Hirameki Japanese
Free Japanese learning app built for travelers — offline, no login required
There is a moment that every traveler in Japan experiences: you want to say something simple — to thank a shopkeeper properly, to ask about the dish in front of you, to apologize for a small mistake on a crowded train — and the words just are not there.
Learning Japanese before your trip changes that. Even 50 to 100 phrases gives you confidence, connection, and moments you simply cannot have when you only have a translation app on your phone.
Hirameki Japanese is a free iOS app created specifically for travelers and learners who need practical, spoken Japanese. It is not a classroom curriculum. It is a toolkit: translation that works offline, flashcards across three levels, conversation practice, and a shadowing mode that trains your ear and mouth at the same time.
What Is Hirameki Japanese?
Hirameki Japanese is an English-to-Japanese phrase and learning app for iPhone and iPad. You type an English phrase, and the app instantly returns the Japanese translation complete with furigana (the small phonetic characters above kanji) and romaji so you always know how to pronounce what you see.
The app is free. There are no paywalled lessons, no subscription tiers for the core content, and it works entirely offline once downloaded — which matters when you are navigating rural train stations with no Wi-Fi.
Released in June 2026, Hirameki Japanese is part of the Hirameki language series, which also covers English, Chinese, Cantonese, and Korean. The Japanese version is optimized for non-native speakers approaching the language for the first time or building on basics.
Features That Make a Difference in Japan
Instant Translation (Offline)
Type any English phrase and get Japanese instantly — on-device, no internet required. Perfect for konbini counters and mountain temples alike.
Furigana + Romaji Every Time
Every word comes with pronunciation guidance. You never have to guess how to say something — the reading is always there.
Text-to-Speech with Speed Control
Tap any word or phrase to hear it spoken in natural Japanese. Slow it down to catch every syllable, or play it at native speed to train your ear.
Conversation Mode
Speak in English or Japanese and the app translates back and forth in real time — like having an interpreter in your pocket for local interactions.
Camera Translate
Point your camera at a Japanese sign, menu, or poster and get an instant English translation. Menus at small local restaurants become readable immediately.
Shadowing Mode
Listen to a short Japanese phrase, then repeat it yourself. One of the most effective methods for building a natural accent and pronunciation confidence.
Background Listening Mode
Practical phrase sets that play continuously in the background — perfect for commutes or the flight to Japan. Passive learning that actually works.
Flashcards — 314 Cards Free
Three levels of vocabulary with example sentences and a built-in quiz every 10 cards. All 314 flashcards are free — no unlock needed.
Three Learning Levels: Beginner to Advanced
The flashcard system covers 314 words across three tiers, all fully accessible at no cost:
Who Is Hirameki Japanese For?
First-time travelers planning a Japan trip — If you have two to four weeks before your trip and want a fast, effective way to pick up the phrases that will matter most, the Beginner and Intermediate flashcard packs plus the translation feature cover the vast majority of daily situations.
Repeat visitors who want to go deeper — If you have been to Japan before and can navigate the basics, the Advanced level and conversation mode push your ability into real territory: nuanced requests, regional expressions, and understanding spoken responses.
Japanese learners at any stage — Even if you study Japanese with textbooks or formal courses, having an offline translator with furigana, shadowing, and background listening on your phone complements any study method.
How to Use Hirameki Japanese During Your Trip
Before you leave: Work through the Beginner and Intermediate flashcards during your commute or lunch breaks. Twenty minutes a day for two weeks covers the core vocabulary. Use background listening mode on the flight.
At the airport and on trains: Open camera translate for any signs you cannot read. Use the translation input to check station names or platform announcements.
At restaurants: Camera translate handles menus. For special requests — allergy information, adjusting a dish, asking for recommendations — type in English and show your phone to the staff.
At shops and markets: Conversation mode lets you go back and forth with a vendor in real time. Genuinely useful at markets, craft shops, and smaller guesthouses where staff may have limited English.
At temples and historical sites: Use the translation feature to understand notices, rules, or instructional signs that only appear in Japanese.
Download Hirameki Japanese
Free · iOS · Offline · No sign-in required
Compatible with iPhone and iPad · iOS 18.0 or later · 9.6 MB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hirameki Japanese completely free?
Yes. All 314 flashcards, the translation feature, conversation mode, camera translate, shadowing, and background listening are free. There is an option to hide ads or leave a voluntary tip to support development, but no features are locked behind a paywall.
Does the app work without an internet connection?
Yes. The translation and all core features run entirely on-device after the initial setup. The first time you use the translation, you may be prompted to download small English and Japanese language packs in Settings. After that, no connection is required.
Is it for iPhone only, or does it work on iPad too?
Hirameki Japanese is compatible with both iPhone and iPad running iOS 18.0 or later. It is available as a universal app and adapts to both screen sizes.
Do I need to create an account?
No account, no sign-in, no email address required. Download and start using the app immediately.
What level of Japanese will I reach?
Completing all three flashcard levels and practicing with shadowing and conversation mode gives you a solid practical foundation — roughly equivalent to JLPT N4 to N3 vocabulary in everyday travel and professional contexts. The app is highly effective for the kinds of Japanese you actually use on a trip, though it is not a replacement for formal study if advanced proficiency is the goal.
Who made Hirameki Japanese?
Hirameki Japanese was developed by JACK (developer name: JUNYA TOGA), an investor and entrepreneur based in Japan who has spent years traveling across the country and building tools for international visitors. Japan Real Guide is part of the same family of resources, all aimed at helping international travelers experience Japan more deeply.
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