Japanese classes in San Francisco: Try a class for free
Finding Japanese classes in San Francisco that are both effective and affordable can be tricky. Classes are typically in groups, meaning you have limited opportunities to speak. On top of this, you’ll often find certain students dominate the conversation, or ask the teacher endless questions!
LanguaTalk offers a more convenient and effective alternative: 1-on-1 online Japanese classes with experienced native tutors. You won’t find these tutors available for face-to-face Japanese lessons in San Francisco. LanguaTalk finds the best tutors from around the world. They offer conversational Japanese classes at cheaper rates because they don’t have to travel to you and they often live in countries with a lower cost of living.
Probably you’re thinking: but are online classes really as effective as face-to-face? You can book a no obligation 30-minute trial session (for free with most tutors) and see for yourself. Classes take place via video call, allowing you to communicate with your tutor and share learning materials, as if you were in the same room. And you can book classes for whenever it suits you.
Below, you can filter to tutors who have availability that fits with your San Francisco time zone. Then watch videos, check reviews, and book a trial session.
If you have questions, you can click the 'Help' button in the bottom right. There, you’ll find answers to every question imaginable, and the option of contacting our support team.
Eriko K
Eriko K
Since 2015, I have taught over 5000 lessons online. Start speaking Japanese today!
Learn Japanese faster with Eriko! Speak from day one and boost your confidence with my fun, interactive classes. No boring grammar lectures—just dynamic lessons that get you talking and thinking in Japanese. Ready to transform your Japanese skills?
【Who is my Course for?】
My lessons are based on the method for people who want to improve their conversational skills quickly or need to build confidence in speaking, such as beginners or intermediate learners.
【How does my Course Work?】
My teaching method is a direct and structured approach to learning Japanese.
It is designed to help you improve your listening, speaking, and pronunciation skills in a fast-paced and interactive way.
Key Features:
1. Uses lots of Pictures
I use pictures when I ask you to create sentences. This allows you to learn Japanese without translating from your native language and makes it easier for you to remember and retain what you have learned.
2. Fast-Paced Question and Answer Sessions
I ask questions rapidly, and you are encouraged to answer quickly without pausing to think too much. This aims to improve fluency and natural reflexes in speaking.
3. Constant Repetition
The method emphasizes repeated exposure to vocabulary and grammar, ensuring that you internalize new language patterns.
4. Minimal Translation
Lessons are conducted entirely in the target language, with little to no translation into your native language. This helps immerse you in the language.
5. Correction on the Spot
I immediately correct errors to help you improve accuracy in pronunciation and grammar.
6. Homework
There is also homework (reading, writing and listening - not obligatory) to review what you have learned. So you can achieve precise communication skills with a good balance between speaking, reading, writing and listening.
*I send you corrections after the lesson.
*All material is supplied free of charge.
☆Textbooks: The ❝Minna no Nihongo❞ book series (Shokyuu I & II and Chuukyuu I).
Let's get started!!!
See Reviews From Students
►
Aki M
Aki M
Creative Japanese Tutor - every lesson will be unique, fun and practical! 😀
Hi I'm Aki, an experienced Japanese teacher.
I've been tutoring students in the United Kingdom for almost a decade. I taught a variety of students: e.g. young children (primary school), teenagers (GCSE /A-level), university students, and adults up to over 60 years old. Most of them are beginners or intermediate-level learners.
Let me describe my teaching style with 3 key points:
1) TEACHING MATERIALS: I mainly use my original teaching materials which are full of visual-focused explanations and custom illustrations. I believe every lesson should be customised to some extend, because of the many different types of students (visual learners, auditory learners, and kinesthetic learners) and their unique objectives. I use my own materials in a different way depending on the students, and use other materials such as textbooks (e.g. exam book) and websites (e.g. news, culture) when required.
2) SPEAKING TIME: I pay attention to the balance of my speaking time and students' speaking time, because it's very important for the students to apply what they have learned to real situations. In this way, I try to make my lesson more interactive than just straight forward tutoring. I make situations where they can talk without hesitation. For example, I choose topics that are interesting and/or familiar to them.
3) FOLLOW-UP: I give them feedback and/or assignments after lessons so that they can review the lessons properly and ask questions if they have any. Also I give advice when a student gets stuck on learning a particular aspect of Japanese, because I had similar experiences when learning English.
