Best Apps for Life in Japan
Intro
Living in Japan becomes a lot smoother once you know which apps locals and long-term residents rely on daily. Whether you’re paying bills, catching a train, or translating a menu, these apps can save you time, stress, and confusion.
Navigation & Transportation
Google Maps – Still the most reliable for trains, walking, and buses. It gives you live updates on transfers and delays.
Japan Travel by NAVITIME – Great for visitors or new residents. It shows train times, routes, and even which car to board for faster exits.
Suica App / Mobile PASMO – Lets you tap your phone instead of using a physical train card. Works for trains, buses, and even convenience stores.
Pro tip: If you have an iPhone or Android with NFC, you can charge your Suica card directly in-app — no machine needed.
Banking & Payments
PayPay – Japan’s most popular mobile payment app. Accepted at many restaurants, shops, and vending machines.
Wise (TransferWise) – Best for sending money between Japan and your home country at low rates.
Resona, Rakuten, or Japan Post Banking Apps – Each major bank has its own mobile app. Learn to use them early to save trips to the ATM.
Tip: Japan is still partly cash-based, but QR and IC payments are spreading fast — it’s worth setting these up early.
Food & Shopping
Uber Eats / Demae-can – Food delivery apps for when you don’t feel like cooking.
Amazon Japan – Fast delivery and wide selection for everything from electronics to daily goods.
Mercari – Japan’s popular second-hand marketplace for cheap furniture, clothes, and electronics.
Pro tip: Many foreigners use Mercari to furnish apartments when they first move — you can find nearly-new items at 50–70% off retail.
Everyday Convenience
LINE – The #1 messaging app in Japan. You’ll need it for friends, school, and even some part-time jobs.
Google Translate / Yomiwa – Translate menus, signs, or entire documents instantly.
MyNumber Portal / City Hall Apps – Many city offices now allow online procedures for residents (depending on your prefecture).
Learning & Language Support
Anki – Great for flashcards if you’re serious about Japanese study.
Bunpro / LingoDeer / WaniKani – Each app focuses on grammar, vocabulary, or kanji in an interactive way.
HelloTalk / Tandem – Chat with Japanese speakers who want to learn English — great for practice and new friendships.
Final Thoughts
Japan has an app for almost everything — once you set up the basics, your daily life becomes a lot more convenient. Start small, learn each one step by step, and you’ll soon find that your phone becomes your best tool for navigating Japanese life.