Language Workshop: Japanese for Travelers

This interactive workshop is designed for travelers to Japan who want practical travel tips and essential Japanese expressions. The workshop consists of six sessions, each covering a range of useful travel-related topics, while giving you the chance to practice key phrases in Japanese. You can register for individual sessions or sign up for all six at a discounted rate. No prior knowledge of hiragana, katakana, or kanji is required. See below for detailed descriptions of each session.

Tuition

Per session

Member: $35

Non-member: $40

All Six Sessions

Member: $180

Non-member: $210

Registration Per Session

Part 1: Foundations for Travel and Basic Communication

In this introductory session, participants will learn essential information about Japan such as Japan’s climate, culture and safety, and practical expressions. Topics include multifunctional expressions, basic greetings, and self-introductions in Japanese. Students will also learn how to read common signs written in Romaji (alphabetized Japanese), enabling them to navigate environments where Japanese signage appears in alphabets.

Language lessons: Romaji system, basic greetings, self-introduction, and multifunctional expressions to use in various situations.

Part 2: Preparing for Your Trip

In this session, you’ll get a head start on preparing for your trip to Japan. We’ll help you feel prepared money-wise by practicing basic counting in Japanese, learning about Japanese currency, and understanding how to handle spending during your trip. In addition, we’ll share a checklist of essential travel items and important things to consider before you leave. The goal is to help you feel confident, organized, and ready for your journey.
Language lessons: Counting, Japanese currency, asking for price, and multifunctional expressions to use in various situations.

Part 3: You've Arrived! – Navigating Airports, Transportation, and First Impressions

This session guides you through your first few hours after arriving in Japan, from stepping off the plane to reaching your destination. We’ll cover what to expect at Japanese airports, transportation tips, ordering tickets, and important train and general etiquette to help you feel comfortable as you begin your journey.

Language lessons: Forming basic “X is Y” sentences, using demonstrative pronouns, purchasing tickets, and other helpful travel expressions.

Part 4: Getting Around

In this session, we focus on practical situations you may encounter during your stay in Japan, such as traveling with luggage and what to do if you get lost. Participants will learn useful multifunctional expressions, different ways to say and respond to “thank you,” and essential phrases for asking for directions. This workshop helps you feel more confident navigating everyday challenges while communicating politely and effectively in Japanese.

Language lessons: The different “thank you” s, responding to thank you, asking for directions, and multifunctional expressions (review)

Part 5: Dining in Japan

This session focuses on a topic many travelers consider one of the main highlights of visiting Japan: Japanese food. We’ll explore cultural etiquette around dining, what to expect at a typical restaurant, how to order food, and polite dining behavior. You’ll also learn options for a quick bite and receive tips for finding places to eat. In addition, we will cover how to communicate dietary restrictions or personal preferences politely and clearly.

Language lessons: essential dining phrases, ordering food, politely declining dishes, and a review of multifunctional expressions.

Part 6: Staying in Ryokans/Onsens and Visiting Homes

This session will dive deeper into Japanese culture by exploring etiquette related to staying in Ryokans (traditional inns), visiting Onsens (hot springs), and entering Japanese homes. Understanding these customs will help you navigate social situations with confidence and show respect for local traditions.
Language lessons include: Responding to “thank you,” understanding tipping in Japan, and useful expressions for visiting Japanese homes.

Japanese Language Program Policy

Updated May 13th 2025

General Class/Program Policy

1. All classes will be conducted via Zoom. Attendees must have a device with audio and video capabilities, as well as an internet connection.

2. All Japanese Fundamentals classes and workshops will be recorded, and students will have access to the recording for a limited period.

3. Sharing of any Zoom Meeting information or recorded videos with third parties is not allowed. Students must use their registered names as the usernames when joining each session. Attendance will be taken for each lesson.

4. Classes are designed for students 16 years and older. Please contact the language program manager before registering if the student interested is younger than 16 years.

5. Each class will have a minimum of 5 students & a maximum of 15 students. JASDFW reserves the right to cancel the class if it does not meet the minimum attendance number.

6. For a class that uses a textbook, students will be provided with textbook information to order online on their own. They are expected to have it ready before the first day of class. 7. Occasionally we are required to replace an instructor or change the schedule. While we try to avoid these changes, we reserve the right to make them as needed.

8. Students should check their spam or junk email folders to avoid missing any confirmations or emails from the instructor.

9. Student contact information collected from the registration process may be given to the instructor of the class for teaching and/or emergency purposes.

10. Please keep receipt of tuition payment when registering online.

Lesson Cancellations

11. Lessons will be rescheduled when JASDFW cancels a lesson due to teacher emergencies or other unforeseen and nature related circumstances. A tornado warning in the Dallas area, power outages and loss of internet connections have led to lesson cancellations in the past.

12. If a lesson is canceled, the schedule typically shifts by a week pushing the last day of class later. However, the teacher and students may come to an agreement to meet on another day of the same week or twice in another week.

13. If no students are present in a particular lesson for no apparent reason, the session will not be canceled or rescheduled. The instructor will record the lesson and the recording link will be sent to the students the following day.

Course Cancellation/Refunds

14. If we cancel a course due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, students already registered will be notified via email and receive a full refund.

15. Course cancellations due to low enrollments will be determined no later than 3 days before the starting date.

16. Cancellation Refunds:

• Cancellations made at least 7 days before a class starting date will receive a 100% refund.

• Cancellations from 7 days to 1 day (24 hours) before a class starts will receive a 75 % refund.

• Refunds will not be granted for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start of a class. After that, tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable.

• Please email the language program manager to request tuition refunds.

• Notwithstanding the above policy, JASDFW reserves the right to grant refunds contrary to this policy on a case-by-case basis.

Certification

17. Students may request a certificate of completion by emailing to the language program manager at the end of each term. To qualify for a certificate of completion, students need to attend 6 or more live sessions and complete at least 6 assignments during the session.

18. Completing our classes is different from passing the Japan Language Proficiency Test or any other test of Japanese skills.

Class Recording and Copyright Policy

19.

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