Why You Need the Right Apps in Japan
Whether you’ve just arrived in Japan or have lived here for years, the right apps can make your life ten times easier.
From buying train tickets and paying at convenience stores to learning Japanese and finding the best ramen nearby — there’s an app for everything.
After five years of living in Japan, here are the most useful apps I personally use every single day — updated for 2025.
🚆 Transportation & Navigation
🗺️ 1. Google Maps Japan
Still the most reliable choice for finding your way around Japan’s complex train networks.
- Shows accurate train times, transfers, and walking routes
- Includes IC card balance tracking in some regions
- Offline mode available for travelers
💡 Tip: Set your language to English but keep “Place names” in Japanese for more accurate results.
🚉 2. Japan Transit Planner (by Jorudan)
If you live here long-term, this app is even better than Google Maps for train accuracy.
- Real-time route planning
- Ticket prices and platform numbers
- Works offline
Free with ads, or ¥480/month for the premium version.
🏙️ 3. Suica / PASMO / ICOCA App
Japan’s prepaid IC cards now have mobile versions.
- Add to your iPhone Wallet or Android via Suica App
- Tap to pay for trains, buses, vending machines, and even convenience stores
- Recharge directly from your credit card
💳 Payments & Shopping
🛒 4. PayPay
Japan’s #1 mobile payment app — accepted almost everywhere.
- QR-based payments
- Cashback campaigns (especially in local shops)
- English-friendly interface
💡 Pro tip: link your bank account for automatic top-ups.
💬 5. LINE Pay
If you already use LINE for messaging, LINE Pay makes daily life even smoother.
- Pay, send money, and get coupons
- Useful for splitting bills or paying rent in share houses
- Integrated with LINE Points rewards
📦 6. Mercari
Japan’s biggest second-hand marketplace.
Perfect for buying used furniture, clothes, and electronics when moving to a new apartment.
- Safe and easy payment system
- In-app shipping options
- English translation available
🧠 Language & Learning
🎌 7. Takoboto (Dictionary App)
A must-have for Japanese learners.
- Fast, offline dictionary
- Example sentences and JLPT tags
- Copy any word from another app and tap “Search”
🗣️ 8. Anki / AnkiMobile
Best for learning kanji and vocabulary with spaced repetition.
- Free on desktop, paid on iOS
- You can import shared decks (like JLPT N5–N1 sets)
- Syncs across all your devices
🧍♂️ 9. HelloTalk
Language exchange app connecting you with Japanese speakers.
- Chat with locals, correct each other’s grammar
- Voice messages and video calls
- Great for improving casual Japanese
💡 I met some of my closest Japanese friends through HelloTalk.
🍜 Daily Life & Utilities
🏠 10. Yahoo! Weather Japan
Accurate forecasts, typhoon alerts, and pollen warnings — better than Apple Weather for Japan.
Set your city for push notifications and local alerts.
🚲 11. Google Translate + Camera
Point your phone at Japanese text (restaurant menus, signs, letters), and it translates instantly.
Offline mode is now far more accurate than before.
🏪 12. Japan Official COVID & Disaster Alert App (NHK Alerts)
Japan has frequent earthquakes and typhoons.
This app sends push notifications seconds before they hit — genuinely life-saving.
Available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
🧘♂️ Bonus: Apps That Make Life Nicer
- Tabelog – Find the best-rated restaurants (reviews are brutally honest).
- Klook – Buy event and travel tickets in English.
- Spotify Japan – Great for Japanese podcasts to improve listening skills.
- NHK World Japan – English news about Japan, perfect for staying updated.
🗣️ Final Thoughts
Living in Japan as a foreigner can feel complicated — but with the right tools, it becomes seamless.
Most of these apps are free, reliable, and constantly improving.
If you’re just starting your life in Japan, install these first:
Google Maps, Suica, PayPay, Takoboto, and Yahoo Weather.
They’ll cover 90% of your daily needs — the rest you’ll discover as you explore Japan.