ESSENTIAL APPS FOR JAPAN LIFE
Moving to a different country and starting from scratch is intimidating. Particularly Japan - where the English speaking community is still relatively low. There is so much to figure out; where to stay, how to adapt to a new culture and the language barrier. You have probably have made countless searches on Google to gather some basic information about the city.
To make your life easier once you arrive in the Land of the Rising Sun, we have done the hard work for you and listed all of the essential apps and phone numbers that you will need to navigate your new life.
Feel like a local and take a Hello! Tokyo Tour with us
LEISURE
Klook - For travel activities and tickets. Available on iOS and Android
Tripadvisor - For travel activities. Available on iOS and Android
FOOD & DRINK
Gurunavi - For finding restaurants and making reservations. Available on iOS and Android
Open Table - For finding restaurants and making reservations. Available on iOS and Android
Tabelog - For finding restaurants and reading reviews. Available on iOS and Android
Uber Eats - For home delivery. Available on iOS and Android
Demaikan (Japanese only) - For home delivery. Available on iOS and Android
TRANSPORTATION
NAVITIME - To help plan your route and figure out times for trains and buses. There are 3 apps by Navitime that are all very similar. Navitime Map & Transfer, Japan Travel by Navitime and Navitime Timetable&Route search in Japan. Available on iOS and Android (Japan Travel app linked).
Japan Taxi - To call for a taxi/make appointments for taxi pickups. Available on iOS and Android
MEDICAL/EMERGENCY
TELL - Mental Health professionals available for lifeline, chat and support for international community.
Lifeline tel: 03-5774-0992, Counseling tel: 03-4550-1146
Japan Healthcare Info - Supports your healthcare needs. Can locate English speaking doctors, make appointments, offer translators, find treatment/medication, locate daycares/nurseries/schools and any other needs regarding health.
Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Institution - For general medical information. Tel: 03-5285-8181 (9am-8pm)
Emergency Tel Numbers - Police: 110, Medical/Fire: 119
HOUSEHOLD NEEDS
For household needs such as cleaners and handymen, go to your local ward/city office to get you connected to the local/trusted workers. The ward/city office will have contacts with the local associations of handymen and cleaners.
FINANCE
PayPay (Japanese only) - An app for a cashless way to pay at restaurants and stores. Available on iOS and Android
Transferwise - Website to help you transfer money abroad.
Retire Japan - For residents thinking long term finance in Japan
SOCIALS
Reddit r/japanlife - One of the biggest and most active social networks for expats in Japan. Join the subreddit japanlife on reddit to connect to a community of over 100k+ expats/residents living in Japan. You can post your problems, questions and advice in this community for support. Available on iOS and Android
TEN (Tokyo Expat Network) Facebook Group - Group of expats in Tokyo.
Expats in Japan Facebook Group - Group of expats across Japan.
Mottainai Japan Facebook Group - A group open to all residents of Japan that give away unwanted items for free.
OTHER ESSENTIAL APPS AND WEBSITES
Yahoo Auction - Basically an ebay where you can auction off your goods and buy auctioned goods. Available on iOS and Android
Mercari - Online flea market app. Buy used and new goods online. Available on IOS and Android
Rakuten - Online shopping platform. Similar to amazon. Available on IOS and Android
Network Print/Multicopy - Apps to help you connect to the convenience stores printer to help you print and copy. Network Print works for Lawsons and Multicopy is for Seven Eleven.
Network Print on iOS and Android. Multicopy on iOS and Android.
LOCAL NEWS AND ONLINE MAGAZINES
NHK World Japan - One of Japans main news outlets. Available in multiple languages.
Japan Times - Japans largest and oldest English-language news outlet
Japan Travel - All things about tourism and traveling in Japan hosted by the Japanese National Tourism Board (JNTO). Latest updates about Japan is available as well.
Timeout Tokyo - Neighborhood guide on latest events, places to visit and news.
Web Japan - Government operated guide to Japan