Japanese Learning Roadmap

Japanese Language Tutorials:
A Complete Guide from Zero

A complete beginner roadmap for learning Japanese—from Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji to core grammar and JLPT prep.

35 structured articles

6 learning phases

~289 minutes total reading

Start from the Roadmap View All Articles Continue to JLPT

How to Use This Roadmap

Welcome to the Japanese learning hub on Jepang.org. This page is your roadmap if you want to master Japanese—for hobbies, study, or work in a Japanese-speaking environment.

Learning a language with three writing systems and grammar far from English can feel heavy. With the right order, systematic material, and steady practice, progress is easier to follow.

Material here is ordered step by step. So you always know where to begin, treat this page as a compass among scripts, grammar, and practical conversation.

For the author’s background, learning experience, and our editorial standards, read About Us.

Learning Roadmap by Phase

Follow this order for a stable path from zero to the intermediate transition.

Phase 19 Articles

Japanese Scripts

Master the three writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana, and an introduction to Kanji.

Phase 2JLPT N56 Articles

Grammar & Numbers Foundations

Learn basic particles, early sentence structure, and the Japanese number/time system.

Phase 3JLPT N54 Articles

Completing the Basics

Bridge simple sentences into more natural beginner conversation.

Phase 4JLPT N47 Articles

Core Grammar

Expand expression with ability forms, quotes, and advanced particles.

Phase 5JLPT N34 Articles

Intermediate Bridge

Move into complex patterns used in reading and mid-level communication.

Phase 65 Articles

Practice & Situational Vocabulary

Apply grammar through real-world conversation and topic vocabulary.

Keigo: Japanese Polite Language

After conversation basics and elementary keigo in the tutorials, continue to the Keigo guide for professional communication—respect, humility, and formal nuance.

Quick Picks

Fast entry to the newest articles. The full list is in the catalog below.

Mengenal Furigana: Huruf Kecil Penyelamat Pembaca

Apa itu furigana? Pelajari huruf kecil di atas kanji yang membantu cara baca, kapan dipakai, dan mengapa penting bagi pemula—dengan contoh gikun dan nanori.

Onomatope Dasar Bahasa Jepang: わくわく, どきどき, ぺらぺら

Pelajari onomatope dasar Jepang (擬音語・擬態語): emosi, suara, tekstur, cuaca, pola kalimat, dan contoh praktis untuk komunikasi sehari-hari.

Percakapan Transportasi & Arah dalam Bahasa Jepang

Pelajari frasa transportasi dan arah dalam bahasa Jepang: naik kereta, beli tiket, tanya arah, dan percakapan di taksi. Lengkap dengan dialog praktis.

Percakapan Belanja & Restoran dalam Bahasa Jepang

Pelajari frasa dan dialog percakapan belanja dan restoran dalam bahasa Jepang. Termasuk cara memesan makanan, bertanya harga, dan interaksi kasir.

Full Tutorial Article List

35 articles from zero to intermediate level, in the recommended order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I start if I learn Japanese from zero?

Start by memorizing Hiragana (46 basic characters). Then Katakana. Only after that move into basic grammar and vocabulary. Do not jump straight to Kanji or advanced grammar before the basic scripts feel solid.

How long until basic Japanese conversation is possible?

With a consistent 20–30 minutes a day, basic conversation skill often starts to feel real within the first 3–4 months, including self-introduction and asking for directions.

Do I need Kanji to learn Japanese?

Yes. Kanji is integral to written Japanese. Without it, you cannot read authentic Japanese material. Start with N5 Kanji (about 100 characters) as an early foundation.

What is the difference between Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji?

Hiragana is used for native Japanese words and grammar, Katakana for foreign loanwords, and Kanji are logographic characters from Chinese that carry meaning. All three appear together in normal sentences.

Are Jepang.org learning materials free?

Yes. All Japanese tutorial materials on Jepang.org are free for learners, including 35 tutorial articles from beginner to intermediate level.

Path to JLPT

If your goal is passing the JLPT, use this tutorial hub as your foundation before raising intensity step by step.

Beginner foundation: finish scripts + basic grammar before moving to JLPT N5.
Lower-intermediate strength: continue to JLPT N4.
Intermediate transition: move up to JLPT N3.
Professional target: prepare the path to JLPT N2 + Keigo.

📍 Tip: The JLPT Hub works well as a progress dashboard.

JLPT Preparation

The exam is held twice a year (July & December). JLPT has 5 levels:

Level	Vocabulary Target
N5	~100 Kanji, 800
N4	~300 Kanji, 1.500
N3	~650 Kanji, 3.700
N2	~1.000 Kanji, 6.000
N1	~2.000+ Kanji, 10.000+

Study Tools

Jisho.orgA comprehensive Japanese–English dictionary. Search Kanji by stroke or radical.
TakobotoA strong offline dictionary app for Android when you have no connection.
AnkiFlashcards with spaced repetition. Highly effective for Kanji and vocabulary.
NHK News Web EasyNews with simple language, furigana, and audio. Great N4–N3 reading practice.

Success Tips

1. Consistency Is Key

Fifteen minutes every day beats five hours once a week. Language is a skill, not only theory. The brain needs repeated exposure to build long-term memory.

2. Do Not Fear Mistakes

Mistakes prove you are trying. Japanese speakers generally appreciate effort, even when grammar is imperfect. Do not let fear stop you from speaking.

3. Immerse Yourself

Switch your phone language to Japanese. Watch anime without subtitles, or with Japanese subtitles. Listen to J-Pop or Japanese podcasts while commuting. Your brain absorbs patterns over time.

Japanese Language Tutorials: A Complete Guide from Zero