COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 months |
| Total Hours | 96 hours |
| Tuition | JPY 1,680,000 (tax incl.) |
| Intake | Feb–Apr & Sep–Nov intakes |
| Format | Saturdays & Sundays — 6 hrs/day (four 90-min sessions) |
| Class Size | Strictly limited to 6 students |
| For | Aspiring professionals and those seeking management roles (beginners may also enrol directly) |
* All prices shown include consumption tax. For session dates, please see the Annual Schedule.
WHO IS THIS FOR
Is This Course for You?
The Master Course includes the full content of both the Essential and Advanced courses, so complete beginners may enrol directly. It is especially recommended for those who are seriously committed to becoming a professional butler
Those seriously pursuing employment or self-employment as a butler
Professionals aiming for a head butler role at a hotel or private residence
Senior professionals who want to elevate their value as the lead for high-net-worth clients
Those who want to complete overseas-standard training in Japan without leaving their career
CURRICULUM
What Will You Learn?
An integrated programme encompassing all Essential and Advanced content — six management-level subject areas
HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT
Household Management
Students learn household management practice systematically — from drafting annual household plans and managing budgets and supplies to negotiating with external contractors. The curriculum develops a management mindset, including staffing plans for support personnel and building quality assurance systems.
CRISIS & SECURITY
Crisis & Security
Students learn initial response decisions for medical emergencies, accidents, and suspicious individuals, and the principles of safety management to protect the principal and guests — all in an exercise-based format. Scenario exercises set in actual residences and facilities develop calm, accurate judgment.
INTERNATIONAL PROTOCOL
International Protocol
Students acquire the fundamentals of international ceremony — seating precedence, flag protocol, and gift-giving etiquette at formal events. Analysing real international events as case studies builds the judgment to respond appropriately in any situation.
VIP SERVICE
VIP Service
Students master the advanced service methods essential when attending to prominent guests and dignitaries — confidentiality obligations, movement planning, and proactive preparation. Real case studies examine how to deliver service that exceeds expectations.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Special Situations
Students develop the decision-making criteria for unexpected requests and sudden problems, and the thinking method to construct multiple alternatives. High-difficulty real-world scenarios serve as material for cultivating practical problem-solving capability that holds up on the job.
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Leadership Skills
Students learn head butler leadership — appropriate direction and development of support staff, and building systems that maintain quality across a team. Practical case studies drawn from the instructor's own management experience develop the ability to motivate and guide others.
LEARNING FLOW
How the Course Progresses
Across 3 months and 16 days, you learn systematically, including the full content of both the Essential and Advanced courses
Month 1: Full review of Essential content
Manners & etiquette, household management, table setting, tea & coffee service, garment care, and communication skills are reviewed in full, establishing a solid foundation.
Month 2: Advanced content in depth
You extend into advanced service technique, wine & spirits, event planning & management, international etiquette, and luxury garment care.
Month 3: Master-level specialisation
You master household management, crisis & security, international protocol, VIP service, special situations, and leadership skills, completing the premier programme.
* Complete beginners can follow this order without difficulty. Advanced Course graduates may treat Months 1–2 as review.
DAILY SCHEDULE
A Typical Day
A sample timetable for a class day (Saturday or Sunday), structured as four 90-minute sessions
Theory Lecture
Advanced classroom study befitting the Master programme — management theory, crisis response, international protocol, and more. Instructors with extensive practical experience deliver lectures enriched with case studies.
Practical Exercise
Advanced service technique in practice. VIP service and formal event simulations are taught with careful individual instruction for each student.
Lunch Break
Leadership Exercise
Team command, directing staff, and development techniques practised through role-play. Develops the judgment and guidance capability required of a manager.
Integrated Exercise & Review
A comprehensive exercise combining multiple skills. Detailed feedback from the instructor and one-to-one sessions clarify each student's strengths and areas for development.
* The above is a sample timetable. Session content may vary slightly from class to class.
EXCLUSIVE PROGRAMS
Master Course Exclusive Programmes
Master Exclusive Programs
Four special programmes available only to Master Course students — not offered in the Essential or Advanced courses
EXPERT MASTERCLASS
Expert Masterclass
Two special lectures delivered by leading practitioners in fields such as sommeliers, crisis management, and international ceremony. A rare opportunity to receive knowledge that can only be gained in the field.
