PRIVATE LESSONS 📚
For those at a higher level or who prefer a more tailored experience.
I WLL TAKE YOU FROM "I DON'T SPEAK JAPANESE ..." TO "NIHONGO DEKIMASU!"
It is often said that Japanese is one of the hardest languages in the world. But the truth is, Japanese isn't "hard" — it’s just different.
What you’re missing isn't talent, nor is it the amount of time you’ve invested. It’s simply a clear, reliable roadmap and the right habits to keep you moving forward 💫
I founded Journey to Japan because I want to support your language journey and help you achieve your goals.
Whether you are starting from zero or are an intermediate/advanced learner who feels stuck, I provide support tailored to your specific needs and situation.
Imagine enjoying the process, becoming able to actually use the language, and communicating with Japanese people while gaining a deeper understanding of Japan 🇯🇵
Learning Japanese is not just about the language; it can make your life richer and become one of the most rewarding journeys of your life 🌏 💕
Konnichiwa! - Hello!
My name is Sakina, the founder of Journey to Japan.
I was born and raised in Aichi, Japan.
I have a bachelor’s degree in English, a certificate in Japanese language teaching, and a real estate license.
I have been teaching Japanese for about 8 years to people all over the world, including experience at a language school and universities in the US and Taiwan 🌏
Throughout my career, I have supported over 800 students
in achieving their language goals.
Teaching Japanese is something I truly enjoy and feel confident doing.
I look forward to seeing you and supporting you on your Japanese language journey 🇯🇵 ❤️
👀 WHY CHOOSE PRIVATE LESSONS?
1️⃣ 100% Tailored to You
ー Whether you want to focus on conversation for your next trip, grammar for exams, or business Japanese, every lesson is designed specifically for your needs and pace.
2️⃣ More Speaking Time
ー In a private setting, you are the main character. You get maximum time to practice speaking, which is the fastest way to build your confidence and fluency. Don't worry about making mistakes or asking as many questions as you like!
3️⃣ Personalized Support
ー Beyond just teaching the language, I provide feedback and homework, and adapt to your learning style to ensure you reach your goals effectively. You can ask me anything. Not just about Japanese, but also about Japanese culture, history, travel spots, or current trends, just like you're chatting with a Japanese friend.
Don't just study hard on your own.
Study smart with a professional 😉✨
💻 LESSON FLOW
1. Take a Trial Lesson
If you’re new here, please start with a trial lesson. We’ll check your current Japanese level and set your learning goals together. Students of all levels are welcome!
2. Start a Lesson
When you decide to continue lessons after a trial, your regular lessons will begin!
3. Review the Lesson
After each lesson, you will review the material and complete your homework
4. Take the Next Lesson
In the next lesson, we will check your homework, have a small talk in Japanese, and then continue from where we left off in the previous lesson.
5. Repeat
Steps 3 and 4 will be repeated until your lesson package is completed
6. Complete the Lesson Package
When you complete your lesson package, see how much you have improved compared to when you first started. You’ll be surprised at how far you’ve come!
📚 LESSON MENU
If you are a new student, please take a Trial Lesson first
25min Light Pack - 4 lessons
USD 115
25min Light Pack - 8 lessons
USD 220
25min Light Pack - 12 lessons
USD 320
50min Standard Pack - 4 lessons
USD 170
50min Standard Pack - 8 lessons
USD 330
50min Standard Pack - 12 lessons
USD 475
75min Intensive Pack - 4 lessons
USD 230
75min Intensive Pack - 8 lessons
USD 440
75min Intensive Pack - 12 lessons
USD 635
🗣️ WHAT MY STUDENTS SAY ...
"My conversation with Sakina sensei are very encouraging!
She create an environment in which I feel totally okay making mistaking like there is no judgement at all. This allows me to just enjoy practicing and trying my best to communicate about various topics.
It's quite fun and motivates me to keep studying.
どうもありがとうございます！"
- Katie ★★★★★
"You'd be hard-pressed to find a Japanese teacher as dedicated and helpful as Sakina sensei. Not only does she create some of the most useful content to teach, but she is kind, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable not just of nihongo, but some many subjects related to Japan. Very generous to her students with her knowledge and a teacher that cares about the language journey.
