The Best Course For Learning Japanese in 2024
I’m a 28-year-old who's all about anime and sushi. My obsession with Japanese culture led me to visit Japan in 2022. Despite having the best trip of my life, I felt pretty disappointed about being unable to speak the language. Since then, I have been on a learning journey that has led me to creating this blog.
Learning Japanese isn't just about picking up and memorizing words and phrases—it's about immersing yourself in a rich culture and gaining new perspectives and experiences.
As we navigate through this year, the search for the best Japanese learning course in 2024 has become more complex than ever. With so many options out there, from traditional classes to online platforms and apps, it can feel overwhelming to choose, which I also felt when I was just starting my journey.
I wanted to find and learn from the best, so I looked for promising Japanese learning courses online and tested out six of them. Here are the results of my ranking:
⭐ My 5-step evaluation process
1. Research and Compile Options
I started by researching Japanese language courses online available in 2024. I explored the results and created a list where I compiled all my potential options. From about 20 options, I filtered them down to just the best 6 based on students' reviews and reputation. The 6 are: Japademy, Nihongo Dekita, Gogonihon, Coto Academy, Marugoto Online, and Japanesepod101.
2. Review Course Content and Structure
Next, I dove into the content and structure of each course these websites offer. I carefully examined what topics they cover, how the material is presented (like text, audio, or video), and if it matches my learning preferences and goals. In my case, I prefer interactive lessons and I learn better through visual aids, so I prioritized courses that offer those features.
3. Assess Learning Resources and Support
Then, I assessed the learning resources provided by each course. This included textbooks, workbooks, audio recordings, flashcards, and any online platforms or apps. I also looked into the level of support they give to learners, such as access to Japanese teachers, discussion forums, or personalized feedback. I added this step to my evaluation process because I believe that having access to additional resources and support can greatly enhance my learning experience as well as other learners.
4. Check Reviews and Testimonials
After that, I checked out reviews and testimonials from past students. Hearing or learning about their experiences gave me valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each course. I made sure to pay attention to factors like the effectiveness of the teaching methods, the clarity of explanations, and the responsiveness of the course teachers.
5. Compare Cost and Value
Finally, I compared the cost of each course with the value it offers. While affordability is important for me as someone who likes to budget, I also considered the overall value I received in terms of comprehensive content, quality instruction, and additional benefits. In this step, I reminded myself that investing in a course that provides a high-quality learning experience and helps me achieve my language goals will be worth it in the long run.
📄 The 5 criteria I considered
1. Content Quality and Depth
Courses with well-structured lessons and a clear progression will help me and other learners to develop a solid foundation in Japanese. So, I prioritized courses that offer high-quality content covering all aspects of the Japanese language, including grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
2. Flexibility and Accessibility
As someone who has a lot of commitments outside of studying, the flexibility of Japanese courses is very important to me. So, I looked for courses that allowed me to learn at my own pace and fit my schedule. I considered courses with both online and offline options, as well as mobile compatibility because it will provide me with the flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere.
3. Interactivity and Engagement
As someone who prefers interactive lessons, I looked out for courses that offer interactive exercises, quizzes, and activities to keep me engaged and motivated throughout my learning journey. I believe that interactive elements not only make learning more enjoyable but also reinforce my understanding of the material.
4. Support and Feedback
Having access to support and feedback is crucial for my progress. So, I prioritized courses that offer opportunities for interaction with Japanese teachers, as well as peer feedback, to help me stay on track and address any challenges or questions I may have along the way.
5. Reputation and Success Rate
Lastly, I considered the reputation and success rate of each course. Seeing positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied students instilled confidence in my decision. Additionally, I looked for any accreditation or recognition within the language learning community, indicating the course's credibility and effectiveness.
🏆 The best Japanese learning course: Japademy
★ Winner ★
Japademy
Live lessons with native Japanese teachers- Personalized feedback and guidance
- Great website and online support
- Complementary learning resources
- Affordable Japanese courses
- Structured learning curriculum
Limited schedules for advanced students
I came across Japademy after trying the five other language schools in this blog. Japademy offers Japanese online courses that are convenient and accessible for all learners. Their classes are held via Zoom which allows me to learn Japanese from the comfort of my home or any location of my choice. What’s great about this school is that it provides two primary options for learning.
