The real Japan is outside the tourist spots: in small towns and rural villages, where the old culture and traditions still live. We take you there from zero: learn Japanese step by step, join a community, then discover the land and the people who live in it.
The best of Japan is outside the famous spots. It is in the countryside, where the old culture and traditions still live. Here is how you get there with us.
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Step 0 · Start where you are
You love Japan. But you cannot talk to it yet.
You keep coming back, and you want to go deeper. But without Japanese, you cannot really talk with the people you meet, and the best places feel out of reach. That is where we begin.
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Step 3 · Learn
Learn to speak, one step at a time
90 short lessons, from your first hiragana to real conversation. Instant feedback after every step, a teacher you can ask, and a clear path, so you always know what to do next.
Instant feedbackA real teacherLesson 1 is free
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Step 5 · Belong
Join a community that cheers you on
Chat with classmates and with Michi, practise with real people, and meet at the weekly sessions and the monthly events. You are never learning alone.
Class chatWeekly sessionsMonthly events
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Step 8 · Discover
Discover the land behind the sights
Every place comes with its history, its culture and its traditions to learn. Then the spots and routes that local people love: places that are on no feed.
Local people's picks: coming soon
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Step 10 · Arrive
Arrive, speak, and be welcomed
Walk into a small shop and talk with the owner. Hear the story behind the food. And because you joined the community first, there are people in Japan who already know your name.
Picture your next trip
These are the moments we are getting you ready for.
Order at a tiny family restaurant
Read the menu, say what you would like, and hear them say it is a good choice.
Ask the way in a village
No translation app needed. Just a smile, and a few words you really know.
Hear the story of an old temple
From someone who has known it all their life, and tells it in Japanese to you.
Join a local festival
Understand what is happening around you, and join in instead of watching from outside.
Share tea with a shopkeeper
Talk about where you are from, and where you are going next.
Be greeted by name
Because a friend from the community is waiting for you.
Learn the Japanese you actually need to talk with local people.
From your very first hiragana to real conversations, in 90 short lessons. The course focuses on the language you actually need, so you can learn efficiently and feel ready to explore the countryside of Japan and talk with the people you meet.
✏️ Get Instant Feedback
Know exactly what you got right—and what you need to improve.
Question 3 of 10
🐕
Translate: The dog is cute.
Correctは correctly marks いぬ as the topic — nice work.
Complete exercises after every step and get instant grading with clear explanations. Pass each step to unlock the next one.
💬 Community Chat
Say hi, ask questions, and cheer each other on.
Chat with your classmates and with Michi right inside the course. Ask about a lesson, share your progress, and practise what you have learned with real people.
🤝 Tomodachi chat
Use your Japanese with a real person.
Your Japanese partner
Topic of the weekMy favorite foodすきなたべもの
はじめまして!(Nice to meet you!)
はじめまして!わたしはアンナです。
Speaking is the main goal. After lesson 28, Michi chooses a Japanese partner for you, a friendly person in Japan who loves talking with people from other countries. Use what you learned in the lessons with a real person. Have real conversations in Japanese, with a new topic every week. Then you can meet in real life at the community events! Michi reads every chat to keep it safe. Included in every membership.
🎥 Weekly Sessions
Take what you've learned and use it with real people.
After completing the 90 steps, join weekly group classes with other Michi to Japan members and practice speaking together.
🎎 Monthly Culture Meetings
Japanese culture beyond the textbook.
Join a monthly online gathering where we talk about Japanese culture, traditions, food, history, and everyday life. Bring your favorite snack or tea, and let's enjoy the time together.
🌿 Michi POV
See Japan through Michi's eyes.
Every week, Michi shares a slice of life from Japan—covering language, culture, traditions, local trips, and everyday life.
🤖 愛 — Your AI Teacher
Practice Japanese through real conversation.
愛
愛 — your AI teacher
こんにちは!(Hello!) 元気ですか?
元気です!
In special conversation lessons, chat with 愛 to practice what you've learned: introduce yourself, talk about your next trip to Japan, and share what you want to try this year.
🗾 In-Person Japan Experiences
Take your Japanese beyond the screen.
📍 In person
Meet up in the Japanese countryside
Members can join special meetups and experiences in the Japanese countryside and explore places together beyond the typical tourist path.
Swipe to see more →
What students say
★★★★★
"Before joining Michi-san’s 3-month program, I didn’t even know a single Hiragana character. By the end of it, I was speaking Japanese with confidence and reading common Kanji. The progress honestly surprised me (and others I spoke to!). The daily worksheets are clear, structured, and easy-to-follow and what I appreciated most is that it focuses on practical Japanese from day one instead of overwhelming you with grammar and vocab you won’t use for months. That made the language feel alive and accessible right away! Michi-san is also an incredible teacher and person. She’s friendly, patient, and is genuinely invested in your progress. She has a great ability to quickly understand your level and tailor conversations to match it. If you’re serious about speaking Japanese and not just memorizing it, this program is absolutely worth it!"
Akshay-san
Built for exploring the countryside
INAKA — coming soon
Michi to Japan takes you to the true Japan. Our platform helps you discover authentic destinations, experience local culture, and connect with local people before you arrive.
Choose your plan
梅
Ume
Essential
¥5,980/month
Tax included.
90 steps to speak Japanese
Monthly events (online and in person)
Weekly one-hour talk session after you complete the 90 steps
Weekly Michi POV
INAKA feature (coming soon)
Study at your own pace. One step a day takes about 3 months.
Prices include tax. Every plan includes the full 90-step course. Cancel any time: you keep access until the end of the period you paid for. See the Refund Policy.