本当にありがとうさきな先生、次のレッスンが楽しみ！"
- Campbell ★★★★★
"I began my journey learning Japanese alone. I was directionless, and felt like I wasn't going anywhere. Then I found Sakina-san.
As a very shy person myself, I was very nervous and scared of my skills before our live lessons. Since joining her class I've learned so much.
The teaching environment is fun, motivating, and easy to understand.
I have many regrets in my journey learning Japanese but having Sakina-sensei as my teacher has been the best decision I made on the journey:) "
- Meg ★★★★★
" I am a beginner and had never taken a private lesson so I was very nervous before my first with Sakina, but after I feel very motivated to keep learning!
She is really patient and helpful and made me feel a lot less nervous and embarrassed about my skill level. I also appreciate that she has a planned course and various methods to help train whatever skill you need help in.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! :) "
- Alex ★★★★★
"去年の12月からさきな先生の授業を受けています。
ほとんど毎週クラスを受けて、だんだん日本語が上手になってきています。
それはさきな先生のおかげですね。さきな先生のレッスンでは友達みたいに話せます。日本に来てからもさきな先生は僕をずっと手伝ってくれます。
さきな先生は最高ですよ！"
- Sammy ★★★★★
"I've done about 10 lessons with Sakina. She's good at explaining, she's patient and she gives me instant relevant feedback all the time. She easily adjusts lessons based on my needs and my understanding. Japanese is really tough to master and it's hard work - so it's also important that lessons are fun. And these lessons are definitely fun as well. It's a good mix between learning Japanese, getting insights about Japanese culture and having a few laughs here and there. Highly recommended!"
- Mats ★★★★★
ONLINE COURSES
If you are an absolute beginner and want to build a solid foundation, I recommend these courses with live lessons.
💭 FAQ
❓ I’m not sure which plan is right for me.
💬 Don't worry! Take a Trial Lesson first and during this session, I will assess your level and goals to suggest the best plan for you.
❓ Can I start even if I don’t know any Japanese?
💬 Absolutely! All levels are welcome. For beginners, I also offer an online course that includes private lessons at a more affordable rate.
❓ How often should I take lessons?
💬 It depends on your lifestyle and goals, but I generally recommend at least once a week at a fixed time. Staying consistent helps you build a learning habit and prevents you from forgetting what you’ve learned.
❓ Do I need to prepare my own textbooks or materials?
💬 No, you don’t need to prepare anything as I will provide all the materials during the lesson. However, if there are specific textbooks or resources that I believe would be helpful for your progress, I will recommend them to you. Still it’s not mandatory to purchase them.
❓ What is the difference between Coaching and private lessons?
💬 The 90-Day Coaching is a high-support program designed for rapid results. It includes 24/7 messaging, daily progress checks, and personalized daily assignments. It is ideal for those who want to reach their goals as fast as possible.
❓Is there an expiration date for lesson packages?
💬 Yes. Packages expire in number of lessons + 4 weeks.
For example, an 8-lesson pack expires in 12 weeks. This ensures consistent learning, but if you need more time due to personal circumstances, please let me know.
❓Are payments in USD?
💬 Yes. However, you can choose to have PayPal or your credit card company convert it to your local currency at checkout.
(Paying in USD is often the most cost-effective option.)
❓ Do I need a PayPal account?
💬 No. You can pay via Credit Card, Apple Pay, or Venmo without an account. If you live in Japan and these options don't work for you, bank transfers are also available upon request.
❓What if I need to cancel or if I miss a lesson?
💬 You can reschedule for free if you notify me at least 6 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 6 hours before or "noshows" will result in the lesson being forfeited.
If you do not show up within the first half of the scheduled lesson time without any prior notice, the lesson will be considered "finished" and will be forfeited.
❓Can I get a refund?
💬 As a general rule, refunds are not provided unless I am no longer able to conduct the lessons. However, if you need to take a long break from lessons due to personal circumstances, please let me know.
In that case, we can extend the expiration date of your lesson package or discuss a solution that works for both of us.
📚 DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE EBOOK
Not ready to commit to a course or lesson yet? No problem!
Thank you so much for taking the time to explore my website.
As a small gift to show my appreciation, I’d love to offer you a free eBook 📚✨
This eBook includes an 8-step Japanese learning roadmap and
100 useful expressions to help you start speaking naturally and confidently.
And make sure to read until the very end of the eBook,
because there’s a special gift waiting for you 😉🎁