5 Must-Have Apps for Newcomers in Japan

Living in Japan for the first time can be an exciting yet challenging experience. From language barriers and public transport to finding food—everything feels new. Luckily, there are many helpful apps that can make daily life easier, especially for students and newcomers 📱✨

1. Google Translate / DeepL
Language is usually the first big hurdle when arriving in Japan. Apps like Google Translate or DeepL can be lifesavers—especially when reading instructions, talking to shop staff, or filling out forms. Use the camera feature to instantly translate posters, menus, or letters 📄📷

DeepL tends to be more accurate for full-sentence translations, especially from Japanese to English or Indonesian. Meanwhile, Google Translate is strong in voice and camera functions.

2. Navitime for Japan Travel
Getting around using public transportation in Japan can be confusing at first. Navitime helps you find the best train or bus routes, with detailed schedules, transfer points, and fares. It’s especially helpful when planning daily commutes from your dorm to campus or exploring other cities 🚆

There’s also a version made specifically for foreign travelers, with an English-friendly interface.

3. PayPay
Most shops and restaurants in Japan now accept digital payments, and PayPay is one of the most widely used apps. You can top up your balance easily, pay with a quick QR scan, and even enjoy occasional special discounts 💸

It’s especially convenient in convenience stores, 100-yen shops, and fast-food restaurants.

4. LINE
LINE is the most commonly used messaging app in Japan—used by locals and foreigners alike. Almost all universities, student communities, and even some public services use LINE for communication.
If you’re new to it, LINE also offers extras like video calls, fun stickers, news, and even payments. So don’t be surprised if someone asks to exchange LINE IDs when you meet them for the first time 😄

5. Yahoo! Weather (Yahoo!天気)
Weather in Japan can change quickly, and this app is great for checking daily forecasts—even down to specific hours. It also provides alerts for earthquakes and heavy rain. It’s important to know when to bring an umbrella or an extra jacket ☔

Even though the interface is in Japanese, the icons and visuals are beginner-friendly and easy to understand.