Kana Metro
Learn to read Japanese, one station at a time.
Every character you learn unlocks real words — from menus, signs and train stations. Not flashcards for their own sake: Japanese you can actually use.
Four networks, one map
Each writing system is its own metro network. Every line is a place in Japan, every lesson a station, and every station earns you a stamp.
カタカナ
Words borrowed from other languages: ラーメン ramen, コーヒー coffee, ホテル hotel. You understand them the moment you read them.
ひらがな
The heart of Japanese: ありがとう thank you, おにぎり rice ball, すみません excuse me.
漢字
81 survival kanji for the signs all around you: 出口 exit, 無料 free, 営業中 open, 千円 ¥1,000.
のりかえ
Real phrases that mix both scripts: トイレはどこですか — where's the toilet? Opens as you learn.
Why it sticks
Built around one idea: learning a character should be useful right away.
Real words first
Characters are taught in the order that unlocks the most common real-world words — chosen from research on how often they're used.
Read the World
Point your camera at a menu or sign. See which words you can already read, then say them out loud.
Kaiju, yōkai & ninja
A monster attacks the last station of every line. Pass the review to save it.
Real sentences
Build phrases you'll actually say: ordering, asking for directions, prices, saying "no bag, thanks".
Stamps & streaks
Collect a station stamp for every lesson, like the ones travelers collect across Japan.
Hear everything
Every character, word and price is spoken — with a slow mode, syllable by syllable.
Free, with no catch
Kana Metro is made by one person who's learning Japanese too. No ads, no subscriptions, no tracking, no account. Your progress stays on your phone.
Work with us
Kana Metro is free for learners. If you'd like to be part of that, let's talk.
Schools & teachers
Using Kana Metro with your students, or want a course shaped around your class? Get in touch.
Travel & tourism
Helping visitors enjoy Japan? Travelers who can read the signs get more out of every trip.
Press & creators
Writing or making videos about learning Japanese? Happy to share more about the app.
Email partners@kanametro.com, or use the contact form.