Eng 
日本語 
While current Japanese border and entry restrictions may set back your plans to learn Japanese, there are other great alternatives to high-quality language education. If you’re living in a mega-metropolis like New York City, you’ll find more options to choose from — which can be both a good and bad thing.
When looking for the right Japanese language school in New York City, it’s important to establish relevant criteria. These include the school’s teaching style, class size, curriculum, learning environment and overall atmosphere. Most of all, you need to consider your own learning goal, Japanese level and preference. Do you want to study one-on-one or in a group? Should you go for something more interactive or seminar-style?
Take a look at our list of Japanese language schools in New York City. We try to cover schools scattered in different neighborhoods. We’ll discuss a bit about their class programs, course options and stand-out points.
In 2012, New York City was home to the largest Japanese community on the East Coast. Let us help you reconnect with the community and culture. The Coto Academy provides fun online Japanese courses with a strong focus on listening and speaking. Kindly contact us at [email protected] or visit our contact page for any questions.
1. Hills Learning
Hills Learning started as a tutoring service for Japanese and Chinese languages but has since expanded its courses to Korean and English. They use their self-developed teaching method called SWIRL, where the language elements are broken down and tiered into three categories: listening and speaking; intonation; and reading and writing. Classes are available from beginner, intermediate to advanced levels. They offer Japanese courses for businesses and companies, too, with options for dispatch available.
The school is also able to partner with colleges or universities for courses with Japanese language credits required. While regular programs are aimed at adult students, families can request private or semi-private classes for kids. On average, group courses welcome 3–7 students each semester
Other relevant information:
- Semester fee for group courses $379
- Students can get a discount for the next enrolled semester if they refer a friend or family member
- Course fee does not include textbook and class materials
Location: 315 East 50th Street, New York
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hillslearning.com
2. Japan Society (Toyota Language Center)
Japan Society is an organization that covers Japanese arts, culture and business in New York City. They have a language center called Toyota Language Center, fitted with comprehensive education services including virtual language workshops, courses and language-related events. There are thirteen levels offered in their Japanese classes, from beginner to advanced. Courses are well-balanced, covering aspects of conversation, listening, reading and writing. Besides that, the language center has unique specialized courses, such as Anime and Japan Right now and four kanji courses.
You can check out upcoming Japanese cultural events, exhibitions and stage performances on their home page, too. Although not a language course, they have a calligraphy class called shodo held three times a year.
Other relevant information:
- The language center does not have a placement exam, but it may be possible to schedule a level assessment by phone.
- Regular Japanese courses are for adults age 16 or older.
Location: 333 East 47th Street, New York
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.japansociety.org
3. The Nippon Club
The Nippon Club centers around the Japanese community in the United States. Although technically a Japanese social club, they hold regular events, workshops and cultural classes in New York. They have several cultural courses, including a Japanese language course for beginners. They offer a free 30-minute online trial class for Japanese beginners, taught by a Japanese instructor. After taking the trial, you can choose to continue with registration. Japanese language class will usually start the following week (lessons last for 90 minutes).
Location: 145 West 57th Street, New York
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nipponclub.org
At Coto Online Academy, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality Japanese language education — no matter where they are. Learn how our after-work online Japanese courses can support your Japanese learning goal.
4. Amity Language Institute (Learn Japanese NY)
Learn Japanese NY, technically a part of Amity Language Institute offers leveled Japanese group classes in small size and JLPT prep courses. Preparations for JLPT focus on providing students strategies, methodologies and materials to pass the test, while regular courses emphasize expanding students’ ability to use different styles of speech and vocabulary.
The Japanese language school in New York can also provide business solutions for companies, building a customized Japanese language training program for employees. Prive and semi-private lessons (2-3 students) can be held off-site or at school with flexible schedules.
Other relevant information:
- Japanese classes are conducted via Skype
Location: 310 East 55th Street, New York
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.learnjapaneseny.com
5. New York Japanese Language School
The New York Japanese Language School is managed by Yasushi Tamaki, a certified Japanese instructor based in New York. Currently, he does not offer any group lessons.
Private lessons are held one-on-one in a one-hour duration. All levels are available, taught with a strong focus on Japanese conversation. Classes are currently held online via Skypee, Line or Zoom.
The teacher also welcomes Japanese-Americans and Japanese students looking to reestablish their roots in the Japanese culture. Resume writing, keigo and job interview lessons are available upon request.
Other relevant information:
- Student discount available
Email: Not provided, but please refer to this contact form
Website: www.ny-japanese.com
6. Tenri Cultural Institte
Tenri Cultural Institute is a non-profit organization that provides a range of cultural programs and Japanese language courses. They accept students — children and adults — that has never learned Japanese before. Current schedules have both day and night courses during the weekday and weekend. Most of their classes average to 3 to 5 students, with each having a size limit of 15.
Japanese language curriculums geared for different groups are also available. They have a ‘kokugo’ course aimed at second-generation Japanese living in New York and Japanese expat’s children. These lessons focus on daily greeting and basic conversation.
Other relevant information:
- Regular courses run for seven weeks, once a week, for a total of 14 hours.
- Course fee $200
- International exchange program available
Location: 43A West 13th Street, New York
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tenri.org
7. Long Island Japanese Culture Center
The Long Island Japanese Culture Center (LIJCC) had initially offered Japanese calligraphy (shodo) and flower arrangement (ikebana) classes. Shortly after, they expanded to additional classes, such as shamisen (Japanese guitar), wadaiko (drum) and Japanese language courses.
Their Japanese language classes are exclusively held privately, but they can be both attended online or in person. In-person classes are available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
A free 30-minute trial lesson is possible upon reservation. Lessons are tailored to your needs, be it for personal purposes or work-related importance. You can choose between one-on-one or group lessons. The language center allows students of all ages, too, but they recommend a separate kid’s ed program for 2-year-olds to high school students.
Other relevant information:
- Lessons on Japanese music, martial arts and other creative performances are available.
Location: 55 Mineola Avenue, Roslyn Heights, New York
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lijcc.org
Not sure about your Japanese level? Take our free Japanese assessment test
We want to hear more from you. Get in touch with us and let us know how we can help you achieve your Japanese language target — no matter where you are in the world. We provide a free Japanese level check. After that, you can book a free consultation
Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School based in Iidabashi, Tokyo. We offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learners. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on the creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese online to fit into your work or university schedule in New York, please visit our contact page.
