# JF Japanese e-Learning Minato > The Japan Foundation's course platform, with self-study and tutor-supported Japanese courses. Canonical: https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/jf-minato Last updated: 2026-10-26 The Japan Foundation's course platform, with self-study and tutor-supported Japanese courses. Published: 2026-10-26 3 min read beginner · intermediate · free · easy · Online courses · Official learning materials · Web [Visit JF Japanese e-Learning Minato](https://studyjapanese101.com/go/jf-minato) ## Key facts | Fact | Details | | --- | --- | | Best for | Learners who want structured Japan Foundation material | | Avoid if | You expect all courses to be open at all times | | Pricing | Many free self-study courses; check conditions for each course | | Platform | Web | | Ease of use | easy | ## Pros - Learners who want structured Japan Foundation material - People who can choose a course by level and support language ## Cons - You expect all courses to be open at all times - You want one instant placement into every course Minato is the Japan Foundation's Japanese e-learning platform. It hosts self-study and tutor-supported courses, including Marugoto-related study. Course listings specify level, support language, application periods and access conditions. ## Who it fits Learners who want structured Japan Foundation material. People who can choose a course by level and support language. ## Limits to keep in mind Minato is a platform, while Marugoto is a course and materials family. Choose a specific course rather than registering for several overlapping ones. Check whether it is self-study or tutor-supported and whether applications are currently open. ## A useful first session Filter for a course whose level and explanation language you can use. Read the course outline and schedule, then try its first complete study unit. Use one course as the owner of your sequence and keep a dictionary alongside it rather than adding another full beginner course. Browse [Japanese textbooks and courses](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/textbooks-courses) or use the [study stack builder](https://studyjapanese101.com/tools/study-stack-builder) to choose a tool for your current job. ## Sources checked Product details can change. Evidence pages and their individual check dates appear below. Profile reviewed 2026-10-26. - [JF Japanese e-Learning Minato official site](https://minato-jf.jp/) - official product · checked 2026-10-26 · Official product identity, available study material and the workflow described in this profile. ## Alternative tools - [A Dictionary of Japanese Grammar](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/dictionary-of-japanese-grammar) - A three-volume grammar dictionary for looking up patterns you already met. - [Bunpo](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/bunpo) - Multi-language grammar lessons with Japanese, SRS review, and paid Plus or Platinum plans. - [Busuu](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/busuu) - A general language-learning app that includes a Japanese course. ## Related - [Japanese textbooks and courses](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/textbooks-courses) - A course is useful only if you finish lessons. Choose the format you will sit with. - [The best free Japanese learning resources by study job](https://studyjapanese101.com/best/free-japanese-learning-resources) - A complete free stack can start with Irodori for sequence, Tae Kim for explanation, Jisho for lookup, Renshuu for optional review, Tadoku for reading, and Nihongo con Teppei for audio. You do not need all six on day one. - [Japanese study stack builder](https://studyjapanese101.com/tools/study-stack-builder) - Pick the smallest useful Japanese stack from the site's editorial catalog. The written tree still works with JavaScript off. - [5 Best Anki Alternatives for Japanese: Inku Is Our Pick](https://studyjapanese101.com/best/anki-alternatives-for-japanese) - We recommend Inku first for most Japanese learners who want prepared daily review on iPhone. Renshuu fits a broader Japanese study system, JPDB fits media vocabulary, WaniKani fits a fixed kanji path, and Bunpro fits grammar retrieval. Protect your Anki collection before testing a replacement. - [The best hiragana and katakana resources for a two-week start](https://studyjapanese101.com/best/hiragana-and-katakana-learning-resources) - Learn hiragana, then katakana, with one drill and one review loop. Inku fits prepared cards with audio on iPhone. Real Kana fits typed recall. A textbook or Irodori can teach the same script inside a course. - [The best Japanese dictionary apps and websites by lookup job](https://studyjapanese101.com/best/japanese-dictionary-apps-and-websites) - Start with Jisho for browser lookup. Choose a phone dictionary for offline use, Yomiwa for camera text, or Yomitan for lookup inside web pages. Kanjipedia serves Japanese-language kanji reference.