COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 month |
| Total Hours | 48 hours |
| Tuition | JPY 780,000 (tax incl.) |
| Intake | July & January |
| Format | Weekends — 6 hours per day (four 90-min sessions) |
| Class Size | Small-group only (max. 6 students) |
| For | Beginners and career changers |
* All prices shown include consumption tax. For session dates, please see the Annual Schedule.
WHO IS THIS FOR
Is This Course for You?
The Essential Course is designed for students who identify with any of the following
Those wishing to begin a new career as a professional butler
Hospitality and service professionals looking to develop specialist expertise
Anyone seeking to master genuine hospitality in the home or workplace
Those who wish to progress step by step towards the Master Course
CURRICULUM
What Will You Learn?
Six subject areas are covered systematically, from foundational deportment to practical service skills
MANNERS & ETIQUETTE
Manners & Etiquette
Students master the deportment that underpins every duty of a butler — greetings, posture, walking, opening doors, and escorting guests. Mirror-assisted self-review and personalised instructor coaching develop natural, refined movement.
HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT
Household Management
Students learn to approach household tasks not simply as chores to complete, but as systems to manage — covering cleaning schedules, organisation, shopping, and inventory. Practical training in checklist-based patrol management is included.
TABLE SETTING
Table Setting
Students learn the correct placement of cutlery and glassware, and the handling of napkins. Using actual tableware, they practise the foundational settings for breakfast through dinner repeatedly, building the ability to arrange an immaculate table in any setting.
TEA & COFFEE SERVICE
Tea & Coffee Service
Students systematically learn the fundamentals of tea and coffee — including leaf and bean knowledge, temperature and timing, and the art of elegant pouring and presentation. Tasting sessions develop the palate to a standard at which students can serve with confidence.
GARMENT CARE
Garment Care
Practical training focuses on ironing shirts, brushing, and proper storage. Students acquire the right temperature settings for different fabrics and the techniques for a flawless finish, building the skill to keep garments in their finest condition long-term.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Communication Skills
Through role-play exercises, students learn refined language, appropriate interpersonal distance, and the professional etiquette of reporting, liaising, and consulting. Practical drills develop the communication foundation that inspires confidence and trust in others.
LEARNING FLOW
How the Course Progresses
Across the full 8 days, you build your foundations in the following order
First Half (Days 1–4)
Manners & etiquette → household management → table setting, in that order, establishing the foundational deportment that underlies all butler work.
Second Half (Days 5–8)
Tea & coffee service → garment care → communication skills, in that order, bringing you to the level of delivering everyday service independently.
* This is a representative order of study. The actual sequence may vary slightly between cohorts.
DAILY SCHEDULE
A Typical Day
A sample timetable for a class day (Saturday or Sunday), structured as four 90-minute sessions
Theory Lecture
A classroom session aligned with the day's theme. Foundational knowledge is covered systematically using the course textbook and video materials.
Practical Skills Session
After an instructor demonstration, each student practises individually. Small class sizes allow for detailed, personalised coaching.
Lunch Break
Role-Play Exercises
Situational exercises set in a private residence or hotel. Students alternate between the butler role and the client role, building authentic service experience.
Applied Skills & Review
Applied exercises building on the morning's practical session, followed by a review session with the instructor and time for questions and answers.
* The above is a sample timetable. Session content may vary slightly from class to class.
CERTIFICATION
Practical Assessment & Certification
Certification Exam
Students who pass the final practical assessment on the last day of the course — comprising a table-setting demonstration and a tea service — receive the following certification.
Credential Awarded
Certified Associate Butler
+ Certified Lapel Pin
* This is a private certification independently awarded by The All Japan Butler Association.
BENEFITS
Course Benefits
The following benefits are included for all Essential Course students
Essential Butler Tool Set
A complete set of professional-grade basic tools, included in your enrolment.
Textbook Set (Full 5 Volumes — E1–E5)
Supervised by The All Japan Butler Association: 5 foundational volumes from "Introduction to Butlering" through "The English Gentleman's Refinement". A comprehensive set you will return to long after the course ends.
Academy Original Apron
An academy-made apron worn during practical sessions.
White Gloves (issued on Day 1 — worn throughout practicals)
High-quality white gloves — the emblem of a butler, worn from your very first service practical.
NEXT STEP
Your Next Step — Step-Up Discount for the Advanced Course
Essential Course graduates who go on to the Advanced Course receive a JPY 80,000 reduction in tuition. With your foundations firmly established, explore the broader world of advanced wine service and event management.
Reduction: JPY 80,000
ADMISSION FLOW
How to Enrol
BROCHURE
Request a Brochure
Start by requesting our free brochure — a comprehensive guide to the course details and the academy's philosophy.
Learn moreCONSULTATION
One-to-One Consultation (optional)
An experienced advisor will help you find the course that best fits your goals and background.
Learn moreAPPLY
Submit Application
Once you have chosen your course, complete the application form. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Learn moreCONFIRMATION
Enrolment Confirmed
After we receive your application, we will send your enrolment confirmation and preparatory materials. We look forward to welcoming you on the first day.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Begin with a Free Brochure
Our free brochure covers all course details and the academy's philosophy at your own pace. For any questions, please feel free to book a one-to-one consultation (online available).
* Online consultations are also available.
Experience the world of butlering for one dayFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Essential Course is designed for complete beginners. The only requirements are that you are 18 or older — no prior experience is needed. You will build your skills step by step from the very foundations.
On class days, please wear a white shirt, dark trousers or skirt, and leather shoes. White gloves will be provided by the academy on your first day. Full details will be sent after enrolment.
Payment is by bank transfer in full only. Instalment payments and credit cards are not accepted. Payment is due no later than 14 days before the course start date.
An attendance rate of 80% or higher is required for completion. If you must be absent for an unavoidable reason, please contact the office and we will discuss the options with you individually. On-demand videos are also available for preparation and review.
Upon passing the practical examination at completion (table setting and similar), you receive the "Certified Associate Butler" credential recognised by The All Japan Butler Association, along with a certified pin badge. This is a credential awarded by the association, not a national qualification.
A small-group format of up to six students per class (minimum three to run). Classes are held on weekends at our Odaiba campus, with in-person sessions of six hours per day (four 90-minute sessions). On-demand videos are used for preparation and review.
Last updated: 13 June 2026