Learn Japanese in London or Online
Experience Japanese — a language spoken by over 128 million people and celebrated for its history, art, and innovation. Whether you want to explore your Japanese heritage, build professional connections with Japanese-speaking clients, enjoy anime without subtitles, or order confidently in a Kyoto café. Our courses give you the skills and the confidence to make those moments a reality.
Browse our courses below.
At City Lit, we make learning Japanese simple, structured, and enjoyable. Whether you’re a complete beginner or aiming for fluency, our expert tutors guide you step-by-step, helping you progress with confidence.
Find the Right Japanese Course for You
Browse by level
Start from scratch on a beginner course with supportive classes covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Then build on your foundation with more complex grammar, vocabulary, and conversation practice on intermediate and advanced courses to refine your fluency, deepen your understanding of Japanese culture, and explore advanced topics in Japanese.
Browse by location
Whether you're in London or learning from anywhere in the world, we offer flexible courses for beginners through to advanced learners—with options for daytime, evening, and weekend classes.
Start your Japanese journey today. Browse our courses and secure your place — new classes start throughout the year, but spaces are limited.
Why Choose City Lit for Your Japanese Studies?
✅Flexible learning options — online or in London
✅Experienced, friendly tutors specialising in teaching adults
✅Small class sizes for more personalised attention
✅Supportive, inclusive environment for learners at all levels
✅Over a century of excellence in adult education
Trusted by Thousands of Language Learners
City Lit has been teaching languages for over 100 years and holds an Ofsted Outstanding rating. Thousands of learners have achieved their goals with us — from everyday conversation to nationally recognised qualifications.
Learn more than just the language
On a City Lit language course, you not only learn the language, you also gain valuable insight into the culture, history, and traditions of that country. That's because our courses are taught by expert native speaking tutors with real world experience of living in the country where the language is spoken widely.
Japanese Courses in London – Learn in Person
Join us at our modern Covent Garden campus, just minutes from transport links. Our state-of-the-art facilities and small class sizes create a dynamic, immersive environment. Enjoy interactive Japanese lessons, group activities, and cultural insights that bring the language to life.
Learn Japanese Online – Live, Interactive Classes
Prefer to study from home? Our live online Japanese courses offer the same expert teaching and group interaction as our in-person classes. Learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world — perfect for busy schedules or those outside London.
Useful Links
- Language FAQs - Frequently asked questions about language courses at City Lit.
- What’s my level? - Self assess your level to help you find the course for you.
- Languages Blog - Discover useful tips and knowledge-packed guides from our expert tutors.
Asian Languages Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are the benefits of learning an Asian language?
Learning an Asian language can:
- Make travel more meaningful and enjoyable
- Boost your career and open up global job opportunities
- Help you connect with new people and cultures
- Give you a fresh perspective on the world
- Build your confidence and keep your brain active
Whether you're learning for work, travel, or personal growth, mastering a language like Mandarin, Japanese, Hindi, or Korean is a rewarding journey.
What types of language courses does City Lit offer?
City Lit offers language courses at all levels, from beginner to advanced. You can choose from part-time, evening, daytime, weekend, early morning, or intensive classes to suit your schedule.
How many languages can I study at City Lit?
You can choose from courses in 19 different languages, making it one of the widest selections in London.
What levels are available for language courses?
Most languages are taught at seven different levels, so whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to improve existing skills, there’s a course for you.
Who teaches the courses?
Our tutors are experienced, friendly, and skilled in teaching adults. They help create a welcoming and supportive learning environment.
Can I get a qualification from these courses?
Yes, in many languages you can take accredited courses. These lead to national and international qualifications that are particularly relevant to adult learners.
Do you offer language courses for professional development?
Yes. City Lit offers tailored language training in the workplace. This is ideal for individuals or businesses looking to improve language skills for professional use.
What is the benefit of workplace language training?
It’s a fast and convenient way to gain practical language skills relevant to your job or business needs.
When do the courses take place?
We offer flexible scheduling with classes available in the mornings, during the day, in the evenings, and at weekends.
- Japanese festivalsCourse start date: Sat 28 Feb 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Kiyomi UntenDiscover the Magic of Japanese Festivals!
