When learning a new language, especially a difficult one like Japanese, it may often seem that it will require a substantial financial investment on your part. However, if you already live in Tokyo, this may not be the case. The capital of Japan is home to a plethora of free and extremely affordable Japanese language classes and groups. Many of these classes are taught by volunteers and it is important to choose one based on your preferences and needs. Some classes will teach Japanese including writing, grammar, etc., while others are volunteer groups that meet to practice speaking the language. For your convenience, we have also compiled a list of Japanese language schools in Tokyo.

Low-cost and Free Japanese Language Classes in Tokyo, Japan

Below is a list of affordable and even free Japanese languages classes in various Tokyo wards such as Minato-ku, Shinjuku-ku, Shinagawa-ku, Shibuya-ku, and more. Please note that some classes have a minimum age requirement for participation and are only available to local ward's residents, as well as those who work or study there. Please check in advance the websites of the respective classes, organizations for information on venues, fees, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, etc. It is also important to mention that some classes may be conduced online, require you to purchase your own textbook in addition to paying the lesson fees, etc.

Japanese Language Classes in Minato-ku

Japanese Classes (Minato International Association)

Website: https://minato-nihongo.blogspot.com/p/japanese-classes.html
Address: Multiple venues (Please check the website)

To meet the eligibility requirements for these classes, you would need to be a Minato-ku resident over the age of 18 and planning to stay in Japan for over a year. Even if you are not a Minato-ku resident, you can still be eligible to apply if you work or attend school there. The classes are divided into two levels and are designed for beginners. You can choose a three or four months course. Please note that lessons are held once a week in the classroom and once a week online. The tuition for three and four-month courses is the same: 1000 yen per course. 

Nihongo Salon (Minato International Association)

Website: https://minato-nihongo.blogspot.com/p/nihongo-salon.html
Address (Thursday Salon): Shibakoen Residents' Collaboration Space, 2-7-3, Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Address (Saturday Salon): Roppongi Junior High School, 6-8-16, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Nihongo Salon caters to various levels from beginners to more advanced levels. This salon would be a perfect choice for those of us who are keen on improving Japanese language skills through speaking. It also has no requirements regarding the length of your intended stay in Japan, etc. Furthermore, it is also free of charge!

Minato Unesco Japanese Language Lesson

Website: https://minato-unesco.jp/en/etc/minato-unesco-japanese-language-lesson/
Address: Minato City Lifelong Learning Center 3F, 3-16-3, Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

One term consists of 10 lessons that are held on Saturdays. The classes are taught by an experienced teacher of Japanese language. For more information on this Japanese language lesson, please check its website.

The Japanese Language Class Sakura-kai

Website: http://sakurakai.org/en/en_home.html
Address: Multiple venues (Please check the website)

Sakura-Kai offers Japanese language classes for 3 levels such as "beginner 1," "beginner 2," and "upper beginner plus." Classes are held twice a week.

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Japanese Language Classes in Shinjuku-ku

SJC/Shinjuku City Japanese-Language Classes

Website: https://www.regasu-shinjuku.or.jp/?p=630
Address: Multiple venues (Please check the website)

These classes are a nice way to learn Japanese language for beginners. Please note that students in middle school or younger are not eligible to apply. When applying for one of these classes, Shinjuku-ku residents will be given priority.

Waseda Hoshien Japanese Volunteer Circle

Website: https://www.hoshien.or.jp/program/katsudouya/japanese-volunteer-circle.html
Address: Liberty Hall B1F, 2-3-1, Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

There are Wednesday and Friday classes. You would need to be over the age of 10 and complete an online registration to be able to participate in this class. The fees are JPY 100 per class.

Sakura Nihongo Circle

Website: https://sakurajc.wixsite.com/home/home?lang=en
Address: Shinjuku Multicultural Plaza, Hygeia 11F, 2-44-1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

The classes are held on Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:00 and are free of charge. It is a great way to improve your Japanese speaking skills. Please note that classes are conducted online and in person. For more information, please check its website.

Free Japanese Language Lessons "Nihongo Hiroba"

Website: http://www.foreign.city.shinjuku.lg.jp/en/kurashi/nihongohiroba/
Address: Shinjuku Multicultural Plaza, Hygeia 11F, 2-44-1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

You would need to be at least 16 years old in order to participate. There are classes on Monday (Kanji), Tuesday (General Japanese), Thursday (Beginners Conversation and Grammar), and Saturday (Conversation). Please note that the classes have no prior registration and you won't be able to participate if you arrive late or it is already full. There are no tuitions fees.

