A curated directory of the websites and apps that make navigating, communicating, and living in Japan easier — grouped by what you actually need them for.
The default choice for walking, driving and transit directions across Japan, with real-time train and bus times.
A route planner built specifically for visitors, combining train transfers, fares, weather and nearby attractions in one app.
One of the most complete Japanese train and bus transfer search tools, widely used by locals (mostly Japanese-language UI).
Japan's leading taxi-hailing app — book, track and pay for a taxi from your phone in major cities.
A rechargeable transit IC card on your phone — tap through ticket gates and pay at convenience stores and vending machines.
Real-time text, voice and camera translation — point your phone at a menu or sign to read it instantly.
A translation tool known for more natural results on longer text, useful for emails and documents.
A free speech-to-speech translation app developed by a Japanese national research institute, built for spoken conversation.
Point your camera at Japanese text — handwritten notes, kanji signage, menus — to identify and translate it.
Send money to and from Japan with a transparent, mid-market exchange rate and a multi-currency account.
A travel-friendly card and app for spending in yen abroad with real-time currency conversion.
The most widely accepted QR-code mobile payment app at Japanese shops and restaurants (requires a Japanese phone number to register).
Japan's Amazon storefront, which accepts most international credit cards for delivery anywhere in the country.
One of Japan's largest online marketplaces, known for its point-rewards ecosystem across many merchants.
Japan's most popular flea-market app for buying and selling used goods directly between individuals.
Food delivery from restaurants and convenience stores, available in Tokyo, Osaka and other major cities.
A homegrown Japanese food delivery platform with broad coverage, including many local restaurants not on other apps.
An international hotel and ryokan booking platform with free cancellation on most listings.
Short-term apartment and house rentals, useful for longer stays or a more local experience.
Bookings for attraction tickets, day tours and airport transfers, popular with visitors from other parts of Asia.
The official portal for purchasing and exchanging the Japan Rail Pass for long-distance train travel.
One of the most commonly used weather forecast apps in Japan, with detailed hourly and rain-radar data.
A multilingual disaster-alert app from Japan's tourism agency that pushes earthquake, tsunami and severe-weather warnings.
Japan's public broadcaster's international service, offering English-language news and emergency broadcasts.
Japan's official tourism board site, a reliable source for travel planning and up-to-date entry information.
The official government body for visas, residence status and immigration procedures — always verify rules here rather than elsewhere.
Japan's dominant messaging app — expect to be asked for your LINE ID more often than a phone number.
Buy a Japan eSIM data plan online before you land and get connected immediately, no physical SIM swap needed.
SIM cards, eSIMs and pocket WiFi rental aimed at foreign residents and visitors, with English-language support.
An English-language community site for foreigners in Japan, covering jobs, housing, and everyday life topics.
A long-running English-language encyclopedia of Japanese destinations, culture and practical travel information.
Japan's most trusted restaurant review platform, with a scoring system locals actually rely on.
A community forum where foreign residents share first-hand advice on visas, housing, work and daily life.
A job board focused on positions open to foreign residents, with listings often requiring English rather than fluent Japanese.
One of Japan's largest apartment and house listing sites, though mostly Japanese-language.
The Japan edition of the global job-search engine, aggregating listings from many company sites and agencies.
Most apps here can be downloaded from your home country's app store before departure. A few local payment or SIM apps may register more smoothly once you have a Japanese phone number or are on Japanese networks.
Navigation, translation and mapping apps generally don't require one. Local payment apps like PayPay and some SIM services usually do — plan accordingly before you travel.
Features, pricing and availability of any app or website can change over time. This page is a starting point for what each service is for — always check the official site or app store listing for current details.