A nonprofit organization Japanese Language and Culture School in San Francisco, CA
2031 Bush St, San Francisco CA 94115 | (415) 567-4383
Let’s create a foundation for learning Japanese
and understanding Japanese culture.
Kinmon Gakuen, located in San Francisco’s Japantown, is a prestigious school founded in 1911. We offer classes from beginner to advanced levels, tailored to your child’s age and Japanese proficiency. Please consider joining us.
At Kinmon Gakuen, we provide an opportunity to nurture your children’s Japanese language skills and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture through education. We invite you to our Open House, starting on August 19th, by appointment only. During the event, our staff will explain our educational approach to parents in detail.
Families considering enrollment are encouraged to participate. The Open House will be guided by the school principal. If you are interested in becoming a teacher or a volunteer, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
For enrollment inquiries or questions about the Open House, please fill out the inquiry form below.
Offering Saturday Classes for Ages 5-18
Language Classes
2026-2027 Saturday Program
2026–2027 Saturday Program registration is now open!
2026-2027 Saturday Program Calendar
Fall AUG 29 2026 – DEC 12 2026
Spring JAN 23 2027 – MAY 15 2027
Fall Semester
August 29
September 5, 12, 19, 26
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
November 7, 14, 21
December 5, 12
Spring Semester
January 23, 30
February 6, 20, 27
March 6, 13, 20, 27
April 3, 10, 17, 24
May 1, 8, 15
Our Classes
Beginning I
In Beginning I, no previous knowledge about Japanese is required. Students learn some basic verbs and simple phrases including how to read and write Hiragana[i.e., the cursive form of the Japanese syllabary]. The school provides an environment where students are encouraged to be creative by using visual arts, such as music and art, to support their Japanese language studies.
Textbook and Workbook: Yasashī Nihongo (Introductory Japanese)
Teacher: Yang
Beginning II
In Beginning II, students learn all the basics, including how to read and write Hiragana [i.e., the cursive form of the Japanese syllabary]and Katakana [i.e., the square form of the Japanese syllabary]. They are also introduced to Japanese manners and etiquette. The school continues to use creative arts and music to support their Japanese language studies. The students master all Hiragana and Katakana at the completion of this level.
Textbook and Workbook: Ohisama
Intermediate
The Intermediate class is designed for students who can proficiently read and write Hiragana [i.e., the cursive form of the Japanese syllabary]and Katakana [i.e., the square form of the Japanese syllabary]and have already mastered basic expressions. students learn more complex expressions to develop their writing and conversation skills.
Textbook and Workbook: Kodomo no Nihongo(1)
Teacher: Tamaoki
Advanced
In Advanced, students further enhance comprehension skills, expand vocabulary, and deepen their Kanji knowledge. They are expected to express opinions in Japanese and engage in highly structured discussions with classmates.
Textbook and Workbook: Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture, Introductory A1 Rikai; Kanji Look and Learn
Teacher: Helmer