How Can You Meet Japanese People?
Which dating apps are popular in Japan?
Whether you’re visiting Japan for work or travel, you might find yourself thinking, “It would be nice to have a Japanese partner.”
However, trying to approach people randomly on the street is unlikely to lead to success.
That’s where dating apps come in handy.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the most popular dating apps in Japan that make it easier to meet Japanese people.
We’ll also walk you through how the process works—from matching to actually meeting in person—so you can use this guide as a helpful reference.
5 Tips for Choosing a Dating App in Japan
If you want to meet Japanese people, it’s essential to choose a dating app that makes it easier to connect with them.
Here, we’ll explain five key tips for selecting a dating app that increases your chances of meeting Japanese users.
| Choose based on your purpose Choose based on the number of users Choose based on pricing Choose based on ease of use Choose based on safety and security |
Let’s take a look at each one!
Choose based on your purpose
First, think about what kind of relationship you’re looking for when using a dating app.
Here are some common goals people have:
- Marriage
- Serious dating
- Casual dating or friendships
If you’re looking for a serious relationship that could lead to marriage—such as “I want a partner with marriage in mind” or “I’d like to get married within a year”—then we recommend using dating apps that are focused on long-term relationships.
If your goal is simply to find a boyfriend or girlfriend without thinking too much about marriage yet, then a dating app aimed at casual or serious dating is a better fit.
And if you’re just looking for someone to hang out or grab a drink with, casual dating apps that are easy to use and low-pressure may be the best option for you.
Choose based on the number of users
The number of users is also a major factor when choosing a dating app.
Simply put, the more users an app has, the greater your chances of meeting someone.
With more people, you’re more likely to find someone whose goals, personality, and values match yours.
Some dating apps have over 10 million users, while others have only a few hundred thousand.
Although having more users doesn’t always mean better quality, a larger user base generally offers more opportunities to connect with others.
Choose based on pricing
If you’re considering using a dating app for the long term, pricing is an important factor to keep in mind.
Many apps allow free registration, and it’s common for female users to be able to use the app without paying.
However, male users often need to pay to send messages after matching with someone.
The cost of dating apps can range from around 2,000 to 3,000 yen per month for more affordable options.
Higher-end apps may charge between 5,000 and 10,000 yen per month.
Additionally, some apps don’t use a monthly subscription model but instead charge points for each message sent.
Whether a monthly subscription or a pay-per-message (point-based) system is better depends on the individual.
Choose based on ease of use
Ease of use is also an important factor when choosing a dating app.
Broadly speaking, there are two main types of dating apps:
- Swipe-based apps
- Search-based apps
In swipe-based apps, potential matches appear on the screen, and you choose who you’re interested in by looking at their photos and profiles.
In search-based apps, you set criteria such as location, age, hobbies, and body type, then actively search for potential matches yourself.
Which one is better depends on the individual.
Choose based on safety and security
When using dating apps, safety is extremely important since you often need to enter credit card information and submit identification documents.
Using an app with weak security could lead to your personal information being leaked.
Therefore, choose a trusted app with high safety standards.
Apps with strong safety measures typically have the following features:
- Clear information about the company operating the app
- 24/7 customer support
- Mandatory submission of identification documents
- Registration as a licensed matchmaking business under Japan’s laws
8 Popular Dating Apps in Japan That Are Friendly for Foreigners
Here are 8 popular dating apps where even foreigners can meet people in Japan.
| Tiner Tapple Omiai Pairs with Dine Langmate Kiseki |
Let’s take a look at each one!
Tiner
Tinder is a globally popular dating app.
Many Japanese people who want to meet foreigners are registered on Tinder, making it an essential app if you want to meet Japanese people as well.
One notable feature is that both men and women can use the app for free.
While most dating apps are free for women but require men to pay, Tinder allows men to use it completely free depending on the situation, making it a great option for those looking to keep costs down.
Tinder also has a distance-based search feature, so you can find members nearby.
You can even find people within as close as 2 kilometers, making it ideal if you want to go on a date quickly!
| App Name | Tinder |
| Price | Free with optional in-app purchases |
| Membership count | Over 50 million users worldwide |
| Usage purpose | Looking for a relationship、Casual dating |
Tapple
Tapple is a hugely popular dating app with over 20 million registered users.
It offers various features that help you connect based on hobbies, values, and more.
One unique feature called “Odekake” lets you find someone to go on a date with within 24 hours.
When you find someone you’re interested in, simply send them a “Like” and start chatting to get to know each other better.
With 24/7 customer support and constant monitoring, the app is highly safe and secure.
Women can use Tapple completely free, while men can use it free up until matching.
We recommend signing up first, trying out sending “Likes” to people who catch your eye, and then deciding whether to pay later based on your experience.
| App Name | Tapple |
| Price | From ¥1,817 per month |
| Membership count | Over 20 million users in total |
| Usage purpose | Looking for a relationship、Marriage hunting |
Omiai
Omiai is a well-established dating app in Japan that launched in 2012.
It’s known for attracting users who are relatively serious about finding a relationship, with many people using it specifically for marriage hunting.
Although it’s a serious app, the basic way to use it is similar to other dating apps.
You send a “Like,” and if you match, you can message each other to get to know one another better before going on a date.
One feature you should definitely try on Omiai is “Online Date.”
This allows you to have a video call with your match directly through the app.
