ITO Japanese School London

I really like ITO. These people teach Japanese in a way i've never experienced before in a class room and the way they manage it is amazing. You can't speak English because you're taught to process your thoughts in Japanese, just as if you're learning you first language again. While it has its difficult time, I don't regret and disagree with the method because it simply works. So for serious, passionate learners of Japanese - I recommend this school. If you have doubts about joining because you're not sure if its worth the money(due to bad experiences with another school maybe?) then I would say to you - just join & see for yourself because its worth the money.

Ben 03/05/2011

I've been going to group classes at ITO School for about 2 years. The setup here is very good - students are put in classes according to their ability, which makes the classes quite small and means we are all working at the same level and improving at the same rate. The teachers are very good, and extremely responsive to comments and feedback. Combined with the small class sizes, this means that the lessons can really be tailored to you and your abilities. Whether studying to pass a Japanese Proficiency test or just going to class to improve/maintain my Japanese level, I couldn't do without my 2 classes a week.

Pete 03/05/2011

Although I have only been learning Japanese at ITO for the past 6 months, it has been a lovely experience so far. The lessons are enjoyable as the learning atmosphere is relaxed and friendly ( you always hear the teachers laughing). As the teachers always make it a point to converse purely in Japanese with the students , both inside and outside of the classroom, this truly provides an engaging and immersive experience in learning Japanese. Besides, the small class size also helps make the learning more thorough and personal. So long as you're keen to learn, the teaching as well as the friendly teachers at ITO will definitely help you on your way to mastering the Japanese language!

Joanna 4 May 2011

Best Japanese school in London. 100 out of 100 points. Dedicated and professional teachers tailored-made the course for us based on our level which turned out to be very effective. ITO's unique way to teach - to make you get used to thinking in Japanese(Japanese only in the class) is one of the keys to its popularity and fame.

Jun 05/05/2011

Since I left Japan over 4 years ago, I have found it quite difficult to practice my everyday Japanese and have noticed my skills slowly deteriorating. It was by chance that one of my friends picked up a small flyer for ITO Japanese School, and since then, I have never looked back. The teachers at ITO tailor their classes to each students needs, adjusting their teaching methods to accommodate our learning styles. Not only do they keep us interested, they provide suggestions to alternative learning scenarios inside and out of the classroom. For those curious to find out more about Japanese and those who would like to improve their existing Japanese skills, I would highly recommend ITO.

Miranda 04/05/2011

I learnt about ITO Japanese School through a friend at work who had been making steady progress throughout the course of his studies at the school. Thanks to his introduction, I began my one to one lessons since last October and the experience of learning at the school has been a valuable journey for me. The teachers are excellent! Their teaching techniques and creative use of resources make lessons all the more interesting and motivating. The ITO version of textbooks and workbooks are also made and presented in a uniquely beautiful and user friendly style. I would recommend ITO Japanese School to anyone who is interested in learning Japanese.

Ansai. 05/05/2011

My name is Miki and I'm from China. I started learning Japanese 2.5 years ago at ITO because my best friend is Japanese. I was very impressed by ITO's way of teaching in a "purely Japanese" way. I made a big progress during my years of study and passed my JLPT Grade 4 with 80% last December. Apart from that, my Japanese course along the degree I'm studying is also benefited by ITO a lot. I would strongly recommend ITO to everyone in London who wants to learn Japanese. Believe me, you'll have great fun there. And God bless Japan!

Miki. 05/05/2011

I have been going to ITO Japanese School for a while now and I really enjoy the lessons. I had been to some Japanese lessons previously, but everything was translated from English and we wrote in Romanji. The lessons at ITO are completely in Japanese; I realise I haven’t even heard most of the teachers speak English at all. I much prefer this teaching method. I learn things a lot faster and it helps me think in Japanese. Although it is hard not being able to ask questions in English (especially when I’m tired) the teachers are always very patient, friendly and willing to help. It’s amazing how they manage to explain Japanese words and concepts, in Japanese in an understandable way. I might be moving to Denmark soon and I hope I can find some teachers that can teach in the same way as they do at ITO. More language schools should follow their example. I highly recommend ITO to anyone who wants to learn Japanese.

Kayode (K)　カヨデ 06/05/2011

ITO is a very good place to study Japanese. You are not just studying from the text book here, you are also taught of a lot of useful and practical everyday language and common knowledge, much more than your level required. After I took the JLPT 4 exam (the lowest level from the old syllabus), I managed to travel to Japan and communicated with local Japanese people by using only Japanese without any problem. I like this school and I will continue my study here.　

