The short answer: Use NHK NEWS WEB EASY for reading, Japanese Teacher Network for JLPT practice, WaniKani for kanji, and Bunpro for grammar. All free or cheap. If you want structured lessons with a teacher, Nihon GO! World offers online lessons from £30.
Below is the full breakdown — what’s actually worth your time, organised by skill.
Reading
NHK NEWS WEB EASY
Website: www3.nhk.or.jp/news/easy/
Best for: N4+ level
Cost: Free
Real news in simplified Japanese. Furigana toggle, audio playback. You improve your reading while staying up to date on Japan.
Hirogaru Nihongo
Website: hirogaru-nihongo.jp
Best for: N3+ level
Cost: Free
Cultural and literary content with adjustable furigana and audio. Good for pushing beyond news-level Japanese.
Grammar & JLPT Practice
Japanese Teacher Network
Website: nihongokyoshi-net.com
Best for: All levels (N5–N1)
Cost: Free
Vocabulary, grammar, and kanji quizzes sorted by JLPT level. Popular among actual Japanese teachers. Occasionally has minor errors — cross-check if unsure.
Bunpro
Website: bunpro.jp
Best for: All levels
Cost: Paid (subscription)
Grammar-focused platform with spaced repetition. Integrates well with other learning tools.
Nihon GO! World Materials
Website: nihongo-world.com/materials/
Best for: N4–N3
Cost: Free
Grammar exercises, reading comprehension with furigana toggle, instant feedback quizzes. Focuses on how Japanese is actually used.
Kanji
WaniKani
Website: wanikani.com
Best for: Beginners to Intermediate
Cost: Paid (free trial available)
Systematic kanji and vocabulary learning with mnemonics. Good for memorising readings and meanings efficiently.
Listening & Conversation
Japan Foundation Minato
Website: minato-jf.jp
Best for: N4–N3
Cost: Free
Introduces vocabulary before conversations, then adds listening exercises. Topics are practical and everyday — not news-heavy.
How to Structure Your Study
Beginners (N5–N4)
- Start with systematic grammar and vocabulary
- Test yourself with Japanese Teacher Network quizzes
- Practice reading with NHK NEWS WEB EASY
- Build kanji knowledge with WaniKani
Intermediate (N3–N2)
- Use Japan Foundation Minato for vocabulary and listening
- Challenge yourself with Hirogaru Nihongo
- Keep up targeted JLPT practice
- Strengthen grammar with Bunpro
Advanced (N1+)
- Consume authentic Japanese media regularly
- Focus on vocabulary in your areas of interest
- Use advanced grammar resources and literature
The Reality of Self-Study
These resources work. But let’s be honest about the limits:
- Free sites sometimes have errors
- Written Japanese ≠ spoken Japanese — you can sound unnatural
- No one to check your pronunciation
- No one to answer your questions
- Staying motivated alone is hard
Self-study gets you far, but there’s a ceiling. If you’re stuck or want faster progress, lessons with a teacher help.
Ready for structured learning?
Nihon GO! World offers online lessons from £30/hour with certified native Japanese teachers.
Written by Ayaka Uchida — CEO of A-Digital Works, founder of Nihon GO! World.