NihonGo!
NihonGo!: A structured, no-signup web course for kana, beginner conversation and JLPT N5–N4. Ranked #56 of 63 in Japanese Learning Apps by our editors (3.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free beginners learning kana and JLPT N5–N4.
At a glance
- Editor score3.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree beginners learning kana and JLPT N5–N4
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Study focusBalanced
- Facts checked22 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Structured course with 13 chapters and 131 short episodes
- Kana stroke-order practice, plus N5–N4 kanji across 50 units
- Audio, quizzes and printable writing practice without signup
Where it doesn't
- Covers beginner content through JLPT N5–N4, not higher levels
- Available on the web only
- No premium tier or AI features
Our verdict on NihonGo!
NihonGo! is a free Japanese course delivered through a website, aimed at absolute beginners who want a structured path into the language without creating an account. Its 13 chapters and 131 short episodes cover greetings, introductions, shopping, daily activities, plans, grammar and conditional expressions. The course pairs those lessons with hiragana and katakana instruction, stroke-order practice, and kanji units for JLPT N5–N4. It suits learners who want a balanced beginner resource with reading, writing, listening and quizzes rather than a tool focused on a single skill.
The curriculum combines several useful practice formats: audio, quizzes, short conversational episodes, chapter reviews with progress stamps, and printable kana charts and writing-practice sheets. Anime vocabulary and culture columns add context alongside the core lessons. This makes the site a practical starting point for learners who benefit from short, varied activities and offline writing exercises. The course is maintained by a Japanese-language teacher, and its no-account approach keeps access straightforward.
NihonGo! has a deliberately limited scope: its kanji curriculum covers N5–N4, so learners looking for intermediate or advanced study will need another resource as they progress. It is web-only, which may not suit people seeking a dedicated mobile app, and it has no AI features. The published offering is free with no premium tier; the site may display Google AdSense advertising. Choose it for no-cost beginner study and printable practice, but look elsewhere if you need broader levels or app-based learning.
Your product? Our editors can test NihonGo! in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
NihonGo! pricing
NihonGo! fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Study focus | Balanced |
| Speaking practice | Yes |
| Writing practice | Yes |
| Offline access | Not verified |
| Platforms | web |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | startnihongo.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Oct 2026 |
Alternatives to NihonGo!
- DuolingoA broad free Japanese course with placement, personalized review, stories, and mobile access.9.4
- IRODORI Japanese Online CourseA free, self-paced Japanese course focused on everyday life and work in Japan.9.3
- Marugoto Japanese Online CourseInteractive Japanese self-study with tutor-supported courses, live lessons, and assignment correction.9.2
See all NihonGo! alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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