Top 10 Must-Have Apps for Life in Japan
When you first arrive in Japan, one of the first things you should do is install essential apps. Japan is gradually digitalizing from a cash-based society, and there are many apps crucial for daily life. Here are the top 10 most useful apps as of September 2025, based on actual daily use.
π‘ Pro Tip
Connect to airport Wi-Fi immediately after arrival and download these apps first!
1. Google Maps
Perfectly navigates Japan's complex train lines and bus stops. Provides real-time arrival information and compares the fastest routes and fares.
β Pro Tips
- β’ Download offline maps in advance (save data)
- β’ Save frequent places with favorites
- β’ Check real-time traffic for delays
π 2. Yahoo!δΉζζ‘ε (Yahoo! Transit)
Provides much more accurate Japanese public transport info than Google Maps. Shows fares, times, transfer stations, and platform numbers in detail.
β‘ Special Features
- β’ First/last train times
- β’ Real-time delay/suspension alerts
- β’ Compare cheapest fare vs shortest time
- β’ Auto-calculate IC card fares
3. PayPay
The most widely used mobile payment app in Japan. Convenience stores, restaurants, supermarkets, even vending machines! Pay anywhere with QR code scanning.
π Bonuses
- β’ Frequent 20% cashback campaigns
- β’ Β₯500 bonus for first registration
- β’ Earn points by referring friends
- β’ Earn points when paying utility bills
4. LINE
Almost all Japanese people use LINE. All communication with friends, part-time jobs, school, and clubs happens through LINE, so it's essential!
5. Rakuten
Japan's largest shopping platform! Much better point rewards than Amazon, with frequent sales. Accumulated points can be used like cash.
π± 6. Uber Eats / εΊε逨
Food delivery apps. Uber Eats has more restaurant options, while εΊε逨 has cheaper delivery fees.
| Feature | Uber Eats | εΊε逨 |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | βββββ | ββββ |
| Delivery Fee | Β₯200-500 | Β₯100-300 |
| Coupons | Frequent | Very Frequent! |
π 7. Google Translate
Don't worry if you can't speak Japanese! Camera translation instantly translates menus, medicine labels, and signs.
π― How to Use
- β’ Voice translation for real-time conversations
- β’ Download offline Japanese pack
- β’ Handwriting input for kanji search
πΌ 8. γΏγ¦γ³γ―γΌγ― (TownWork)
Japan's largest part-time job search app! Search by various conditions like foreigner-friendly, short-term, weekends only.
π 9. SUUMO
Top real estate app! Essential for apartment hunting. Check photos, floor plans, and nearby facilities in detail.
π€οΈ 10. Yahoo!ε€©ζ° (Yahoo! Weather)
Japanese weather changes quickly! Accurately shows hourly precipitation probability, so you can decide whether to bring an umbrella.
β Conclusion & Download Priority
With these 10 apps, you're perfectly prepared for life in Japan!
π₯ Day 1 Must-Download TOP 5:
- Google Maps - Navigation
- Yahoo!δΉζζ‘ε - Trains
- PayPay - Payment
- LINE - Communication
- Google Translate - Translation
Happy Japan Life! π―π΅