MMoving to Japan

ALA Tokyo vs GenkiJACS Tokyo (need to decide in a few days!)

  • February 3, 2026

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to make a decision in the next few days and could really use advice from people who’ve attended ALA Tokyo or GenkiJACS Tokyo (or know them well).

I’m planning to study Japanese in Tokyo starting April and I’m torn between these two schools.

My background / goals

  • Beginner in reading & writing
  • Some listening/speaking exposure (anime, media, etc.)
  • My priority is conversation-focused Japanese
  • I prefer a mostly Western / international student mix
  • Low homework is a big plus (I want time/energy to live in Tokyo, not just study)
  • I care a LOT about daily schedule & quality of life

From what I understand, both schools fit my learning style, which is why this is so hard.

ALA Tokyo

  • Less than half of what Genki is asking for 12 weeks
  • Either:
    • 3 months of afternoon classes (which would be AMAZING), or
    • 3 months of morning classes
  • Fixed schedule (no rotation)
  • Much cheaper
  • Risk: I could be stuck with mornings every day for 3 months

GenkiJACS Tokyo

  • for 10 weeks (more than double the price, and shorter)
  • Rotating schedule (some mornings, some afternoons)
  • Has social activities
  • Afternoon classes are very likely, but not every day
  • More expensive, but less risk of being locked into only mornings

Another important factor is housing and daily lifestyle. I really want to live within walking distance of school (max ~30 minutes) because I care a lot about my daily rhythm and not relying on trains every day.

  • If I choose ALA, I’d likely live around Iidabashi / Kagurazaka, which seems calm and practical.
  • If I choose Genki, I’d likely live around Shinjuku Gyoen / Shinjuku Sanchome, which seems calmer than central Shinjuku but still has nice cafés and good walking routes.

So my big question is:
Is Genki really worth more than double the price for a short-term beginner like me, or is ALA the smarter choice if I’m okay taking the schedule risk?

And overall, If you’ve attended either school, I’d love to hear:

  • How was the overall class vibe and conversation practice?
  • How intense was homework?
  • Did the schedule affect your lifestyle a lot?
  • Would you choose the same school again?

Thanks so much — any insight would really help as I’m deciding soon 🙏

by Diligent_Ad4029