Thus, I am committed to providing professional but fun Japanese language lessons in my own way!
*I currently teach private students online in the United Kingdom. I have previously worked as a Japanese teacher assistant in Sand Lake Elementary School in Alaska, USA. I successfully completed the CELTA course and have earned several teaching certificates.
See Reviews From Students
►
Kanako S
Kanako S
Study with a native Japanese tutor | 9 years of experience
Hello everyone! Thanks for visiting my profile page :)
Are you interested in Japanese Culture? Would you like to start learning a new language? Let's get started!!
【About myself】
I have lived in Canada for about 10 years and I have taught Japanese as a private tutor for about 9 years. It's been a pleasure to meet people from all over the world, study Japanese together, and share Japanese culture.
【How do we study?】
I use a method called "Active learning". You need to study and prepare before the lesson in order to be involved in the learning process actively. In that way, you can learn the language effectively. I have been learning English for over 15 years, and all I can say is the key to success is repetition and being continuous!
【Would it be possible to speak Japanese fluently?】
Many people ask me how long will it take to speak Japanese fluently. My answer is it depends on you. If you engage with Japanese more time every day, you will acquire it faster. There are many ways to engage with your learning language. It might be like watching your favorite Japanese shows or writing a diary every day in Japanese, and so on. Find a fun way to learn Japanese with me!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I accept all levels of students so if you're a beginner, I will teach you from your level of comfort.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me at the trial lesson!
See Reviews From Students
►
Arisa A
Arisa A
Japanese coach for all levels! Japanese/ English native
Do you want to…
🏯 Start learning Japanese but not sure where to start?
🍜 Practice speaking Japanese with a Japanese native / a English speaker who can correct your errors and explain?
🎑Learn Japanese in a relax atmosphere 1 : 1?
If you want to improve your conversation skills in standard Japanese and be more confident to talk to people in Japan, I am happy to help :) I am flexible with my teaching style so please let me know your preference and your needs.
✅Conversation
✅Basic - advance grammar
✅Reading
✅Anything you need a help with
(a bit about myself)
I was born and raised in Tokyo and currently studying in the UK for my degree after studying in high school and university in Tokyo. I was a member of a broadcast club and practiced to be a news reporter in Tokyo. I am passionate about Art and Japanese culture. I also love to cook and bake Japanese food.
See Reviews From Students
►
Saki D
Saki D
Professional Japanese teacher with over 3000 lessons of experience teaching online!
Hi, there! Olá! I'm Saki.
I'm a native Japanese speaker from Okayama-ken, Japan.
Currently I live in Brazil. I speak Japanese, English (intermediate) and Portuguese (intermediate).
Working as Japanese teacher over 7 years online and offline, I have experience of teaching Japanese for students of various age (3-80 years-old) and level from all over the world who have different objectives to learn Japanese. Not only in language school or online platform, I also helped foreign kids who live in Japan to learn Japanese at elementary school in Japan.
I always try to make the best lesson for each student. I customize lessons and adjust speaking speed and homework. And not only I teach Japanese language, but also Japanese culture too!
In all lessons (except lesson for kids) includes a note for new grammar/vocabulary or mistakes, short feedback / comment (would be small reading exercise) and quick review of previous lesson at the beginning or end of the lesson. I share all of them with you on Google document.Here is specific lesson type, but of course, we can talk about our lesson plan!
Here are specific lesson types.
Free talk (Conversation)
Minna no Nihongo Shokyu / Genki
Beginners to learn vocabulary and grammar. I use PowerPoint so you can see and hear what I'll be teaching.
Customized lesson (JLPT, Travel, Kids, Marugoto, Music, etc.)
Materials or anything that we use /talk in class will be shared on Google document, so you can access anytime.
Picture description (Intermediate~)
We use pictures to try to make any sentences and to expand your vocabulary!
Video+Grammar+Vocabulary+Conversation (Intermediate~)
With prepared materials, you can can real Japanese!
I cannot put all explanation about the lessons because this space is limited.
