JCI Q&A
[Q1] I heard cooking Japanese cuisine is difficult, but is it possible to master it in a short period?
A1) As there are various techniques required for Japanese cuisine, it can be said that a high level of technical skills would be certainly needed. But JCI classes are organized in small groups of students, and our instructors who are professional chefs will pay close attention to each student so that they can acquire Japanese cooking skills for a short time of period. Besides, for those who want to focus on specific themes to learn in a short time, we will organize special programs and private lessons for them.
[Q2] I cannot speak Japanese at all, but can I take lessons?
A2) JCI is a cooking school for foreigners. We have interpreters in every one of the classes, so don’t worry about a language barrier. We offer not only Japanese-English translation but also Japanese-Chinese translation services.
[Q3] I want to take the 2-month Chef Training course. Do I need a visa for Japan?
A3) As of March 2020, citizens of 68 countries coming to Japan for tourism purposes don't need a visa and will be granted permission for short-term stay upon arrival. The period of stay will be 90 days for many countries and regions. For more details, please contact JCI Admission office, travel companies, etc.
[Q4] Currently, I am running a restaurant and I want to add Japanese dishes to my menu. Can I get some advice about my menu planning?
A4) As our professional courses are organized to meet the needs of both for those who already have their restaurants and for those who are preparing for opening their restaurants, our course curriculum includes a lesson on menu planning. In our Professional Ramen course, you will make your original soup at the end of the course. Also, our Chef Training course sets a final goal for each student to make a Japanese full course meal by himself.
[Q5] I want to open a ramen restaurant. Can I learn about all the costs, operations, and management knowledge necessary for a ramen restaurant?
A5) Basic costs of running a business such as food costs or labor costs and restaurant operations are very important issues for the restaurant owners. In our Professional Ramen course, you will take various hands-on training opportunities at several ramen restaurants, and will also learn about restaurant management there.
[Q6] I am a complete cooking beginner, so I’m not sure if I can keep up with the lessons.
A6) Our lessons are tailored to every student’s cooking career, so there is no problem even if you a beginner. Also, we will organize a private class for those who want to take individual lessons.
[Q7] I heard that there is a wide variety of sushi restaurants in Japan, from conveyor belt sushi restaurants to high-end sushi restaurants. What kind of sushi can I learn at JCI?
A7) Our Sushi course instructor is a professional sushi chef from a top-class sushi company in Japan, which has an authentic sushi restaurant chain. You can learn sushi-making skills and food ingredients etc., directly from an expert chef working for a popular sushi restaurant (Edomae-style and delivery sushi shops) chain located in Shizuoka and Kanto area as well as overseas.
[Q8] I have a plan to open a yakitori restaurant, and I want to see the actual kitchen tools necessary for my restaurant. Will you bring me around the kitchen supplies area in Japan?
A8) In Tokyo, there is a famous kitchenware town called Kappabashi. In our Professional courses, we will offer a kitchen tools purchasing tour in Kappabashi as a field trip upon request.
[Q9] Do you have a restaurant internship program in Japan?
A9) A long-term internship is currently not available, but it is possible to apply for a short-term internship to learn actual restaurant operations.
Study-internship programs can be arranged for 1 day, 1 week (5 days), 2 weeks (10 days) or 12 weeks (60 days).
The second 12 weeks of the 24-week course are for the study-internship. By paying the tuition fee, students are taught how to prepare the ingredients for cooking, setting out dishes and opening the restaurant in the actual operating environment. Through these hand-on experiences, students aim to acquire practical skills required in the restaurant. The longer the internship runs, the stronger skills you will gain.
For more details, please contact JCI Admission Office.
[Q10] How much is the accommodation fee if I stay in Atami? Are there any extended-stay hotels?
A10) In Atami, you can find various types of accommodation, such as guest houses for low-budget travelers or high-class hotels and Japanese inns (Ryokan). For the guest house, the accommodation fee per night would be about 30 USD and more. However, the price depends on the season, so please contact the hotels for more information.
[Q11] I want to make a few roundtrips between Tokyo and Atami during my stay. What are the means of transportation?
A11) It will take 45 mins to travel between Tokyo and Atami by Shinkansen bullet train. Japan Rail Pass is a special fare ticket that is available only to foreign tourists visiting Japan for sight-seeing. If you purchase the Japan Rail Pass, it covers the Shinkansen rides between Tokyo and Atami during a validity period. As of November 2021, the price for Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order for Adult (train-class: Ordinary, duration: 7-day) is about 30,000YEN. It is recommended that you purchase Japan Rail Pass for the entire duration of your stay. Before buying Japan Rail Pass, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. For more details, please view Japan Rail Pass official webpage.
[Q12] Are lessons closed if there are holidays during the course?
A12) On public holidays, the lessons will be intensive, so you can take all the lessons for the period you applied for.
Intensive means that each lesson may be lengthy, or additional lessons may be given after school or on weekends on weekdays.
[Q13] Do you issue a diploma?
A13) Yes, we do.
We issue diplomas for courses 12 weeks or longer.
For the courses less than 12 weeks, we issue certificates.
[Q14] How can I bring my kitchen knife to Japan?
A14) Please be sure to bring your school's admission certificate with you when you ride public transportation during your trip to Japan or during your commute to school. Please put your kitchen knife in a special wooden case or a special box or cloth bag when boarding public transportation.
[Q15] I would like to purchase a kitchen knife from JCI in advance.
A15) The Japanese kitchen knives provided by JCI are simple, inexpensive, and convenient for starting to cook Japanese cuisine. The basic set of 3 kitchen knives costs $150.
If you would like to purchase the kitchen knives in advance from JCI, please contact us as soon as possible. Please transfer the charge for the kitchen knife and the tuition together to JCI’s bank account. Please do not transfer them separately.
[Q16] I want to purchase high-quality kitchen knives for professional use in Japan.
A16) Our teacher will give you detailed explanations and advice about kitchen knives after your arrival in Japan. The students of JCI can purchase kitchen knives at a discount.