Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. All courses at Japan Butler Academy welcome complete beginners. The Essential course is built on a curriculum that develops skills progressively from foundational techniques, and is open to anyone aged 18 or over regardless of nationality, gender, or background.

Yes. Passing the practical assessment at the end of each course awards a private certification from The All Japan Butler Association (Certified Associate Butler / Certified Professional Butler / Certified Master Butler) together with an official certification pin. Please note that these are private certifications awarded independently by The All Japan Butler Association.

The Essential Course (1 month · 8 days · 48 hours) is an introductory programme for beginners; the Advanced Course (2 months · 12 days · 72 hours) includes the full content of Essential and adds wine service and event management; and the Master Course (3 months · 16 days · 96 hours) includes the full content of both Essential and Advanced and is the most advanced programme, covering management and crisis response. Each course is complete on its own, so you can simply choose the one that matches your goal. Essential graduates may transfer to Advanced with an 80,000 JPY reduction for the overlapping content; Advanced graduates may transfer to Master with a 180,000 JPY reduction for the overlapping content.

Yes. All courses are held at weekends, so those in full-time employment can attend without difficulty. Classes run from 10:00 to 17:15 (4 x 90-minute sessions plus a lunch break).

Classes are capped at 6 students in a small-group format. The minimum number to run a course is 3. If fewer than 3 students have enrolled 14 days before the start date, you may choose between a full refund or a transfer to the next cohort with a 5% discount. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Essential Course: 780,000 JPY (tax incl.) / Advanced Course: 1,180,000 JPY (tax incl.) / Master Course: 1,680,000 JPY (tax incl.). All fees include study materials, practical training costs, additional benefits, and the certification examination fee.

Payment is by bank transfer in full only. Instalment plans and credit cards are not accepted. Bank transfer fees are the responsibility of the applicant. Payment is due 14 days before the course start date.

If you cancel within 8 days of application and before the course begins, a full refund is provided for any reason. Thereafter: more than 15 days before start: full refund / 14–8 days before: 20% charge / 7 days to the day before: 50% charge / cancellation on the day or after the course begins: fees for completed days plus 30% of the outstanding balance are charged, with the remainder refunded. Where there are exceptional circumstances, a one-time transfer to the next cohort at no charge is available as an alternative.

Aged 18 or over / Open to all nationalities, genders, and backgrounds / Able to follow instruction delivered in Japanese / Able to participate in practical sessions / Agreement to our enrolment terms and dress code. Anyone who meets these criteria is welcome to apply.

(1) Brochure request (optional) → (2) Individual consultation (optional) → (3) Submit the application form → (4) We send a confirmation of enrolment and preparatory materials. While a brochure request and consultation are not required, we encourage you to use them if you are undecided about which course to choose.

On class days, please wear a white shirt, dark-coloured trousers or skirt, and leather shoes. White gloves are provided by the Academy on your first day. Full details will be shared after your application is confirmed.

A one-day, six-hour introductory programme entitled "Introduction to Butler Etiquette". The fee is 33,000 JPY (tax incl.), with a maximum of 6 participants (minimum 2 to run) and approximately 6 sessions per year. Wearing white gloves, you will experience a genuine introduction to butler education.

Yes. The taster session fee of 33,000 JPY (tax incl.) is credited in full against the tuition of any full course (Essential, Advanced, or Master) when you enrol within one year of attending the taster session.

Half-day (3 hours / 2 modules): 220,000 JPY / Full day (6 hours / 4 modules): 330,000 JPY / Two-day package: 594,000 JPY / Intensive pre-opening three days: 891,000 JPY / Ongoing programme (half-day once monthly x 6 months): 1,188,000 JPY (all prices include tax; nationwide travel available; travel and accommodation charged at cost). Optional extras include a mystery service audit (from 165,000 JPY) and bespoke material development (from 110,000 JPY).

Rescheduling is free of charge up to 7 business days before the session. From 6 business days to the day before: 50% of the fee; on the day: 100%. Payment is by invoice (bank transfer), due 7 business days before the session.

We serve any industry with a high-net-worth client base, including hotels and ryokan, luxury residences (concierge), financial services and private banking, department store personal shopping and luxury retail, luxury sales (automotive, jewellery, real estate), and medical and aesthetic clinics. Training modules and practical scenarios are customised to your industry.

2-7-4 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064. Approximately 5 minutes on foot from either Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station or Telecom Center Station on the Yurikamome line. If travelling by car, please use one of the paid car parks nearby. Visits to the campus are by appointment only.

Individual consultations — during which a campus tour is included — are available by appointment. Please book via our contact form or by telephone (03-6824-4086, weekdays 10:00–17:00).