When visiting the beautiful country of Japan, having mobile apps at your fingertips could be a life-saving grace. Whether you are planning a trip to the bustling streets of Tokyo or the populous city of Osaka, travel applications will make your journey more convenient. For instance, you won’t get lost with the help of navigation gadgets.
Likewise, when we discuss the best apps to use in Japan, we include everything from travel to taxi and food apps. This Asian country even has popular dating apps to help you secure a date or make friends with locals during your stay. We have handpicked top apps in Japan to help you make the most of your trip.
Also Read:
- Top Things To Buy In Japan
- Best Budget Hotels In Tokyo
- Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Tokyo
- 12 Most Trusted Tokyo Tours
Best Apps for Traveling in Japan
First, visitors require helpful mobile applications to make their travel more accessible. These handpicked apps cover everything from translation to navigation of hidden Japanese routes.
Explore Japanese Routes with Japan Travel by NAVITIME
(Source: Japan Travel Facebook)
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
- Download From: Google Play, App Store
If you are looking for the best app for travel in Japan, Japan Travel by NAVITIME must be your answer. It offers features like location search, transportation guidance, and route planning. You can also learn about train stations, train delays, and cancellations.
This app provides an interactive railway map and helps you get around Japan comfortably. It is available in thirteen languages and suggests areas for nightlife, hot springs, food and drink, and accommodations. While it is a free application, users must pay for special features such as viewing intermediary stops on routes.
Catch Your Train with the Tokyo Metro Subway Map
- Download From: Google Play, App Store
Most Japanese use the subway to travel from one place to another. Trains are usually faster and easily accessible. Hence, visitors must choose this form of transport while touring Japan. To make your travel easier, use the navigation app Tokyo Metro Subway Map.
This app provides a clear and interactive map of the Tokyo Metro and a route planner. It covers the Tokyo Metro, YR Yamanote, and Toie lines. You can easily search for the nearest station from your current location. Furthermore, users can compare the available routes and choose the fastest route to reach their destination in less time.
Navigate Faster with Google Maps
- Social Media: Official Website
- Download From: Google Play, App Store
Most of us are familiar with Google Maps. I use it to find unfamiliar places. All you have to do is mention your destination; the app will provide a satellite view and calculate the distance from your current location. You can also find out how long it takes to reach your destination on foot, by motorcycle, or by taxi.
You can easily zoom in and zoom out around your destination and bookmark the key areas. This app also provides live navigation with arrows and directions you can follow. In addition, it provides indoor images of shops, museums, and restaurants. You can also use Google Maps to find your way inside large airports, stadiums, and malls.
Overcome Language Barrier with VoiceTra
(Source: VoiceTra Facebook)
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
- Download From: Google Play, App Store
Although English is the official world language, not all Japanese people are fluent. The language barrier is something you will struggle with in Japan. While you are not expected to learn the Japanese language, people will appreciate it if you can understand and speak basic Japanese sentences. It is also helpful while shopping or dining in local eateries.
That’s why we recommend VoiceTra. This speech translation app translates your speech into 31 languages, including Japanese. With VoiceTra as your personal speech translator, you won’t have to worry about communicating with the locals. In addition, you can use this app outside of Japan in other countries. It’s a win-win deal.
Book Your Tickets at Viator
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
- Download From: Google Play, App Store
If you travel frequently, you must be familiar with Viator. This travel app offers over 300,000 tours, attractions, and activities. Everything is at your fingertips, from your average sightseeing tour to extreme wild adventures. You can simply look up a keyword or browse through recommended activities.
Another vouching point for Viator is that it allows users to save money. Booking independently rather than relying on travel agencies can help cut expenses. Likewise, this app offers flexible payment options. You can book with PayPal, Apple Pay, or Credit Card and pay later in installments.
Search for Activities in GetYourGuide
(Source: GetYourGuide Facebook)
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
- Download From: Google Play, App Store
As its name suggests, GetYourGuide provides its users with over 100,000 travel activities and tours. Users can reserve experiences now and make payments later. They will immediately receive confirmation of their activities after booking. In addition, they can access their booking information online and present tickets on their mobiles.
