Sakura - Beginner Japanese (Starter Level)

from £195.00

Tuesdays, 12:00pm (UK time) | Online Group Course
Starts 15th Sept 2026 | 36 weeks

Who this course is for

This course is for true beginners or early beginners who already know a little Japanese (e.g. ~10-20 hiragana characters) and want to build a solid foundation.

If you are starting completely from zero, I recommend a few 1:1 lessons before joining.

You will already be able to:

  • Recognise a small number of hiragana characters (or are beginning to learn them)

  • Feel comfortable learning slowly and step-by-step

In this course you will learn to:

  • Introduce yourself and ask simple questions

  • Talk about family, friends, likes and dislikes

  • Order food and drinks in a restaurant

  • Ask and answer simple questions about places you are staying

  • Talk about where people and things are located

  • Build confidence reading hiragana and begin katakana

  • Start recognising a small number of common kanji

The focus is on practical, everyday Japanese for absolute communication basics.

Course details

  • Duration: 36 weeks (3 x 12-week terms)

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

  • Textbook: Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan - Starter (starting from Lesson 3, free online)

Not sure if this 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 15th Sept 2026 | 36 weeks

Who this course is for

This course is for true beginners or early beginners who already know a little Japanese (e.g. ~10-20 hiragana characters) and want to build a solid foundation.

If you are starting completely from zero, I recommend a few 1:1 lessons before joining.

You will already be able to:

  • Recognise a small number of hiragana characters (or are beginning to learn them)

  • Feel comfortable learning slowly and step-by-step

In this course you will learn to:

  • Introduce yourself and ask simple questions

  • Talk about family, friends, likes and dislikes

  • Order food and drinks in a restaurant

  • Ask and answer simple questions about places you are staying

  • Talk about where people and things are located

  • Build confidence reading hiragana and begin katakana

  • Start recognising a small number of common kanji

The focus is on practical, everyday Japanese for absolute communication basics.

Course details

  • Duration: 36 weeks (3 x 12-week terms)

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

  • Textbook: Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan - Starter (starting from Lesson 3, free online)

Not sure if this is right for you?

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

How it works

2026-2027 Course 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.

Term Dates

  • Autumn Term (12 weeks): 15th Sept – 1st Dec 2026

  • 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 full 36-week course, 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 (2026–2027)

  • Full course (36 weeks): £495

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


📝 Enrolment

Please enrol by Tuesday 8th September.

Late enrolment may be possible if spaces remain, but early booking helps with planning.


❌ 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.