The 15 Best Websites to Learn Japanese for Beginners

Starting your Japanese learning journey can feel overwhelming. Should you focus on grammar? Memorize hiragana? Tackle kanji? Or dive straight into speaking? Luckily, the internet is full of amazing websites that can guide you at every step.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the 15 best websites to learn Japanese for beginners. Each website has its own strengths—whether you’re looking for grammar explanations, kanji tools, speaking practice, or cultural insights. This guide will help you find the best mix for your learning style.

15 Best Websites to Learn Japanese

1. Tofugu

Best use case: Self-study, foundational concepts

Pros:

• One of the most reputable blogs for japanese language learning

• Creator of WaniKani, a popular Kanji learning app

Cons:

• No live speaking or tutoring

Levels: Beginner to intermediate

Tofugu has been a favorite resource for Japanese learners since 2007. It started as a quirky blog but has grown into a rich library of free articles covering grammar, vocabulary, kanji learning strategies, and Japanese culture.

Unlike structured courses, Tofugu offers a collection of well-researched guides you can explore at your own pace. Its grammar explanations are approachable, breaking down tricky topics in plain English. It also dives deep into cultural topics, from holiday traditions to etiquette, helping you understand the language in context.

While most content is free, some tools—like WaniKani for kanji learning—are paid. Tofugu doesn’t offer interactive practice or speaking lessons, so it works best as a reference or supplemental reading tool alongside other resources.

2. Sakuraspeak: AI Conversational Partner

Best use case: Building conversational fluency, role-playing scenarios

Pros:

• Practice real conversations with AI

• Instant feedback and corrections

• Focuses on useful, everyday Japanese

Cons:

• Currently geared toward beginner and intermediate learners

Levels: Beginner to intermediate

Sakuraspeak helps solve a common problem: learning Japanese in a textbook doesn’t always prepare you to speak. With this app, you can practice conversations by interacting with an AI partner who responds naturally and corrects you in real time.

You can role-play real-life situations like ordering ramen, asking for directions, or checking into a hotel. Instead of drilling phrases passively, you actively use them in conversations—building listening skills and speaking confidence.

Sakuraspeak bridges the gap between knowing words and using them fluently. It’s perfect for travelers or anyone wanting to practice natural Japanese before visiting Japan.

3. Tae Kim’s Guide

Best use case: Reference guide for grammar explanations

Pros:

• Completely free

• Covers casual and formal grammar

Cons:

• No interactive exercises or drills

Levels: Beginner to intermediate

Tae Kim’s Guide is one of the most recommended free grammar resources online. It explains Japanese grammar in plain English, covering everything from particles and verb forms to casual and formal speech.

The guide feels like learning from a friend rather than a textbook. It’s not organized like a traditional course but more like a grammar encyclopedia you can jump into anytime. While it lacks practice tools, it’s a fantastic supplement to use alongside apps or classes, especially for clarifying confusing grammar points.

4. WaniKani: Best for Learning Kanji

Best use case: Memorizing kanji and vocabulary

Pros:

• Uses mnemonics and spaced repetition

• Tracks progress with levels

Cons:

• Paid subscription after initial free levels

Levels: Beginner to advanced

WaniKani, created by the Tofugu team, is designed to teach you nearly 2,000 kanji plus 6,000 vocabulary words over two years. It uses clever mnemonics and spaced repetition to make kanji stick in long-term memory.

Instead of dumping hundreds of characters at once, WaniKani introduces them gradually, unlocking new material only after you’ve mastered earlier ones. This keeps learning manageable and motivating.

While it’s powerful for kanji, it doesn’t cover grammar or conversation, so it’s best paired with other resources. If you’ve struggled with kanji before, WaniKani makes it feel achievable and even fun.

5. Renshuu

Best use case: Custom quizzes, interactive review

Pros:

• Combines grammar, vocab, kanji, JLPT prep

• Adaptive quizzes tailored to your level

Cons:

• Some features require a subscription

Levels: Beginner to intermediate

Renshuu is a flexible online platform that acts like your personalized tutor. It offers grammar lessons, vocab drills, kanji practice, and JLPT preparation—all tailored to your goals.

You can create custom quizzes, adjust the difficulty, and focus on weak areas. The platform adds playful features like mascots, achievements, and study parties to keep you motivated.

While many tools are free, some advanced features are paid. Renshuu is perfect if you enjoy interactive, gamified learning that adapts as you progress.

6. Reddit

Best use case: Asking questions, sharing resources

Pros:

• Huge community of 750,000+ learners

• Free crowdsourced advice

• Access to shared learning materials

Cons:

• No structured lessons

Levels: All levels

The subreddit r/LearnJapanese is a thriving hub for Japanese learners. It’s packed with textbook reviews, grammar discussions, study tips, and shared free resources like Anki decks and grammar guides.

It’s not a learning platform but a valuable place to troubleshoot questions, discover study methods, and get encouragement from fellow learners and native speakers. Whether you’re stuck on a grammar point or want advice on apps, the Japanese language learning community on Reddit is a great place for beginners to start.

7. YouTube

Best use case: Listening practice, casual immersion

Pros:

• Free video lessons from native speakers

• Learn natural pronunciation and phrases

Cons:

• No interactive correction

Levels: Beginner to intermediate

YouTube offers countless Japanese learning channels. Some of our favorite channels for learning Japanese include Japanese with Shun, Speak Japanese Naturally, and Daily Japanese with Naoko. These native Japanese creators teach grammar, pronunciation, conversation, and cultural insights in approachable, digestible videos.