Yina 07/05/2011

I have been studying at ITO for 7 months now and I am amazed at how fast and easy it is to make progress. With a busy schedule - as anybody else - I worried about being able to cope with homework and evening lessons after long days. But at ITO you will find that you learn almost without noticing it. Thanks to the excellent teaching system lessons are interesting, dynamic and really enjoyable, while homework is very light. I have studied three other languages before Japanese and ITO's system is simply the easiest, most effective and most fun I ever had! The small number of students in each class is ideal for making you feel confident and the teachers are always positive and enthusiastic. I highly recommend ITO to anybody who wants not only to learn Japanese, but also to gain a better understanding of Japanese culture.

Alicia 08/05/11

The difference at ITO is the classic Japanese-style learning environment, the close-knit classes and depth of courses, and the unique enthusiastic teaching method. I have attended two Japanese Language Schools in Japan, and after taking courses at several schools/in London, I can honestly say that only ITO made me feel like I was back studying in Japan again. The many charming decorations and beautiful images help to create a friendly cosy environment as though you’re really in Japan. ITO have a variety of classes from complete beginner up to a very advanced level which is refreshing to know, and the compact class sizes allow for more personal and tailored tutoring. The Japanese speaking only policy enables students to learn in a natural manner and at a faster pace, because it means not only are you taught in Japanese at all times, but also that students communicate with each other in Japanese. These three factors are what make ITO positively stand out, but ultimately it is the students who benefit from this through understanding the magnificent culture and confidence in speaking Japanese. Whatever your level or interest, if you want to study Japanese the Japanese way, choose ITO.

Anoush. 09/05/2011

I started learning Japanese at ITO nearly 3 years ago having had no previous experience of learning. I had no idea what kind of journey I was embarking on! Aside from a break of a few months I have studied regularly from that point and have grown more and more confident in speaking, reading and writing. ITO Japanese School has a great system of teaching with enthusiastic and dedicated teachers. The immersive environment is brilliant - One which I believe is second only to living and learning the language in Japan. Only being able to speak Japanese in class is a great method and pushes you to learn more elegantly. Also the attention to grammar gives great foundations to build upon. I would highly recommend ITO to anyone who wants to learn this fascinating culture and deep language. The atmosphere is friendly and the classes are fun but also intense. アイトの先生 - どうも ありがとございます.

Will 09/05/2011

I have been studying at ITO for almost three years now and I am still enjoying it very much. Because of my job over the past few months I decided to take private lessons and I now appreciate the many benefits. Also, the teachers have always been very understanding of my work commitments and help me to continue studying despite a very busy period. I have visited Japan a few times since I started studying the language and I was impressed on how the method really works and I now really feel that once I step into school it is like I am in Japan!

Cristiano 09/05/2011

Learning Japanese Language with Ito creates a really great experience. I started the class 4 months ago with Ito and I can feel the obvious improvement of my Japanese. I’m feeling even more confidence when I’m speaking Japanese with my Japanese friend now. I love all the sensei here very much as they’re friendly, care and thoughtful. They really tried their best to help us improving our Japanese skills. The professional teaching methods help you easier to understand all those sentences and made the class more interesting. It is like I’m learning Japanese Language and at the same time, I’m enjoying the class and had a lot of fun time after my whole day of tiring work. When attending the class, I realised that I do not only learn Japanese but also get to know more about the culture which is really interesting for me. I’m sure that in another 4 months of the class with Ito, I could be able to speak like real Japanese.

Glen 10/05/2011

I joined ITO as an absolute beginner three years ago and with weekly lessons and coaching, I have successfully passed N3 in December last year. I would attribute my progress to the teachers careful planning of each lesson, the small class structure as well as the interactive contents. I have made friends with all the teachers and also my classmates and I really enjoy the atmosphere at each of my lesson. ITO is definitely recommended no matter you are a starter, a Dorama fan or have lived in Japan for a few years because they will tailor-made your course based on your proficiency and interest.　

Alice 11/05/2011

I've been studying at ITO for around 6 years, and it has brought me from a level of knowing no Japanese, to where I feel confident about speaking to anyone about any subject. The lessons are so good because they're taught entirely in japanese, and even though this might sound intimidating to start with, with the help of the brilliant teachers you very quickly progress to a stage where this is no longer an obstacle and you can think and speak entirely in Japanese. From studying at ITO, my Japanese has got to a level where I felt confident enough to move to live in Japan a few years ago, and found a job working in a completely Japanese-only environment; I really feel that none of this would have been possible had I not studied at ITO. I really can't recommend ITO enough if you're serious about learning Japanese, instead of learning in way that gives you a barrier, where you have to constantly translate into English in your head, ITO teaches in a way that lets you become truly fluent.　　

