With a global mix of international and local English-speaking singles throughout Japan, there may be no better place to find love — but taking that first step in a foreign country can sometimes be difficult. If you’re new to Japan or are looking for an easier way to meet someone special, here are 5 popular dating apps to help. With a little luck and these apps, you may find that special someone!
5 Popular Dating Apps in Japan
Tinder took the world by storm when it first appeared on Android and iOS, and has since become one of the most popular dating apps in the world.
With a huge number of users in Japan’s major cities, you can find someone to go out with regardless of whether you are looking for a short-term relationship or are interested in something more serious. One of the best things about Tinder is how fast the whole process is. You can look through other profiles quickly and a match can be made in seconds.
Tinder is free for everyone, with certain features locked behind a paywall. If you find yourself swiping a lot or want to see who has looked at your profile, then you will need to upgrade to Tinder Gold.
OkCupid is another popular dating app in Japan. Like Tinder, it’s designed for finding a date. Unlike Tinder, it replaces speed with more in-depth profiles. After answering some questions, users are matched with others who are compatible. This reduces the amount of time you have to spend finding a match. If you answer a few more questions, and answer honestly, you will be surprised how accurate the matches can be. This is great for making sure both people are on the same page.
The Android and iOS versions are free, but if you want your profile to be seen by more people, you can pay to have it promoted.
Bumble is an app that brings people together for a variety of reasons. Whether you are looking for colleagues, friends, or a date, Bumble can help. The app is far more personal than Meetup, with profiles that can be linked to Instagram pages and other social media.
In the dating section women have the final decision on whether a match is made, ensuring spammers and other unwanted attention is minimized. With more stringent community rules, Bumble tries to foster a more pleasant environment for their female users.
Bumble is available on Android and iOS. A premium version is available for those who use the app a lot but is not necessary for most users.
A relative newcomer to the scene, Dine is focused on quickly bringing foodies together to experience new and interesting cuisine. You fill out a profile and the app finds a compatible partner to go on a first date. You then begin messaging, choose a place to eat together, pick a time, then meet up for some (hopefully) interesting conversation.
There are thousands of possible date locations in Tokyo and other major metropolises, all based around food. With a much more focused approach to dating, Dine attempts to bring people together more quickly, helping you get to the important part with less hassle.
Being a Japanese startup, Tokyo is well represented, but the English version of the app is only available on iOS for now (the Japanese version also has Android).
If you’re a bit shy about blind dates, Meetup is a great way to ease into meeting like-minded people who may just be the perfect match for you. It’s a group-focused app that brings people together through similar hobbies and interests. You choose from a list of activities and the app recommends groups in your area.
If you can’t find an event or activity that suits you, or if you want to meet people with interests that are not already covered, you can create your own event for a small fee.
Meetup also organizes events for singles throughout Tokyo. They’re often centered around nightlife, food, and bars, but also include more adventurous activities like rock climbing and hiking.
Meetup is available for free on both Android and iOS.
Don’t Forget to Get Reliable WiFi in Japan
With a Sakura Mobile SIM Card or Pocket WiFi Router you can download and use all of these dating apps on the go while in Japan. Sakura Mobile offers DoCoMo and SoftBank networks depending on the device, so you can choose whichever suits you best. Both offer fast LTE speeds in all major Japanese cities and are continually expanding their 4G LTE networks to more and more cities across the country.
Data-only or Voice and Data plans are available with no yearly contracts. Sakura Mobile offers 4 data-only SIM packages — the cheapest starts with a 3GB data limit and 30 minutes of free international calls for 2,980 yen a month. If you use music streaming services, or watch a little YouTube on your phone, the 3,980 yen or 4,980-yen packages might be more suitable, offering 5GB and 7GB respectively. If you use your phone a lot, or tether your computer, the 10GB package with 60 minutes of free international calls might be the best option for you.
All have a one-time activation fee of 5,000 yen, but there are no cancellation fees or hidden charges. Pocket WiFi Routers are available if your device is not compatible with a Sakura Mobile SIM, or if you have multiple devices that need to connect to the Internet.
Every part of the ordering process is available in both English and Japanese, with help and support available in both languages too. If you need to amend your order or change your plan, you can do so online quickly and easily. Both short- and long-term plans are easily changed to suit your needs. Monthly data starts at 3GB, but if you find that you need more, it can be quickly and easily added to your account without changing your plan. There is no need to commit to lengthy one- or two-year contracts, and none of the packages require paying for services you will never use, like anti-virus software or Japanese VoD services.
Make Dating in Japan Fun with Sakura Mobile
Whether you are looking to meet new friends, take up a new hobby, or find love in Japan, Sakura Mobile can help. Using these dating apps and a Sakura Mobile SIM or Pocket WiFi Router will let you discover new places and encounter new people quickly and easily. Sakura Mobile can even help you find your way to your date and come up with something to say when you arrive, making it the perfect companion for any situation.
