Are you searching for the best place to learn Japanese in Vancouver, Canada? Do you have a strong desire to work in a Japanese company where fluency in Japanese is a requirement? If so, we can help you address these concerns. We have compiled a list of the top eight reliable and affordable places to learn Japanese in Vancouver, Canada.
You can choose from a variety of flexible and intensive classes based on your personal needs.
In addition, these eight places have extensive experience in offering Japanese language programs and have been certified by local institutions for their excellent programs. It is highly recommended that you consider these top eight places if you want to learn Japanese well.
In addition, we can provide you with information on how to find a native Japanese teacher in Vancouver, Canada. Learning Japanese with a native speaker can offer more intensive instruction, a flexible schedule, and a personalized learning experience.
If this is what you are looking for as well, our next tips can help you find the best way and place to learn Japanese in Vancouver. All the information you need is here and we are ready to get started!
Anyway, if you are also searching for the best place to learn Japanese in other Canadian cities, please refer to our reading recommendations below, which are tailored specifically for you!
Read also:
4 Greatest Places to Learn Japanese in Calgary, Canada
5 Best Places to Learn Japanese in Toronto, Canada
JLPT in Canada: Everything You Need to Know
Contents
About Vancouver, Canada
The City of Vancouver, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, is the most populous province in the region with a population of 2.6 million in the Vancouver metropolitan area (2021). It is also the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada and the fourth-largest in North America.
In terms of ethnicity, Vancouver is also the most ethnically and linguistically diverse city. Although housing prices in Vancouver are among the most expensive in Canada, the city still ranks as one of the most livable cities in Canada and the world.
Vancouver was the agreed-upon name for the city in 1886 through an agreement with the Canadian Pacific Railway. Previously, the city was called Granville, Burrard Inlet. The city has hosted many of the world’s historic international conferences and events.
Geographically, the city is located on the Burrard Peninsula. More precisely, between Burrard Inlet in the north and the Fraser River in the south. Vancouver has a flat and hilly terrain.
Then, being one of the warmest cities in Canada in winter, the climate in Vancouver is among the most comfortable compared to other regions in Canada. The highest temperature in the city usually does not exceed 30°C and the average temperature is 22°C.
8 Most Popular Places to Learn Japanese in Vancouver, Canada
In this part, we would like to introduce to you in depth the 8 best and most reliable places to learn Japanese in Vancouver, Canada. We truly wish that you will find this information valuable. We sincerely wish you to find the best option you’ve been looking for!
1. Yoko Japanese Learning Vancouver (YJLV)
Yoko Japanese Learning Vancouver (YJLV) specializes in having a very effective approach to serving and teaching Japanese to people who are very busy. Founded by Ms. Yoko Maruma, who has over 20 years of experience teaching Japanese. She also holds a B.A. Degree from Tokyo Women’s Christian University.
In particular, she majored in Japanese Literature and studied Education. Ms. Yoko has extensive teaching experience in various official and unofficial institutions in Japan and Canada.
Moreover, with the last 3 years of experience, she was appointed to support the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) conducted at Langara College as a supervisor and recruiter supervisor. Please note that the course is available only for 18-year-olds and above at all levels. The followings are the available courses:
| Courses | Details |
| 1. Level 1 to Level 6 | The students will be able to learn the introductory course for beginners to the more challenging grammatical methods as well as Kanji |
| 2. Private Lessons | The students are welcome to learn at their own pace and needs |
| 3. JLPT Preparation Class | The students will be focusing on the lessons to pass the JLPT with the level they want to pass! |
Additionally, the course will be delivered in a hybrid online and offline face-to-face. Case of online classes are limited to 8 students and face-to-face classes are limited to 4 students.
Address: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Recruitment Term: Contact for Details
Number of Instructors: 1
Capacity: 8 (Online) & 4 (On-Site)
2. Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall (VJLS-JH)
The Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall (VJLS-JH) was established in 1906. The school was originally established to serve the growing number of Japanese people living in Canada. This is a non-profit organization.
