Free hiragana writing practice online with animated stroke order and a handwriting canvas. All 46 basic characters plus dakuten, handakuten, and combination characters. No login required.
Character
あ
a
Examples
Writing practice
あ
あ
あ
あ
Write the character 3 times. The faint guide is behind each box.
Hiragana is the foundation of Japanese writing. This free hiragana writing practice tool lets you master all 46 basic characters with animated stroke order guides and an interactive handwriting canvas. Each character includes romanization, pronunciation tips, and example words so you can learn in context. Whether you're a complete beginner or reviewing characters you've already learned, practicing hiragana writing online with stroke order animations builds proper muscle memory from the start. The tool covers basic characters (清音), voiced and semi-voiced variations (濁音・半濁音), and combination characters (拗音). Want to learn more? Read our beginner's guide to Japanese alphabet writing practice, or explore the Japanese vowel pronunciation guide and why stroke order matters.
How many hiragana characters are there?
There are 46 basic hiragana characters. When you include dakuten (voiced) and handakuten (semi-voiced) variations, there are 71 characters. Adding combination characters (yōon), the full set totals 104 characters.
What order should I learn hiragana?
Start with the five vowels (a, i, u, e, o), then learn the consonant rows in order: ka, sa, ta, na, ha, ma, ya, ra, wa. After mastering the basic 46, move on to dakuten and combination characters.
Do I need to learn stroke order?
Yes. Correct stroke order helps you write characters more naturally and legibly. It also makes it easier to recognize handwritten text and is important for kanji later on, where stroke order follows consistent rules.
What is the difference between hiragana and katakana?
Hiragana and katakana represent the same sounds but are used differently. Hiragana is used for native Japanese words and grammatical elements. Katakana is used for foreign loanwords, onomatopoeia, and emphasis — similar to italics in English.
How long does it take to learn hiragana?
With consistent daily practice, most learners can memorize all 46 basic hiragana in 1–2 weeks. Using a combination of writing practice, quizzes, and reading exercises helps build long-term retention.
What is the best way to practice hiragana writing online?
The most effective approach combines stroke order animation with handwriting practice. Watch the animated stroke order first, then trace each character on the canvas. Practice 5–10 characters per session and review previous ones regularly. Writing by hand — even on a digital canvas — activates deeper memory than passive recognition alone.
Can I use this in my class?
Yes, you may use it for educational purposes. However, please refrain from copying, modifying, or redistributing it (including reposting or hosting mirror sites).