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Japanese Language Classes in Shinagawa-ku

Japanese Language Course (Shinagawa-ku International Friendship Association)

Website: https://www.sifa.or.jp/english/school/index.html
Address: Meeting room of Shinagawa-ku International Friendship Association, 4F Shinagawa City Office 3rd, 2-1-36 Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Japanese language courses are available in three levels. Only foreigners who work or live in Shinagawa-ku are eligible to apply for the course.

Japanese Language Course for Adults (IWC Kokusai Shimin no Kai)

Website: http://npo-iwc.com/activity/adult/
Address: 4F, Dai 2 Shin Kaihatsu Building, 6-13-3, Minamioi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

You can choose between Saturday and 5 days a week classes. While 5 days a week classes would cost you JPY 20,000 per month excluding learning materials and classroom maintenance fees, it is a great way to learn Japanese intensively. Classes are taught in small groups of up to five people.

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Japanese Language Classes in Shibuya-ku

Japanese Language Class (Shibuya City)

Website: https://www.city.shibuya.tokyo.jp/kurashi/gaikoku-info/gaikoku-info/nihongo_school.html
Address: Workers' Welfare Hall, 1-19-8 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

The classes are offered in 3 levels. Only foreigners who live or work in Shibuya ward are eligible to apply. It is also required that you are capable of participating in classes even when they are held online. Both level 1 and 2 consist of 24 lessons, held twice a week. On the other hand, Level 3 program is made up of only 12 sessions conducted once a week.

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Japanese Languages Classes in Ota-ku

Japanese Language Classroom (Nihongo no Hiroba)

Website: http://www.ocnet.jp/ja/nihongo/nihongo_about.html
Address (Wednesday and Friday classes): Fureai Hasunuma, 3-19-1, Nishikamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo 
Address (Friday classes): Ota City Sanno Hall, 3-37-11, Sanno, Ota-ku, Tokyo

These classes are aimed at beginner learners of Japanese language. You are not required to have any prior knowledge of Japanese to apply for it.

Japanese Language Gururitto

Website: https://nihongo-gururitto.com/class/class-en/
Address (Gururitto Japanese Language Class for Children): #303, Ota City Sanno Hall, 3-37-11, Sanno, Ota-ku, Tokyo 
Address (Ota Japanese language Class for Children): #303, 401, Ota City Sanno Hall, 3-37-11, Sanno, Ota-ku, Tokyo

There are two classrooms, one is called "Gururitto Japanese language class for Children" and is for students till the age of 18. The other one is called "Ota Japanese Language Class for Children" and is for children from the age of 6 to 15 who have not yet entered elementary or middle school.

Japanese Language Classes for People Who are Related to Foreign Countries (HOPENECT)

Website: https://www.hopenect.org
Address: Multiple Venues (Please check the website)

There are two type of classes that are for adults and kids. For more information please, check its website.

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Japanese Language Classes in Toshima-ku

Ikebukuro Japanese Language Circle: Let's Speak Japanese

Website: https://ins4t.jimdofree.com
Address: (Please check the website)

This classroom can be recommended for Japanese language learners who would like to improve speaking skills. For the schedule and other information on these classes, please visit its website.

Wakuwaku Toshima Japanese Class (Gakushuin University)

Website: https://www.univ.gakushuin.ac.jp/en/global/cie/wakuwaku_toshima.html
Address: Multiple venues at Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

If you have never learnt Japanese or have just started, "Wakuwaku Toshima Japanese Classes" can be a great way to get a basic knowledge of Japanese. On the other hand, if you are at an intermediate level, you can participate in "Gakushuin University Japanese Class". Please check the official website for more information on these courses, requirements, etc.

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Japanese Language Classes in Meguro-ku

MIFA Japanese Conversation Salon

Website: https://mifa.jp/en/japanese_conversation_salon/
Address: 5th Floor, Meguro City Office Complex’s Annex, 2-19-15 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

This conversation salon's sessions are conducted both online and in person. It is a great way to improve your Japanese language speaking skills.