I hope to see you in lesson :) またね！
See Reviews From Students
►
Saori T
Saori T
Friendly Japanese tutor, experienced with students of all ages & levels
About me
Hello I'm Saori. Nice to meet you! I am from Tokyo. but I've been living in Canada for about 4 years. After graduating from my university I moved to SK in Canada, and lately moved to BC in Canada.
Teaching experience
I have 4 years of teaching experience online, and taught at a Japanese Sunday school in Canada. Over 4 years I have taught people who are complete beginner, intermediate, advanced, from the ages of 5 to 80 from many different countries such as Canada, America, China, England, France, Italy and South Korea etc.
I am very patient, friendly and cheerful. My teaching strategy focuses on making students feel comfortable during my lessons, I want you to feel okay when you make a mistake. Making mistakes is an important step to improve language skills.
About my lessons
Depending on students' individual needs, I can give a strict, structured lesson or a relaxed, conversational lesson. If you are a beginner student, I can always use English to teach. If you want me to only Japanese to teach, I’ll speak only Japanese to you. If you are not sure your level or what part you need to improve, I can find out what you should do to improve your skills. I am very flexible, and respect student’s opinions. If my teaching pace is too fast or too slow, please don’t hesitate to tell me, I can always change the speed as well. I’ll provide homework or a test if it’s needed.
See Reviews From Students
►
Ayumi O
Ayumi O
A personalized and fun lesson with 8 years of teaching language experience tutor!
Hi there, I'm Ayumi.
✔My lesson is perfectly suited for the type of student below!
【If you are a...】
・Absolute beginner
・Student who wants to study/work/live in Japan in the future
・Foreigner living in Japan
・Student who wants to pass JLPT N5～N3
・Student who wants to talk/practice speaking in Japanese
【Lesson style】
・conversation
・Textbook → I use the Japanese textbook ”Genki げんきⅠand Ⅱ(3rd edition)”
You can tell me if you have something specific that you want to learn!
【Japanese Level】
beginner-Intermediate
【Age】
Over 12 years old
✔about me
I am a native Japanese speaker and currently living in Japan. I've been teaching Japanese kids English since 2016 so I know well about teaching languages.
Learning the differences between Japanese and English makes your Japanese learning easier. I'll teach you about all this as well!
When we learn languages we need to know many things such as correct pronunciation, vocabulary, sentence structure, and more.
Something you need to know is that learning Japanese takes time and persistence -but don't worry!
I'll try to make your Japanese learning fun! I'm a friendly and easygoing person so you can just relax and enjoy the lesson!
I like traveling(I've been to over 15 countries!), watching movies, cooking and more so ask me in the lesson and tell me your interests too!
Now I live in Argentina!
✔In the first lesson
Tell me your goal or the things you want to learn/improve.
●We make plans together to achieve your goal.
● If you are not sure what to do to improve your Japanese, I can give you some advice.
Hope to see you in my lesson!
※I'm sorry but the lesson time will be 50 minutes or 25 minutes so that I won't be late for the next lesson.
I'll open my calendar a month before.
Thank you and see you soon!
►
Yuki M
Yuki M
Native Japanese Tutor with MA Language Pedagogy(Japanese)
Hello,
My name is Yuki. I have a MA in language teaching and I have been engaged in education for about 7 years . I myself learned a few foreign languages and understand it takes patience.
Each learner has a different goal and a personal preference. First, I would like to know what you have already learned and your goal. You can also tell me what you would like to focus on and what you think is difficult. Then, I can design lessons for you.
For example:-
1, You already are an intermediate-level student in a group language course but want to have more conversational practices.
- Set a situation or a topic (real life settings, social topics, etc)
- You communicate using your existing knowledge
- I present phrases and vocabulary for effective communication
- Practice
2, You are a beginner and want to build up all sorts of skills
- Start with basic greetings and phrases
- Familiarize you with Japanese sound structure and pronunciation, and also its writing system
- Build up grammar
- Listen to Japanese language in real life (because listening to controlled conversations can be done by using CDs and scripts.)
(I often use "Japanese for Busy People", which is a very useful book in a lot of different aspects.)
These are just examples, and of course, feel free to book a trial lesson to see if I am a right tutor for you.
Yuki
See Reviews From Students
►
Frequently Asked Questions
How does participating in a Japanese class via video call differ from attending a Japanese class in person in San Francisco?
