Japanese Language School in Melbourne for Adults
Established 2013 | Adults Only | Native Teachers | Melbourne + Online
Learn Japanese in Melbourne with Nunawading Japanese School, an established Japanese language school helping adults learn to speak, read and write Japanese since 2013.
Join our Japanese classes at our school in Nunawading or learn live online with our Melbourne-based teachers.
Adult Japanese Classes • Private Lessons • Online Classes
Learn Japanese in Melbourne
At Nunawading Japanese School, we teach Japanese to adult English-speaking learners. Our structured curriculum combines speaking, grammar, reading, writing and listening so you understand how Japanese works and, most importantly, learn how to use it.
Speaking is a major part of every class. Rather than simply memorising vocabulary or completing worksheets, students are encouraged to build sentences, ask questions and communicate in Japanese from the beginning.
Whether you’re learning Japanese for travel, family, work, a future move to Japan or simply because you love the language and culture, we’ll help you build a strong foundation and keep progressing.
Japanese Classes for Adults
We currently run over 80 group classes a week. Due to our course, teaching style and method, our group class environment has become a very popular choice (at our school).
80-minute weekly classes
Small group environment
Beginner to intermediate levels
Strong focus on speaking Japanese
Reading, writing, grammar and conversation
Course materials included
Homework and teacher feedback
Access to the NJS Online Study Portal
Weeknight and Saturday classes
Attend in Nunawading or Online
Posted on Google![]()
Rorza! !Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have been extremely impressed with my experience at Nunawading Japanese School. The school provides a warm, welcoming and fun learning environment, with well-structured classes and a curriculum that is both practical and engaging. What has particularly impressed me is how quickly the knowledge from even the entry-level classes can be applied in a professional setting. In my role, I regularly work with Japanese customers and business partners, and having a basic understanding of the Japanese language, communication style and cultural etiquette has already helped me build stronger relationships and demonstrate a greater level of respect and understanding. These seemingly small efforts can make a significant difference when doing business in Japan. The structured approach to learning has also given me considerably more confidence when travelling to Japan. I am now much more comfortable navigating everyday situations, understanding basic conversations and recognising common words and phrases, rather than feeling lost or confused when surrounded by the language. I have Nunawading Japanese School to thank for this. The teaching is professional, supportive and well-paced, making the learning experience both enjoyable and genuinely useful. I would highly recommend Nunawading Japanese School to anyone looking to learn Japanese, particularly those who want to develop skills that can be applied both personally and professionally. I’m also looking forward to finally watching my Anime without the subtitles 😝Posted on Google![]()
RiverstoneTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Booking a holiday to Japan ten months in advance had me researching the typical tourist spots, but I found myself becoming more connected to the Japanese way of life - Thoughtfulness towards others before ourselves, awareness of how our actions impact those around us, and a deep sense of respect, kindness and consideration. I wanted to visit Japan and not just “take away” amazing tourist stories, I hoped to become a small part of the locals’ lives and return my appreciation in some way. I decided learning a few words might show that I had made an effort, rather than simply turning up “empty handed”. Some believe you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but I was willing to try learning a second language from scratch and now hold a deep sense of gratitude towards every Teacher and Vaughan, at Nunawading Japanese School. Quite apprehensive and a little socially anxious in new situations, it was daunting turning up on day one by myself. However, everything I had been reading about the Japanese way of life, I found right here in a little classroom!!! There was an immediate sense of belonging, comfort, and reassurance that it was absolutely ok that I knew nothing. Four months before my trip, I was excited every week for class. The worksheets are enjoyable - sometimes silly yet incredibly well thought out, providing every building block needed to see improvement quickly. Combined with a helpful online portal supporting the learning material, something I never saw offered anywhere else when looking at enrolment options. The day of my trip, I was only hoping that a few of my words might be understood yet, I found myself having basic conversations entirely in Japanese, made some locals smile and giggle even made friends I’m still in contact with and I’m now returning 5 months after my first trip to see them again!!! There are two Japanese expressions that have become very special to me and I connect everyone at Nunawading Japanese School with - Staff, Classmates, Cleaners alike ; Go-en (ごえん) - The mysterious ties of fate that bring people and meaningful encounters into our lives. Otsukaresama desu (おつかれさまです) - An acknowledgement of someone’s effort and hard work. For me, it recognises the people who supported me through that hard work, and I share the result with them. If learning Japanese has been a passing thought dismissed by doubt, if someone has already made the decision but wondering where to start, or if you just want to try something new and have fun doing it - my honest and highest reccomendation is to every one of these fantastic people. ほんとうにありがとうございました。Posted on Google![]()
Andrew MaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I've been studying at Nunawading Japanese School for the past 10 months, this has been one of the best decisions I've made, and I'm honestly kicking myself for not starting earlier. The teachers are all native Japanese speakers who are incredibly patient, supportive, and genuinely committed to helping their students succeed. The classes are super fun and engaging—in fact, the 80-minute lessons often feel like they're over in just 20 minutes. The time flies because there's always a great mix of learning, conversation, and interaction. The lessons are well-structured, and I've been surprised by how much progress I've made in a relatively short period of time. The friendly and encouraging atmosphere makes it easy to participate and build confidence in speaking Japanese. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to improve your existing skills, I highly recommend Nunawading Japanese School.Posted on Google![]()
Kevin KeiserTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’ve had a fantastic experience learning Japanese at Nunawading Japanese School. The teachers are friendly, patient and genuinely passionate about helping students learn and improve. The lessons are well structured and make Japanese approachable and enjoyable, even when learning more challenging grammar and vocabulary. I particularly like the balance between speaking, listening, reading and practical conversation, and the teachers create a relaxed environment where you feel comfortable having a go and making mistakes. I’ve been able to see real progress in my Japanese and have gained much more confidence using what I’ve learned in conversation. The course materials and exercises are also excellent and give you plenty of opportunities to practise between lessons. I would highly recommend Nunawading Japanese School to anyone wanting to learn Japanese, whether you're a complete beginner or looking to improve your existing skills. ありがとうございます! 🇯🇵Posted on Google![]()
Frank NooneTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Absolutely wonderful place to learn Japanese. The teachers are all patient and helpful and all native Japanese speakers, the classes are fun and welcoming. Couldn’t be happier with my decision to learn Japanese here. My only regret is not starting years agoPosted on Google![]()
Haddie JamesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Easy to sign up and the classes are excelelnt. the staff and teachers are all very helpful, patient and fun to work with :) Would definitly recommend to any one wanting to learn Japanese!
