If you would like to play at any of those places, I would recommend that you spend some time with a computer shogi player to practice your skill. PiyoShogi and QinoaSyougi are both excellent AI platform. You can go from the lowest rating to build confidence in your game playing skill. Both sites are in Japanese. For PiyoShogi, checkout Shogimedium's blog entry(link below). For Qinoa Shogi, I have a page explaining basic navigation on this site (again, link is below)

This is probably the most user-friendly shogi site for non-Japanese players among the listing here. As with other sites, you need to register with your e-mail address and select your login name. All kinds of static data is available on players playing on 81dojo. (This is the only site you can check on your opponent's playing style and tendency before you actually start playing) There is a short tutorial on how to use the site. It also hosts 3x4 shogi board (aka animal/Dobutsu) shogi. Be aware this site's applet does allow illegal moves (double pawns etc.,) and immediately declare that you have lost. (Other sites simply will not allow illegal moves). This site is also sanctioned by JSF. You can actually request/purchase Dan certificate based on your rating.

This site used to be called "Kurnick". The site offers a variety of online board games and Shogi is one of them. The interface is somewhat limited but functional. Some nice interface on Tablet PC. The site user environment is somewhat hostile/rough. There is one nifty feature this site has. When the user switches the focus out of the board applet, the username is grayed out. When one's username "blinks" at every turn, it almost appears to be that he is switching out of the application to work with another program (maybe shogi software program for cheating?)

This is a new shogi site that allows game plays against humans as well as against computer for free. Although the site says it is in Beta stage as of March 2023, the user interface seems very polished. The computer play is powered by Yaneuraou, which is one of the best shogi engines available and its strength level is selectable. So, if you are a bit apprehensive about playing against actual people, this is another good place to practice shogi. Note that its strength is reasonable for the selected level except for the end game part. It will find fairly difficult checkmate even in its weakest level, which never happens with human players. Their puzzle section is quite good too.

This is one of the oldest on-board shogi site that was started by just one man. Years later, Japan Shogi Federation assumed the management of this site. The user base is huge and if you go in, you will not have any problem finding someone at your level to play the game 24/7. English introductory pages and English lexicon used in the application needs some polishing, but you should be able to figure them out. User interface looks aged when you compare it to 81dojo though.  Note that the rating on this site is very much biased (to the lower end).  Don't be surprised the R1,600 players (on PlayOK) or R1,200 players (on 81dojo) could be playing in less than R1,000 range on this site.

This is a smartphone application (Android and iOS) You download the application, and you can play Shogi on your smartphone (or tablet). It gives you 10 minutes, 5 minutes and 2 minutes of play. Interface is slick. If you don't mind sudden death (you run out of time,and you lose) and don't miss chatting with other players, this is a handy app on your smartphone. Interface is all in English.

This is another smartphone application (Android and iOS) that you download the application, and you can play Shogi on your smartphone. The site also supports playing games on browsers. It gives you 10 minutes, 3 minutes and '10 seconds for each move' play. In-app purchase is needed for better experience, like avatar and unlimited game plays. You are limited to 3 matches per day for a free account. (This could be a good thing, as Shogi is highly addictive game) It also implements sudden death scheme. One unique aspect of this app is that you can purchase AI ticket and let AI make a move for you. (AI take over 5 moves for one ticket use) So it is clearly geared towards gamers. However, this app is also sanctioned by JSF and you can request official degree certificates if you earn enough rating.