Passing the JLPT N2 is a major milestone for Japanese learners—it’s the level where you transition from “intermediate” to “advanced,” opening doors to work opportunities, university admissions, and deeper cultural understanding. But with so many study guides out there, how do you choose the best JLPT N2 books for 2024?
As someone who passed the N2 in 2022 (after failing once—more on that later!), I’ve tested dozens of textbooks and know which ones actually work. In this guide, I’ll share:
✅ My top 5 JLPT N2 book recommendations (with pros & cons)
✅ Free supplementary resources to boost your study
✅ Personal mistakes I made (so you don’t repeat them)
✅ Amazon affiliate links (at no extra cost to you—just helps support this blog!)
Why Trust My JLPT N2 Book Recommendations?
Before diving in, let me share my failed first attempt—I relied too much on free online resources and didn’t structure my study. The second time, I used proper textbooks, focused on weak points, and passed with a 148/180!
The right books save time, explain concepts clearly, and simulate the real test. Below are my handpicked 2024 favorites based on effectiveness, user reviews, and updates.
1. Shin Kanzen Master JLPT N2 Grammar (新完全マスター文法)
Why It’s #1:
- Best for: Mastering N2 grammar in real-world context and test-style application.
🧠 Key Features:
- ✅ Clear English Explanations: Unlike some Japanese-only books, each grammar point is broken down in English, making it beginner-friendly without compromising JLPT-level depth.
- ✅ Realistic Practice Questions: Mimic JLPT style with multiple-choice and sentence correction formats that build test confidence.
- ✅ Example Sentences from Real Sources: Uses phrases from newspapers, business documents, and native content to teach “practical grammar,” not just “textbook grammar.”
- ✅ Targeted Review Sections: Includes mini-reviews at the end of each unit to reinforce your understanding before moving on.
📘 My Experience:
This book single-handedly improved my grammar score from 35% to 85%. I used the “one chapter per day” method, combined with writing my own example sentences and drilling the quizzes.
⚠️ Cons:
- Layout is text-heavy and black-and-white (unlike Genki’s colorful pages).
- Works best when paired with a vocabulary book like Sou Matome or Anki decks.
2. Sou Matome N2 Vocabulary (日本語総まとめ N2 語彙)
Why It’s Great:
- Best for: Busy learners using a daily study schedule (6-week plan).
🧠 Key Features Expanded:
- ✅ Thematic Word Groups: Organizes vocabulary by theme—daily life, work, emotions, etc.—making it easier to build associations and remember usage.
- ✅ Quick Daily Quizzes: Bite-sized quizzes at the end of each day’s lesson help reinforce retention immediately.
- ✅ Visual Support: Features simple illustrations to show meaning, ideal for visual learners.
- ✅ Weekly Summaries: End-of-week review sections consolidate learning before moving on to the next topic.
📘 How I Used It:
I combined this book with a free Anki deck for spaced repetition, and my reading speed doubled in 2 months. The predictable structure kept me consistent.
⚠️ Cons:
- Less in-depth compared to Kanzen Master series.
- Some vocabulary feels N3-level—but it’s great for reinforcement and context-based review.
3. Nihongo Sou Matome N2 Reading (日本語総まとめ N2 読解)
Why It Works:
- Best for: Improving reading comprehension and pacing for timed exams.
🧠 Key Features:
- ✅ Gradual Difficulty Increase: Starts with short, simple passages and builds up to long, complex texts. Perfect for easing into JLPT-level reading.
- ✅ Skimming & Scanning Tips: Teaches specific strategies to quickly find answers, a must-have skill for the JLPT.
- ✅ Varied Content Types: Includes ads, blog posts, emails, opinion pieces—mirroring the real JLPT variety.
- ✅ Daily Study Segments: Ideal for consistent daily practice, especially if you’re balancing JLPT prep with work.
📘 My Biggest Takeaway:
I used to run out of time in the reading section. This book trained me to identify patterns in questions—like “What is the author’s intention?“—so I could answer faster and more accurately.
⚠️ Cons:
- Answer explanations are brief—you may need a dictionary or teacher to clarify some points.
4. Kanzen Master N2 Listening (完全マスター聴解 N2)
Why It’s Essential:
- Best for: Training your ears to understand native-speed Japanese conversations.
🧠 Key Features:
- ✅ Real-life Audio Practice: Conversations include accents, background noise, and natural speech—just like the real test.
- ✅ Trick Questions Included: Prepares you for common traps used in JLPT questions.
- ✅ Multiple Listening Styles: Covers monologues, interviews, Q&A, announcements, etc.
- ✅ Progressive Format: Each section builds on the previous, making it easier to track improvement.
🎧 Personal Tip:
I listened to one chapter daily during commutes and repeated the shadowing exercises at night. My listening score jumped from 42 to 58/60!
⚠️ Cons:
- No English translations. If you’re a beginner or need grammar support, you may need to supplement with a bilingual guide.
5. Try! JLPT N2 (TRY! 日本語能力試験 N2)
Why It’s Unique:
- Best for: All-in-one review covering grammar, reading, and listening in a practical format.
🧠 Key Features:
- ✅ Mini-Tests After Each Chapter: Each unit ends with a short test that mirrors actual JLPT question types.
- ✅ Context-First Grammar: Introduces grammar through dialogues or essays, then explains the structure—ideal for understanding usage.
- ✅ Balanced Skill Development: Offers listening, reading, and grammar exercises side-by-side.
- ✅ Includes Furigana: Makes it easier for intermediate learners to follow along without needing a dictionary constantly.
📘 My Advice:
Try! N2 is great if you want a textbook-like structure with real-world usage, especially if you prefer studying grammar in context rather than as isolated rules.
⚠️ Cons:
- Exercises can be repetitive for advanced learners.
- Some grammar points are oversimplified compared to Kanzen Master.