They offer 10-week Japanese Online Courses, which is perfect for those who prefer interacting with fellow students, and Online Private Lessons, which is perfect if you want your learning experience to be tailored according to your needs. In my case, I chose the 10-week Japanese Online Courses.
⭐ Overall Rating
The best Japanese learning course in 2024 so far for me! Japademy blew me away with their commitment to providing a holistic learning experience to their students. For me, Japademy isn't just a language learning website, it's a game-changer. With live interaction, personalized feedback, flexible schedules, abundant resources, affordability, and a structured curriculum, it's got everything you need to succeed.
Lastly, Japademy's stellar reputation and impressive completion rate of 93% for its 10-week Online Courses are a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence in Japanese language education. So, if you're ready to embark on your Japanese language journey, take my word for it - Japademy is the way to go!
❤️ What I love
What I love about Japademy is their team of native Japanese teachers. It’s like I'm getting the real deal, authentic language learning experience right from the source! And the best part? I can interact with them in real time wherein I can get instant answers to all my burning questions and personalized guidance whenever I need it!
With my crazy schedule as someone who has a life other than anime, sushi, and learning Japanese, Japademy's flexible class schedules are a lifesaver. I can choose the classes that fit perfectly into my day which leaves me with no stress! Plus, they've got tons of extra materials to keep the learning exciting. They gave us access to digital flashcards, learning handouts that come in PDFs, and super interesting Japanese blogs! (Reading a few of them will give you a lot of information already.)
But here's what I love the most, Japademy's courses are unbelievably affordable for only 14 USD per hour! Seriously, compared to other options out there, you're getting a top-notch education without breaking the bank. And let's not forget their structured curriculum, it's like having a roadmap to fluency right at your fingertips. With Japademy, I feel that I am not just learning Japanese, I'm living it!
🙈 What could be better
Upon looking into Japademy’s 10-week Japanese Online Courses, I noticed that they offer limited class schedules. For example, as of writing this, they currently offer classes on Thursdays from 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm for their Pre-Intermediate (Level 1) course and Mondays from 7:30 pm to 9:15 pm for their Pre-Intermediate (Level 2) course. These time slots might not be favorable with some learners who want to join a group lesson but have a tight schedule. To enhance their service, Japademy could introduce more flexible scheduling options, such as offering classes at different days and times of the day to accommodate learners from various time zones. Additionally, implementing a system where learners can suggest preferred class times or even participate in polls to determine the most convenient times would greatly improve students' experience and satisfaction.
Runner up: CotoAcademy
CotoAcademy
- Friendly staff and teachers
- Flexibility of class schedules
- Teamwork principle in teaching
- Pricing structure is complex
- Fees for course certificates
When I first found Coto Academy, I was struck by their dedication to teaching Japanese in a way that goes beyond just the basics. They aim to prepare students for real-life situations in Japan, which resonated with me. What stood out was their teamwork approach to teaching, where teachers work together to understand each student's progress and needs. Inside the classroom, they focus on making learning fun and culturally sensitive, with a strong emphasis on active participation and mutual learning. Their commitment to improvement and creating a welcoming atmosphere made me feel like I was in good hands. As someone who loves learning through immersion, I felt like Coto Academy's approach was not only effective but also personally fulfilling.
⭐ Overall Rating
Coto Academy's Online Japanese Lessons deserve a solid 4.3 out of 5 stars. What impressed me was how welcoming and supportive the staff and Japanese teachers were. They made the whole process from asking about the lessons to joining feel smooth. Being able to schedule classes at any time, thanks to teachers around the world, was super convenient for my busy life. Plus, the focus on teamwork in learning made it feel like we were all in it together. On the downside, the courses are a bit pricey, which might not work for everyone's budget. And it was disappointing to learn that getting official certificates comes with extra costs. Still, if you're serious about learning Japanese, the quality of education, personalized approach, and track record of success, and positive testimonials at Coto Academy make it worth considering despite these drawbacks.
