Top 25 Free Japanese Learning Resources (Beginner to JLPT N5–N1)

Here is a curated list of some of the best completely (or largely) free resources online — suitable for beginners, intermediate learners, and serious students preparing for JLPT from N5 up to N1. Combine these with structured study (like your own site content) to build a strong Japanese foundation.

Free Online Courses & Structured Grammar Guides

• JF Japanese e‑Learning Minato — Self‑study and tutor‑supported courses from beginner (A1) to intermediate. Great starting place for structured learning. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Hirogaru Nihongo — Topic‑based reading/listening lessons across various themes (culture, daily life, interests) — good for improving comprehension and immersion. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Japanese in Anime & Manga — Learn colloquial and casual Japanese through manga/anime contexts; each panel has translation + audio + quizzes. Fun way to build vocabulary & listening skills. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• NIHONGO e‑な — A portal collecting many free resources for beginners to advanced learners: grammar, vocab, kanji, reading lists. From easy to advanced materials. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• HIRAGANA / KATAKANA Memory Hint & KANJI Memory Hint (apps) — Free apps to learn hiragana, katakana, and beginner-level kanji via mnemonics and quizzes. Great for script & kanji memorization. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Dictionaries & Example Sentence Tools

• Jisho.org — Japanese‑English Online Dictionary — Powerful dictionary allowing search by English, kana, kanji, radicals; essential for vocabulary building and kanji lookup.
• Tatoeba.org — Example Sentence Database — Huge collection of sentences in Japanese with English translations; very useful for learning words/grammar in context. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Additional Tools & Community Resources

• Tofugu Japanese Learning Resources Database — A massive curated list of resources: kana tools, kanji learners, grammar guides, reading suggestions and more. Very useful to pick resources based on your level. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• NOX.im – Self‑Study Japanese Resource Guide — A roadmap for self‑learners: covers writing system, vocabulary, grammar explanations, short stories and reading/listening practice. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Why These Work Well & How to Combine with Your Own Site

• Use Minato or Hirogaru for structured lessons → then apply concepts using your own site’s grammar/vocab/kanji pages for reinforcement.
• Whenever you meet new vocab or kanji — check on Jisho + search for example usages on Tatoeba → helps in reading / listening / speaking practice.
• Use Memory Hint apps for consistent daily practice of kana/kanji to build a strong foundation before diving into grammar or reading.
• Explore cultural and interest‑based content (anime/manga, articles, videos) — good for listening comprehension, natural phrasing and motivation.
• Use comprehensive resource databases (Tofugu, NOX) to discover extra reading material, intermediate‑level grammar, and learning strategies as you progress from N5 → N3 → N1.