Parents' Column | Soroban
Soroban class tuition: typical monthly fees,
and the other costs to expect
“How much is soroban a month?” “What else do we pay besides tuition?” The number of lessons and what tuition includes differ from class to class. Here we bring together typical monthly tuition, the costs besides tuition, points for comparing classes, and a guide to what a year at Kodomo School costs.
Parents who come for a trial lesson sometimes ask, “How does this compare with other classes?” Each soroban class sets its fees in its own way. A class may look cheap when you see only the monthly tuition, yet charge a lot in other fees. Here we go through typical tuition and the costs besides tuition in order.
Typical monthly tuition
Soroban tuition varies with the number of lessons and the area, but about ¥4,500 to about ¥12,000 a month is typical. Many classes meet two or three times a week, and the more lessons, the higher the tuition. Kodomo School is once a week at ¥4,600 a month (final year of kindergarten and elementary school), which is on the low side of that range.
| Why tuition differs | How it changes |
|---|---|
| Lessons per week | Two or three lessons a week cost more than one. Some classes offer “unlimited attendance” |
| Length of a lesson | 40, 60 or 90 minutes and so on, depending on the class |
| Area | Typical fees differ by area |
| What tuition includes | In some classes, materials and heating/cooling fees are included in tuition; in others they are separate |
Amounts are a guide (as of October 2026). Please check with each class for details.
Costs besides tuition
| Cost | When? | Guide and points |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment fee | Once, when joining | From free to ¥10,000 or more, depending on the class. Some classes have a sibling discount |
| Facility / heating and cooling fee | Monthly, or every six months or year | The name varies by class. Insurance is sometimes included |
| Materials fee | When textbooks are used | Included in tuition at some classes |
| The soroban itself | Once, at the start | A children’s 23-rod soroban is often about ¥2,000–5,000. One-touch (reset button) models and others cost more. Many classes sell them |
| Exam fees | When taking an exam | For reference: the soroban exams of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry / Japan Soroban Federation (Nihon Shuzan Renmei) cost ¥1,000 for 10th–7th kyu, ¥1,800 for 3rd kyu and ¥2,800 for 1st kyu (fees from April 2024, tax included). Fees differ by type of exam |
| Competitions, special courses, etc. | When taking part | Some classes have competition entry fees or special courses during summer vacation and so on |
Exam fees are paid for each exam taken. Soroban grades are divided finely, so many elementary school children take exams several times a year. It is reassuring to ask at the trial lesson how often children usually take them.
5 points for comparing classes
- Compare “how much for one year”
Add the enrollment, facility and materials fees to tuition × 12 months and compare. Even if tuition is low, the facility fee may be charged separately.
- Lessons per year, and the length of each lesson
Even if it says “4 times a month,” the number of lessons in a year changes depending on whether there are no lessons on public holidays and during long school breaks.
- Whether make-up lessons are possible
Whether a missed lesson can be taken on another day. This makes a big difference for children with many activities, or at times when they often get sick.
- Where exams are held
Whether exams can be taken in the usual classroom, or your child has to go to another venue. Consider the effort of getting there, too.
- Transport and the load at home
How many times a week you need to take your child there and back. At classes with a lot of homework, you also need time to help at home.
Kodomo School (a one-year guide)
Soroban at Kodomo School is once a week, 60 minutes (42 lessons a year). Lesson hours are basically 16:10–18:30, and children come at any time within those hours (a “free-time” system).
| Final year of kindergarten and elementary | Junior high | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly tuition (tax included) | ¥4,600 | ¥5,500 |
| Facility fee (incl. insurance) | ¥1,100 / month | ¥1,100 / month |
| Monthly payment | ¥5,700 | ¥6,600 |
| One year (12 months) | ¥68,400 | ¥79,200 |
| Enrollment fee | ¥4,800 (once, at the start. Free from the second child in a family) | |
| Other | Materials fee, the soroban itself (23 rods recommended; can be bought at the classroom), and exam fees when taking exams | |
For example, an elementary school child’s first year comes to ¥68,400 for 12 monthly payments plus the ¥4,800 enrollment fee, ¥73,200 in total (materials, the soroban and exam fees are separate).
Tips for keeping costs down
- A hand-me-down soroban is fine: A sibling’s or relative’s soroban can often be used. Check that the beads move smoothly and check the number of rods (23 recommended).
- At the trial lesson, ask “what does tuition include?”: Confirm how far materials, facility and exam fees are included, so there is no “it costs this much?” later.
- Check for sibling discounts: At Kodomo School, when siblings attend, the enrollment fee is free from the second child.
- Know the rules for taking a break: At Kodomo School, if you let us know by the 10th of the month, your child can take a break from the following month for up to three months. No enrollment fee is needed when rejoining.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child really learn soroban at once a week?
Yes. Kodomo School is 60 minutes once a week; the teacher marks work on the spot and gives tasks suited to each child. There is no need to practice every day at home. Children who want to move faster improve a lot with a little practice at home, such as before an exam.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive classes?
Mainly the number of lessons a week, the length of each lesson, what tuition includes (materials, heating and cooling, etc.) and the area. Rather than the amount alone, we recommend choosing by the yearly total and by whether your child can keep attending (location, time, and how well they get on with the teacher).
Should we buy a soroban before joining?
After you decide to join is fine. For the free trial lesson, writing supplies are all you need; we provide a soroban at the classroom. You can also buy one at the classroom when you join.
How do the costs compare with Kumon?
It depends on the number of lessons and subjects, so there is no single answer. For details, see “Differences in cost and time” in Soroban or Kumon: which is better?.
Is the trial lesson free?
Yes, it is free (about 20 minutes). All your child needs to bring is writing supplies. Please ask the teacher or head office staff at the trial lesson about anything you would like to know, such as fees and exams.
Comparing tuition by “how much for one year?” makes it easy to understand!
About the author
Taito MoritaFounder & principal of Kodomo School (Morita Group Co., Ltd.)
He carries on the Morita Juku founded in Toyohashi in 1972. Through soroban, calligraphy and art at about 90 classrooms in Aichi and Shizuoka and at our Hanoi school in Vietnam, he helps children build the strength to believe in themselves. He also gives talks and seminars on education.
Message from our founderTalks & seminarsUpdated: October 12, 2026
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Soroban and calligraphy trial lessons are free (about 20 minutes; just bring something to write with). The art trial lesson is 40 minutes and costs ¥1,000 (nothing to bring). Come with your child and see the feel of the classroom and how well the teacher suits your child.