❤️ What I love
What I love about Coto Academy's Online Japanese Lessons is the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by their friendly staff and native Japanese teachers from the time I was inquiring about their lessons to the time I joined them. I love how I felt supported and encouraged every step of the way. Another standout feature for me was the flexibility of class schedules. Their teachers live in different locations all around the world so I was able to book my lessons any time of the day which is perfect for me as I have a busy schedule. In addition, when students are in a daylight saving timezone, which we have in most provinces of Canada, and the teacher is not, the lesson time will move forward one hour. So, I was able to check with my teacher to see if they’re able to change their schedule to match mine and they did! Moreover, I deeply appreciate the emphasis on teamwork principles in teaching. I felt that it was not just about individual progress but also about collaborating with my classmates and teachers to achieve shared goals.
🙈 What could be better
One thing that you should note is that the cost of their Japanese learning courses leans towards the higher end with the calculated cost of 37.5 USD for their 60-minute Online private lesson. This may pose a challenge for some prospective students, including myself, who want to go for a more affordable online Japanese course. But I must say that this price is arguably justified with exceptional educational quality and personalized attention. In addition, I was quite disappointed when I learned that getting official certificates, such as a certificate of completion or certificate of enrolment, requires additional fees.
NihongoDekita
NihongoDekita
- Vibrant community of learners
- Personalized feedback from teachers
- Access to class recordings
- Supplemental learning materials
- Extremely large class sizes
- Limited class day and time schedule
- Very overpriced
I’ve known NihongoDekita from their fun and entertaining YouTube videos. When I checked more details, I learned that they also offer Japanese online courses. What made me try their course is their concept of wanting to change the impression of learning Japanese from “difficult” to “fun”. So here I share with you my experience and a review of their Japanese online course.
⭐ Overall Rating
Nihongo Dekita has built a strong online presence on social media and their Japanese courses have built a solid reputation, earning a commendable 4.1 out of 5 stars based on my experience. What I liked was the sense of community among learners. Being part of a lively chat group with other enthusiastic learners made learning more fun and collaborative. Also, the live lessons and personalized feedback from Sayaka-sensei was super helpful in improving my skills.
Additionally, having access to class recordings was a plus for me because I could review lessons at my own pace. Also, the extra learning materials were great for practice. However, there are some areas they could work on. Classes can be really large at over 20 students, making it hard to get personal attention. Also, more flexible scheduling and lower prices would make the courses even better. Despite these, Nihongo Dekita provides a supportive and engaging learning environment for anyone learning Japanese.
❤️ What I love
What I love about Nihongo Dekita Japanese courses is the vibrant community of fellow learners. I was invited to a LINE group chat with enthusiastic learners like myself wherein we were able to engage and collaborate. That was a fun experience for me. Moreover, the live lessons and personalized feedback given by Sayaka-sensei was very welcome. It helped me ensure that I am continuously improving and progressing in my language skills. But what caught my attention was the benefit of having access to class recordings in case I miss a class or just want to review.
Their courses are the only ones I know that give access to class recordings. This was a big help because I was able to revisit the lessons at my own pace. Lastly, I also love how they offer supplemental learning materials to help us practice and learn more during our free time.
🙈 What could be better
While I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with NihongoDekita's Japanese course, there are a couple of areas where I believe they could also improve. Firstly, the class sizes are way too large for it to really be considered a class, it feels more like a lecture, which makes it challenging for learners like me to get personalized attention from instructors or actively engage in class discussions. As someone who thrives on interaction and feedback, I find smaller class sizes facilitate a more enriching learning environment.
Additionally, the current class day and time schedule can be limiting for individuals like me with busy schedules or those residing in different time zones. More flexibility in scheduling options would greatly benefit learners like me, ensuring we can access the courses at times that suit our lifestyles.
Lastly, the course pricing is on the expensive side, typically around 60 USD per hour, which may be prohibitive for some learners, myself included. For a course that receives over 20 students at a time, paying about USD$399 for their Japanese101 course feels totally overpriced. It gets even worse as you progress to higher levels with their Japanese104 course priced at USD$795. Lowering the cost or offering more affordable payment plans would make the courses more accessible to a wider range of individuals.
Go! Go! Nihon
Go! Go! Nihon
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Supportive community
- Flexibility of the course
- Great student counceling
- No live classes available
- Limited to video content
- Excessive marketing
Go! Go! Nihon was familiar to me because I’ve always read before about how they help people to live and study in Japan. I didn’t know that they now also offer Japanese language courses until recently when I stumbled upon it when I was searching for the best courses online. I learned that they have partnered with different language schools and specialist educators to offer their curriculum online. But for this review, I will focus on their own online Japanese course which is their Japanese Intermediate Course.
