Online Japanese lessons
Online Japanese Tutor
Learn Japanese via live 1-on-1 video lessons with expert tutors. JLPT prep from N5 to N1, hiragana and katakana basics, and anime or manga discussion classes — all online, all on your schedule.
Why learn Japanese online with Unox?
Flexible scheduling
Book morning sessions in Tokyo time or evening slots in North America — tutors span every major timezone so your calendar is never the obstacle.
Native & heritage speakers worldwide
Every tutor on Unox is vetted for language proficiency and teaching ability. Most are based in Japan, the US, or Australia, covering the full 24-hour clock.
Session recordings included
Every video lesson is recorded and saved to your library. Review vocabulary drills, pronunciation feedback, and grammar explanations on your own schedule.
Lesson formats
1-on-1 private lessons
Fully customised to your level and goals — whether that is JLPT N3 grammar, polite keigo forms for a job interview, or casual anime slang.
Small-group classes
Up to 4 learners at the same JLPT level. Lower cost, built-in conversation partners, and a healthy competitive edge to keep study momentum high.
Speaking club
Drop-in 50-minute sessions focused exclusively on speaking. Structured topics — travel, food, pop culture — so every minute is active output.
Intensive JLPT sprint
12 sessions over 4 weeks targeting a specific JLPT level. Covers grammar patterns, vocabulary lists, reading passages, and timed mock tests.
Meet some of our Japanese tutors
All tutors are individually vetted for language fluency and teaching quality.
Yuki M.
Tokyo (JST)
JLPT N1–N3 · Business Japanese
Waseda University, JLPT Instructor · 11 yrs
Haruto S.
Osaka (JST)
Beginners · Hiragana/Katakana · Anime Japanese
Osaka University of Arts, TEFL · 8 yrs
Rina K.
Los Angeles (PST)
Conversational · JLPT N4–N5 · Manga discussion
UCLA Japanese Studies, Heritage Speaker · 6 yrs
100+ Japanese tutors available. Browse all
How it works
Pick your goal
Tell us your current level, target JLPT band, or specific interest — conversation, reading, business, or pop culture. We surface the best-matched tutors.
Book a $1 trial
A 50-minute introductory lesson at a flat $1. No subscription required. If the fit is wrong, try another tutor for free.
Learn live via video
Your tutor uses our built-in whiteboard, flashcard drills, and real-time text input so the lesson is interactive from the first minute.
Track progress & repeat
After each lesson your tutor logs notes, assigns homework, and updates your progress dashboard. Momentum compounds with every session.
Online vs in-person Japanese lessons
Online tuition typically costs 40–60% less than in-person alternatives at equivalent quality.
| Option | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In-person group class (language school) | $40–80 / hr | Fixed schedule, fixed location |
| In-person private tutor (major city) | $60–120 / hr | Travel time, limited availability |
| Unox online group class | From $12 / hr | Any timezone, session recording |
| Unox 1-on-1 online lesson | From $15 / hr | Fully customised, recorded, flexible |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know any Japanese to start?
No. Our absolute beginner track starts with the kana syllabaries — hiragana and katakana — and covers basic greetings, numbers, and sentence structure before introducing any kanji. Most learners read hiragana fluently within the first two to three sessions.
How many lessons does it take to pass JLPT N5?
The JLPT guidelines estimate around 150 hours of study for N5. With two one-hour lessons per week plus independent review, most learners are exam-ready within 4–6 months. Our JLPT sprint programme compresses this with targeted mock tests.
Can I request lessons focused on anime or manga vocabulary?
Yes. Several Unox tutors specialise in casual and informal Japanese as used in anime, manga, and games. This register differs significantly from textbook Japanese, and learning it in context accelerates listening comprehension for entertainment media.
What is the difference between an online lesson and an in-person one?
For Japanese, the main differences are convenience and tutor access. Online removes travel and opens up tutors based in Japan itself — native speakers who understand regional dialects and cultural nuance firsthand. The whiteboard and screen-share tools replicate the classroom whiteboard experience.
Can I switch tutors if the first one is not the right fit?
Absolutely. After your trial lesson you can browse and book any other tutor. If your trial session did not feel productive, contact support and we will arrange a replacement trial at no charge.
Ready to start your first online Japanese lesson?
Book a $1 trial with any tutor — no commitment, no subscription. Find your fit and start making progress today.
Book your $1 trial lesson