How Much Does It Cost to Learn Ramen in Japan? Fees at Tokyo Ramen Academy

Short answer: At Tokyo Ramen Academy (TRA), the course fee is the main cost. The 7-Day Ramen Master Course is ¥528,000 and each 3-Day Intensive Course is ¥327,800 (tax included). The 3-day or 5-day Izakaya Courses are ¥250,800 or ¥437,800 (tax included) when taken together with a ramen course, or ¥350,000 + tax and ¥550,000 + tax on their own. TRA’s instructors teach in Japanese, so if you do not speak Japanese, your lessons are given with an interpreter: one arranged by the school costs ¥20,000 per day plus tax — ¥154,000 (tax included) for the 7-day course — or you can arrange your own. The student dormitory is free of charge. You will typically need to budget for the course, the interpreter if the school arranges one, travel to Japan, and daily living costs. Prices here follow the school’s official course page; check it for the latest figures before you book.

Course fees

Tokyo Ramen Academy offers a few different courses, and the fee depends on which one you take. Fees are in Japanese yen and include 10% consumption tax unless marked “+ tax”.

• 7-Day Ramen Master Course — ¥528,000. The most complete course. Over seven days you cover the classroom side (including how to calculate material costs and shop sales), paitan (rich, emulsified) broth, chintan (clear) broth, applications, fresh-fish and vegan ramen, and costing and pricing your own original bowl.
• 3-Day Intensive Course — ¥327,800. A shorter course that focuses on one broth — Tonkotsu Ramen or Clear Ramen — together with homemade noodles.
• Izakaya Courses (3 or 5 days) — ¥250,800 or ¥437,800 with a ramen course. For people who want to build a menu beyond ramen alone. These prices apply when you take an Izakaya Course together with a ramen course; taken on their own, the courses cost ¥350,000 + tax (3 days) or ¥550,000 + tax (5 days).

You can see the full contents of each course on the course page.

Interpreter fees

TRA’s instructors teach in Japanese, and lessons for students who do not speak Japanese are given with an interpreter, so you do not need to speak Japanese to join. The school can arrange the interpreter for ¥20,000 per day plus tax, charged on top of the course fee — for example, ¥154,000 (tax included) for the 7-day course and ¥66,000 (tax included) for a 3-day course. You may also arrange your own interpreter. When simultaneous interpretation equipment is used, no interpretation fee is required; ask the school how this works for your course. For more on how lessons with an interpreter work, see Can You Take a Ramen Course in Japan in English?

Accommodation

TRA has a dormitory for students, and it is free of charge for all students. There are three rooms; the school reserves and prepares your room, so tell the school when you book that you would like to stay there. Bring your own toiletries and towels. Lessons start early — the first day usually runs from 10:00 to 17:00, and from the second day lessons usually run 9:00 to 17:00 — so staying in the dormitory makes the mornings easier.

What else to budget for

Beyond the course and interpreter fees, plan for:

• Travel to Japan and to the school. The school is reached by bus from Katsutadai Station; see the access page for directions.
• Daily living costs during your stay — meals outside the school, local transport, and anything you want to buy.

When you pay: A reservation deposit of ¥50,000 plus tax secures your booking. Bank transfer or PayPal is recommended. The school tells you individually when the balance is due; as a general rule, it recommends paying by one week before your course starts.

The main school charges are the course fee and, if the school arranges one, the interpreter fee; if you are unsure what a course includes, ask the school through the contact page.

How to decide and book

If you want the most complete course, the 7-Day Ramen Master Course covers the widest range. If you have less time, a 3-Day Intensive Course focuses on one broth. To check current prices, available dates, and the interpreter option for your situation, see the course page or send your questions through the contact page.