Seasonal Highlights in Tokyo: Winter Wonders

Winter in Tokyo is a season of enchantment, where the city transforms into a dazzling wonderland of lights, festivities, and cozy traditions. From sparkling illuminations that brighten up the long nights to the comforting warmth of seasonal delicacies, Tokyo offers an unforgettable mix of modern vibrancy and timeless cultural charm. Whether you’re strolling through a Christmas market, indulging in a steaming bowl of oden, or soaking in the tranquility of a snow-dusted shrine, there’s no shortage of magical experiences to embrace during the colder months. As the New Year approaches, the city’s energy shifts into celebration and renewal. Festive events and rituals offer unique glimpses into Japanese customs, from traditional […]

Tokyo on a Budget: How to Save Money in Japan’s Most Expensive City

Tokyo is often thought of as one of the most expensive cities in the world, but experiencing its vibrant culture, delicious food, and unique attractions doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Beneath the city’s glitzy exterior lies a wealth of affordable and even free experiences waiting to be discovered. From budget-friendly dining options to inexpensive transportation and free activities, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Tokyo without overspending. Whether you’re a resident, traveler, or long-term expat, knowing a few money-saving tips can make exploring the city much more enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll uncover practical strategies for living and experiencing Tokyo on a budget, helping you get the most […]

Learn Everyday Japanese Through a 1-Month Intensive Course

Why Learning Practical Japanese Matters Living in Japan offers countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the language, but tackling everyday situations—like reading a menu or asking for help—can still feel intimidating without the right skills. Whether you’re navigating a bustling café, shopping in a local market, or managing daily errands, speaking confidently in Japanese opens doors to richer, more meaningful experiences. That’s why mastering practical, everyday Japanese is essential for expats and professionals looking to connect more deeply with their surroundings. Our 1-Month Intensive “Level-Up” Course at Toranomon Language School is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. In just four weeks, we help learners build […]

5 Essential Tips For Your First Time in Japan

Visiting Japan for the first time is an unforgettable experience. From the dazzling neon lights of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, Japan offers a fascinating blend of modern innovation and rich traditions. However, navigating this unique cultural landscape can feel daunting for first-time visitors, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the language or customs. Whether you’re drawn to Japan for its history, food, or technology, a little preparation can go a long way in making your trip smoother and more enjoyable. To help you make the most of your journey, we’ve compiled five essential tips for your first visit to Japan. These practical insights will not only help you […]

Living life in Japan

Our students’ interests are always our first priority Our new blog series “Living life in Japan” is targeted towards people who just recently moved to Japan, or those already living in Japan with the same interests. Today, we are going to tell you how learning Japanese can be easier when you approach in a way proven effective scientifically. Here at Toranomon Language School we believe that learning a language should be an engaging and personal experience. We have an approach that is centered around customizing lessons to align with our students’ interests. When you enroll with us, we take the time to understand your unique interests and goals. Then we […]

Preparing your child for a new school year in Japan

Starting a new school year in a different country can be both scary and exciting, especially for children who are adjusting to a new culture and language. As a parent, there are several helpful ways to ensure your child transitions smoothly into their new school environment in Japan. Understanding the Japanese School System Familiarizing yourself with the Japanese school system is definitely beneficial. In Japan, the school year typically starts in April and ends in March and is divided into three terms. Summer break is in August, winter break is around the New Year and there is a spring break in March. The schools are divided into elementary, junior high […]

Develop a growth mindset to master a new language

A growth mindset is the belief people have that abilities as well as intelligence can be formed through dedication and hard work. It is staying resilient even in difficult times and continuing to push forward. Want to learn how to cultivate a growth mind for your professional and personal? Here is how! Learn to embrace challenges Challenges are growth opportunities in disguise. Rather than avoiding conflicts, allow yourself to tackle themselves head on. You will learn that each challenge you face will help you develop new skills. Nothing can improve if you stay in your comfort zone. When you approach challenging tasks, take it one step at a time. Trying […]

Join us on today’s “Walk and Learn” at the TEPIA Advanced Technology Gallery!

Toranomon Language School’s “Walk and Learn” continued today (July 12th) at the TEPIA Advanced Technology Gallery! We took five of our students on an interactive field trip today at this 8-story office and TV studio here in Tokyo. Tepia showcases technologies aimed at solving problems in each theme, as well as technologies that aim for the coexistence of humans and nature. They provide hands on activities and experiences to help students get involved in science and technology. It provides a perfect environment to explore new elements of learning Japanese! To get to our destination, we took the train! This allows kids to navigate the city and teaches them about real-world experiences. They walked […]

Best cafes to work remotely

For many people, working remote means working from home, but this does not have to be the case. Let us give you a brief description of best cafes in Tokyo to work in for a nice, new change of scenery. Coffee Valley, Ikebukuro This two-story coffee shop is a great place to set your laptop down and dive into your work. With its minimalist atmosphere, this cozy shop it located about five minutes from Ikebukuro station. Weekdays seem to be fairly slow while the weekends get much more packed. Caffice, Shinjuku Caffice is a great spot in Tokyo, centrally located in Shinjuku which makes it an easy spot to stop […]

How to remain connected to home as an expat

As an expat, you may feel perfectly content in your new home, but it is normal to miss certain aspects of where you are originally from. There are ways to bridge that gap and stay connected to the customs or people you may be missing! Eat foods from home There will be times where you may miss the flavors you grew up with whether it is something spicy or sweet. No matter where you are, most types of cuisine can be found in all parts of the world, so try and track down a restaurant that you feel will bring you comfort. If you are on a budget or cannot […]