In addition, the school has a summer camp where students will have a chance to learn Japanese culture through various fun and exciting activities. In winter, students focus on the Japanese language and mathematics. The followings are the available courses:
| Courses | Details |
| 1. Private Lessons | The lesson is available for students from different countries and levels of the Japanese language knowledge |
| 2. Adult Programs | This course suits students who wish to learn Japanese as a second or third language |
| 3. Kinder Class | The course focuses to build the student’s motivation for reading and writing in Japanese |
| 4. Elementary, Junior & Senior High | This course suits children who are fluent in Japanese or children speaking Japanese at home as their first or second language |
| 5. Fundamental | The course is best for anyone who has Japanese as a second or third language for young people |
| 6. JLPT Preparation Course | Best course for anyone who wants to conquer JLPT at all levels! |
Also, there are other programs such as private lessons for anyone who is aiming for a more intensive class as well as the adult program with a higher level of Japanese for 10 weeks. The kinder class, elementary, junior & senior high classes are also available at this school.
Address: 487 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1C6, Canada
Recruitment Term: Contact for Details
Number of Instructors: 11
Capacity: group
3. Japanese Educational Center (JEC 日本語教育センター)
This Japanese education center offers classes for all levels, from teenagers to adults. The school focuses on a conversation with a far from the stuffy approach. Students also learn to write katakana, hiragana, and kanji.
In addition, the school also organizes many social and fun events at the end of the course. In the beginners’ group, you will learn very practical conversations in Japanese. The topics are ranging about how to introduce yourself, greet people, memorize 120 words, and how order food in Japanese in a Japanese restaurant. The textbook used is ‘Japanese for busy people’.
The followings are the available classes:
| Classes | Details |
| 1. Group Lessons for Beginners | You will be able to learn Japanese at the beginner to intermediate level. The topics are ranging from how to do self-introduction, greetings, counting numbers 1-10,000, learning 120 words, how to answer easy questions and how to order in-store or restaurant |
| 2. Private Lesson | 1 hours class per lesson that suit anyone who wishes to learn Japanese at their own particular pace and needs |
As for the private class, the material is almost the same as the beginner class with a fee of 200$ for 8 lessons. You are free to choose the classes that fit your own needs.
Address: 3690 Nanaimo Street, Vancouver V5N 5H1, Canada
Recruitment Term: Annually in April
Number of Instructors: –
Capacity: group or private
4. Japanese for All People
The course was established 19 years ago and has 18 years of teaching experience in Japan and Canada. The school was founded by a local teacher who also holds a teaching certificate from Japan and a certificate in Japanese language teaching from the University of Cambridge.
You will find that the course is taught in a very comfortable and friendly atmosphere. But of course, with a strong focus on promoting the transfer of knowledge between teacher and student.
In addition, the classes vary and are adapted to each student’s level. If you do not know your level, you can consult with the course management free of charge. The followings are the available classes:
| Courses | Details |
| 1. Beginner Level 1-3 | The students will learn basic Japanese grammar, vocabulary, expressions, and Hiragana characters at a higher level of Japanese |
| 2. Intermediate Level 4-5 | The students will learn the equivalent lessons to Japanese language proficiency test N5 |
| 3. Advanced | The students will learn the reading passages to improve reading skills as well as lessons for JLPT N1 and N2 |
| 4. Japanese for Children | The children will learn Hiragana and grasp the Japanese language and culture through games, stories, songs, origami, and related cultural activities |
If you do not have any basis of Japanese, please don’t hesitate to join since the course is available at the beginner level. You also will be able to join a lot of events both in Japan and in Canada by joining this course program.
