Group Business
The Japan Butler Academy
A butler training school based in Odaiba, Tokyo
What is The Japan Butler Academy?
One of the butler-related education ventures is The Japan Butler Academy, introduced as the only full-scale institution in Japan dedicated to training professional butlers, based in Odaiba, Tokyo.
The academy is operated by the All Japan Butler Association, a registered general incorporated association, with educational delivery, trademark management, and apparel handled by its operating company, Queen's Butler Inc. Weekend lessons are paired with on-demand video, and each class is limited to just 6 students.
For the full curriculum, tuition details, and enrolment schedule, the academy's official website at butler-academy.jp is the primary source of information.
Four Marks of the Academy
Hands-on Roleplay
Learning that moves from knowledge to gesture.
Small Classes of Six
Each class is capped at 6 students, with a minimum of 3 to run. Instructors watch every posture and gesture up close and correct them one student at a time.
Hybrid Learning
Weekend in-person lessons are paired with on-demand video for preview and review, so working adults and students can build skills at their own pace between sessions.
Learning from the Real Thing
Rather than claiming forced hotel partnerships, students visit first-class hotels as guests, experiencing fine dining and afternoon tea to observe how true professionals move.
A Recognised Certification
On completing a course, students receive a private certification issued by the All Japan Butler Association, the body that operates the academy.
Three Course Levels
The curriculum is designed as a staircase, from the first steps of etiquette to the leadership of a professional butler.
Essential Course
¥780,000tax incl.
The foundational course covering the basics of butler etiquette: greeting posture, table-manner instruction, napkin folding, and ironing. Designed for complete beginners with no prior experience.
- 1 month・8 in-person days
- 48h in-person + 24h video (72h total)
- Completion: Certified Associate Butler
Advance Course
¥1,180,000tax incl.
A hands-on course building on Essential skills: formal dining service, wardrobe care, and event-support scenarios such as escorting guests with an umbrella.
- 2 months・12 in-person days
- 72h in-person + 36h video (108h total)
- Completion: Certified Professional Butler
Master Course
¥1,680,000tax incl.
The top-tier course covering VIP protocol, crisis response, and household-staff management, for those pursuing a professional butler career or a corporate-training instructor path.
- 3 months・16 in-person days
- 96h in-person + 48h video (144h total)
- Completion: Certified Master Butler
Schedule, Payment & Transfer
Class Format
Weekend lessons, six hours a day (four 90-minute periods), combined with on-demand video for preview and review.
Payment
Tuition is paid as a single bank transfer (instalments and credit cards are not accepted).
Transfer Discounts
Stepping up from Essential to Advance earns an ¥80,000 discount, and Advance to Master a ¥180,000 discount.
Completion Requirements
Completion requires at least 80% attendance plus a written exam (30 minutes) and a practical exam, with one free retake.
Textbooks Across Fifteen Volumes
The curriculum is built around a set of fifteen textbooks, each equivalent to around twelve hours of study and together running to well over four thousand pages. They are grouped into foundation, applied, and specialist tiers.
FoundationE1–E5
Five foundation volumes covering the roots of butler culture, basic etiquette, and everyday household support.
AppliedA1–A6
Six applied volumes on dining service, wardrobe and silver care, event support, and international protocol.
SpecialistM1–M5
Five specialist volumes on VIP protocol, crisis response, and household-staff management.
* Volume counts are subject to revision; the academy's curriculum guide is the authoritative source.
Try a Lesson First
For those who want to understand the curriculum and the atmosphere of the school before enrolling, the academy offers a trial lesson. It is a chance to feel first-hand how a small class is taught and how closely instructors watch each gesture.
Details and available dates are posted on the academy's course pages at butler-academy.jp .
On-site Training for Companies
Beyond individual students, the academy also welcomes enquiries about on-site training that would send instructors directly to companies. Such sessions are envisioned to take place in a client's own meeting room, or on-site at the actual business location, covering hospitality manners tailored to that industry.
This corporate track is envisioned to draw on the same instructional foundation as the Master Course, carrying over the academy's habit of watching and correcting each gesture up close. Companies that are interested are welcome to enquire directly through butler-academy.jp.
The Main School in Odaiba, Tokyo
The main school is in the Odaiba area of Tokyo (2-7-4 Aomi, Koto-ku). With lessons held on Saturdays and Sundays, it is within easy reach for working adults commuting from central Tokyo.
Each class is capped at 6 students, with a minimum of 3 to run, keeping the learning environment intimate and instructor-led.
Graduates receive a private certification issued by the All Japan Butler Association, the body that operates the academy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the academy located?
The academy's main school is in the Odaiba area of Tokyo (2-7-4 Aomi, Koto-ku). Classes are held on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), which makes it accessible for working adults commuting from central Tokyo as well as students.
How many students are in a class?
Each class is limited to a maximum of 6 students, with a minimum of 3 required to run. The small size lets instructors give hands-on, individual guidance for every posture and gesture.
What courses are offered, and how much do they cost?
There are three tiers: the Essential Course (1 month, ¥780,000 tax incl.), the Advance Course (2 months, ¥1,180,000 tax incl.), and the Master Course (3 months, ¥1,680,000 tax incl.). Payment is by a single bank transfer.
What is the class schedule like?
Lessons are held on weekends, six hours a day (four 90-minute periods), and are combined with on-demand video for preview and review. Completing a course requires at least 80% attendance plus a written and practical exam.
Can I try a class before enrolling?
Yes. A trial lesson is available for those who want to experience the curriculum and the atmosphere of the school before committing to a full course. Details are posted on the official site.
Do you offer training for companies?
The academy also welcomes enquiries about corporate on-site training, in which instructors would visit a company's own meeting rooms or work sites to teach hospitality manners tailored to that business. Companies are welcome to enquire directly through the official site.
Learn More at the Official Site
Course schedules, enrolment details, and trial-lesson dates are updated on the academy's official website. Please see it as the primary source of information.
butler-academy.jp