WaniKani

Spaced-repetition app for learning Japanese kanji and vocabulary with mnemonics.

Verified facts: 3 of 3
Alternatives ranked: 5
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About WaniKani

WaniKani, made by Tofugu, teaches Japanese kanji and the vocabulary that uses them in a fixed order across 60 levels. Each kanji is broken into radicals, and every radical, kanji and word comes with a memorable mnemonic story, then spaced-repetition reviews make you type meanings and readings until they stick. Following the full path takes most people one to two years and covers about 2,000 kanji and 6,000 words. The first few levels are free; a monthly, yearly or lifetime subscription unlocks the rest. Its rigid order and pace are a strength for consistency and a frustration for learners who want to skip ahead or study kanji they already meet elsewhere, and it does not teach grammar or speaking. It runs in the web browser, with third-party apps on mobile. WaniKani suits committed Japanese learners who want a reliable system for reading kanji.

Best for: Committed Japanese learners who want a structured system for learning to read kanji.

What works

Mnemonics for every radical, kanji and word
Clear, structured path through 2,000 kanji
First levels free to try

Why people leave

Fixed order and pace can't be skipped
Japanese kanji and vocabulary only
No official mobile app

Top WaniKani alternatives

See all 5

1
Anki
Free, flexible kanji decks you can study in any order.
66.5
2
Renshuu
Free Japanese app covering kanji, vocabulary and grammar together.
62.6
3
Bunpro
Pairs with WaniKani to drill Japanese grammar with SRS.
59.6
4
Migaku
Learn kanji and words from Japanese shows and websites.
57.2
5
LingoDeer
Structured Japanese course for overall basics.
55.3

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WaniKani: common questions

Is WaniKani free?

WaniKani has a free plan and paid plans.

Is WaniKani open source?

No, WaniKani is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Anki.

What platforms does WaniKani run on?

WaniKani is available for Web.

What are the best alternatives to WaniKani?

The highest-ranked WaniKani alternatives right now are Anki, Renshuu and Bunpro. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 5 WaniKani alternatives

WaniKani facts

3 of 3 verified

Scope: 2,000 kanji and 6,000 vocabulary words; Checked Oct 25, 2026wanikani.com(opens source in a new tab); “2,000 kanji. 6,000 vocabulary words.”
Maker: Tofugu; Checked Oct 25, 2026wanikani.com(opens source in a new tab); “a kanji learning application by Tofugu”
Mnemonics: For every radical, kanji and word; Checked Oct 25, 2026wanikani.com(opens source in a new tab); “Mnemonics WaniKani has mnemonics to teach you every single radical, kanji, and vocabulary word on the site.”