Many students initially have reservations about participating in online Japanese classes, thinking the experience will be vastly different from in-person classes. However, they often discover that online classes can be just as engaging and effective. In an online Japanese class, you’ll interact with your teacher and classmates as if you were all in the same room. The teacher may share resources (like articles or videos) and will collaborate with you in real-time using tools like Google Docs or Dropbox Paper, ensuring an interactive learning environment. The biggest benefit is convenience: there is no need to travel, and you can book lessons for when it suits you.
Do any of the teachers on LanguaTalk also offer in-person conversational Japanese classes in San Francisco?
While some teachers on LanguaTalk may offer in-person conversational classes in their local area, the majority specialize in online teaching. This approach is more convenient for them, allowing flexibility and the comfort of working from home. Most teachers are not based in San Francisco and are spread across the globe, so if you're looking for a class with LanguaTalk, you should anticipate an online learning experience.
Are Japanese lessons in San Francisco more expensive than learning online?
Whilst not always the case, Japanese classes in San Francisco are typically more expensive than online learning options. This is due to the costs associated with using a classroom, as well as travel time and expenses for teachers. Online classes, on the other hand, eliminate these overheads. Additionally, online instructors often live in countries with lower living costs, which can further reduce the price of online classes.
What's the best way to find conversational Japanese classes near me in San Francisco?
If you prefer in-person learning over online classes, LanguaTalk might not be the best fit for your needs. For local classes, you can search through community boards or local service listing websites. However, we encourage you to explore the convenience and effectiveness of online classes. You can start with a free trial session to experience the benefits first-hand, such as access to a broader range of experienced teachers and potentially lower costs.
Lessons are taught 1-on-1 so that you receive your tutor’s full attention and can make fast progress. Communicating via video call, you’ll be able to talk to your tutor and share learning materials as if you were in the same room.
The tutors vary in terms of their teaching methods, resources, experiences, and personalities. So we suggest you look at several profiles to choose the best tutor for you. Whichever Japanese tutor you pick, they'll aim to tailor the lessons to your individual needs.
The beauty of taking lessons online is that you can learn anytime, anywhere. When you choose a tutor, just check their calendar to make sure that they have available times that fit your schedule. Some tutor have limited availability as they already have a lot of students.
The vast majority of students take 55-minute lessons. But some tutors also provide the option of 30-minute lessons. If they do, you’ll see this noted on their profile (below their pricing and above the ‘Buy Lessons’ button).
55-minute lessons are recommended for most students. In general, we only suggest considering 30-minute lessons if they’re for your child, or you have an intermediate level and only want conversation practice.
New to LanguaTalk? We'll give you a credit for a free trial session. Many, but not all, tutor offer these for free. If they do not, the price will be just 30 percent of their full lesson price, so you can still try a session at minimal cost.
Trial sessions last 30 minutes. They allow you to assess whether the tutor is a good fit for you, and get a feel for learning online. The tutor will assess your level and aim to understand your needs and interests so that they can customise any lessons you decide to take. You'll be encouraged to speak in Japanese as much as possible, but of course you can speak in English too!
If, after your trial session, you don't feel that the tutor is quite right for you, you can book a trial with another tutor for just 30 percent of their full lesson price.
On LanguaTalk, you can find exceptional tutors for 1-on-1 Japanese lessons tailored to your goals and learning preferences. Here’s how to try it for yourself:
1 - Find your ideal tutor by browsing videos, reviews, pricing and availability.
2 - Book a trial. Many tutors offer a 30-minute trial for free; others charge a discounted price.
3 - Take personalised lessons with your new tutor via video call. Or try someone else.
No card is required to book a free trial session. Please only book if you're considering taking lessons. Pricing varies by tutor and you can use the filter to find someone who fits your budget. You can pay one lesson at a time, or buy in bulk for a discount (open a tutor's profile to see their pricing options).
We’re confident you’ll love learning via LanguaTalk. We're trusted by students all over the world because we're transparent. We ask students to rate each lesson, and we display reviews on tutors’ profiles.
99.8% of lesson ratings are 5 stars. Why? Because unlike other platforms, we accept only the top 10% of tutor applications.
To see our full FAQs or get help from our friendly team, click the 'Help' button in the bottom-right. You can also watch students talking about their experiences learning via LanguaTalk below.