Japan (JP)
Japan is one of the world's most captivating destinations for expats — a country where ancient temple culture and ultra-modern technology coexist seamlessly.
Digital Services
Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in Japan.
MyNumber Card (マイナンバーカード)
Japan's national digital identity card — a plastic IC chip card containing your 12-digit Individual Number (マイナンバー / MyNumber), photo, and digital certificate. Functions as a government-issued photo ID, digital signature tool, and increasingly as a health insurance card (保険証 / hoken-sho). Separate from the notification letter (通知カード) — you must apply for the physical card.
How to get it: 1. Receive your MyNumber notification letter (通知カード) by post within 2–3 weeks of address registration. 2. Apply for the MyNumber Card: online via mynaportal.go.jp, or at your ward office. 3. Collect from the ward office within 1–3 months (bring notification letter, passport, and Residence Card). 4. Set a 4-digit and 6-digit PIN at the ward office on collection. The card is free of charge.
E-Government Portal
https://myna.go.jpJapan's e-government is functional but still maturing. Many processes still require in-person visits. The government's Digital Agency (デジタル庁 / Digital-cho, established 2021) is actively modernising. Line Connect and other private sector integrations are expanding services. The Mynaportal is available in English (partial) — myna.go.jp. Immigration online procedures: immi-moj.go.jp.
Essential Apps
LINE (ライン)
FreeDominant Japanese messaging app — used for personal communication, business, customer service, news, payments (LINE Pay), and healthcare. Essential from day 1. Available in English.
Suica / Mobile Suica
FreeJR East's IC card app — load transit credit, pay at convenience stores, restaurants, and shops. Works on iPhone and Android (NFC-enabled). Add to Apple Pay/Google Pay.
PayPay (ペイペイ)
FreeJapan's most popular QR code payment app. Used at supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, and small shops. Linked to bank account or credit card. Frequent promotional campaigns (20% cashback deals).
Google Maps (グーグルマップ)
FreeWorks excellently in Japan — accurate transit directions for train, subway, and bus. Shows IC card fares, transfers, and platform numbers. Better than Apple Maps for Japanese transit.
Yahoo! Transit (ヤフー乗換案内)
FreeJapanese-language transit app that many locals prefer for its detailed train and bus timing. Excellent for complex multi-transfer journeys.
DeepL Translator
FreeBest machine translation for Japanese — significantly better than Google Translate for nuanced Japanese text. Essential for reading official documents, leases, and official letters.
Google Translate (Camera)
FreeUse the camera function to point at Japanese text and get instant translation — essential for menus, signs, labels, and documents. Works offline with downloaded Japanese language pack.
Mynaportal (マイナポータル)
FreeOfficial Japanese government portal. Apply for benefits, check pension records, file tax documents, and manage government services. Requires MyNumber Card with NFC phone.
e-Tax (国税庁確定申告)
FreeNational Tax Agency app for filing annual tax returns (確定申告) and checking withholding tax records. Available in Japanese only — use DeepL for assistance.
ExpatCheapRent
FreeExpat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.
SUUMO / HOMES
FreeJapan's leading apartment listing apps. Browse available rentals with maps, photos, and floor plans. Japanese only — useful even without language skills for photos and pricing.
Mercari (メルカリ)
FreeJapan's dominant consumer-to-consumer marketplace app. Great for buying second-hand furniture, electronics, and clothing when setting up your apartment. Requires Japanese.
Tabelog (食べログ)
FreeJapan's most trusted restaurant review app. Similar to Yelp/TripAdvisor. English search available. Shows restaurant ratings, menus, and booking options.
Japan Official Travel App
FreeGovernment-run app for tourists and expats — emergency information, disaster alerts, travel advisories, and practical Japan information in 13 languages.
NHK World Radio Japan
FreeEnglish-language Japan news from public broadcaster NHK. Also provides J-Alert earthquake and tsunami alerts in English during emergencies.
GO (ゴー)
FreeJapan's leading taxi-booking app. Book licensed taxis in major cities, track your ride, and pay cashlessly. English interface available. Much cheaper than Uber for the same licensed taxi.
Japan requires an NFC-enabled smartphone for MyNumber Card digital services and Mobile Suica/PASMO. Android and iPhone 7 or later are compatible. Physical MyNumber Card acts as a chip card for konbini kiosk services — bring it for certificate printing. Japan's digital infrastructure is extensive but often Japanese-language first — keep a translation app handy. The 2021 Digital Agency is actively expanding English-language government services. Emergency alerts (J-Alert / Jアラート) are broadcast to all mobile phones in affected areas regardless of SIM — you will receive earthquake, tsunami, and missile alerts even on a tourist SIM.