Address: 888 Kingsway, Vancouver, Canada
Recruitment Term: Contact for Details
Number of Instructors: 1
Capacity: small size or group
5. Ninagawa Japanese Language Center (NJLC)
With more than 10 years of experience and has published its own textbook called “Ganbate“. The Ninagawa Japanese Language Centre (NJLC) is one of the best choices for students who want to learn Japanese for various purposes. The method uses a lot of visual aids. The students aim to support students to grasp the teaching material a lot way easier and faster.
In addition, the teachers at NJLC are native speakers and focus on preparing students for the JLPT exam. The school also has a JLPT exam simulation program to familiarize students who will be taking the test. The followings are the available courses:
| Courses | Details |
| 1. Basic | The students will learn the basics of Japanese to master a total of more than 125 kanji characters and more than 1,000 Japanese words |
| 2. Intermediate | The students will be able to learn a total of more than 380 kanji characters and more than 1,500 Japanese words |
| 3. Advanced | At this level, the students will be able to learn a total of more than 2,000 kanji characters and more than 10,000 words |
With the motto “Happy learning Japanese!”, the school encourages prospective students to be enthusiastic. Courses at this school are not only for conversation skills, but also for grammar, reading, and writing skills.
Furthermore, a unique achievement based on the experience of this school is that students can pass the JLPT test if they have studied (JLPT) level 4 after 100 hours of study, and JLPT level 3 after 72 hours of study with the teachers. This last fact surely is an important consideration for you when choosing or joining a Japanese language course or school. Especially for you who want to pass the JLPT!
Address: 5608 Victoria Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V5P 3W4
Recruitment Term: Always Open
Number of Instructors: 2
Capacity: small size or group
6. Steveston Japanese Language School
The Japanese language school has a long history as a well-known and historic center for Japanese language study. It was established in 1909 and officially opened on February 18, 1911, with Shintaro Takashima as the principal.
The school is located in Steveston (Richmond), which is known as the birthplace of Japanese-Canadian history. The classroom is situated at the Steveston Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. This location is ideal for learning Japanese language and culture for both children and adults.
The school offers a variety of classes and is committed to advancing education, culture, and community through various activities. They actively promote the understanding of Japanese language and culture to all Canadians through educational programs and events.
Address: 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond, B.C., V7E 3A8
Recruitment Term: contact: ngakko@telus.net for details
Number of Instructors: –
Capacity: small size or group
7. Berlitz Vancouver Learning Centre
If you want Japanese language classes that are available both face-to-face and online, consider registering for classes at the Berlitz Vancouver Learning Center.
They offer practical Japanese language materials for business, with intensive and extensive learning options. The focus is on honing your communication skills so that you can fluently carry out Japanese conversations in real life.
In addition, this Japanese language school offers an online community where you can practice Japanese directly.
Address: 1100 Melville Street, Suite 320 Vancouver, BC British Columbia V6E 4A6
Recruitment Term: check the following website for details
Number of Instructors: –
Capacity: small size or group
8. International House Vancouver Modern Languages
If you want to improve your Japanese reading, speaking, and writing skills through online classes, consider registering with International House Vancouver Modern Languages.
They offer a variety of effective classes to help you gradually hone your skills. Even if you have only basic Japanese knowledge, they will accurately assess your skills for free before you begin the class, so you don’t have to worry about choosing the wrong level.
Address: 88 W Pender St #2001, Vancouver, BC V6B 6N8
Recruitment Term: check the following website for details
Number of Instructors: –
Capacity: small size or group with max 10 students
How to Find the Best Japanese Language Tutors in Vancouver, Canada?
So here are our 8 top recommendations for learning Japanese in Vancouver, Canada. Now, for this section, we would like to give you another important option. This particular option will be very convenient for those of you who have limited time.
In addition, you can still get Japanese lessons from native Japanese speakers in Vancouver, Canada. You can also get the best tutors based on the ratings and previous students. The tutors will certainly assist you from the very beginning.
