10 Amazing Apps to Learn Japanese (Beginner to JLPT)
Learning Japanese can feel intimidating at first.
Hiragana, katakana, kanji… it can look like a completely different world. But once you get into it, it becomes one of the most rewarding languages you can learn.
To make that process easier, I’ve put together 10 amazing apps to learn Japanese—all of which I’ve personally used and found useful.
Everyone learns differently, but no matter your approach, these apps will help make your journey far more manageable (and even enjoyable).
1. AnkiDroid
If you’re serious about learning Japanese, Anki is almost unavoidable.
It uses spaced repetition, meaning it shows you words just before you’re about to forget them. Over time, this becomes incredibly powerful.
There are thousands of pre-made decks covering:
- Kanji
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
You can also create your own flashcards, which in my experience is where the real learning happens.
Best of all—it’s completely free.
Download AnkiDroid
2. Todai Easy Japanese
Todai is perfect for reading practice.
You can learn all the grammar and kanji you want—but if you don’t apply it, it fades quickly.
This app lets you read real Japanese news articles, with:
- Furigana support
- Built-in translations
- JLPT-level filtering
It also includes practice questions, which makes it great for exam prep.
The free version is more than enough to get started.
Download TODAI
3. Bunpo
Grammar can feel endless in Japanese.
It’s not necessarily more complex than English—but there’s a lot to remember.
Bunpo breaks everything down into:
- Clear explanations
- Short lessons
- JLPT-level categories
If you’re preparing for JLPT (especially N5–N3), this is a must-have.
Download Bunpo
4. Nihongo JLPT Practice (N5–N1)
This app does exactly what the name suggests.
It gives you access to JLPT-style questions, allowing you to test:
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Reading
Best used after studying—when you want to measure your progress.
Download Nihongo JLPT Practice
5. Poro Kanji (N5–N4)
If you’re focusing on JLPT N5–N4, this is a solid app.
It covers:
- Onyomi & Kunyomi readings
- Stroke order
- Example vocabulary
A straightforward way to build your kanji foundation.
Download Poro Kanji N4-N5
6. Duolingo
No surprises here.
Duolingo is great for:
- Beginners
- Daily habit building
- Casual learning
It’s very user-friendly and makes learning feel like a game.
Not enough on its own—but a great starting point.
Download Duolingo
7. MyTest Migii
Another JLPT-focused app.
It covers:
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Reading
- Listening
The free version is a bit limited, but the premium version is reasonably priced and works offline.
Great for serious exam preparation.
Download MyTest Migii
8. Kanji Study
This is my personal favourite for kanji.
You can:
- Learn via flashcards
- Practice writing with your finger
- Watch stroke animations
- Take quizzes
It makes kanji feel far less intimidating.
Download Kanji Study
9. JA Sensei
One of the most complete apps on the list.
What makes it stand out is that it doesn’t just teach language—it also introduces Japanese culture.
There’s a lot of content here, and while there is a premium version, it’s worth it for the value.
Download JA Sensei
10. Skritter
If you enjoy writing, this app is excellent.
Skritter focuses on:
- Hiragana
- Katakana
- Kanji writing
It teaches you proper stroke order and reinforces memory through writing.
A great complement to Anki.
Download Skritter
Final Thoughts
Now go and install the apps…
…but more importantly, start learning.
Japanese is:
- Challenging
- Time-consuming
- Sometimes frustrating
But it’s also incredibly rewarding.
With the right tools—and consistency—you’ll be surprised how quickly you improve.
