The Personal Path to Japanese

One-on-one lessons with a native Tokyo instructor. Conversational fluency, cultural depth, and a learning path shaped around your life.

  • Your First Lesson
  • Native Japanese Speaker
  • Personalized Curriculum
  • All Levels Welcome
Why Tabiji

A Different Approach to Japanese

No apps. No algorithms. Just thoughtful, human-centered language education built around you.

Flexible Scheduling

Book lessons that fit your life, not the other way around. Any timezone, morning or evening.

Cultural Immersion

Language and culture learned together. Not just textbook grammar, but the context that makes Japanese come alive.

Mie Suzuki — Founder and Lead Instructor at Tabiji Academy
Your Instructor

Meet Mie — Tokyo native, Toronto-based.

Founder & Lead Instructor · BA in Japanese Language & Literature

Born and raised in Tokyo. Mie taught at ISI Japanese Language School before moving to Toronto over a decade ago. She specializes in business Japanese, JLPT preparation, and the kind of conversational fluency that actually shows up on a Tokyo subway platform.

Native Tokyo speaker Decade+ teaching Worldwide students
How It Works

Three Simple Steps

Book Your First Lesson

Choose a time that works for you. A 50-minute private lesson for $55, with a full first-lesson satisfaction guarantee.

Start Learning

Meet your instructor, set your goals, and begin with a personalized lesson plan tailored to your level and interests.

Track Your Progress

Regular progress reviews, lesson notes after every class, and a clear path from beginner to confident speaker.

Your Roadmap

From Zero to Conversational

A structured path with clear milestones — so you always know where you are and what comes next.

Starter · 5 lessons

First Words & Phrases

Lessons 1–5
  • Read all hiragana fluently L1–3
  • Read all katakana fluently L2–4
  • Formal self-introduction (jikoshoukai) L3–5
  • Complete a basic retail transaction L5
Foundation · 10 lessons

Everyday Conversations

Lessons 5–10
  • Describe daily routine using polite form L5–7
  • Full restaurant interaction in Japanese L7–9
  • Recount past experiences naturally L8–10
Builder · 15 lessons

Real-World Fluency

Lessons 10–15
  • Switch between formal and casual registers L10–12
  • Express opinions with supporting reasons L12–14
  • 10-minute unscripted conversation L13–15
  • Read everyday signage with ~100 kanji L14–15
Journey · 25 lessons

Cultural Depth & Nuance

Lessons 15–25
  • 15-minute abstract conversation L15–18
  • Use basic keigo in business scenarios L18–22
  • Follow native media at moderate pace L20–25
Immersion · 35 lessons

Professional Fluency

Lessons 25–35
  • Lead a meeting or presentation in Japanese L25–28
  • Write professional emails with appropriate keigo L28–32
  • Debate topics with nuanced vocabulary L30–35
Mastery · 45 lessons

Advanced Mastery

Lessons 35–45
  • Read native-level articles and essays L35–40
  • Navigate complex social and professional contexts L38–42
  • Understand regional dialects and slang L40–45
Fluency · 55 lessons

Near-Native Confidence

Lessons 45–55
  • Extended unscripted conversation on any topic L45–50
  • Interpret cultural subtext in conversation L48–52
  • Function independently in a Japanese workplace L50–55
Start at Lesson 1

Not Sure Where You Stand?

Our adaptive placement test uses real Japanese questions to find your level. No self-reporting — the difficulty adjusts to you. Get your JLPT estimate, a skill breakdown, and a personalized lesson recommendation.

20 questions Adaptive difficulty Instant results
Take the Level Assessment

Begin Your Japanese Journey Today

Start Your First Lesson
Book Your First Lesson