courses focus on teaching grammar, speaking, and other topics. These courses are good for students who have already learned some Japanese but want to improve their grammar, or their speaking specifically.

    Are Part-time Courses available in the Evenings and on Saturdays?

    Yes they are! You can see a full schedule of our Part-time Courses here: www.cotoacademy.com/course (Click on part-time)

  • Can I see the list of all part-time classes?

    In total, there are 13 classes that are divided into 4 different levels:
    • Beginner
    • Upper Beginner - Intermediate
    • Upper Intermediate - Advanced
    • Advanced
    You can check them here 

  • Can I join part-time lessons any time? Do I need to wait?

    You can join part-time lessons from any time as long as there is availability.
    1. Fill out a contact inquiry at the bottom of the page.
    2. Set a time to join us for a level check and interview.
    3. We will place you in a course.
    This could take as little as 48 hours. Want to get started?  Click the get started button in the menu or fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

  • When can I take part-time Japanese lessons?

    We offer part time lessons all day - as well as evenings after work and Saturdays. Our school is open until 9pm on week nights.

  • What are the fees for part-time Japanese lessons?

    For the best value - we recommend a monthly subscription. If you know that you will be studying every month, you can save the most money by taking advantage of our monthly package rate. Monthly Subscriptions:
    • 8 Lessons per month (2 Lessons per week) - ¥20,000 / month
    • 16 Lessons per month (4 Lessons per week) - ¥36,800 / month
    If you are not sure when you can study but would like to study irregularly we recommend our lesson packages.

  • What is the class size? How many students?

    Our part-time courses have a maximum of 8 students per class. Having 8 or less people in a class allows students plenty of time to practice speaking.

  • How much do private Japanese lessons cost?

    Lessons are offered in lesson packages - the more lessons you buy in a package - the more you can save on the cost per lesson.
      • 48 Lessons - JPY 240,000
        32 Lessons -  JPY 166,400
        16 Lessons - JPY 86,400
        8 Lessons - JPY 44,400
     

  • Can I book private Japanese lessons for my children?

    Yes, you can!  This service is handled on a per-request basis and depends on the age of the child, as well as the availability of the teacher who teaches. If you would like to have private Japanese language lessons for your children, we would first like to book a consultation session to learn more about your needs. You can do this by sending us an inquiry.

  • Can I study custom materials for my lesson? Can I bring material?

    If you would like to study custom lesson materials that you provide during your private Japanese lesson - you can do so, but this requires a special private lesson. For example: You would like to go over a presentation or speech you will give at work. You want to study vocabulary from an employee manual or from materials related to your work. You have a specific vocabulary list you want to incorporate into lessons. You want to prepare for certain situations at work or at home. These lessons take extra preparation and so we require you to book special private lessons, in order to accommodate these requests.

  • How long are private Japanese lessons?

    Each private lesson lasts for 50 minutes. You can schedule blocks of private lessons back to back with a 10 minute break in-between. We find that having a ten minute break in-between lessons allows your brain a break so that you can stay engaged with your studies.