Kinmon Gakuen | 金門学園 – Japanese Language School in San Francisco

Japanese Language
and Culture

Kinmon Gakuen offers Japanese language and culture classes for children ages 5 to 18.

About Kinmon Gakuen

What We Do

We offer classes for youth aged 5-18 in Japanese language, culture, and traditions, taught by instructors who are fluent in Japanese and have a deep understanding of Japanese culture. Our classes take place in San Francisco’s historic Japantown.

Learn More About Us

What's New?

Open Enrollment

Fall 2025 - Spring 2026
Ages 5-18 Saturday Classes

Fall Registration is now open and available for youth at 5 levels. See below for more details.

Apply Here

Support Us!

Founded in 1911, Kinmon Gakuen has been a vital part of San Francisco's Japantown, offering Japanese language education. While we’ve secured grants to renovate our auditorium into a community center, these funds can't cover daily operations. With enrollment declining post-pandemic , our school is facing a severe financial crisis . We want to keep our doors open for children eager to learn Japanese and families preserving their heritage 🗾.

Please consider donating to help us continue our mission and strengthen ties between Japan and the U.S. 🌟Together, we can ensure Kinmon Gakuen’s future!

In The News

We have been in the news! Learn about Kinmon’s cultural and historical significance!

APA Heritage Awards & Community Gala (AAPI Heritage Month 2026)

As part of AAPI Heritage Month in San Francisco, the APA Heritage Awards & Community Gala will take place on May 6. Kinmon Gakuen was honored as a San Francisco Honoree at the 2024 APA Heritage Awards. You can read more about this recognition here: https://www.kinmongakuen.org/post/asian-americas-pacificislander-heritage-award-2024 This event is organized by the APA Heritage Celebration Committee. For more information, please visit: https://apasf.org (Shared for community in

Associate Professor Hiroyuki Okamoto from Hyogo University visiting Kinmon Gakuen with Dr. Masahiko Minami in San Francisco

Welcoming Hiroyuki Okamoto-Sensei (Hyogo University)

🌏Associate Professor Hiroyuki Okamoto from Hyogo University visited Kinmon Gakuen. During his visit, he met with our Educational Director, Dr. Masahiko Minami, toured the school, and exchanged ideas about our programs. His research includes the history of Japanese American education in the San Francisco Bay Area, and he showed interest in our school's activities. We appreciate his visit.

Kinmon Gakuen Short Summer Program (July–August 2026)

Following our previously announced 5-session Japanese Summer Classes (May–June), Kinmon Gakuen is pleased to introduce an additional short-term summer program for children and teens. This 3-session program will be held on Saturdays—July 25, August 1, and August 8—from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Designed as an introductory and engaging experience, this program allows students to explore Japanese language and culture through hands-on activities such as crafts and Bon Odori (traditio

Summer Japanese Classes 2026 – Now Accepting Registration

Kinmon Gakuen is pleased to announce our 2026 Summer Japanese Classes for children ages 5 through high school. This program offers students a fun and engaging opportunity to continue learning Japanese during the summer. Through reading, writing, and basic conversation practice, students can strengthen their language skills while enjoying interactive lessons. Classes will be held on five Saturdays from May 30 to June 27 , from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Kinmon Gakuen in San Fra

Japanese Language and Culture