4 Must-Have Apps for Everyday Life in Japan

This article introduces four essential apps that will help you live comfortably in Japan. Whether you’re looking for useful information, navigating public transportation, or learning about Japanese rules and customs, these apps can make your everyday life easier and more stress-free. Read on to discover the apps that can help you get the most out of life in Japan!

When living in Japan, smartphones are more than just communication devices—they have become essential tools in everyday life. According to a 2026 survey conducted by NTT DOCOMO Mobile Society Research Institute, smartphone penetration in Japan has reached 98.3%. Today, smartphones are deeply integrated into daily life. In contrast, back in the 2010s, smartphones were still owned by only a limited number of people.

Looking at smartphone usage by age group, more than 90% of people in their teens and twenties own smartphones, which have become a foundation for various activities such as learning, gathering information, and entertainment. Surprisingly, smartphone usage is also widespread among older generations, with 95% of people in their 60s and 86% of those in their 70s using smartphones. This shows that in Japan, digital tools have become a common means of communication regardless of age.

There is an interesting difference in the types of smartphones used among different age groups. iPhone usage is particularly high among people in their teens and twenties, accounting for around 70% of users in their 20s. Meanwhile, Android usage increases as the age group gets older.

When starting a part-time job in Japan (for more details, refer to our article “Part-Time Opportunities for Japanese Language Students”) or making Japanese friends at school, understanding these differences can help you build smoother relationships.

Now, let’s explore each of these four essential apps in detail.

The app that is most highly recommended for foreign residents who are starting a new life in Japan is LINE. Although there are many other messaging apps available, LINE serves as a social infrastructure in Japan. Without a doubt, it is the most essential app for anyone living in Japan.

As of December 2025, LINE had surpassed 100 million monthly active users. Considering Japan’s population, this means that around 80% of people in Japan use the app. LINE is not just a communication tool for friends and family—it is almost a requirement for everyday life in Japan. Whether you are contacting teachers, managing work shifts at a part-time job, or communicating in many other situations, people generally expect you to have a LINE account.

LINE also offers various features that make everyday life in Japan more convenient. Many businesses, including supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, and hair salons, have official LINE accounts. By simply adding these official accounts as friends on LINE, users can receive discount coupons and earn reward points. Although preparing to study in Japan can be expensive (for more details, refer to our article “Best Time to Study in Japan: Admission Seasons and Preparation Tips”), LINE can be effectively used to save money on daily expenses.

Another important role of LINE is its use as a tool for accessing government services and disaster information. Japan is a country that experiences many natural disasters. Many local governments have official LINE accounts, and in the event of a disaster, they can quickly provide updates such as information about available evacuation shelters. Even in daily life, some local governments use LINE to notify residents of garbage collection days and provide consultations regarding procedures such as obtaining a residence certificate. To ensure a safe life in Japan, registering the official LINE account of the local government where one lives is highly recommended.

Another essential app for living in Japan is Google Maps, which is used around the world. Public transportation in Japan’s major cities is considered to be one of the most complex in the world. As explained in our previous article, “Japanese Trains: Punctuality, Delays, and Real-Time Updates”, Japan has an intricate railway network, and train services are divided into many different types.

Google Maps offers a convenient route search feature designed for Japan’s complex transportation network. Simply entering a departure point and destination provides the best route, as well as the platform number for each train. It also provides real-time updates on delays and recalculates alternative routes when necessary.

Furthermore, another useful feature to know about is the recommended boarding position available through Google Maps’ door-to-door route search. Some subway stations in Japan are extremely large, and boarding the wrong car may require a long walk to reach the desired exit while carrying heavy luggage. When searching for a specific destination, such as a building name or address, Google Maps recommends the train car closest to the most convenient exit. This feature is especially helpful when traveling with large or heavy luggage.

Additionally, the offline map feature is also useful, as it allows users to download maps of specific areas in advance in case of limited or no internet access. Google Maps also allows users to save places they want to visit, making it easier to explore cities throughout Japan comfortably.

The third essential app for living in Japan is YouTube. While it may seem to be an app mainly for entertainment, it is also a valuable learning resource for foreign residents. In addition to helping users learn the Japanese language, YouTube provides useful information about Japanese rules and customs.

For example, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, a government organization in Japan, has its own official YouTube channel that introduces lifestyle orientations for foreign residents. These videos explain basic rules and manners in Japan, such as traffic rules including safe bicycle riding and garbage separation methods to prevent problems with neighbors.

The videos are available in 17 languages, including English, Chinese, and Vietnamese, allowing foreign residents to learn important information in their own languages. They help foreign residents avoid troubles caused by misunderstandings or unintentional mistakes, such as improper bathing manners or excessive noise at night.

Additionally, YouTube offers numerous channels dedicated to learning Japanese. For more details, refer to our previous article, “Recommended YouTube Channels for Beginners in Japanese.” From grammar explanations for JLPT N5 level learners to techniques for having natural conversations in Japanese, YouTube offers a wide range of learning resources. There are also videos based on textbooks such as “Minna no Nihongo,” as well as videos that are ideal for shadowing practice.

Lastly, TCJ also has an official YouTube channel, “TCJ日本語教室,” which shares useful information about learning Japanese. Consider subscribing to the channel and making use of these resources.

The last must-have app in Japan that we will introduce is PayPay, a smartphone payment service. It is one of the most popular cashless payment apps used in Japan. Users can use this app to make payments at various places in daily life, such as convenience stores and restaurants.

The payment process is quite simple. Users can tell the staff that they would like to pay with PayPay, and the payment can be completed either by having the staff scan the barcode displayed in the app or by scanning the QR code provided at the store themselves.

Since PayPay allows visitors to avoid handling cash, it is especially convenient for those who are not yet familiar with Japanese bills and coins.

PayPay balance can be charged not only from a Japanese bank account but also with cash at Seven Bank ATMs and Lawson Bank ATMs. Even without identity verification, users can charge their balance with cash at ATMs and use PayPay for payments at stores.

However, identity verification is required to use some features, such as registering a bank account, withdrawing funds from the balance, and paying taxes. Foreign residents can complete the identity verification process using their residence card or My Number Card.

However, not all stores accept PayPay, so it is not recommended to go out without carrying any cash. Combining PayPay with a small amount of cash makes shopping and paying for services in Japan much more convenient.

TCJ offers an ICT-based education system adapted to today’s digital lifestyle. Our original digital learning material, “ひらくにほんご (Hiraku Nihongo),” allows students to prepare for and review lessons by watching videos on their smartphones.

Students can choose between in-person and online classes according to their work and lifestyle, allowing them to enjoy learning Japanese in a way that best suits their needs.

– Mobile Society Research Institute, NTT DOCOMO. (2026). “Smartphone Penetration Reaches 98.3% in Japan: Android Accounts for 55.4% and iPhone for 44.6% of Smartphone Users in 2026.”
– LY Corporation. (2025). “Connections Can Help Protect Lives: How to Use LINE for Disaster Preparedness.”