You might even find tickets and activities on GetYourGuide unavailable in Viator. This app offers tickets for world-famous places like the Eiffel Tower, TV Tower, London Eye, and Sagrada Familia. Similarly, it provides tours in Japan’s Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and more. Users can book tickets for activities that suit their interests.
Top Line Apps In Japan
Visitors should purchase a local SIM card during their stay in Japan. It is readily available in airports and electronic stores. You can also purchase a 4G/LTE SIM card with unlimited mobile data. It’s also better to communicate using existing line apps in Japan.
Make Calls & Messages With LINE
- Social Media: Official Website
- Download From: Google Play, App Store
If we mention the top-line app in Japan, it is LINE. Over 70% of the total population uses this instant messaging app. What started as a messenger app has become the king of Japanese social media. Japanese people prefer this app over others due to its multiple features.
LINE allows users to make voice and video calls and send text messages with limitless emojis and stickers. In addition, people can stream music and news. Statista said this app was the most used messenger by brand in Japan in 2023. People from all walks of life use it for various purposes.
Use WhatsApp in Japan for Free
- Social Media: Official Website, Offical X, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
- Download From: Google Play, App Store
While LINE is famous in Taiwan, Thailand, and China, WhatsApp has a significant presence in Europe and America. If you already have WhatsApp, you are lucky, as Japan also allows this app. It allows users to make private messaging and calls and create group chats with unlimited members.
There are no hard and fast rules for using WhatsApp Messenger. Users must first register their number by adding their name and other details; then, they are ready to go. This app is free and only requires an internet connection. However, if there is no Wi-Fi, data charges apply.
Communicate Easily with Viber
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram, Official X
- Download From: Google Play, App Store
Did you know Viber is a Japanese-owned app? In 2014, Japanese multinational company Rakuten bought this messaging app from Israel for $900 million. Although LINE dominates the Japanese market, Viber is also slowly becoming one of the most used applications after LINE.
This messaging app offers free and secure voice and video calls. You can like and react to messages in group chats with Viber stickers. This app offers many free and paid sticker packages. In addition, users can join available Viber communities based on their interests. For instance, there are food, sports, and travel communities.
Most Popular Food Apps in Japan
Traveling doesn’t mean you have to eat out every meal. You can order food online and savor it comfortably in your hotel room. So, here are some famous food delivery apps in Japan.
Feeling Hungry? Order From Yelp
- Social Media: Official Website, Official X
- Download From: Google Play, App Store
Regarding the food app in Japan, you won’t go wrong with Yelp. It is a one-stop food delivery app for exploring nearby eateries and restaurants. You can order takeout and food delivery and even make restaurant reservations. Compare prices and get the best deals from your favorite restaurant.
Yelp is also dedicated to helping local businesses. So, when you order from this food app, you get more than food; you are also helping home chefs and online businesses. Moreover, Yelp has expanded its features to home services and auto repair. For instance, users can hire a handyman and cleaning services from this app.
Get Instant Food Delivery with Uber Eats
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram, Official X
- Download From: Google Play, App Store
Next, we have the iconic Uber Eats. This food app is available in many countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, and Italy. Since its launch in Tokyo in 2016, it has become Japan’s most prominent delivery service.
Japanese people prefer this app over others due to its quick delivery and user-friendly interface. It is available from 7 AM to 2 AM in city areas. Furthermore, Uber Eats has an abundant lineup of restaurants. With this app, you can also order food from small cafes and eateries that don’t have delivery service. Finally, don’t forget to check Deals on the Uber Eats menu to save money.
Learn How to Order Food from Demae-Can
- Social Media: Official Website
- Download From: Google Play
While Uber Eats and Yelp are international apps, Demae-Can is the local delivery platform in Japan. It is affiliated with over 100,000 stores and offers diverse options to users. Moreover, this Japanese food app has a user-friendly interface where users can search stores by genre, like restaurants, lunch boxes, sushi, and curries.
People can also search for stores by delivery address. To do so, they must add their postcode or share their location. This has also stretched Demae-Can’s delivery services by not limiting its drop-off locations. In addition, after making their first order, users receive a ¥2,000 discount coupon and ¥1,000 promo discount for their next order.