Then, how do you find the best Japanese tutors in Vancouver, Canada? We urge you to visit Preply, Super Prof, Amazing Tutors, and some other sites. We are also more than happy to help you find the best way to learn Japanese. Please always follow the most thorough and reliable information we provide here. We will do our best to give you the best!
And we look forward to being a part of your great journey to master Japanese and pass the highest level JLPT in Vancouver, Canada!
Looking for More Information about Learning Japanese in Vancouver, Canada?
- How many years does it take to learn Japanese fluently?
Experts suggest that it takes 4-6 months to master beginner-level Japanese and at least 3 years to achieve near-native Japanese level accuracy. - Is 3 years enough to learn Japanese?
Experts believe that achieving fluency in Japanese comparable to that of a native speaker takes at least three years. However, the time required depends on your consistent and diligent dedication to learning. The more intensive and longer the duration, the faster you will achieve mastery of Japanese. - How much Japanese can you learn in 3 months?
In three months, you can become proficient in beginner-level Japanese, including hiragana, katakana, basic grammar and vocabulary, and simple topics related to everyday life. - Where should I start if I want to learn Japanese?
To begin learning Japanese, start by learning hiragana. Start by learning hiragana, which is the most important foundation for learning kanji and reading simple Japanese texts to increase your vocabulary. - Is 4 years enough to learn Japanese?
According to experts, it takes at least 3 years to reach a level of fluency in Japanese that approaches that of native speakers. However, the amount of time you can dedicate to learning Japanese each day will greatly affect your progress. If you can consistently dedicate 1-2 hours to studying Japanese, then 4 years is certainly enough time to achieve fluency. - Should I learn katakana or hiragana first?
Start by learning and mastering hiragana. Hiragana is more numerous and frequently used than katakana. You will need it to learn kanji and to read Japanese vocabulary and sentences. Katakana is mainly used for foreign loan words and certain difficult words. - Is hiragana enough to read Japanese?
For reading material aimed at preschool children in Japanese, hiragana is usually sufficient. However, for older readers, katakana and kanji are necessary for more complex texts. - Can I learn Japanese by myself?
Yes, you can use various learning resources such as: 10 Best Ways to How to Learn Japanese Online for FREE and Top 10 Free Apps for Japanese Learning. - Can I learn hiragana and katakana in a week?
There are 46 hiragana and 46 katakana characters in total. To effectively learn and master them, it is recommended to focus on 15 hiragana characters per day. By doing so, you can master both sets in just one week. - Is it better to learn Japanese before going to Japan?
If you have a basic understanding of Japanese, you will be better equipped to navigate Japanese language situations, especially in urgent scenarios such as reporting lost items or asking for directions.
Conclusion
Last but not least, these are the 8 most popular and reliable places to learn Japanese in Vancouver, Canada that we can highly recommend. In addition, do you have any experience learning Japanese in any of the places we have mentioned above? Please feel free to share your experience below.
| School Name | Courses or Classes |
| 1. Yoko Japanese Learning Vancouver (YJLV) | Level 1 to 6, Private and JLPT Preparation |
| 2. Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall | Private, Adults, Kinder Class, Elementary, Junior & Senior High, Fundamental and JLPT Preparation |
| 3. Japanese Educational Center | Beginner and Private |
| 4. Japanese for All People | Beginner 1-3, Intermediate 4-5, Advanced and Japanese for Children |
| 5. Ninagawa Japanese Language Center | Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced |
| 6. Steveston Japanese Language School | Japanese for Pre-school, Adults for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels |
| 7. Berlitz Vancouver Learning Centre | Japanese for Kids, Adults and Business |
| 8. International House Vancouver Modern Languages | Beginners, Intermediate to Advanced Level |
In the end, we really hope that this information will be a helpful reference for you in finding the best places to learn Japanese in Vancouver, Canada. In addition, if you would like more information about learning Japanese, please feel free to contact us anytime here.
And see you in the near future! Thank you for reading until the end! Have a wonderful day and keep learning Japanese.
