Courses

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  • 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.

  • 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)

  • 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

  • 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
  • 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 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.
  • Payment Methods

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

    • Cash
    • Wire Transfer Via Bank
    • Paypal
    • Credit Card
  • Free Japanese Learning Resources

  • 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

  • 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)