Best Taxi Apps in Japan
Explore Japan in style by ordering these taxi apps. They will make your travel comfortable and more convenient.
Request a Ride on Uber
- Social Media: Official Website, Official X, Official Instagram
- Download From: Google Play, App Store
Gone are the days of ordering rides in person; now, you can book your ride online with Uber. It has made navigating busy Tokyo streets easier. Moreover, you will choose for your ride and enjoy a stress-free and comfortable road journey. Uber drivers are often fluent in English; hence, there won’t be a language barrier.
Another vouching point for this taxi app is its upfront pricing policy. Riders don’t have to worry about getting scammed or charged additional money. They will get rates right after entering their destination in the app. In addition, the app offers the estimated time of arrival.
Search for Affordable Rides on DiDi Rider
- Social Media: Official Website
- Download From: Google Play, App Store
Japan has many taxi apps dedicated to making people’s travel easier. DiDi Rider is no exception; it offers cheap and safe trips with a qualified driver. You won’t find a more affordable deal in other riding mobile applications. Choose your ride at your rate.
DiDi Rider stands out from other taxi apps due to its food delivery service. This app allows users to order food from their favorite places and have it delivered. It also delivers documents and packages to designated customers. Above all, DiDi Rider prioritizes safety and has a safety button for emergencies.
Make Cashless Payments on GO
- Social Media: Official Website
- Download From: Google Play, App Store
GO is Japan’s most used taxi app, boasting over 1 million downloads in Google Play. It serves 45 of 47 prefectures, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Okinawa, and Fukuoka. In addition, this mobile application has an 80% market share of total usage time and is ranked among the top five in the country.
This taxi app doesn’t require users to have a Japanese mobile number. You can sign up with international numbers as well and make a booking. Furthermore, GO offers cashless payments through GO Pay. You can also get flat Rates at your selected airports. For instance, board a plane from Tokyo to Narita or Haneda Airport.
Most Popular Dating Apps in Japan
What is the best dating app in Japan? If you were also wondering about this question, you are in luck. Here, we have handpicked the most trustworthy and famous dating mobile applications.
Catch Your Match with JapanCupid
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram, Official X, Official Facebook
- Download From: Google Play
Are you looking forward to making new connections in Japan? If you are searching for something romantic, try online dating with JapanCupid. This dating app helps visitors meet with Japanese singles. With over 1 million members, you will catch your match here.
Users must first sign up by adding pictures and a bio. Then, they must add their preferences and what they seek in a partner. The app will search for matches in its database and recommend their ideal matches. Now, all that’s left is communicating and, if possible, arranging meetups.
Find Out Why Japanese People Use Pairs the Most
- Social Media: Official Website
- Download From: Google Play
According to surveys, Pairs is the most used dating app in Japan. With over 10 million users, this application has helped many find their significant others. People who are seeking a genuine connection often turn to Pairs. So, this app is not for you if you are looking for something casual or random hookups.
Using Pairs is easier than you think. First, you must create a profile; the app will use your preferences to find your ideal matches. Then, like accounts that resonate with you, wait to match and begin chatting. Moreover, this dating app provides a safe space for online dating. You can immediately report if you are harassed.
Make Your First Move with Bumble
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram, Official Facebook, Official X
- Download From: Google Play, App Store
If you have ever used Tinder, you won’t have trouble using Bumble. The only difference is this dating app allows ladies to make the first move. Guys can’t text girls unless they initiate chat. This has made it more reliable and a go-to option among women.
Bumble also offers a platform to develop new friendships on BumbleBFF. You can find a new business mentor and do networking on Bumble Bizz. Just like Pairs, Bumble is more for dating than hookups. While some women may be open to casual relationships, most seek a serious connection.
Our handpicked apps will enrich your travel experience and help you make the most of your trip. In addition to the above-mentioned mobile gadgets, Gurunavi, Japan Transit Planner, Ramen Beast, Ecbo Cloak, and HyperDia are popular apps in Japan.
Japanese people are also active on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and Facebook. They use many advanced mobile applications, some of whose names you might have never heard. Overall, we hope you will have an enjoyable journey with the help of these apps in Japan.
