Essential Apps for Life in Japan TOP 10
Recommendations based on real usage experience
Recommend essential apps for living in Japan based on real usage experience. A comprehensive guide covering all areas including daily life, shopping, transportation, and healthcare.
📱 Apps by Category
💬 Communication
🗺️ Transport/Maps
💳 Payment/Shopping
🍽️ Daily Life
🏆 TOP 10 Apps Detailed Info
LINE
Most widely used messaging app in Japan
✨ Key Features:
- •• Free messages and voice/video calls
- •• Stickers and emojis
- •• Group chat features
💡 Usage Tips:
Essential for communication with Japanese people. Easy friend addition via QR code
Google Maps
Accurate navigation and transportation info in Japan
✨ Key Features:
- •• Real-time traffic information
- •• Public transportation route guidance
- •• Offline map downloads
💡 Usage Tips:
Searching in Japanese gives more accurate results. Detailed subway transfer info
PayPay
Most popular QR code payment app in Japan
✨ Key Features:
- •• Easy payment with QR codes
- •• Point accumulation and discounts
- •• Usable at convenience stores, cafes, etc.
💡 Usage Tips:
Can live without cash. Very many affiliated stores
Amazon Japan
Japan's largest online shopping mall
✨ Key Features:
- •• Fast delivery (same day/next day)
- •• Various product categories
- •• Prime membership benefits
💡 Usage Tips:
Must search in Japanese to find accurate products
Google Translate
Essential tool for Japanese translation
✨ Key Features:
- •• Real-time translation with camera
- •• Voice translation feature
- •• Offline translation available
💡 Usage Tips:
Download Japanese package in advance for offline use
Uber Eats
Most popular food delivery app in Japan
✨ Key Features:
- •• Various restaurant options
- •• Real-time delivery tracking
- •• Various payment methods
💡 Usage Tips:
Delivery fees are expensive but convenient. Use promotion codes
Airbnb
Accommodation booking app for Japan travel
✨ Key Features:
- •• Various accommodation options
- •• Interaction with locals
- •• Reasonable prices
💡 Usage Tips:
Cheaper than hotels and local experience possible. Check reviews carefully
Japan Travel
Official Japan Tourism Agency travel app
✨ Key Features:
- •• Official tourism information
- •• Recommended tourist spots
- •• Multi-language support
💡 Usage Tips:
Reliable information. Helps with travel planning
Japan Taxi
Nationwide taxi calling app in Japan
✨ Key Features:
- •• Nationwide taxi calling
- •• Real-time location tracking
- •• Various payment methods
💡 Usage Tips:
Useful when public transport stops. Note that fares are expensive
Google Lens
Japanese text recognition and translation with camera
✨ Key Features:
- •• Real-time text translation
- •• Recognizes menus, signs, etc.
- •• Available offline
💡 Usage Tips:
Japanese package download required. Very useful for reading menus
📲 App Installation & Usage Tips
🔧 Pre-installation:
- •Create Japanese app store account
- •Prepare Japanese phone number
- •Register credit card
⚡ Efficient Usage:
- •Optimize notification settings per app
- •Utilize offline features
- •Regular updates
🎯 Conclusion
With just these 10 apps, life in Japan becomes much more convenient. Understanding each app's features and using them appropriately can greatly reduce the difficulties of living in Japan. Especially LINE and PayPay are essential for Japanese life, so be sure to install them!