It’s a fantastic way to practice listening, shadow native speakers, and pick up casual expressions. While it lacks structured progression, YouTube is invaluable for exposing yourself to authentic spoken Japanese.

8. NHK World

Best use case: Listening practice with simple news

Pros:

• Free “Easy Japanese” lessons

• Learn vocabulary through real events

Cons:

• News content can still feel advanced

Levels: Upper beginner to intermediate

NHK World is run by the Japanese government and offers “Easy Japanese” news stories and lessons designed for learners. You can read and listen to simplified news broadcasts, building vocabulary and comprehension while learning about current events in Japan.

It’s a great way to practice reading and listening with content that feels useful and relevant. While it’s not a replacement for grammar study, it adds valuable real-world context to your learning.

9. Nihongo Master

Best use case: Guided learning with interactive quizzes

Pros:

• Step-by-step lessons

• Community features for peer support

Cons:

• Subscription required for full access

Levels: Beginner to intermediate

Nihongo Master is like an online classroom. Lessons cover grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing, followed by quizzes to reinforce what you’ve learned. Progress tracking and achievements help you stay accountable, while the community forum lets you connect with fellow learners.

It’s a solid option if you want structured lessons combined with interactive practice.

10. JapanesePod101

Best use case: On-the-go listening practice

Pros:

• Huge library of audio lessons

• Covers multiple levels and topics

Cons:

• Premium plan needed for full access

Levels: Beginner to advanced

JapanesePod101 has been around the block in the language learning space and offers hundreds of audio lessons focusing on conversation, grammar, and cultural tips. Lessons simulate real conversations, helping you pick up natural phrases and listening skills.

You can listen during your commute or downtime, turning passive moments into learning opportunities. While free content is available, a paid subscription unlocks deeper lessons and extra features. They also offer a premium feature that allows you to schedule 1-1 lessons with a real native tutor, so that can be useful if you prefer face to face interaction.

11. iTalki

Best use case: Private tutoring sessions

Pros:

• Flexible scheduling

• Choose tutors by price, style, and experience

Cons:

• Paid lessons required

Levels: Beginner to advanced

iTalki connects you with native Japanese tutors for personalized online lessons. You can choose tutors based on teaching style, price, and reviews. Whether you want conversation practice, grammar explanations, or JLPT prep, iTalki lets you tailor lessons to your needs.

It’s ideal for learners who want live speaking practice with a human teacher, and are comfortable with spending more money in becoming more fluent in Japanese.

12. Duolingo

Best use case: Daily vocabulary and phrase practice

Pros:

• Free and fun mobile app

• Beginner-friendly

Cons:

• Limited grammar depth

Levels: Beginner

Duolingo, a popular language learning app, makes Japanese learning feel like a game. It introduces basic vocabulary and grammar in small, manageable lessons. The streak system keeps you motivated to practice daily.

While it’s not enough on its own for fluency, it’s a fun way to build basic habits and reinforce early vocabulary.

We highly recommend to combine Duolingo with other paid resources like Sakuraspeak for the best results, as you can take the words you learn in the app and practice speaking it with AI in the Sakuraspeak app.

13. Memrise

Best use case: Vocabulary and phrase learning with native audio

Pros:

• Video clips from native speakers

• Uses spaced repetition

Cons:

• Subscription required for premium features

Levels: Beginner to intermediate

Memrise teaches practical Japanese phrases through short video clips of native speakers. You learn how words sound in authentic speech, not textbook recordings. Its spaced repetition system reinforces memory while keeping learning fun.

It doesn’t teach grammar in depth but is excellent for picking up real-world vocabulary.

14. FluentU

Best use case: Learning with real-world media

Pros:

• Interactive subtitles with definitions

• Teaches through authentic video content

Cons:

• Subscription required

Levels: Beginner to intermediate

FluentU teaches Japanese using authentic videos like interviews, commercials, and movie clips. Interactive subtitles let you click words for definitions, and quizzes reinforce what you’ve watched.

It’s great for improving listening and vocabulary while experiencing natural Japanese media.

15. Mikagu

Best use case: Learning via media like Netflix shows

Pros:

• Easy subtitle lookup

• Seamless integration with Japanese movies or music

Cons:

• Requires purchase for full access

Levels: Beginner to intermediate

Migaku is a powerful language learning tool, especially favored by Japanese learners who want to study using real-world content. It allows you to transform native materials like Netflix shows, YouTube videos, and websites into interactive learning experiences. With features such as instant subtitle lookup, automatic Anki card creation, a customizable dictionary, and a reading app, Migaku makes it easier to acquire vocabulary and grammar naturally while engaging with authentic Japanese media.

FAQs

1. Do I need all these websites to get started learning Japanese?

No! We recommend you to start with just one website such as Tofugu to get your feet wet, and slowly progress to other resources like Sakuraspeak after you master foundational concepts like Kana.

2. Can I learn Japanese online for free?

Many sites like Tae Kim offer free content, though premium tools like WaniKani or FluentU require subscriptions.

3. Which is best for speaking practice?

Sakuraspeak is a convenient way to practice speaking Japanese anytime, anywhere with AI-based roleplay scenarios while iTalki connects you with live tutors although they tend to be more pricey.

Conclusion

Each website brings something unique to your learning journey—whether you’re focusing on grammar, kanji, vocab, or listening. But many learners hit a wall when it’s time to speak.

That’s why combining structured study with speaking practice is key. Sakuraspeak lets you take what you’ve learned in books and websites and put it into real conversation with an AI partner—building confidence and fluency.

Ready to turn study into conversation? Download Sakuraspeak today and start speaking Japanese with confidence!