Course Overview & Comparison
COURSES
The Japan Butler Academy offers three distinct courses, each designed to match your level and professional goals. From an introduction for beginners aspiring to become a butler, through skill development for those already working, to preparation for standing on your own as a professional, our courses form a single, staged path of butler training. Compare each course by duration, fee, and content, and choose the one closest to your own goals.
THREE COURSES
Three Courses
Choose Your Path
We offer three courses tailored to every stage of learning — whether you wish to build a solid foundation, sharpen your specialist skills, or qualify as a fully independent professional. Each course is designed to reach your goal by the most direct route.
Essential Course
ESSENTIAL COURSE
For
Beginners & career changers
An introductory course focused on the fundamental deportment and service etiquette of a professional butler. From table manners to tea service — the essentials, properly drilled.
What you gain
Master foundational deportment and service etiquette; capable of delivering everyday service independently
Certification
Certified Associate Butler
Advanced Course
ADVANCED COURSE
Includes the full content of the Essential Course
Month 1: Foundations (Essential content) → Month 2: Advanced (wine, events, international etiquette, etc.)
For
Those with a foundation; seeking specialist skills
An intermediate course that includes the full content of the Essential Course, then builds toward advanced service technique — wine service, event management, and more. Open to complete beginners; includes a special field training visit for hands-on real-world experience.
What you gain
Master the full content of Essential plus advanced service technique and wine knowledge; deliver seamless service to multiple guests simultaneously
Certification
Certified Professional Butler
Master Course
MASTER COURSE
Includes the full content of Essential and Advanced
Month 1: Essential → Month 2: Advanced → Month 3: Master specialisation (management, crisis response, etc.)
For
Aspiring professionals & those pursuing management roles
The most advanced programme — including the full content of both the Essential and Advanced courses, then covering management, crisis response, and international protocol in full. Open to complete beginners; culminates in a graduation dinner practical examination.
What you gain
Master the full content of Essential and Advanced plus management, crisis response, and international protocol; lead a team as head butler
Certification
Certified Master Butler
COMPARISON
Which Course Is Right for You?
Compare All Courses
Compare all three courses side by side — duration, tuition, learning objectives, and curriculum — to find the course that aligns most closely with your goals.
The Advanced Course includes the full content of Essential; the Master Course includes the full content of both Essential and Advanced. Each course is complete on its own, so you can simply choose the one course that matches your goal.
Essential
Advanced
Master
Essential
Duration
1 month
Total Hours
48 hours
Tuition (tax incl.)
JPY 780,000
Intake
July & January
Designed For
Beginners & career changers
Learning Outcome
Master foundational deportment and service etiquette; capable of delivering everyday service independently
Main Topics
Basic manners, household management, table setting, tea & coffee, garment care, communication
Certification
Certified Associate Butler
Step-Up Discount
—
Advanced
Duration
2 months
Total Hours
72 hours
Tuition (tax incl.)
JPY 1,180,000
Intake
May–June & Nov–Dec
Designed For
Those with a foundation; seeking specialist skills (beginners may also enrol directly)
Learning Outcome
Master the full content of Essential plus advanced service technique and wine knowledge; deliver seamless service to multiple guests simultaneously
Main Topics
Full content of Essential, plus advanced service, wine & spirits, event management, international etiquette, luxury garment care
Certification
Certified Professional Butler
Step-Up Discount
Essential graduate: −JPY 80,000
Master
Duration
3 months
Total Hours
96 hours
Tuition (tax incl.)
JPY 1,680,000
Intake
Feb–Apr & Sep–Nov
Designed For
Aspiring professionals & those pursuing management roles (beginners may also enrol directly)
Learning Outcome
Master the full content of Essential and Advanced plus management, crisis response, and international protocol; lead a team as head butler
Main Topics
Full content of Essential and Advanced, plus household management, crisis & security, international protocol, VIP service, leadership
Certification
Certified Master Butler
Step-Up Discount
Advanced graduate: −JPY 180,000
* These certifications are privately awarded by The All Japan Butler Association.
HOW TO CHOOSE
How to Choose Your Course
Find Your Best Fit
If you are unsure which course suits you best, we recommend working backwards from your goal. The right course differs depending on whether you are a beginner, an experienced professional looking to specialise, or someone aiming for a management role.
New to butler training? Start with Essential
Ideal for those who wish to learn butler fundamentals from scratch or are making a career change into the service industry. Skills are built up methodically from first principles.
Have experience? Step up to Advanced
Includes the full content of the Essential Course, so complete beginners can enrol directly. Also suited to those with a hospitality or service background, or Essential graduates who wish to specialise further. Develop advanced skills in wine service and event management.
Aiming for a career or management role? Choose Master
Includes the full content of both the Essential and Advanced courses, so complete beginners can enrol directly. Suited to those aspiring to work or become independent as a butler, or to reach a management role in a hotel or private residence. Covers the full professional spectrum — from household management to crisis response.
Not sure which course is right for you? Our advisors are happy to help — book a free consultation (online available).
Step-Up Discount
Students who progress through our courses sequentially benefit from a step-up discount. Building a strong foundation before advancing allows for deeper, more sustainable learning at every stage.
Essential Graduate → Advanced
JPY 80,000 reduction
Advanced Graduate → Master
JPY 180,000 reduction
COMMON FEATURES
Features Shared by All Courses
What All Courses Share
All classes are held on weekends. You can continue working while you learn.
Six hours of intensive instruction per day (four 90-minute sessions). High-density learning throughout.
Strictly small-group classes (maximum 6 students). Instructors examine every detail of each student's technique.
Tuition is payable in full by bank transfer only. Instalment payments and credit cards are not accepted.
GET STARTED
Take the First Step
Requesting a brochure and booking a consultation are both free of charge. If you are unsure which course best suits your goals, our experienced advisors will be happy to guide you.
* Online consultations are also available.
Attend a taster sessionConsidering this for your company or organisation? See our on-site corporate training
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend the Essential Course (1 month, 48 hours) for those new to butler training. It builds your skills systematically from the very foundations.
Yes. The Advanced Course includes the full content of Essential, and the Master Course includes the full content of both Essential and Advanced, so you may begin directly from either level with no prior experience. Our advisors are happy to guide you during a free consultation.
Payment is accepted by bank transfer in full only. Instalment payments and credit cards are not available.
The Essential Course (1 month, 48 hours) is an introductory programme that builds the foundational form; the Advanced Course (2 months, 72 hours) includes the full content of Essential and adds higher-level service such as wine and event operations; and the Master Course (3 months, 96 hours) includes the full content of both Essential and Advanced and extends to household management, crisis response, and international protocol. Each course is complete on its own, so you can simply choose the one course that matches your goal.
A maximum of six students per course, in a small-group format. The minimum number required to run a course is three, and places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
All courses are held on weekends (6 hours per day, four 90-minute sessions), so those working on weekdays can attend as planned. On-demand videos are available for preparation and review, allowing in-person sessions to focus on hands-on practice.
Yes, a transfer discount applies. When progressing from Essential to Advanced, JPY 80,000 (tax incl.) is deducted from the Advanced fee; from Advanced to Master, JPY 180,000 (tax incl.) is deducted from the Master fee.
For further enquiries, please use our contact form.
LEARN MORE
Related Pages
Explore Further
Essential Course
Introductory programme — start from the foundations
Advanced Course
Intermediate programme — develop specialist skills
Master Course
Advanced programme — management and crisis response
Annual Schedule
Intake dates and class timetable
Tuition Details by Course
Full fee breakdown for each course