Private Japanese Lessons

Your Goals, Your Pace: 1-on-1 Japanese Classes

Finding the right Japanese language school in Osaka or Kyoto can be overwhelming. Most schools put you in a crowded room with a dozen other students and a rigid textbook, whether it fits your life or not.

Whether you are a professional needing business Japanese, a student preparing for exams, or a traveler wanting to unlock deeper conversations, our 1-on-1 Private Classes provide the dedicated, personal attention you need. You choose the intensity, and we build the lessons around your specific goals.

Our Approach

At OEH, we’ve spent 60 years doing things differently. We believe the fastest way to fluency is to have a teacher focus entirely on you.

Our private Japanese classes are exactly that: just you and a teacher, talking about the things that actually matter to your life in Japan. Whether you’re trying to pass the JLPT, need to use Japanese for business, or just want to have a real conversation with your neighbors in Hirakata, we build the lessons around your specific goals.

Your Teacher

Experienced Japanese instructors, 1-on-1.

Location

Our friendly community house in Hirakata (20 mins from Osaka/Kyoto).

Start Date

We’re flexible—start whenever you're ready.

Who this course is for

We don’t believe in “one size fits all.” Most of our students come to us because they have a specific goal they want to hit. You’ll find these lessons helpful if:

You’re prepping for exams

Whether it’s the JLPT (N5 to N1) or a university test, we’ll help you master the tricky grammar and kanji that textbooks often make more complicated than they need to be.

You’re working in Japan

If you need to handle meetings, write professional emails, or just navigate the office culture in Osaka or Kyoto, we’ll practice the specific Japanese you actually use at work.

You’ve just moved to Hirakata

If you’re a new resident, we can help with the practical "day one" stuff—like handling paperwork at the city office or just being able to chat with your neighbors.

You’re a traveler who wants to go deeper

If you’re tired of just pointing at menus, we’ll give you the confidence to have real conversations while you explore the Kansai region.

Choose your Language Learning Journey

There is no set schedule. You choose how much time you want to spend in the language each day:

Light Course Program

2 Hours / Day

Perfect for those who want to balance study with exploring the Kansai region and practicing.

Steady Progress

4 Hours / Day

Our most popular choice. It’s the perfect balance of deep grammar study and afternoon exploration.

Immersion Program

6 Hours / Day

The fastest way to gain confidence. You’ll spend your entire day “soaking” in Japanese to see results quickly.

Flexible Pricing

We want to make long-term study as affordable as possible. To keep things simple, we count our lessons in 1-hour blocks. The more hours you book, the lower your hourly rate becomes.

private japanese lessons pricing

What does this look like in real life?

If you’re serious about improving fast and decide to study 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, here is how it breaks down:

  • In one week: You’ll complete 20 hours of 1-on-1 study.

  • In one month (4 weeks): You’ll complete 80 hours in total.

A Typical Month: For 80 hours of private, 1-on-1 lessons, the total would be ¥360,000 (+ tax).

We’re always happy to sit down with you, look at your goals, and help you map out a schedule that fits both your life and your budget.

Ready to start learning?

If you’re not sure where to start, come by for a tour. We can have a quick chat about your Japanese level and find the right path for you.

Come Learn Japanese in Hirakata!

Hirakata offers a quieter, more authentic environment than central Osaka or Kyoto, while still being easily connected to both cities.

Learning Japanese here allows you to:

Practice language in real local settings

Experience everyday Japanese life

Take affordable and fun lessons

FAQs – Private Japanese Classes at OEH

When can I start?

We don’t have fixed semesters or rigid "start dates." Since these are private lessons, you can start whenever you’re ready. Just give us a few days' notice so we can get your teacher and materials settled.

Can I come by for a "test drive" before I commit?

Definitely. We’re a community house, not a faceless office, so we want you to feel at home here first. You’re more than welcome to drop by our Hirakata house, meet Mr. Watanabe, and see the study spaces for yourself. We can also set up a trial lesson so you can see exactly how the 1-on-1 rhythm feels. No high-pressure sales pitches—just a chance for us to meet and see if we’re the right fit for your goals.

I’m a total beginner. Is that okay?

Absolutely. In fact, 1-on-1 is the best way to start because you don’t have to worry about keeping up with a group or feeling "behind." We’ll start with the basics at a pace that actually feels comfortable for you.

Do I need to buy my own textbooks?

No need to go shopping. We provide the study materials based on what you want to learn. However, if you already have a specific textbook you’re working through (like Genki or Minna no Nihongo), we are more than happy to use that with you.

Can I change my schedule once I start?

We know life happens. If you find that "4 hours a day" is a bit too much, or if you decide you want to ramp up to a faster rhythm, just talk to us. We’re a small community, so we’re much more flexible than a big corporate school in Osaka or Kyoto.

Where exactly are the classes held?

Right here at OEH in Hirakata. We use our quiet community spaces so you can study in a relaxed, home-like environment.

Can I stay at the guesthouse while I study?

Yes! Many of our private students choose to live right here at OEH. It’s actually the best way to learn, because you can walk out of your lesson and immediately practice what you just learned with the Japanese locals living in the house.

How do I pay?

Most students pay via bank transfer or cash at the house. We’ll sit down with you before you start to confirm your hours and make sure the total is clear and transparent.