Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Love & Tech in Japan
In Japan, love and technology are coming together—and it’s changing how people meet.
Whether you just arrived or have lived here for a while, dating in Japan might feel different from your home country.
There are unique cultural habits and more people are using dating apps than ever before.
In this article, we’ll show you some of the best dating apps in Japan, give tips on how to use them, and explain a few cultural points that might surprise you.
If you’re curious—or even a little nervous—about dating in Japan, this guide is here to help!
Feeling a Bit Lonely in Japan? You’re Not Alone.
Moving to a new country is exciting—but it can also feel really lonely.
In Japan, many foreigners find it hard to make friends at first.
The language, cultural differences, and social rules (like people being polite but not very open) can make daily life feel distant.
Maybe you miss small talks at your favorite café back home, or just someone to text after a long day.
If that sounds like you—you’re not alone. Many people feel the same way.
The good news? There are ways to connect.
Dating apps can be a great place to start—not just for romance, but also to meet people who understand what it’s like to be a foreigner in Japan.
Dating apps are now a normal part of life for many people in Japan!
2. Popular Dating Apps in Japan
Pairs
Pairs is Japan’s most popular dating app for serious relationships.
It’s a great choice if you’re looking for long-term dating or even marriage.
The app has an easy-to-use design, detailed profiles, and strong safety features to help you find a good match.
Pairs is best for people who are comfortable using Japanese and want to meet respectful, marriage-minded users in Japan.
Marrish
Marrish is a Japanese dating app for people who want a serious, long-term relationship.
It’s especially helpful for those who are divorced, widowed, or single parents.
Marrish is known for its warm and supportive community.
It also has features that are kind and thoughtful for people with real-life experience.
If you’re living in Japan and looking for something serious—or a new beginning—Marrish could be a great place to start.
with
With is a Japanese dating app that is popular with people in their 20s, especially university students.
The app uses fun personality tests to match people based on values and compatibility.
It’s a great choice if you want more than just looks and are looking for a deeper connection.
If you’re a young adult—especially in or near Tokyo—With is a good app to try.
It focuses on shared values, not just swiping, and helps you find someone truly compatible.
Tinder
Tinder is one of the most popular dating apps in the world.
It’s easy to use—you just swipe to like or pass on someone’s profile.
In Japan, Tinder is popular with people who want casual dates or want to meet both locals and foreigners.
You can quickly see profiles and connect with people nearby.
Since it’s used all over the world, it’s a great app if you want to meet people from different countries and cultures.
Whether you’re new to dating apps or already familiar with them, Tinder is a fun and flexible way to explore dating in Japan.
Bumble
Bumble is a dating app where women make the first move.
This gives them more control over the conversation.
It’s popular in many countries and is becoming more popular in Japan, too—especially with people who want a respectful and equal dating experience.
Bumble helps people build real connections.
Since many users are from different countries, it’s a good app for meeting both Japanese and international people.
If you want a dating app that feels fresh and fair, Bumble is a great choice to try.
Omiai
Omiai is a popular Japanese dating app for people who want serious relationships and marriage.The name “Omiai” comes from a traditional Japanese matchmaking practice.This app is great if you want a meaningful, long-term relationship.
Omiai focuses on trust and safety.
It has profile verification and an easy-to-use design to help you find good matches.
Many users want to date seriously and move toward commitment.If you want to build a lasting relationship in Japan, Omiai is a good choice.
It’s free to use until you get matched.
Tapple
Tapple is a popular dating app in Japan with over 20 million users (as of April 2024).
What makes Tapple special is that it helps people connect through shared hobbies and interests, not just looks.
It’s great for casual dating based on common interests.
Many young adults in their 20s and 30s like it because it’s fun and flexible.
Tapple has an easy-to-use design and a relaxed feel, making it a good choice for beginners who want to start dating without pressure.
TOKYO CALENDAR
Tokyo Calendar is a stylish app and magazine that shows you the fancy side of life in Tokyo. It’s all about popular restaurants, cool bars, and city nightlife.
The app has fun stories about dating, food, and Tokyo culture. Many of the articles are about fashionable people and places in the city.
Even if you don’t speak Japanese well, the photos and design make it easy to enjoy. It’s a great way to explore Tokyo’s dining and nightlife scene!
One of our team members mentioned that this app is getting quite popular lately. A friend of hers even signed up recently.It’s actually a members-only app—with some strict requirements. For example, men reportedly need to meet a certain income level to join, and women go through a photo screening process.
