ゼロから N5 へ
REACH N5 BEFORE YOU LAND.
Most language schools ask for basic Japanese (JLPT N5, ~150 study hours) before they accept your application. These are the tools we trust to get you there — with honest costs and timelines.
Today
zero Japanese
N5
3–5 months
Language school
you're eligible
Tools We Endorse
Independent services — we earn nothing from these links
Marugoto Online
The Japan Foundation
Cost to N5
Free – ¥8,000
Time to N5
5–7 months
Format
Self-paced course
The official JF curriculum — structured, gentle, and built for absolute beginners. (at 4–5 h/week)
1-on-1 Online Tutors
italki · Preply
Cost to N5
~¥120,000
Time to N5
3–4 months
Format
Live lessons
Fastest path to N5 if you keep a schedule. We help you pick a tutor who teaches toward JLPT. (2–3 lessons/week)
JapanesePod101
Innovative Language
Cost to N5
~¥15,000
Time to N5
5–6 months
Format
Audio + video lessons
Best for commutes and listening skills — pair it with a grammar source. (at 30 min/day)
Anki + Core 1000
Open-source community
Cost to N5
Free
Time to N5
Companion
Format
Vocabulary drill
Not a course — the vocab engine you run alongside any of the above. (10 min/day)
Costs are typical totals to reach N5 at the stated pace — your mileage will vary. Terano's own learning tools are coming later.
Not sure which path fits your schedule?
Tell the AI Guide your timeline and budget — it builds a week-by-week study plan and tells you when you'll be ready to apply.