Daniel 12/05/2011

I have been studying with ITO for almost a year now and have enjoyed every moment of it. The opportunity to be immersed in a language is a great way to learn and to do so whilst have fun is even a better! Whether you are interested in Japanese for business or purely on a personal level I would highly recommend ITO.

Guy 13/05/2011

I've been coming to ITO for nearly 4 years and I've never regretted it even once. Although it was really tough in the beginning trying to learn via their "only in Japanese" method, I found it to be the best way to learn, you need to force your brain to think in Japanese and use Japanese as opposed to the comfort of just reading a text book which although obviously necessary at times, does not provide you with the practice needed to actually speak the language.　The teachers at ITO are simply the best, theres no other way of putting it, I've had so much fun and learnt so much thanks to them that I really look forward to having my lessons. They really know what they're doing and use various ways to get the best out of you, that is way I recommened ITO for anyone and everyone, it really doesn't matter what your level is, they will show you the right path to mastering this beautiful language.

Hussain. 16/05/2011

I would definitely recommend ITO Japanese School as the school to learn the language. I joined ITO about 12 months ago and I have enjoyed every single classes I'd been to. I look forward to my lessons every week as I would always come away learning new words, new phrases and something about the culture I didn't know about. The teachers are all very friendly and helpful. Since the classes are conducted only in Japanese and in small groups only, they are very conducive to learning the language and this also encourage students to help each other out during the lessons.The lessons are structured in such a way that they have stimulated me to pick up the language not only through structured learnings, but also through conversations with the teachers and classmates. The flexibility of the courses also meant that regardless whether I am learning the language for examination purrposes or as a hobby, I continuously improved my skills in the language as suited to my needs. Learning another language is not easy but ITO has certainly made the hard work rewarding for me.　

Poh Poh. 16 May 2011

Hello, my name is Chris and I have been studying Japanese at ITO for around 4 years now. After living in Japan for 3 years I came back to London and began looking for a Japanese language school to keep up my Japanese. I looked at several Japanese courses and schools in London and I found ITO to be the best in terms of cost, quality and flexibility. The small classes and all Japanese environment makes for a good learning atmosphere. Plus, the teachers are all very friendly and interesting which makes for fun lessons.

Chris 19/05/2011

I would not have been able to pass the JLPT levels four and three without the friendly support of the Ito Japanese teachers and the professional structure of every class. Each lesson is fun and there are always plenty of opportunities to speak Japanese, learn new words and work on mastering the grammar.

Victoria 19/05/2011

I feel really lucky to have found ITO. I spent a lot of time at large evening classes or with private tutors and never made much progress but I started classes at ITO almost a year ago and within 6 months I had passed the JLPT N2 exam!　The total immersion teaching at ITO, where the teachers and students only speak Japanese is brilliant. Twice a week when I walk through the school doors before a lesson I feel like I am taking a little trip to Japan.　The teachers are great as well; making a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in the class that really encourages you to speak and try your Japanese. The lessons are well structured and I find they test all parts of your language learning so you can feel your language skills progress.　With the high level of teaching, relaxed environment and small class sizes you really get your moneys’ worth and now I wouldn’t think of going anywhere else.

Alastair 24/05/11

I always feel welcomed at Ito. I look forward to each class and also look forward to seeing my teachers! Ito has a lovely atmosphere that always brightens my mood and makes me all the more determined to study and work hard! The friendship you create with the teachers is amazing - we all learn something new each day! I'm very happy to be at Ito - for both learning and friendship purposes!! （＾∇＾）

愛緒奈 27/05/2011

One of the best things studying in ITO is that you can practice Japanese oral with different Japanese teachers.　The teachers in ITO are all very friendly and understandable that you are not be afraid of making mistakes and asking questions.　They also teach according to what level you are at, which is very helpful.　

Janice 11/06/2011

ITO is the school to go to in London when you want to speak and study Japanese. No matter what your level is, as soon as you arrive you will feel as if transported over to a place in Japan where nobody speaks English. The patient, friendly and fun personalities of the teachers will make this a great and productive learning experience. I started here after having tried a number of other schools in London and also self-study at home for some time, but not really getting anywhere with that approach. After one year of weekly 1:1 lessons I was able to take and pass the JLPT N4 level test, and am now studying towards N3. So ITO is a great place to learn how to talk in Japanese and understand spoken Japanese, while also getting to grips with grammar, vocabulary, writing and reading. Highly recommended.　

