Best Apps for Living in Japan: Make Life Easy

Best apps for living in Japan can completely transform your daily life in this high-tech, fast-paced country. Whether you’ve just arrived or have been here for years, Japan’s digital ecosystem offers countless tools that simplify transportation, communication, shopping, and even bill payments. The wide range of options can make things a bit confusing. Knowing which apps locals actually rely on can save you time and frustration.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the most practical and user-friendly apps to help you manage daily routines, discover hidden gems, and stay connected with ease. From navigating the train system to finding the best ramen nearby, these apps will make adapting to life in Japan smoother and more enjoyable.

Table of Contents

Communication and Social Apps

Before settling in, you’ll want to stay connected with friends, colleagues, and locals. These communication apps are essential in Japan:

LINE (iOS | Android) – Japan’s most popular messaging app. Nearly everyone uses LINE, from coworkers to landlords. It supports free calls, stickers, and group chats.
Google Translate (iOS | Android) – Perfect for quick translations of menus, signs, or conversations. The camera feature helps you understand written Japanese instantly.

With these, communication in Japan becomes effortless, whether you’re texting a new friend or contacting your employer.

Navigation and Transportation Apps

Getting around Japan is a daily adventure, especially with complex train networks. But once you master these navigation apps, you’ll travel like a local.

Google Maps (iOS | Android) – Accurate, reliable, and supports real-time train and bus schedules.
NAVITIME (iOS | Android) – Designed for Japan, providing exact train times, platform numbers, and fare information.
Suica / PASMO App – Turn your phone into a digital transit card—pay for trains, buses, or vending machines easily (search your app store).
Uber Japan (iOS | Android) / DiDi – For taxis when public transport stops late at night.

With these navigation tools, you’ll never miss a train or get lost, even in the busiest parts of Tokyo.

Food and Restaurant Apps

One of the biggest joys of living in Japan is its food culture. From Michelin-star sushi to late-night ramen, these apps will guide your culinary journey:

Tabelog (iOS | Android) – Japan’s go-to restaurant review site, trusted more than Google Maps for food ratings.
Gurunavi (iOS | Android) – Great for English-friendly menus and restaurant recommendations.
Hot Pepper Gourmet (iOS | Android) – Offers coupons, reviews, and easy reservations.
Uber Eats (iOS | Android) / Demae‑can (iOS | Android) – Reliable food delivery apps covering most cities.
Sushi no Midori App – For booking popular sushi spots in advance (search your app store).

Transitioning from cooking at home to exploring Japanese cuisine becomes seamless with these food apps at your fingertips.

Shopping and Daily Essentials

Shopping in Japan is easy, but online shopping can make it even better. From home goods to fashion, here are the top apps:

Amazon Japan (iOS | Android) – Fast delivery, often with English support.
Rakuten (iOS | Android) – Offers reward points and great deals.
Mercari (iOS | Android) – The best secondhand marketplace in Japan.
Yahoo! Shopping (iOS | Android) – A solid alternative with exclusive local brands.

These shopping apps help you save money, discover local brands, and furnish your home quickly after moving in.

Finance and Payment Apps

Managing money can feel complicated in a cash-based society, but Japan is moving rapidly toward digital payments. These apps make your financial life smooth and secure:

PayPay (iOS | Android) – Japan’s most popular QR code payment app.
LINE Pay – Convenient if you already use LINE (see LINE link above).
Rakuten Pay (iOS | Android) – Lets you earn reward points while shopping.
Wise (formerly TransferWise) (iOS | Android) – The easiest way to send money internationally.
Mizuho, MUFG, Japan Post Bank Apps – Manage your local bank account and transfers directly (search your app store).

With these, you can easily balance local and international financial needs—without ever stepping into a bank.

Job and Career Apps

If you plan to stay long-term, you’ll likely look for work. Fortunately, Japan’s job-hunting apps are increasingly foreigner-friendly:

LinkedIn Japan (iOS | Android) – Ideal for professional networking and international companies.
Indeed Japan (iOS | Android) – Lists thousands of English-speaking and part-time jobs.
Daijob (iOS | Android) – Focused on bilingual professionals.
GaijinPot Jobs (iOS | Android) – Perfect for teaching, tourism, and hospitality roles.
Wantedly (iOS | Android) – Connects you with startups and creative industries.

With these career apps, finding a job that fits your skills and language level becomes much easier.

Emergency and Safety Apps

Japan is safe, but natural disasters like earthquakes or typhoons are common. Stay informed and prepared with these apps:

Yurekuru Call (iOS | Android) – Sends earthquake alerts seconds before shaking starts.
Safety Tips (by Japan Tourism Agency) (iOS | Android) – Provides multilingual updates during emergencies.
NHK World Japan (iOS | Android) – Delivers official English-language news and alerts.
Japan Shelter App (iOS | Android) – Helps locate nearby evacuation centers.
Yahoo! Weather / Disaster Info (iOS | Android) – Real-time updates for typhoons and heavy rain.

By installing these apps, you’ll always be one step ahead in case of emergencies.

Begin Your Tokyo Apartment Hunt with Arealty Japan

Finding the right apartment in Tokyo can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers unfamiliar with Japan’s rental process. Between guarantor requirements, upfront fees, and contracts written entirely in Japanese, renting a home often feels complicated. Partnering with a trusted real estate agency like Arealty Japan makes the entire experience simple, transparent, and stress-free.

Why Choose Arealty Japan?

Multilingual Support: Our friendly team speaks English, Japanese, and Vietnamese to ensure smooth and clear communication at every stage.
Expert Local Insight: We know Tokyo’s neighborhoods and understand what international residents truly need.
Full-Service Guidance: From property searches and viewings to contracts and move-in assistance, we’re with you from start to finish.
Honest and Transparent Process: No hidden charges or confusing documents, just straightforward advice and reliable service you can trust.

At Arealty Japan, we make renting in Tokyo effortless. Whether you’re looking for a modern studio or a spacious family apartment, our bilingual specialists will help you find a home that perfectly fits your lifestyle and budget. Focus on enjoying your new chapter in Japan – leave the housing details to us.

Contact: 050-6864-9697
Website: https://arealty.jp

Conclusion

Life in Japan becomes simpler and far more enjoyable when you use the best apps for living in Japan. From navigating Tokyo’s train maze to translating conversations, paying bills, and discovering local food, these digital tools act as your personal assistant for every situation.

If you’re planning to stay long-term, consider Arealty Japan – a trusted real estate service that helps foreigners find comfortable, affordable homes with full English support. With Area l ty’s help, and the right apps on your phone, you’ll adapt to Japan’s unique lifestyle faster than ever.

To make your search easier, Arealty Japan offers curated listings in Tokyo’s most popular areas. Whether you prefer vibrant Shinjuku, scenic Sumida, or cozy Nakano, explore the available apartments below:

Each listing includes photos, detailed descriptions, and English-language support, so you can find your perfect Tokyo home with confidence.