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 or 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 attend school there. For more information regarding the fees, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, etc., please check with the respective classrooms, organizations. Please note that some classes may 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
Fee: JPY 1000/course
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
Fee: Free
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.

Minato Unesco Japanese Language Lesson

Website: https://minato-unesco.jp/en/etc/minato-unesco-japanese-language-lesson/
Fee: JPY 10000/term (JPY 9000/term for UNESCO members)
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.

The Japanese Language Class Sakura-kai

Website: http://sakurakai.org/en/en_home.html
Fee: JPY 2000/month
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 from September to June.

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Japanese Language Classes in Shinjuku-ku

Shinjuku City Japanese-Language Classes (SJC)

Website: https://www.regasu-shinjuku.or.jp/?p=630
Fee: JPY 1500-2000/ term (once a week classes), JPY 3000-4000/term (twice a week classes)
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 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
Fee: JPY 100/class
Address: Scott Hall 2F, 2-3-1, Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

There are Wednesday and Friday classes in a number of different time slots. The classes are conducted one-on-one allowing you to choose what you would like to learn as part of your Japanese language studies.

Sakura Nihongo Circle

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

These classes held on Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:00. It is a great way to improve your Japanese speaking skills.

Nihongo Hiroba

Website: http://www.foreign.city.shinjuku.lg.jp/en/manabu/manabu_3/
Fee: Free
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 apply. No prior reservation is required and there are classes on Monday (Kanji), Tuesday (General Japanese), Thursday (Beginners Conversation and Grammar), and Saturday (Conversation).

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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
Fee: JPY 7000/course (including tuition and textbook)
Address: Meeting room of Shinagawa-ku International Friendship Association, Shinagawa City Office 3rd, 2-1-36 Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Three Japanese language courses are available, ranging from complete beginner to daily conversational level. In order to be eligible, you must be a foreigner living or working in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo.

Japanese Language Classroom for Adults

Website: http://npo-iwc.com/activity/adult/
Fee: JPY 4000-20000/month (additional JPY 250-1000/month is required as classroom maintenance fees)
Address: 4F, 6-13-3, Minamioi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

You can choose between Saturday and everyday classes that are conducted 5 times a week. Classes are taught in small groups of up to five people.

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Japanese Language Classes in Shibuya-ku

Japanese Classes (Shibuya City)

Website: https://www.city.shibuya.tokyo.jp/eng/japanese_classes.html
Fee: JPY 3000-6000/course
Address: Workers' Welfare Hall, 1-19-8 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

The classes are offered in 3 levels. To be eligible to apply, you would need to live or work in Shibuya ward. Level 1 and 2 consist of 24 lessons held twice a week and would cost you 6000 yen. On the other hand, Level 3 program is made up of only 12 sessions conducted once a week and would require a fee of 3000 yen.

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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
Fee: JPY 1000-2000/month (lessons) and a registration fee of JPY 500
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/
Fee: Free, JPY 500-1000/2 hour lesson
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. It would cost JPY 500 per 2 hours lesson for elementary as well as middle school students, and JPY 1000 for other Japanese language learners. The other one is called "Ota Japanese Language Class for Children." This is a free classroom that caters to children from the age of 6 to 15 who have not yet entered elementary or middle school.

Hopenect
Japanese Language Classes for Family who are Related to Foreign Country

Website: https://www.hopenect.org
Fee: Free, JPY 2000-4000
Address: Multiple Venues (Please check the website)

There are classrooms for parents as well as children with foreign roots. For more information please, check Hopenect's website.

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Japanese Language Classes in Toshima-ku

Ikebukuro Japanese Language Circle

Website: https://ins4t.jimdofree.com
Fee: Free
Address: B1F Assembly room, Ikebukuro Campus, Teikyo Heisei University, 2-51-4 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 

There are classes held in the classroom and online. 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
Fee: Free (JPY 1000 for materials)
Address (Wakuwaku Class): West Bldg. No. 5, Room 301, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Address (Gungun Class): South Bldg. No. 1, Room 303, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

There are two types of classes, one is "wakuwaku" class for complete beginners, while the other one is "gungun" class for those who have some knowledge of Japanese language. To be eligible to apply, you must be at least 16 years old and a resident of Toshima-ku. If you do not live in this ward, you can meet the eligibility requirements provided that you work or attend school there. Please be aware that being able to attend each lesson of the course you have applied for is one of the eligibility requirements.

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Japanese Language Classes in Meguro-ku

MIFA Japanese Conversation Salon

Website: https://mifa.jp/for-internationals/japanese-language/japanese-learning/
Fee: JPY 200/session (for not-members of MIFA), JPY 500/5 sessions (for members of MIFA)
Address: 5th Floor, Meguro City Office Complex’s Annex, 2-19-15 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

At this conversation salon, you will be assisted one-on-one by a volunteer.

Japanese Language Class (Meguro Unesco Association)

Website: https://meguro-unesco.info/language/engilsh.html
Fee: JPY 4200-8100/term (excluding the cost of textbooks)
Address: Meguro school support center, 3-6-10, Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

There are classes designed for beginners and intermediate learners. 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
Fee: JPY 500/month
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. For more information on the classes, schedule, etc., please visit JCA Chitosefunabashi's website.

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Japanese Language Classes in Chiyoda-ku

Chiyoda Japanese Language Cafe (Swan)

Website: https://swanchiyodahp.wixsite.com/swan
Fee: JPY 500/month
Address: Online via Zoom

The classes are held once a week on Sunday from 10:30 to 11:30. Because of the COVID-19, classes are conducted via ZOOM.

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Japanese Languages Classes in Koto-ku

Japanese Language Classes (Koto Nihongo no Kai)

Website: https://www.city.koto.lg.jp/101032/kurashi/komyunitei/kokusai/seikatsu/65.html
Fee: JPY 500-750/lesson
Address: Multiple venues (please check the website)

There are seven Japanese language classes organized by Koto Nihongo no Kai in Koto-ku, Tokyo. Beginners as well as more advanced learners 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/
Fee: JPY 2000-5000 (registration fee) and teaching material fees
Address: ANIC Meeting Room 1, Nakano ZERO West Building, Nakano 2-9-7, Nakano-ku, Tokyo

There are Japanese language classes for adults and children who live, work, or study in Nakano-ku, Tokyo. Please note that if you are not a resident of this ward and do not work or study there, you will be required to pay a slightly higher registration fee. For example, 5000 yen as opposed to 3000 yen for Japanese language course and 3000 yen as opposed to 2000 yen for children's Japanese language class. Besides registration fees, there are also teaching material fees.

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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
Fee: Free (JPY 2,400 for textbooks/ term)
Address: Taito 1-chome Kuminkan, 1-25-5, Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo

To be eligible to apply, you must be a resident of Taito-ku, or work or study there. The classes are divided in 3 levels.

Asakusa Nihongo Dojo

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/asakusanihongodojo/home
Fee: JPY 100/lesson (first lesson is free)
Address: Taito-ku Shogaigakushu Center, 3-25-16, Nishi-asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Asakusa Nihongo Dojo is a great place to practice your Japanese conversation skills. There are also online classes available.

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Japanese Languages Classes in Suginami-ku

Suginami Nihongo Kaiwa no Kai

Website: http://suginaminihongokaiwa.blog.fc2.com
Fee: JPY 1000/6 lessons
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
Fee: JPY 200/lesson
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/
Fee: Free (teaching material fee is required)
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 this ward. 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 in Chuo-ku.

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).