JLPT N1 books can help you pass the hardest level of the JLPT exam. These books will improve your grammar, reading, and vocabulary. If you want to get a high score, choose the right books. Check the list and download free PDF files below to start learning today!
Want to check your real level? Try a free JLPT N1 mock test online.
Grammar – Best JLPT N1 Grammar Books
To pass JLPT N1, you must understand many difficult grammar points. A good JLPT N1 grammar book will help you learn fast and remember better. Here are two of the best JLPT N1 books for grammar:
Shin Kanzen Master N1 Grammar
This is a popular and detailed JLPT N1 textbook. Each grammar point has clear explanations, example sentences, and many practice questions. The book is written mostly in Japanese, so it’s great for learners who already have a strong base. It’s also very close to the real JLPT test format.
Good for: advanced learners, people who want to pass with a high score.
Nihongo So-Matome N1 Grammar
This JLPT N1 book is simpler and easier to use. It is made for 6 weeks of study, with short daily lessons. Each page includes grammar points, simple examples, and small quizzes. It also has English, Chinese, and Vietnamese translations, so it’s good for self-study.
Good for: busy learners, people who want short lessons every day.
Vocabulary – Best Books for JLPT N1 Vocabulary
JLPT N1 has many difficult words that are not used in daily life. A good JLPT N1 vocabulary book will help you learn the right words for the test. Here are two of the best books for JLPT N1 vocabulary practice:
Shin Kanzen Master N1 Vocabulary
This is a detailed and serious JLPT N1 book. It has many important N1-level words with example sentences and short quizzes. The words are grouped by topic, such as work, school, and emotions. It also teaches how to use the words in real situations, which is helpful for both the test and daily use.
Good for: learners who want deep study and real JLPT-style practice.
Nihongo Soumatome N1 Vocabulary
This JLPT N1 textbook is easier to use for self-study. It teaches you about 30–40 words each day for 6 weeks. The lessons are short and fun, with pictures and translations in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese. The book is colorful and great for quick learning and review.
Good for: visual learners, people who prefer short and clear lessons.
Kanji – Best JLPT N1 Books for Kanji
Kanji is one of the hardest parts of the JLPT N1 exam. You need to know many difficult characters and how to use them. A good JLPT N1 book for kanji will help you remember meanings, readings, and common words. Here are some of the best JLPT N1 books for kanji practice:
These books will help build your kanji knowledge. Want to master kanji step by step? Learn JLPT N1 Kanji with clear explanations.
Nihongo So-Matome N1 Kanji
This JLPT N1 textbook teaches about 1000 kanji in 6 weeks. Each lesson includes stroke order, meaning, on/kun readings, and example words. It also has small daily tests to help you review.
Good for: learners who want a clear study plan and short lessons every day.
Kanji Master N1
A very detailed JLPT N1 book with advanced-level kanji used in newspapers, essays, and formal writing. It shows example phrases and usage to help you understand how kanji is used in real life.
Good for: advanced learners who want to read difficult texts and pass N1 with a high score.
Kanji Look and Learn
This is not a full JLPT N1 textbook, but many learners use it to review the basics. It teaches 512 common kanji using fun pictures and simple examples. It’s great for remembering kanji meanings and building a strong base before moving to harder books.
Good for: visual learners, people reviewing kanji before jumping into N1-level content.
Reading – Best JLPT N1 Textbooks for Reading
Reading is one of the hardest parts of the JLPT N1 exam. The texts are long, use formal language, and often have tricky questions. A good JLPT N1 reading book will help you improve your speed and understanding. Below are the best JLPT N1 books for reading practice:
Nihongo So-Matome N1 Reading
This is a very popular and serious JLPT N1 textbook. It has many long texts, like the real exam, and teaches you how to find the right answers. The book also explains different reading skills such as skimming, scanning, and understanding the author’s opinion.
Good for: learners who want to practice real test-style questions and improve fast.
Try! N1 Reading Book
This JLPT N1 book is easier to use for self-study. Each chapter starts with a short story or article that includes key grammar points. It explains difficult words and grammar in a simple way. You also get reading questions to test your understanding.
Good for: learners who prefer learning through context and stories.
JLPT Official Workbook – Reading Section
This is one of the best books for JLPT N1 final review. It contains real questions from past exams, so you know exactly what to expect. It’s a short but useful jlpt n1 book to check your reading level before the real test.
Good for: all learners who want to try real test questions.
Listening – JLPT N1 Books for Listening Practice
Listening is a big challenge in the JLPT N1 exam. The audio is fast, uses formal Japanese, and sometimes has hidden meanings. A good JLPT N1 book for listening will help you understand native speakers better and answer questions more quickly. Below are the best JLPT N1 books for listening practice:
Shin Kanzen Master N1 Listening
This is a full and serious JLPT N1 textbook for listening. It includes different types of questions that are similar to the real test. You will practice listening to talks, conversations, and short stories. The audio files help you train your ears step by step.
Good for: learners who want to follow a strong study plan and get used to the test format.
JLPT Official Workbook – Listening Section
This is one of the best books for JLPT N1 review. It includes past questions and real audio used in the test. Practicing with this jlpt n1 book will help you know what to expect on the exam day.
Good for: learners who want real test experience before the exam.
FAQ - JLPT N1 Books and Study Tips
Do I need more than one JLPT N1 book to pass the exam?
Yes. The JLPT N1 exam tests many skills: grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening, and kanji. That’s why most learners use 3–5 jlpt n1 books to prepare well.
What are the best JLPT N1 books for grammar and vocabulary?
Some of the best books for JLPT N1 grammar are Shin Kanzen Master Grammar and Nihongo Soumatome Grammar. For vocabulary, Shin Kanzen Master Vocabulary and Soumatome Vocabulary are highly recommended.
Is there any free JLPT N1 textbook in PDF format?
Yes! In this article, we have included links to download free jlpt n1 textbooks in PDF format. You can find books for grammar, reading, listening, and even full mock tests.
Which JLPT N1 book is closest to the real test?
The JLPT Official Workbook N1 is made by the test creators and includes real past questions. It’s one of the best jlpt n1 books for final review before the exam.
How can I choose the best books for JLPT N1?
Think about your study style and goals. If you like short, daily lessons, try the So-Matome series. If you want deep, serious practice, choose Shin Kanzen Master. You can also mix both for better results.
Can I pass JLPT N1 by self-study with books only?
Yes, many learners pass by self-study using the right jlpt n1 books and practice tests. But it takes time and discipline. Try to follow a plan and test yourself often.
You can pass with self-study, but practice is key. Need extra practice? Practice JLPT N1 with interactive exercises.
Conclusion
With the right JLPT N1 books, passing the toughest level of the JLPT becomes much easier. Whether you're looking for a full JLPT N1 textbook, a focused JLPT N1 book on grammar, or just the best books for JLPT N1 vocabulary and reading, this list gives you all the top choices. Don’t forget to download the free PDFs and start studying smart. For even faster progress, try the Migii JLPT app – it offers N1 mock tests, smart study plans, and AI-powered corrections to help you master every skill.
