Without realizing you might already know some Italian words, like grande, tempo, sonata, palazzo, villa, terracotta, ciao, amore, dolce, bravo.. and so on.
Although not spoken by many people in the world, there are many other reasons why Italian is attractive and learned all over the world. Whether for traveling to Italy, understanding arts and music (like opera), appreciate Italian food, work in the fashion or design industries or interests in the culinary world. Or just for personal interest as the Italian language is very expressive and melodic.
For those that want to deepen their knowledge with a structured course, we listed a selection of schools in Tokyo that provide Italian language classes of several levels and purposes.
1. Societá Dante Alighieri – Tokyo Committee
Società Dante Alighieri was founded in 1889 in Rome shortly after the birth of Italy as a nation,to promote an unified Italian language as people in Italy and Italians migrating all over the world mainly spoke regional dialects only.
| Location | Shibuya |
| Website | https://ladante.jp/en/top-2/ |
| Course types | Italian language courses from beginner to advanced, exam preparation, conversation, opera vocal training, Latin, Italian Culture Course for Children (in Ikebukuro) |
| Lessons format | Group, semi-private, private. In-person and online. Free trial |
| Teachers | Educated through trainings in Rome headquarters |
| Certifications | PLIDA (Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri) |
| Other activities | Study abroad support, events and seminars |
Strong point: It’s part of a worldwide official association promoting Italian language and culture; membership provides access to events and benefits.
2. Piazza Italia Koenji
Piazza Italia was founded in 2004 as a school specialized in teaching Italian to Japanese people. Nowadays it still provides several classes and strives to create a cozy and fun atmosphere.
| Location | Koenji |
| Website | https://piazzaitalia.jp |
| Course types | Italian language courses from beginner to advanced, exam preparation,special private classes of Italian for cooking, art, opera, conversation, business, literature, study abroad |
| Lessons format | Group, semi-private, private. In-person and online. Free trial |
| Teachers | Italian teachers |
| Certifications | – |
| Other activities | Study abroad support, events and seminars |
Strong point: Friendly atmosphere, cultural seminars and community feel; many personalized courses available.
3. Bell’ Italia – Centro di Lingua e Cultura Italiana
This Center of Italian language and culture is called Bell’Italia which means Beautiful Italy and takes its name from a famous magazine with the same title. The Center was funded in 1993 to promote the charm of Italy in Japan.
| Location | Ebisu |
| Website | https://bellitalia.jp.net/it/ |
| Course types | Italian language courses from beginner to advanced, conversation, Italian for reading news, translation course. Written composition. |
| Lessons format | Group and private. In-person, online, by correspondence. Free trial |
| Teachers | Experienced Italian and Japanese instructors |
| Certifications | – |
| Other activities | Study abroad support, events and seminars. Courses about Italian cuisine, ceramics, textiles. |
Strong point: Long-standing Italian cultural and language presence in Japan, well known tv faces.
4. Associazione Italo-Giapponese
The Italy–Japan Association was established back in 1940. It strives to promote cultural and economic exchange and academic advancement between Japan and Italy, contributing to mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.
| Location | Akasaka |
| Website | https://www.aigtokyo.or.jp/?p=47078 |
| Course types | Italian language courses from beginner to advanced designed for Japanese learners, thematic courses, translators courses |
| Lessons format | Group, private, semi-private. In-person and online. Free trial |
| Teachers | Experienced Italian and Japanese instructors |
| Certifications | – |
| Other activities | Study abroad support, events and seminars. Annual speech contest |
Strong point: one the most ancient Italy-Japan associations, unique translators/interpreter course; membership benefits.
5. Accademia
Accademia is a school proud to be operated by Italian staff. It follows a modern communicative approach, conforming to the European standards for language learning (CEFR).
| Location | Chiyoda |
| Website | https://www.accademia.jp/english.html |
| Course types | Italian language courses from beginner to advanced,literature,Greek, Latin. Language test preparation |
| Lessons format | Group and private. In-person and online. Free trial |
| Teachers | Italian teachers |
| Certifications | – |
| Other activities | Cultural courses on wine, Italian accents, travel. Courses about Japan for Italian tour guides. Study abroad and support, events and seminars |
Strong point: the modern approach of the school help students to learn practical Italian to be immediately used in daily life, flexible schedule.
6. La piccola Italia
La piccola Italia means The small Italy and the name itself evokes a small summary of the country. It’s a Italian language and culture center with several different courses.
| Location | Shinjuku |
| Website | https://lapiccola-italia.com |
| Course types | Italian language courses from beginner to advanced, exam preparation, Italian course for restaurant staff, Italian course for children |
| Lessons format | Group and private. In-person and online. Free trial |
| Teachers | Italian teachers |
| Certifications | – |
| Other activities | Courses about art, cinema, cooking, news, travel. Events and workshops. |
Strong point: small and cozy school with friendly environment; discounts available.
7. Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Tokyo
The Italian Cultural Center is a government agency of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. They are imparting Italian courses from 1960, and the course contents and educational programs are certified by the Italian University and the Ministry of Research (MUR).
| Location | Ciyoda |
| Website | https://iictokyo.jp |
| Course types | Italian language courses from beginner to advanced, conversation and listening, grammar and composition, reading, course for children |
| Lessons format | Group and private. In-person and online. Free trial and Open week |
| Teachers | Italian experienced and certified teachers (excluding some cultural courses) |
| Certifications | CILS（Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera） |
| Other activities | Courses about travel art, history, literature, music, food, fashion, Latin and Greek, movie, philosophy. Events and Seminars. Library |
Strong point: Official Italian government cultural institute; rich cultural programming.
8. The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan
The Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Lingua Viva Italian Language School to provide language courses in Japan.
| Location | Minato |
| Website | https://italiano.iccj.or.jp |
| Course types | Beginner and Business Italian language courses |
| Lessons format | Group lessons |
| Teachers | Professional Italian instructor |
| Certifications | – |
| Other activities | Events |
Strong point: Recognized institution; practical Italian and professional focus.
Conclusion
Tokyo offers plenty of Italian language schools options covering different areas of the city and providing tailored courses for all kinds of needs. From online private classes, group Latin courses, art seminars and business focused learning, all interests are covered.
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