10 Free Resources for Learning Japanese (Beginner to Intermediate Guide)

Introduction

Learning Japanese can feel overwhelming at first — especially when you’re not sure which resources are actually worth your time. On top of that, many textbooks and courses can be expensive.

The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started.

In this guide, I’ll share 10 free resources for learning Japanese that I’ve personally used throughout my journey. Some offer paid upgrades, but everything listed here is genuinely useful without spending any money.

1. JapanesePod101

One of the most popular platforms for learning Japanese is JapanesePod101, and for good reason.

They offer a wide range of lessons, including:

• Audio podcasts
• Video lessons
• Downloadable PDFs

The variety can feel overwhelming at first, but that also means there’s something for every level.

While they do promote their premium plans quite aggressively, the free content alone is more than enough to get started. I’ve personally used the free version for years and only occasionally upgraded during discounts.

Highly recommended for beginners.

2. NHK World – Easy Japanese

When I first moved to Japan, this was my go-to resource.

NHK offers:

• Structured lesson plans
• Audio lessons and podcasts
• Short scenario-based videos

The lessons focus on real-life situations, which makes them incredibly practical. It’s also great for learning natural phrasing used in everyday conversations.

3. Anki

If you’re serious about learning Japanese, Anki is essential.

It’s a flashcard app that uses spaced repetition, helping you remember vocabulary and kanji efficiently.

You can:

• Create your own decks
• Download shared decks created by other users
• Track your progress over time

It’s free on desktop and Android (iPhone has a one-time fee).

4. Free Kanji eBook (JapanesePod101)

This is a surprisingly useful free kanji resource.

It includes:

• Over 1500 kanji
• Stroke order guides
• Multiple readings
• 50+ radicals

If kanji feels intimidating, this is a great place to start breaking it down.

5. Memrise

Memrise is another flashcard-based learning app, but with a more visual and interactive approach.

It’s especially useful for:

Learning with community-created content

Vocabulary building

Reinforcing memory through repetition

6. Easy Japanese News (Todai)

This is one of the best tools for reading practice.

The app provides:

• News articles sorted by JLPT level
• Built-in dictionary
• Vocabulary tracking

I personally found this extremely helpful for improving reading comprehension. The premium version adds offline access, but the free version is already very strong.

7. HelloTalk

HelloTalk is a language exchange app that connects you with native speakers.

You can:

• Chat with Japanese speakers
• Correct each other’s sentences
• Practice real conversations

It’s one of the best ways to actually use the language, not just study it.

8. Duolingo

Duolingo is probably the most well-known language learning app.

While its Japanese course can feel slightly challenging at first, it excels in:

• User experience
• Gamification
• Daily consistency

It’s not enough on its own, but it’s great as a supplementary tool.

9. Lang-8

Lang-8 is perfect for improving your writing skills.

You write in Japanese, and native speakers:

• Correct your mistakes
• Suggest improvements

In return, you help others with your native language.

10. Japanese Kanji Tree

This is one of the best kanji-focused apps available.

What makes it stand out:

• Completely free (no intrusive ads)
• Structured kanji learning
• Great for JLPT preparation

If you’re preparing for exams or want to systematically learn kanji, this is a fantastic tool.

Final Thoughts

These are the 10 free resources for learning Japanese that I’ve personally used and found genuinely helpful.

One of the biggest advantages of these tools is that they allow you to:
Learn Japanese effectively without spending money

That said, if you become serious about learning, combining these with a few paid resources can accelerate your progress.

I’ll be sharing a separate guide on the best paid Japanese learning resources soon.

If you enjoyed 10 FREE resources for learning Japanese you may also like:

• How To Introduce Family Members In Japanese
• Saying Thank you, please, and apologizing in Japanese
• 13 Easy Japanese Phrases To Impress Your Friends
• 5 Tips That Will Help You Pass The JLPT

Planning a trip to Japan or learning the language?

I’ve put together a free cheat sheet with essential phrases, travel tips, and things I wish I knew before going.

Get it here: