Best Websites to Learn Japanese Online with Free Resources

Want to learn Japanese without spending money? 

With the right free websites and tools, you can build fluency in Japanese through:
✅ Grammar lessons
✅ Kanji practice
✅ Speaking & listening exercises
✅ Language exchange with native speakers

In this guide, you’ll find the best free websites to learn Japanese effectively! 

Top Free Websites to Learn Japanese Online

Top free websites to learn Japanese online include platforms like NHK World Easy Japanese, Tae Kim’s Guide, and Duolingo, which offer structured lessons, grammar explanations, and interactive exercises. These sites are perfect for beginners and intermediate learners seeking quality content without the cost. Start your Japanese journey anytime, anywhere!

Best Free Websites for Learning Japanese

These platforms provide structured lessons, grammar explanations, and kanji practice for free:

🔹 NHK Web Easy – Best for Reading & Listening

🔗 Website: NHK Web Easy
✅ Simplified news in Japanese with furigana (kana above kanji)
✅ Includes audio, vocabulary explanations & grammar notes
✅ Ideal for beginner to intermediate learners

📌 Best For: Reading real-world Japanese with native audio support.

🔹 Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese – Best for Grammar

🔗 Website: Tae Kim’s Guide
✅ Comprehensive Japanese grammar lessons
✅ Covers beginner to advanced levels
✅ No fluff – direct explanations & example sentences

📌 Best For: Learners who want a structured approach to Japanese grammar.

🔹 WaniKani (Free Levels) – Best for Kanji Learning

🔗 Website: WaniKani
✅ Mnemonic-based kanji learning system
✅ First few levels are free (great for beginners)
✅ Spaced repetition ensures long-term memory retention

📌 Best For: Anyone struggling with kanji memorization.

🔹 Duolingo – Best for Basic Vocabulary & Sentence Formation

🔗 Website: Duolingo
✅ Gamified lessons covering vocabulary & basic grammar
✅ Free & mobile-friendly
✅ Good for casual learning but lacks in-depth grammar

📌 Best For: Absolute beginners looking for a fun start to Japanese.

🔹 Marugoto – Best for JLPT & Self-Study Courses

🔗 Website: Marugoto
✅ Official course by Japan Foundation
✅ Interactive lessons with dialogues & cultural context
✅ Great for self-paced JLPT study

📌 Best For: Those looking for structured lessons similar to a classroom course.

Free Language Exchange Platforms for Speaking Practice

Speaking with native Japanese speakers boosts fluency & confidence. Try these free conversation platforms:

🔹 HelloTalk – Best for Text & Voice Chat with Natives

🔗 Website: HelloTalk
✅ Chat, voice message & video call native speakers
✅ Get corrections & explanations in real time
✅ Free with premium features available

📌 Best For: Learners who want a text & voice-based conversation partner.

🔹 Tandem – Best for Real-Time Japanese Conversations

🔗 Website: Tandem
✅ Chat with native speakers via text, voice, or video calls
✅ Find language partners based on interests
✅ Free with optional paid features

📌 Best For: Practicing natural Japanese conversation.

🔹 Discord Japanese Servers – Best for Joining Language Communities

🔗 Website: Discord
✅ Join Japanese learning groups & voice chats
✅ Free community-driven learning
✅ Perfect for casual conversation practice

📌 Best For: Learners who prefer group discussions & casual chats.

Learning filler words is just the start. Here’s how to Speak Japanese Fluently through consistent practice and immersion.

Free Japanese Podcasts for Listening Practice

Listening to native speakers improves comprehension & pronunciation. Here are some great free Japanese podcasts:

🔹 JapanesePod101 (Free Beginner Lessons)

🔗 Website: JapanesePod101
✅ Audio-based lessons with transcripts
✅ Beginner-friendly conversational topics
✅ Free lessons available, but premium required for full access

📌 Best For: Learners who enjoy audio-based lessons.

🔹 Nihongo con Teppei – Best for Fun & Engaging Content

🔗 Website: Nihongo con Teppei
✅ Short & easy-to-follow podcast episodes
✅ Focuses on natural Japanese conversation
✅ Great for intermediate learners

📌 Best For: Those who want a light, conversational learning approach.

🔹 Learn Japanese with Noriko – Best for Casual Conversations

🔗 Website: Learn Japanese with Noriko
✅ Covers daily life topics in slow, clear Japanese
✅ Great for comprehension & natural phrasing

📌 Best For: Learners who want a relaxed, storytelling approach.

Free EBooks & Study Materials

If you prefer textbooks, grammar guides & reading practice, check out these free eBook sources:

🔹 JLPT Sensei – Best for JLPT Study Materials

🔗 Website: JLPT Sensei
✅ Free JLPT grammar lists & kanji study guides
✅ Covers N5 to N1 levels

📌 Best For: JLPT self-study.

🔹 Project Gutenberg – Best for Classic Japanese Literature

🔗 Website: Project Gutenberg
✅ Public domain Japanese books
✅ Free reading material to improve comprehension

📌 Best For: Advanced learners who enjoy classic Japanese texts.

🔹 Aozora Bunko – Best for Free Japanese Books with Furigana

🔗 Website: Aozora Bunko
✅ Tons of free Japanese books
✅ Many texts include furigana for easier reading

📌 Best For: Learners looking for reading practice with native content.

FAQs on Learning Japanese Online for Free

1. What is the best place to learn Japanese online free?
✅ NHK Web Easy, Tae Kim’s Guide, & WaniKani (free levels) are great starting points.

2. How can I practice speaking Japanese for free?
✅ Use HelloTalk, Tandem, and Discord servers for free real-time conversation practice.

3. Are there free JLPT preparation resources?
✅ Yes! Try JLPT Sensei, Marugoto, and NHK Japanese Lessons.

4. What’s the best free resource for learning Japanese grammar?
✅ Tae Kim’s Guide and Imabi offer detailed grammar explanations for free.

5. Can I learn Japanese fluently with free resources?
✅ Yes! But consistency is key. Combine speaking, listening, reading, and writing practice for best results.

Learning filler words is just the start. Here’s how to Speak Japanese Fluently through consistent practice and immersion.

With the right free resources, you can learn Japanese online effectively! 🎌

💡 Want structured lessons? → NHK Web Easy, Tae Kim’s Guide
💡 Need conversation practice? → HelloTalk, Tandem, Discord
💡 Looking for listening practice? → JapanesePod101, Nihongo con Teppei