Japan is a land of vibrant celebrations—some rooted in deep religious traditions, others marking the beauty of the changing seasons. In this workshop, you’ll explore what Japanese people celebrate and the unique ways they do it! Get hands-on by creating beautiful paper crafts inspired by these festivals, while gaining fascinating cultural insights. It’s a fun and creative way to experience the heart of Japanese culture!Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - The Japanese Soroban
Course start date: Sat 7 Mar 2026Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Hisaka BuntingExperience a unique aspect of Japanese culture with this workshop on the Soroban—an enduring tradition that continues to thrive amid the fast-paced, high-tech world of modern Japan. Discover how this centuries-old practice remains relevant today, bridging the past and present through its lasting significance.
Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - Japanese: the wonders of onomatopoeiaCourse start date: Fri 20 Mar 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Noriko InagakiUnlock the playful side of Japanese!
Did you know Japanese is full of expressive sound words that bring conversations, manga, anime, and literature to life? In this fun evening workshop, you’ll dive into the fascinating world of onomatopoeia—words that mimic sounds, actions, and emotions—and learn how they add color and nuance to everyday language.Full fee £39.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £39.00 - Japanese workshop: Japanese GairaigoCourse start date: Fri 27 Mar 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Kiyomi UntenCurious about how foreign words found their way into Japanese?
Join our interactive workshop and uncover the fascinating story behind borrowed words—their origins, how they entered the language, and how to pronounce them correctly. Through fun, hands-on activities, you’ll explore the many loanwords in Japanese and boost your understanding of the language in an exciting way!Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Japanese 2 upper: module 2Course start date: Thu 16 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Junko FuseOn this course you will learn to communicate more fully and fluently in a wider range of everyday situations and conversations.Suitable if you have completed 2 upper: module 2 or studied 3 years recently.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £155.00 - Japanese beginners: module 2 Course start date: Thu 16 Apr 2026 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Junko FuseContinue learning to speak Japanese, with the emphasis on developing your listening and speaking skills,
Suitable if you have completed Japanese beginners: module 1 or learn Japanese in a complete beginners course for a term.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £155.00 - Japanese beginners: module 3 Course start date: Mon 20 Apr 2026 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaContinue learning to speak Japanese on this course for near beginners. The emphasis is on developing your listening and speaking skills. Suitable if you have completed beginners module 2 or 6 months recently
.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00 - Japanese 2 upper: module 3Course start date: Mon 20 Apr 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaOn this course you will learn to communicate more fully and fluently in a wider range of everyday situations and conversations.Suitable if you have completed 2 upper: module 2 or studied 3 years recently.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00 - Japanese 3 lower: module 3Course start date: Mon 20 Apr 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Kiyomi UntenImprove your level of Japanese on this communicative course where you will have the opportunity to develop your oral and listening skills as well as consolidate your reading and writing skills. Suitable if you have completed Japanese 3 lower: module 2 or studied 4 years recently.
Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £155.00 - Japanese 5: module 3Course start date: Mon 20 Apr 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Junko FuseImprove your level of upper intermediate Japanese. You will be able to understand, speak and listen to more complex expressions in Japanese in various everyday situations.Suitable if you have studied Japanese for 6/7 years.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £155.00 - Japanese 2 lower: module 3Course start date: Tue 21 Apr 2026 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaFurther develop your listening and speaking skills in Japanese. Suitable if you have completed 2 lower: module 2 or studied for nearly 2 years recently.
Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £155.00 - Japanese 4: module 3Course start date: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Kiyomi UntenImprove your level of upper intermediate Japanese. You will be able to understand, speak and listen to more complex expressions in Japanese in various everyday situations.
Suitable if you have studied Japanese for about 6 years or have an equivalent level.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £155.00 - Japanese 4/5: module 3Course start date: Wed 22 Apr 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Junko FuseImprove your level of upper intermediate Japanese. You will be able to understand, speak and listen to more complex expressions in Japanese in various everyday situations. Consolidate your knowledge and understanding of the structures of the Japanese language and work on more
complex grammatical structures and functions.
Suitable if you have studied Japanese for at least 6 years or have an equivalent level.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £155.00 - Japanese 2 lower: module 2 Course start date: Thu 23 Apr 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaCome to consolidate your elementary Japanese. Suitable if you have completed Japanese 2 lower: module 1 or study Japanese for at least 1 year to 2 years
Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £155.00 - Japanese 3 upper: module 3Course start date: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaImprove your level of Japanese on this communicative course where you will have the opportunity to develop your oral and listening skills as well as consolidate your reading and writing skills. Suitable if you have completed Japanese 3 upper: module 2 or studied at least 4/5 years recently.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £155.00
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