Quick orientation
KanaDojo is a free Japanese learning web app for practicing Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji, and JLPT vocabulary. You don’t need an account. Your progress is saved locally in your browser, and you can customize the experience with themes and fonts.
Getting started
What KanaDojo is, how it works, and what you should do first.
What is KanaDojo?
KanaDojo is a free Japanese learning platform for practicing Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji, and vocabulary with fast drills and game-like training modes. It’s designed for self-study, quick feedback, and steady progress.
Is KanaDojo really free?
Yes. KanaDojo is free to use with no required account and no paywalled practice content.
Do I need to create an account?
No. Your preferences and learning stats are stored locally in your browser. If you clear site data or switch devices/browsers, your local progress won’t automatically follow.
Learning path
A practical order to learn Japanese reading fundamentals.
Should I learn Hiragana or Katakana first?
Most learners start with Hiragana, then move to Katakana. Once you can read kana comfortably, start beginner Kanji and vocabulary together for faster real-world comprehension.
How long does it take to learn Hiragana and Katakana?
With consistent daily practice, many learners memorize each kana set in 1–2 weeks and become comfortable reading within a month. Speed and accuracy improve with short, frequent sessions.
When should I start Kanji?
After you know kana well enough to read basic words (even slowly), start Kanji—ideally by JLPT level (N5 → N4 → N3 → N2 → N1). Learning Kanji alongside vocabulary helps retention.
Features & training modes
How practice works and which mode to pick for your goal.
What are the training modes?
KanaDojo includes recognition and recall modes (pick/reverse-pick, input/reverse-input) plus speed challenges like Blitz and longer mastery checks like Gauntlet. Switch modes depending on whether you want accuracy, recall, or speed.
What’s the best mode for beginners?
Start with recognition (pick mode) to build fast pattern matching, then add input mode for recall. For kana, alternating recognition and typing is a strong combo.
Can I customize themes and fonts?
Yes. KanaDojo supports extensive customization (themes, fonts, and preferences) so you can find a look that’s comfortable for long study sessions.
Privacy & data
What’s stored, where it’s stored, and what that means for you.
Where is my progress saved?
Your progress is saved locally in your browser (on your device). This keeps your stats private and lets you start instantly without signup.
Will my progress sync across devices?
Not automatically. Because progress is stored locally, switching browsers/devices won’t carry progress unless you manually move data.
Does KanaDojo work offline?
KanaDojo can work offline for core practice once assets are cached, but the best experience is with an internet connection—especially the first load.
JLPT preparation
How KanaDojo fits into a JLPT study plan.
Does KanaDojo help with JLPT?
Yes. KanaDojo organizes Kanji and vocabulary by JLPT level (N5–N1), which makes it easy to focus your practice for a target exam level.
Is KanaDojo enough to pass JLPT?
It’s a strong practice tool for recognition, recall, and speed—but JLPT also tests listening, reading comprehension, and grammar in context. Pair KanaDojo with graded reading/listening and a grammar resource.
What should I study for JLPT N5 first?
Start with Hiragana + Katakana, then N5 Kanji and core vocabulary. Short daily sessions beat occasional cramming—aim for consistency and review your weak items often.
Troubleshooting
Fix the most common ‘why am I not improving?’ problems.
I keep mixing up similar characters. What should I do?
Reduce your active set, drill recognition first, and add short recall sessions. For kana, practice minimal pairs and focus on the distinguishing strokes (e.g., さ vs ち, シ vs ツ).
My accuracy is fine but I’m slow.
Add timed practice (Blitz) with a small set. Speed usually improves after accuracy becomes stable.
My progress looks reset. Did I lose everything?
Progress is stored locally. Clearing browser data, using incognito mode, or switching devices/browsers can make it look reset. Check you’re in the same browser profile and that site data isn’t being cleared automatically.
Still stuck?
If something feels off, it’s usually one of two things: the wrong practice set (too many new characters at once) or the wrong mode (recognition vs recall). Use the links below to recalibrate in under a minute.