Sakura - Beginner Japanese (Starter Level)

from £195.00

Tuesdays, 12:00pm (UK time) | Online Group Course
Starts 5th Jan 2027 | Two 12-week terms (24 weeks)

Is this course right for you?

Sakura is a practical, supportive course for beginners who have already started learning Japanese and want to build a solid foundation.

It's ideal if you want to develop your confidence, learn useful everyday Japanese and start communicating in simple situations.

You should already be able to:

  • Recognise some hiragana characters, or be actively learning them.

  • Build on what you've already learned, step by step.

By the end of these two terms, you'll be able to:

  • Say what you like and dislike.

  • Order food and drinks in a restaurant.

  • Ask and answer simple questions about accommodation.

  • Describe where people and things are located.

  • Read hiragana with increasing confidence and begin learning katakana.

  • Start recognising common kanji.

The focus is on practical Japanese you can use in everyday situations, with a step-by-step approach to building your skills and confidence.

Course details

  • Duration: 24 weeks (two 12-week terms)

  • Day/time: Tuesdays, 12pm (UK time), 55-minute lessons

  • Textbook: Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan - Starter, starting from Lesson 5 (free online)

New to Japanese?

If you are starting from zero, I recommend taking some 1:1 lessons before joining this class. Get in touch to arrange one-to-one lessons.

If you're new to hiragana, download my free Hiragana Starter Pack, which includes a link to my free on-demand Udemy course. I'll teach you the first 46 basic hiragana characters.

Not sure if Sakura is right for you?

Book a free 30-minute Zoom consultation or email me for advice.

Course Length:

Tuesdays, 12:00pm (UK time) | Online Group Course
Starts 5th Jan 2027 | Two 12-week terms (24 weeks)

Is this course right for you?

Sakura is a practical, supportive course for beginners who have already started learning Japanese and want to build a solid foundation.

It's ideal if you want to develop your confidence, learn useful everyday Japanese and start communicating in simple situations.

You should already be able to:

  • Recognise some hiragana characters, or be actively learning them.

  • Build on what you've already learned, step by step.

By the end of these two terms, you'll be able to:

  • Say what you like and dislike.

  • Order food and drinks in a restaurant.

  • Ask and answer simple questions about accommodation.

  • Describe where people and things are located.

  • Read hiragana with increasing confidence and begin learning katakana.

  • Start recognising common kanji.

The focus is on practical Japanese you can use in everyday situations, with a step-by-step approach to building your skills and confidence.

Course details

  • Duration: 24 weeks (two 12-week terms)

  • Day/time: Tuesdays, 12pm (UK time), 55-minute lessons

  • Textbook: Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan - Starter, starting from Lesson 5 (free online)

New to Japanese?

If you are starting from zero, I recommend taking some 1:1 lessons before joining this class. Get in touch to arrange one-to-one lessons.

If you're new to hiragana, download my free Hiragana Starter Pack, which includes a link to my free on-demand Udemy course. I'll teach you the first 46 basic hiragana characters.

Not sure if Sakura is right for you?

Book a free 30-minute Zoom consultation or email me for advice.

How it works

2027 Course Dates and Structure

Each class meets at the same time every week (e.g. Sakura every Tuesday at 12pm UK time).

This is a 36-week course, divided into three 12-week terms running from September 2026 to June 2027. There are now 24 weeks remaining, covering the Spring and Summer terms.

Remaining Term Dates

  • Spring Term (12 weeks): 5th Jan - 23rd Mar 2027

  • Summer Term (12 weeks): 13th Apr - 29th Jun 2027

Each lesson is 55 minutes long.

You can join:

  • The remaining 24 weeks (Spring & Summer terms), or

  • Individual 12-week terms (subject to availability)

Need help choosing your level?

If you’re unsure which course is right for you, you can book a free 30-minute zoom consultation or email me for advice. I’ll help you choose the best fit.

💻 Online Course Format

Classes take place on Zoom, a simple video platform.

To take part, you’ll need:

  • A device with internet access and video capability

  • A laptop or tablet is recommended (better for viewing slides)

🗣️ How lessons work

Lessons are designed to help you speak and understand Japanese actively through interactive activities.

We will:

  • Take part in speaking activities throughout the lesson

  • Work in pairs or groups using breakout rooms (when appropriate)

  • Use slides and structured tasks to support learning


🎧 Lesson recording policy

Classes are not recorded. This helps create a safe and relaxed environment where students feel comfortable speaking.

If you miss a lesson, you can:

  • Use the materials provided

  • Book a 1-to-1 lesson for extra support (optional)

🎥 Class expectations

To help the class run smoothly:

  • You may be asked to mute when not speaking (to reduce background noise)

  • Please keep your camera on where possible, especially during group work


🌍 Time zone note

All class times are listed in UK time. Please note that the dates that the clocks change in the UK may differ from your country.

👥 Class size

  • Minimum: 4 students

  • Maximum: 12 students


💷 Course Fees (2027)

  • Both remaining terms (24 weeks): £350

  • Pay per term (12 weeks): £195 per term


📝 Enrolment

Please enrol by Sunday 3rd January.

Late enrolment may be possible if spaces remain, but early booking helps me to plan!


❌ Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • Full refund: 14+ days before course start

  • Refund minus £10 admin fee: within 14 days of start date

  • No refunds after the course has started


👩‍🏫 Who can join?

These courses are for adults only (18+).  I do not teach under-18s.


📚 Textbooks

Conversation courses use free digital textbooks. Check the course description for more info.

📖 Self-study & homework

To get the most from the course, you’re encouraged to practise outside class (e.g. listening, reading, language exchange).

After each lesson, you will receive:

  • Short weekly homework tasks (1–2 activities)

These may include:

  • Preparation for the next lesson

  • Online quizzes or practice activities

  • Listening or writing tasks

Some tasks are optional for extra practice.

1:1 Lessons

I also offer one-to-one lessons at all levels from beginners to advanced learners.

For help choosing the right level for you, please get in touch to book a free zoom consultation.