⭐ Overall Rating
The Intermediate Japanese Courses offered by Go! Go! Nihon has a solid score of 3.9 out of 5 stars. I believe they can be a good choice for those looking to advance their Japanese skills and study or live in Japan. Their reputation precedes them, with a track record of assisting people in living and studying in Japan. But what truly impressed me about this course was the vibrant student community. Being able to connect with fellow learners and instructors not only enhanced my learning but also made the journey more enjoyable.
The flexibility of the course structure was also a plus, allowing me to study at my own pace and fit lessons into my busy schedule. Also, the course costs ¥99,225 for 110 hours of lessons, content, and access to the community for 6 months and that’s about 5-6 USD per hour. However, the absence of live classes meant I missed out on real-time interaction with instructors, which could have enriched the learning experience. Additionally, while the course content was comprehensive, I felt that the video resources were somewhat limited. Despite these, my overall experience with this course was positive. If you’re planning to take the JLPT N3 exam, this course might be perfect for you.
❤️ What I love
It’s another great Japanese learning course. Their comprehensive curriculum was incredible. It is an 11-chapter course that covers all materials needed to help learners pass JLPT N3. I was able to learn different intermediate-level grammar points, Kanji, and vocabulary. But what I love the most about Go! Go! Nihon’s course is their student community wherein I was able to ask questions directly to the course instructor and get additional guidance. I was also able to connect with my fellow learners and we shared our experiences and struggles. Another thing that I love about this course is that it’s incredibly flexible. Their course was intended to be completed with one chapter per week. So, I need to study for about 2 hours a day from Monday to Friday. I was able to pick the time of the day to learn Japanese and also double the hours in case I was not available to study the following day.
🙈 What could be better
As much as I've enjoyed my experience with the Intermediate Japanese Course, there are a few areas where I feel it could be improved. Firstly, the absence of live classes is disappointing. While the course material is comprehensive, having live interactions with instructors could greatly enhance my learning by allowing me to have real-time feedback and clarification of concepts. Additionally, I found the video content to be limited. More video resources could provide additional context and help reinforce learning more engagingly. I can say that there are better Japanese learning courses that offer more informational and engaging video resources out there.
Marugoto Online
Marugoto Online
- Free learning courses
- Based on its popular coursebook
- Insufficient to master Japanese on its own
- Requires application to join courses
- Self-study courses only
Marugoto’s free Japanese online courses are surprisingly high-quality and in-depth as it was based on a popular coursebook with the same name. Their Japanese learning courses are perfect for A1 to A2 level learners. If you’re not sure about your level, don’t worry because you can take their online placement test to know your level. When I checked these courses out, I had two options which are the “Katsudoo” or “Katsudoo + Rikai”. Based on the course descriptions as well as my own experience, the Katsudoo one is easier and more relaxed while the Katsudoo + Rikai one is more intensive.
⭐ Overall Rating
Based on my experience with Marugoto’s Japanese online courses, I'd give them a commendable 3.7 out of 5 stars. What stands out to me is that they offer their courses entirely for free, which is a huge relief for someone like me who values learning but also needs to watch my budget. I appreciate that they're based on the trusted Marugoto coursebook series, ensuring quality instruction. However, while the courses provide a fantastic starting point, I've found that they lack advanced modules or supplementary materials for learners like myself who want to delve deeper into the language. Incorporating more interactive activities and real-world simulations would make the learning experience even more enriching.
Additionally, the application process before accessing the courses and the absence of live sessions might discourage some potential learners. Despite these points, Marugoto's courses offer a solid foundation for learning Japanese at no cost, making them a valuable resource for language enthusiasts.
❤️ What I love
What I love about Marugoto’s Japanese online courses is that they’re entirely free. This is a dream come true for me as someone who values learning but is also mindful of budget constraints. Additionally, the courses are based on the immensely popular Marugoto coursebook series, known for their effectiveness and comprehensiveness in teaching Japanese. This means I'm not just learning from any source, but from one that's trusted and widely used, ensuring I'm getting quality instruction.
