Can You Take a Ramen Course in Japan in English? Interpreters and One-to-One Lessons
Short answer: Yes, you can take a ramen course in Japan without speaking Japanese. At Tokyo Ramen Academy (TRA), lessons are one-to-one and the instructors teach in Japanese — the school has no English-speaking instructors — so lessons for English-speaking students always have an interpreter. The school can arrange the interpreter for you, or you can arrange your own. An interpreter arranged by the school costs ¥20,000 per day plus tax — ¥154,000 (tax included) for the 7-Day Ramen Master Course and ¥66,000 (tax included) for a 3-Day Intensive Course. If you use simultaneous interpretation equipment, no interpretation fee is required. Tell the school that you need interpretation when you apply; you can write to the school in English.
How lessons in English work
- One student, one instructor. TRA teaches one-to-one, so the lesson moves at your pace and you can ask questions at any point.
- Your instructor teaches in Japanese, and an interpreter works alongside. TRA does not have English-speaking instructors, so every lesson for English-speaking students is interpreted. The school works with its own dedicated interpreters, so you can follow the lessons without speaking Japanese.
- You can also bring your own interpreter. If you would rather arrange an interpreter yourself, tell the school when you apply and ask how it works for your course.
- Dates are set around you. There are no fixed class dates. The school arranges your course dates after hearing yours, then books an instructor — and an interpreter, if the school is arranging one — for those days.
Interpretation fees by course
The fee for an interpreter arranged by the school is charged on top of the course fee. All figures are in Japanese yen and include 10% tax.
| Course | Course fee | Interpretation fee |
|---|---|---|
| 7-Day Ramen Master Course | ¥528,000 | ¥154,000 |
| 3-Day Intensive Course (Tonkotsu Ramen) | ¥327,800 | ¥66,000 |
| 3-Day Intensive Course (Clear Ramen) | ¥327,800 | ¥66,000 |
The course page lists the same daily rate for the Izakaya Courses: ¥66,000 for the 3-day course and ¥110,000 for the 5-day course (tax included). Prices follow the school’s course page; check it for the latest figures before you book.
Using simultaneous interpretation equipment instead
The school does not charge the interpretation fee when simultaneous interpretation equipment is used. If you are thinking about this option, ask the school how it works for your course before you apply, so you know what you need to prepare.
Tips for learning ramen through an interpreter
- Bring a notebook. TRA does not hand out study materials. You are expected to listen and take your own notes, and the classroom part starts on day one.
- Ask for numbers twice. TRA’s recipes are built on exact proportions of soup, sauce and oil. If you miss a figure, ask your instructor and interpreter to repeat it — that is easy to do in a one-to-one class.
- Photos are fine; keep videos short. You can take photos during classes. Short videos are also allowed, for your own personal viewing only.
- Contact the school early if your dates are fixed. The school has to reserve your instructor — and your interpreter, if it is arranging one — for your days.
How to apply in English
You can send questions through the contact form or apply online. Both forms are in English, and written communication with the school — messages and email — can generally be in English. When you write, include your preferred dates, the course you are interested in, and whether you need the school to arrange an interpreter.
FAQ
Do I need to speak Japanese to take a ramen course at TRA?
No. Lessons are taught in Japanese with an interpreter, who can be arranged by the school or by you.
Do the instructors speak English?
No. TRA does not have English-speaking instructors, so lessons for English-speaking students always have an interpreter.
How much does an interpreter cost for the 7-day ramen course?
¥154,000 including tax (¥20,000 per day plus tax) for an interpreter arranged by the school.
Can I bring my own interpreter?
Yes. You may arrange your own interpreter instead. Tell the school when you apply and ask how it works for your course.
Are classes private?
Yes. Lessons are one-to-one.
Can I take photos or videos during class?
Photos are allowed. Short videos are allowed for personal viewing only.
Can I contact the school in English?
Yes. Written communication — messages and email — can generally be in English.