3.Cultural Tips: Dating in Japan vs. Abroad
First Date Etiquette in Japan: Who Pays? What to Expe
In Japan, first dates are usually simple and relaxed. People often meet for coffee or a casual meal.
When it’s time to pay, many people split the bill (called warikan), even on the first date.
Some might offer to pay, but it’s always good to offer your part.
You don’t need to bring a gift, but being on time and polite is very important!
Messaging After the First Date: Keep It Light
In Japan, people often send a short message after a first date to say thank you.
Most people use an app called LINE to text.
A simple message like “Thanks for today!” can make a good impression.
If the other person doesn’t reply quickly, don’t worry.
Japanese people sometimes take their time to answer.
Just be patient and kind!
How to Ask for a Second Date (Without Pressure)
Do you want to meet again? That’s great!
You can say something simple like:
“I had a great time—would you like to grab coffee again sometime?”
This kind of casual and friendly invite works well in Japan.
In some countries, dating a few times might quickly lead to becoming a couple.
But in Japan, people usually like to take their time and build relationships step by step.
How Often Do People Stay in Touch in Japan?
In Japan, couples often keep things low-key compared to other countries.
It’s normal if partners don’t text or call every day, especially at the start.
People in Japan value personal space and prefer quality over quantity in communication.
So don’t worry if you don’t get messages all the time—that’s normal here!
4. Payment Tips for Dating App Users in Japan
Some dating apps in Japan have premium features or subscriptions you might want to pay for.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a Japanese credit card!
MobalPay prepaid Mastercard is a good choice.
You can use it to pay online easily and safely, even if you don’t have a Japanese bank account or phone number.
You can add money to your MobalPay card at convenience stores.
Then, use it just like a regular credit card for your dating app payments.
This makes it easy and stress-free to enjoy all the features of your favorite dating apps!
5. 🛡️ Safety First: Stay Smart When Dating Online
Dating apps can be a great way to meet new people, but it’s important to stay safe.
Here are some simple tips to help you protect yourself:
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✅ Meet in public places like coffee shops or casual izakayas.
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✅ Let a friend know where you’re going and who you’re meeting.
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✅ Don’t share personal info too soon (like your address or work details).
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✅ Be careful of scammers, especially anyone asking for money.
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✅ Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it’s totally okay to walk away.
💡 Remember: your safety comes first. Dating should be fun, not stressful!
6. 📝 Staff Story: How One of Our Team Members Found Love on Pairs
One of our team members recently shared her experience using the Pairs dating app—and it led to a happy relationship! Here’s what she had to say:
About Her
- Gender: Female
- Age: 18+
- Result: Met her ideal match
- Cost: No major expenses
- Recommendation: Yes — would recommend to others
First Date
- Place: A craft beer bar in Ebisu (they both liked beer)
- Time: Early evening
- Who Paid: He covered the entire cost of the first date
Things to Be Careful About
- Watch out for fake users or scammers (some people pretend to be real users).
- Be careful if someone’s messages feel strange—like odd language, sudden topic changes, or if something just feels off.
- She also recommends being cautious with young men (like university students) who cancel last minute or want to meet too soon after chatting.
Extra Notes
When users decide to meet in person, they usually switch from the dating app to messaging on LINE.
Since the goal is usually to find a relationship—not just friendship—things move a bit faster.
If they get along, they often plan the next date on the spot. If not, they say goodbye after a short meeting and don’t stay in contact.
What is LINE?
LINE is Japan’s top messaging app for texting, calls, and sharing photos.
You usually need a Japanese phone number to use it fully.
If you don’t have one, Mobal’s Voice + Data Japan SIM gives you a Japanese number and data—perfect for registering LINE easily.
Stay connected smoothly with Mobal Voice+Data Japan SIM/eSIM with Japanese mobile phone number!
7. Final Thoughts
When I was younger, dating apps didn’t even exist. Group blind dates—called goukon in Japanese—were much more common. So to be honest, I’ve never actually used a dating app myself.
That said, I’ve heard stories from friends who have, and if I were looking for a relationship today, I’m pretty sure I’d give one a try.
By the way, writing this article was surprisingly fun! Maybe because the topic itself is exciting and full of possibilities.
How about you? What did you think after reading this?
Meeting new people in Japan is also a chance to enjoy and learn from cultural differences.
Let MobalPay make your dating life and daily living in Japan a little easier and more enjoyable!