Japanese Language Class (Meguro Unesco Association)

Website: https://meguro-unesco.info/language/engilsh.html
Address: (Please check the website)

Three types of Japanese language courses are offered by Meguro Unesco Association. Please note that you would need to be over the age of 16 to apply for one of these courses.

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Japanese Language Classes in Setagaya-ku

JCA Chitosefunabashi

Website: https://jca-chitosefunabashi.jimdo.com
Address: Multiple venues (Please check the website)

JCA Chitosefunabashi offers 7 Japanese language classes. Please note that it is not allowed to apply for multiple classes, making it important to choose one you would like to attend.

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Japanese Language Classes in Chiyoda-ku

Chiyoda Japanese Language Cafe (Swan)

Website: https://swanchiyodahp.wixsite.com/swan
Address: Online via Zoom

The classes are held once a week on Sunday via ZOOM. 

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Japanese Languages Classes in Koto-ku

Japanese Lessons (Koto Nihongo no Kai)

Website: https://www.city.koto.lg.jp/101021/kurashi/komyunitei/kokusai/seikatsu/65.html
Address: Multiple venues (Please check the website)

There are six Japanese language classes. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, you would be able to find a class suitable to their needs.

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Japanese Languages Classes in Nakano-ku

Japanese Language Course and Children's Japanese Language Class
(Association for Nakano International Communications)

Website: http://www.anic.jp/en/nihongo/
Address: ANIC Meeting Room 1, Nakano ZERO West Building, Nakano 2-9-7, Nakano-ku, Tokyo

Nakano-ku residents as well as people who work or study there may apply for a "Japanese language course" offered by Association for Nakano International Communications. There is also a "Children’s Japanese Language Class" which is available for students of elementary and junior high schools located in Nakano-ku, Tokyo.

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Japanese Languages Classes in Taito-ku

Japanese Language Classroom for Foreigners

Website: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/kurashi/foreigner/jigyoannai/japanese_class.html
Address: Taito Ward Lifelong Learning Center, 3-25-16 Nishiasakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

To be eligible to apply, you must be a resident of Taito-ku, or work or study there. Furthermore, it is required that you have a Japanese residence card or special permanent resident certificate. The classes divided in 3 levels and there are no tuition fees.

Asakusa Nihongo Dojo

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/asakusanihongodojo/home
Address: Taito Ward Lifelong Learning Center, 3-25-16 Nishiasakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Asakusa Nihongo Dojo is a great place to practice your Japanese conversation skills. There are also no requirements regarding Japanese language ability.

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Japanese Languages Classes in Suginami-ku

Suginami Nihongo Kaiwa no Kai

Website: http://suginaminihongokaiwa.blog.fc2.com
Address: Koenji Kita Kumin Shuukaijo, 3-25-9, Koenji Kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo

It is a volunteer group that provides one-on-one conversational Japanese language lessons

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Japanese Languages Classes in Bunkyo-ku

Shaberou Nihongo

Website: https://shaberou.grupo.jp
Address: Sengoku Academy (2F Bunko-ku Sengoku Library), 1-25-3, Sengoku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

This volunteer group gathers once a week on Saturday. Whether you are a complete beginner or proficient in Japanese language, this group will help you further improve your speaking skills.

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Japanese Languages Classes in Chuo-ku

Classes hosted by CCIEA

Website: https://www.chuo-ci.jp/en/japanese-6/
Address: (Please check the website)

Chuo Cultural and International Exchange Association offers Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday classes for beginners who live, study, or work in Chuo-ku. Please note that while the tuition is free, you would need to purchase a textbook. Chuo Cultural and International Exchange Association's website also contains a list of Japanese language classes conducted by volunteers.

If the ward in which you live, study, or work has not been featured on our list, or if you simply would like to further explore inexpensive and free Japanese language classes in Tokyo, you may find "Volunteer Japanese Class Guide" helpful. There are also many great online tools for learning Japanese language for free. You can read more about them in this article: "Learning Japanese for Free: Great Online Tools." If you find that your knowledge of Japanese language is not enough to find a stable job in Japan and you possess a certain type of visa such as a "Permanent Resident," "Long Term Resident," etc., you may be able to apply for "Training Course for Promoting Stable Employment of Foreign Residents and Students." If you are interested in studying or working in Japan, it may be worthwhile to explore the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test).