Johannes 19/06/2011

"I started coming here one year ago to build on my previous level of Japanese, in order to communicate more efficiently with my family and friends in Japan and also to potentially work there. I've got nothing but praise for these guys; they've built lessons around my busy schedules and are infinitely patient when I have off days and can't quite remember the right word or particle. I've begun to be more confident expressing complex ideas and feelings in Japanese, which is all thanks to this amazing school. I'm on private lessons which helps, but I imagine it'd be fun in a group if you all have the commitment. Even if you have a decent knowledge of Japanese already, I'd recommend starting from scratch unless you're very confident. It's worth it and you might pick up the odd thing here and there. I'll keep going as long as I'm in London. I'd go every day if I had the time."

Ryo 30/06/11

I have been studying Japanese at I.T.O for almost five years and I still enjoy and look forward to the fresh challenges that each weeks lessons bring. When i started classes i was a total beginner, i had no language skills beyond Konnichiwa and Sayonara. Now i find myself confident enough in my Japanese abilities to have visited Japan twice on my own and understand and appreciate just how much my teachers have taught me in this time. In totally immersing yourself in the language each week you learn to not just speak but also think in Japanese. I look forward to continuing my studies and would recommend the classes to everyone.　

Russell 30/06/11

It has already been a year since I started studying at ITO and I have enjoyed each and every class. The teachers are friendly, patient and most definitely enjoy a good laugh. The classes are all in Japanese, which really helps you to improve quite quickly. Although I first started taking lessons for conversation, I am now studying for the JLPT test at the end of this year. ITO has encouraged me to take it and provides preparation classes for it. I would really recommend this school to anyone who would like to either improve their conversation level or take the JLPT test.　みんな一緒にがんばろう！　

Ramata 30/06/11

My name is Mizuyo, I have been studying at ITO since October. Before starting studying here my level of Japanese was a bit all over the place, within a month and a half of private tuition twice a week I was able to take and passed ^^ the JLPT N5. I have since moved to group tuition which I enjoyed equally, lessons are fun yet very effective. I will definitely recommend this school to anyone who wants to learn Japanese.

Mizuyo 04/07/2011

I started studying at ITO having read about their Japanese-only approach with the particular goal of improving my speaking and listening skills. Sticking completely to Japanese has been a challenge for me as my previous study was more focused on other areas. The teachers are very friendly and patient with even the most broken Japanese I can produce and are very good at framing their explanations in easy to understand ways. Beyond learning grammar/vocabulary, the classes are also very good for practicing natural, conversational Japanese, truly putting what I’ve learnt to the test and sometimes surprising myself with what I’m able to say or understand.　With the private lessons, ITO’s flexibility is also to be commended. Together, we agreed the content, the pace has depended on me and the lessons scheduled at the times most convenient for me. As someone learning Japanese part-time whilst working full-time, this is all extremely valuable and I would strongly recommend the class to anyone serious about learning Japanese.　

Julian 06/07/2011

I have been studying Japanese at ITO Japanese School twice a week for almost two years now.. And I have been enjoying every minutes of it! If you want to be in a class that is welcoming, engaging, geared to your needs, interesting and always a lot of fun, this is the class for you. I could not recommend ITO Japanese School enough!

Elsa 06/07/2011

I've been studying at ITO now for a few years and am still learning more and more. I can confidently converse with Japanese people, be it with peers or seniors. This is largely down to the fact that we always talk in Japanese in the lessons, and the teachers are very open to helping you with what you want. Of course we study from books and audio CD's, which means I'm continuing to learn a more rounded knowledge of the language, but we also always have the opportunity to have a normal chat about what we want and are able to direct the conversation to a topic of our choice. A good combination of being taught the necessary whilst also learning what you want the way you want. This is all made possible by the teachers being very friendly and understanding, while at the same time having small class numbers so that you all get to know each other in a fun environment. The proof is in the pudding, I've been to Japan a few times now and am still proud when people comment on how surprised they are to learn I've never lived there!

Zulfi 09/07/2011

After having studied for 2 years and a half with ITO, I went to Japan and was able to have meaningful conversations in Japanese with several of my friends. Still, I was not really satisfied with my conversational level, and I shared my concerns with the teachers once I came back to the UK. They have since adapted the rhythm of the lessons to leave more space for studying conversational forms. I really appreciate their flexibility and the way the lessons are adapted to my needs.　

Matt 12/07/2011

Though I had studied both French and German previously, I had not expected my progress in Japanese to be as swift when I first began at ITO. As it turns out, I was happily proven wrong! Although it might seem daunting attempting to study Japanese without the use of English to explain concepts, I found it made the learning process much more natural. The teachers were always helpful and made sure to explain everything clearly; after nearly five years of study I find myself more at ease speaking Japanese than I do French, though I've been studying it longer! I would certainly recommend this school for anyone wishing to begin learning Japanese, or even looking to improve their skills in the language.

Melissa 18/07/2011