NihonGo! review
A structured, no-signup web course for kana, beginner conversation and JLPT N5–N4.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
NihonGo! pros and cons
- 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
NihonGo! fact sheet, pricing and score →
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