LINE:Mandatory. This is Japan’s primary messaging app. Beyond chatting, it is used for official communications from city halls (like Yokohama City), booking medical appointments, and receiving delivery notifications.
PayPay: The dominant QR code payment app. It is accepted almost everywhere, from major supermarkets in Tsurumi to small local vegetable stands. It often offers cashback campaigns for specific regions.
2. Navigation & Transit
Google Maps: Best for general walking directions and finding local businesses. It integrates well with Yokohama’s complex bus and train networks.
Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan): While Google Maps is good, Jorudan is the “pro” choice for trains. It provides precise platform numbers, the best car to board for quick transfers, and handles complex Shinkansen/Express routing better.
GO (Taxi App): The most reliable way to hail a taxi. It supports English and allows you to pay via the app, avoiding any language barrier with the driver.
3. Language & Translation
DeepL: For living here, DeepL is far superior to Google Translate for email correspondence or reading official documents (like pension or tax forms). It captures Japanese politeness levels (Keigo) much more accurately.
Google Translate (Camera Mode): Indispensable for the supermarket. Point your camera at a product label or a restaurant menu to see an instant overlay of the translation.
VoiceTra: Developed by Japan’s national research institute, this is a “hidden gem” specifically optimized for spoken Japanese. It’s excellent for communicating at a clinic or a ward office.
4. Disaster Prevention (Vital in Japan)
NERV Disaster Prevention: Highly recommended for its speed and clean English interface. It provides the fastest notifications for earthquakes (EEW), tsunamis, and heavy rain alerts based on your precise location in Yokohama.
Safety Tips: An app developed under the supervision of the Japan Tourism Agency. It provides disaster alerts and includes “Communication Cards” with Japanese phrases for emergencies.
5. Lifestyle & Utility
SmartEX: Since you live in Yokohama, you’re close to the Tokaido Shinkansen (Shin-Yokohama Station). This app allows you to book bullet train tickets on your phone and link them to your Suica/IC card.
Tabelog: The “Gold Standard” for food. Ratings are strict; a 3.5 is considered a very high score. It’s the best way to find authentic local gems in your area.
Amazon Japan / Rakuten: For tech enthusiasts, these are essential for getting parts, books (like Rust programming guides), or household items delivered quickly.
