Auckland Japanese Tutor

“Start Your Japanese Journey with Confidence”

Are you ready to build a strong foundation in Japanese from the very beginning? If you are a complete beginner or looking to solidify your basics, my lessons are designed for you. Whether you are preparing for your first exchange program, dreaming of living or working in Japan, starting your JLPT N5–N4 journey, or simply wanting to connect with Japanese culture and family, we will build your skills together step-by-step.

I teach private Japanese lessons on Zoom for motivated learners aged 15 and older who want consistent, long-term progress.

Upcoming Information

Notice
If you are interested in learning at your own pace, please consider enrolling in online Japanese courses.(Click)
If you are interested in tutoring via Zoom, please contact me.

My Services

Weekly Japanese Lessons

Take 1 hours or 30 minutes weekly lessons over Zoom from the comfort of your own home. Designed for long-term and steady progress.

Casual Japanese Lessons

Flexible, one-off lessons that can be booked as needed. Ideal for students who want occasional help or prefer learning at their own pace.

JLPT Exam Preparation

I am a master at helping students prepare for their Japanese Language Exams or school exam.

Online Video Courses

Checkout my full-length video courses teaching Japanese Grammar from Beginner to Advanced at TekuTeku Nihongo

contact Now

Ayana Okamoto

Ayana is originally from Kanagawa, Japan, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education before moving to New Zealand in 2011. Over the past decade, she has helped thousands of students learn Japanese through both one-on-one and group teaching. She published an e-book in Japanese titled ‘How to Be a Professional Japanese Teacher. She has also created her Japanese online courses. (Click here) . Now based in Japan again, Ayana continues to share her passion for teaching — especially with learners from New Zealand, her second home. Drawing on her extensive experience, she focuses on practical communication, cultural understanding, and personalized support to help students succeed in learning Japanese.

Why Learn With Me?

Personalised Learning Support

Personalised lessons to suit your preferred learning style and your goals
A clear road-map to help you pass your JLPT exams
Effective feedback on your progress

Experienced, Passionate Educator

With my degree in Education I can guide your learning journey and help you to achieve your goals
I have built a deep knowledge through helping hundreds of students
I am passionate about Japanese culture and continue to study it my free time

Well Structured Lessons + Curriculum

Full of useful, relevant, high-quality materials that suit your Japanese level
You will have regular weekly homework
You can access supplemental lesson videos which enhance your learning

What My Students Are Saying

contact now

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   David Heard 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am visiting Japan as a solo traveller for a 5-week Bucket List holiday. Ayana has been fantastic with helping me learn useful phrases and basic language skills. Her patience is endless and is only equal by her desire for you to learn as much as possible but at your own pace. Ayana has also been most helpful with providing advice on locations where to stay and how to travel from one city to another, as well as providing invaluable information about local customs and Japanese etiquette. Ayana is a fantastic teacher and a vey nice person. I can and do highly recommend her. Thank you from a vey please and grateful student.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alex Scott 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been taking lessons with Ayana-sensei for a couple of years. She has an excellent teaching style and is a very kind and friendly person. She has great resources and has set me on a great learning path - but is also happy to be flexible and pivot if there is something else I want to focus on. I have passed N5 + N4 and am working towards N3, and the lessons with Ayana have been a huge part of that. She kindly even showed us around Kamakura on a trip to Japan. Would definitely recommend to anyone at any stage of their Japanese journey!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jing Wang 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A great Japanese teacher—professional, dedicated, and able to provide various resources to support learning. Thank you!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Maya Genesee 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started learning from Ayana sensei in July 2023, while preparing for the JLPT N5. Through her well structured teachings I was able to pass well during that year's exam. She ensures that her classes are well tailored based on the areas of focus the student requires and ensures that all the content is fully understood before moving on. I am very grateful for all the help Ayana Sensei has done for not only helping myself but for all her students and I look forward to another great year with her!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tony Swanson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ayana sensei has been a most amazing tutor for me for over a year, in between my trip to Japan. As an older student she has been extremely helpful in explaining the nuances of Nihongo, and she’s proven to me that you are never too old to learn. I enjoyed my lessons with her and wish her well on her venture. Tony Swanson
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nathan Lindsay 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. While it was only a short while I got to be taught by Ms. Okamoto, it was an incredible experience, and has increased my love for the Japanese language ten-fold. She is very good at understanding how to teach each student, with her very useful homework, and interesting conversations. She has inspired me to continue to study Japanese, and has made me understand the importance of spoken practice. Thank you very much, and I wish you all the best for the future!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Corinne McLean 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 素晴らしい� �生です。個人向けlessonを上手に教えます。気� �ねなくお進めします。
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sanja Kondic 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been a student of Ayana’s for over a year now and I can confidently say that since day one she’s been incredible. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every class I’ve had with her. Ayana really puts in the effort to make each lesson feel personal. She’s kept me motivated, made me feel comfortable and all our classes have been so much fun - I couldn’t recommend her enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lijia 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been learning Japanese with Ayana� �生 since March 2023. She is nice and professional. I really enjoy the class and feel motivated every time seeing her. The lessons are well structured, also integrated student’s interests and personal goals. I have learned a lot and become more interested in Japanese culture. Thank you for helping me learn and opening my mind. Would highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jerry Mahy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ayana is organised and professional. She has a manner suitable for teaching Japanese for adults and children. I have no hesitation in recommending Ayana for Japanese language instruction.