* Instructors to be announced ahead of course commencement
REAL SERVICE EXPERIENCE & PRACTICAL EXAM
Real-Service Field Training & Comprehensive Practical Exam
Students attend a genuine high-end service experience at a top hotel or restaurant as guests, observing professional staff up close — their movements, timing, and attention to detail. Understanding the guest's perspective is essential for delivering high-quality service. On the final day, students also undertake a comprehensive practical exam integrating all skills acquired throughout the course — the culmination of their learning.
* Venue details provided based on programme content
CAREER COACHING
Individual Career Coaching
Two one-to-one sessions with an instructor to design a post-graduation career path together. Career guidance and information, advice on setting up independently, information on overseas training opportunities — a concrete career plan tailored to your goals.
* Session scheduling arranged within the course period
TAILORED VEST
Bespoke Tailored Vest
Measurements are taken at the start of the course, and from the midpoint students wear their own bespoke vest. Treating the uniform not merely as clothing but as part of the education — a programme unique to this academy for cultivating professional identity and pride.
* Measurements taken on the first day of the course
CERTIFICATION
Practical Assessment & Certification
Certified Master Butler
Students who pass the comprehensive practical exam held on the final day of the course — a demonstration integrating all skills acquired — and the written test receive the academy's highest credential.
Credential Awarded
Certified Master Butler
+ Certified Pin Badge
* This credential is a private qualification certified independently by The All Japan Butler Association.
BENEFITS
Course Benefits
The following benefits — befitting the premier programme — are included for all Master Course students
Bespoke Tailored Vest
Measured at the start of the course, your own bespoke vest is tailored for you. Worn from the midpoint of the course to foster your professional identity.
Complete Textbook Set (All 15 Volumes — E1–E5, A1–A5, M1–M5)
In addition to the E and A series, 5 master-level (M) volumes covering international protocol, crisis management, and VVIP service — the complete 15-volume set.
Luxury Pocket Watch
An original academy pocket watch presented as a symbol of the butler. A keepsake to carry your professional pride long after graduation.
Wine Opener Set
A sommelier knife and waiter's corkscrew presented as a set. Available for use during training and beyond.
Butler's Essential Tool Set
A full professional-grade basic toolkit presented to each student.
White Gloves & Original Apron
Issued on Day 1. The academy's bespoke apron and high-quality white gloves, worn during practical training.
NEXT STEP
Step-Up Discount
As the Master Course includes the full content of Advanced, Advanced Course graduates who enrol in the Master Course receive a JPY 180,000 reduction on tuition for the overlapping content. We look forward to seeing you grow into an unshakeable professional through both programmes.
Reduction: JPY 180,000
DOMESTIC ADVANTAGE
Studying in Japan vs. Overseas
Residential butler schools abroad typically require a commitment of eight weeks or more, making it impractical to study while continuing in your current role. The Japan Butler Academy's Master Course is structured around weekend attendance only — 16 days over three months — allowing you to complete world-class butler training domestically without interrupting your career. There are no travel or long-term accommodation costs, making it a highly practical choice.
ADMISSION FLOW
How to Enrol
BROCHURE
Request a Brochure
Start with a free brochure containing full course details and the academy's philosophy.
Learn moreCONSULTATION
One-to-One Consultation (recommended)
Given the investment involved, we strongly recommend a consultation. Our experienced staff will suggest the ideal path based on your goals and background.
Learn moreAPPLY
Apply
Once you have decided on a course, please complete the application form. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Learn moreCONFIRMATION
Enrolment Confirmed
After your application is received, we will send confirmation of enrolment along with preparatory materials. Measurements for your tailored vest are also taken on the first day.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Begin with a Consultation
As the premier programme, we recommend a one-to-one consultation to understand your background and goals and propose the ideal study plan. Please feel free to book at any time.
* Advanced Course graduates: please mention your step-up discount when applying.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. As an integrated programme encompassing all Essential and Advanced content, students with no prior experience can progress through the curriculum from the foundations. We are also happy to suggest the best approach during a one-to-one consultation.
A comprehensive practical exam held within the academy integrating all skills acquired throughout the course. This serves as the graduation practical assessment, and those who pass are awarded the Certified Master Butler credential.
Payment is by bank transfer in a single lump sum only. Instalment plans and credit cards are not accepted. Payment is due 14 days before the course start date.
Last updated: 15 June 2026