🙈 What could be better
While Marugoto Online Japanese courses offer a fantastic starting point for my language journey, I've found that they're not quite sufficient to master Japanese on their own. It would be incredibly helpful if Marugoto could expand its offerings to include more advanced modules or supplementary materials tailored to learners like myself who are eager to delve deeper into the language. Incorporating interactive activities and real-world simulations would also greatly enhance the learning experience, providing practical opportunities to apply newly acquired skills.
Additionally, the requirement of an application process before accessing the courses might deter some potential learners who seek immediate access to language resources. Lastly, while self-study courses offer flexibility, incorporating interactive elements or live sessions could foster a more engaging learning environment for learners.
JapanesePod101
JapanesePod101
- Plenty of lessons for all levels
- Online accessibility
- Interactive learning approaches
- Insufficient to master Japanese on its own
- Outdated pre-recorded lessons
- No opportunities to interact with peers
- Subscription costs
I kept hearing about JapanesePod101. It seemed to be everywhere, from articles to ads. I was curious so I decided to check it out. What drew me in was its claim to offer lessons suitable for beginner students, along with an easy-to-use website. After giving it a go, I found that JapanesePod101 is just decent as a starting point for learning Japanese.
⭐ Overall Rating
In my experience with JapanesePod101, I'd rate it a 3.3 out of 5 stars. One of the highlights for me is the extensive range of lessons tailored to different skill levels, making it adaptable whether you're just starting or aiming for more advanced proficiency. The convenience of online accessibility has been a real plus, allowing me to fit Japanese study into my schedule effortlessly. The interactive learning methods, such as audio lessons and quizzes, managed to give me just the initial push I needed to start learning.
However, there are areas for improvement. I've noticed a lack of live interaction with Japanese teachers, which I believe would significantly enhance the learning experience. Additionally, some of the pre-recorded lessons feel outdated, making it challenging to stay fully engaged. More opportunities for peer interaction and practice, as well as more flexible pricing options, would also be beneficial. Despite these, JapanesePod101's comprehensive lesson offerings, accessibility, and interactive methods contribute to its positive reputation in the realm of online Japanese language learning.
❤️ What I love
What I like about JapanesePod101 is the abundance of lessons tailored for every proficiency level. Whether you're just starting or aiming to refine your skills, there's always something valuable to learn. The online accessibility is good for me, allowing me to study Japanese anytime, anywhere. But what truly sets JapanesePod101 apart is its interactive learning approaches. From engaging audio lessons to interactive quizzes and exercises, the platform can keep anyone involved hundreds of hours studying the language.
🙈 What could be better
One thing I've noticed about Japanesepod101’s Japanese learning courses is the lack of live interaction with Japanese teachers. I was very disappointed with this because I believe it would greatly enhance my learning experience by providing immediate feedback and guidance. Additionally, while the pre-recorded lessons are informative, I sometimes find them to be outdated. It makes it challenging for me to stay engaged with the content. Moreover, as someone who also thrives on collaboration, I wish there were more opportunities for interaction with my peers to practice speaking and exchange insights.
Lastly, while they advertise themselves as a free platform, the truth is that as soon as Japanesepod101 gets your email information, you will feel like your email is constantly being bombarded with endless emails asking you to pay for their monthly subscription offers.
🏆 Why I chose Japademy
After extensively comparing various Japanese language learning platforms, I confidently chose Japademy for its unmatched blend of quality education and convenience. While other options offered either a lot of learning resources or vibrant communities, Japademy's live interactions with native Japanese teachers provided an unmatched authenticity to the learning experience.
Additionally, while Go! Go! Nihon and Japanesepod101 offered comprehensive curriculums, Japademy stood out with its personalized feedback and flexible class schedules, catering to my busy lifestyle without compromising on learning quality.
While each platform had its strengths, Japademy's holistic approach and commitment to student success truly set it apart, this along with their affordability and structured curriculum made it a clear winner for me, earning it a solid 4.7/5 rating from me. If you're ready to embark on a fulfilling Japanese language journey, Japademy is undoubtedly the way to go.
Hi, I’m Maria! I created this blog after trying to find the best course for learning Japanese in 2024! I hope you found my blog useful and it guides you better in your Japanese learning journey.