Private Japanese Lessons
Prefer to learn one-to-one?
Our private Japanese lessons follow the same structured NJS curriculum but allow you to learn individually with your teacher.
Private tutoring is available during selected weekday daytime hours and can be attended at our Nunawading school or online.
Online Japanese Classes
You don’t need to live near Nunawading to learn with us.
Our live online students join Japanese classes taught from our Melbourne classrooms by the same teachers who teach onsite.
Online students follow the same curriculum and receive the same learning materials and access to our online study resources.
Students currently learn with Nunawading Japanese School from locations across Australia and overseas.
A Melbourne Japanese School Built for Adult Learners
Nunawading Japanese School was established in Melbourne in 2013.
What started in a tiny classroom has grown into a large community of adult Japanese learners, supported by a dedicated team of Japanese teachers and our own continually developed curriculum.
Today, with over 500+ students actively learn Japanese with our school, both from our classrooms in Nunawading and online.
We understand that adults learn differently from children and university students. Our classes are structured, but relaxed. You’ll learn properly, ask plenty of questions, speak a lot of Japanese and enjoy being part of a community of people who share your interest in Japan.
Learn to Speak, Read and Write Japanese
We don’t teach Japanese as a collection of disconnected phrases. Our students learn how the language fits together. You’ll progressively learn:
Japanese conversation
Grammar and sentence structure
Natural Japanese expressions
Hiragana
Katakana
Kanji
Vocabulary
Listening
Reading
English is used strategically with beginner students so important concepts are clearly understood. As your Japanese improves, more of your class naturally takes place in Japanese.
The goal is simple: understand what you’re learning and be able to use it confidently.
Native Japanese Teachers Based in Melbourne
Our classes are taught by native Japanese teachers who live and teach in Melbourne.
Teaching Japanese to English-speaking adults requires much more than simply being able to speak Japanese. Our teachers work within the same curriculum and teaching system so students receive a consistent learning experience as they progress through the school.
Our teachers bring Japanese language and culture into the classroom while understanding the questions, challenges and humour of Australian students.
The NJS Online Study Portal
Your learning doesn’t stop when class finishes. Enrolled students receive access to our own NJS Online Study Portal, developed to support the exact curriculum taught in class. Study resources include:
Vocabulary flashcards with audio
Teacher videos
Class content summaries
Grammar explanations
Quizzes
Revision activities
Because the portal follows the same curriculum, you have the ability to review and go over content that has been covered in class at home.
More Than Just Japanese Lessons
One of the best parts of learning Japanese at NJS is meeting other people who love Japan.
Students join us for many different reasons. Some are preparing for their first trip to Japan. Others have Japanese partners or family, travel to Japan regularly, work with Japanese companies, plan to live in Japan or simply want to challenge themselves with a new language.
Over time, classmates become friends and the school becomes a genuine Japanese learning community.
We also hold Japanese cultural events and activities throughout the year, giving students opportunities to experience more of Japanese language and culture here in Melbourne.
Why Learn Japanese With Nunawading Japanese School?
Established in Melbourne 2013
More than a decade of experience teaching Japanese to adult learners.
500+ active students
Join one of Melbourne’s large communities of adult Japanese learners.
Native Japanese teachers
Learn from Japanese teachers who live and teach locally in Melbourne.
Our own structured curriculum
Follow a clear learning pathway developed and refined over many years.
Speaking-focused classes
You’ll actively use the Japanese you learn rather than only studying it from a textbook.
Onsite + Online
Learn from our Nunawading classrooms or join live from anywhere in Australia.
Online Study Portal
Continue learning between classes using resources specifically designed around your course.
New to Japanese?
Perfect. Many of our students begin without knowing any Japanese at all.
We’ll start from the beginning and teach you step by step — no previous Japanese knowledge is required.
Already studied Japanese?
If you’ve learnt Japanese previously through another school, university, private tutoring, self-study or apps, complete our level check and we’ll help determine the most suitable place to continue.
Attend Our Japanese School in Nunawading
Nunawading Japanese School
8–10 Wood Street
Nunawading, Melbourne VIC
Japanese classes are available on weekday evenings and Saturdays, with private lessons available during weekday daytime hours. We are strictly appointment only
Weeknights + Saturdays
- Onsite or Online classes
- 80 minute Group classes
- Small classes (6-8 students)
Tues-Fri (1:00pm - 5:30pm Only)
- Onsite or Online tutoring
- 60 minute Tutoring lessons
- Same course, learnt privately
*Contact Management
- Class content support
- Additional to weekly classes
- *Only for current students
日本語教師募集
Nunawading Japanese School is an official Australian Government approved business sponsor for Japanese teachers, allowing them to recruit native speakers from abroad on long-term visas.