It’s a safe and easy way to learn more about each other comfortably, so make sure to take advantage of it!
| App Name | Omiai |
| Price | From ¥1,900 per month |
| Membership count | Over 10 million users in total |
| Usage purpose | Looking for a relationship、Marriage hunting |
Pairs
Pairs is a dating app that has helped over 700,000 couples start relationships or get married.
It’s well-known for helping users find matches based on genuine values, making likes and dislikes clear from the start.
This means there are fewer cases where people realize they’re incompatible only after meeting in person.
For men, registration and sending the first message are free.
You can try messaging and get a feel for the match before deciding whether to pay.
Pairs also offers many communities you can join based on your interests.
Connections made through these communities often lead to dating and serious relationships.
| App Name | Pairs |
| Price | From ¥1,650 per month |
| Membership count | Over 20 million users in total |
| Usage purpose | Looking for a relationship、Marriage hunting |
with
With is a dating app where over 100,000 matches are made every day.
It features a unique personality test that helps users understand each other’s values, making it popular for focusing on more than just looks.
With has the highest user growth rate and the most new downloads among dating apps, making it one of the top apps in the industry.
Once you register, be sure to set up your “Preference Cards,” which show your interests and things you care about.
By setting these, your common interests will be highlighted, helping you appeal to many potential matches.
| App Name | with |
| Price | From ¥2,017 per month |
| Membership count | Over 10 million users in total |
| Usage purpose | Looking for a relationship、Marriage hunting |
Dine
Dine is a dating app that eliminates the hassle of long message exchanges.
Typically, the process in most dating apps goes like this: “approach → match → message back and forth → invite to a date → schedule the date → find a restaurant → make a reservation → go out to eat.”
With Dine, the process is simplified to: “approach → match → automatic scheduling → Dine books the restaurant → have a meal together.”
Since it cuts out much of the back-and-forth before the date, you can meet many people more efficiently.
If you’re worried about messaging in Japanese, Dine is a great app to try!
| App Name | Dine |
| Price | From ¥2,900 per month |
| Membership count | Not public |
| Usage purpose | Looking for a relationship、Casual dating |
Langmate
Langmate is a dating app used by over 850,000 people from 120 countries worldwide.
It has robust search features, allowing you to find matches based on nationality, age, gender, and more.
A standout feature is the ability to send voice and video messages, so you can get a feel for someone’s personality before meeting in person.
Since the app is often used for language learning, many Japanese users interested in foreign cultures are registered.
Be sure to take advantage of this app to connect and interact with Japanese people!
| App Name | Langmate |
| Price | Free with optional in-app purchases |
| Membership count | Not public |
| Usage purpose | Looking for a relationship、Casual dating |
Kiseki
Kiseki is a dating app for people who want to meet foreigners.
It has users from around 80 countries.
One of its standout features is the AI-powered automatic translation function.
This AI translation is highly accurate, so even those who struggle with language barriers can use the app with confidence.
The app also offers various features like multilingual chat and video calls.
With a strong focus on safety, Kiseki is an app you can use with peace of mind.
| App Name | Kiseki |
| Price | From ¥7,900 per month |
| Membership count | Over 200,000 users in total |
| Usage purpose | Looking for a relationship、Casual dating |
The Process of Actually Meeting Someone Using Popular Dating Apps in Japan
We will explain step-by-step how to meet someone using popular dating apps in Japan.
| 1.Upload a photo 2.Write a self-introduction 3.Fill in your basic information 4.Send a “Like” to someone you’re interested in 5.Exchange messages 6.Make plans to meet in person |
Now, let’s check each step one by one.
1.Upload a photo
Step 1: Upload a Profile Photo
The most important thing on a dating app is the first impression.
If others can’t tell what kind of person you are from your photo, it’s hard to even get a match.
So, what kind of photo should you upload?
- A smiling face
- Clean and tidy appearance
- A clear photo showing your face from the front
- A photo taken by someone else (not a selfie)
When choosing your photo, keep these points in mind.
If you look too serious or unsmiling, it may give off a cold or unfriendly impression, so be sure to smile.
Make sure your hair and facial hair are well-groomed to show good hygiene.
Avoid photos taken from the side, from above, or from below, as they often don’t show your face clearly.
Selfies can come across as narcissistic, so it’s better to ask a friend to take your photo for you.
2.Write a self-introduction
Step 2: Write a Self-Introduction
Your self-introduction is just as important as your photo.
It helps others understand what kind of person you are, so be sure to share enough about yourself.
When writing your self-introduction, keep these tips in mind:
- Aim for around 200–300 characters
- Include basic information and your purpose for using the app
- Keep the tone positive
If your message is too long, people might not want to read it. But if it’s too short, it can come off as lazy or not serious. Try to find a good balance.
Keep it to 200 to 300 characters.
It’s helpful to include:
- Your nationality
- Your age
- Your job or what you do
- The type of person you’re looking for
Avoid negative remarks like “I’m not confident in how I look” or “I get depressed easily.” There’s no need to share that kind of information in your profile.
Instead, focus on positive and friendly points that leave a good impression.
3.Fill in your basic information
Try to fill out as much of your basic profile information as possible on your dating app.
Depending on the dating app, the required profile information may vary, but in general, you’ll be asked to fill in details such as:
- Age
- Location
- Occupation
- Drinking habits
- Smoking habits
- Purpose of using the app
- Education
- Zodiac sign
- Hobbies
By including this information, you’ll appear more trustworthy to potential matches.
The more information you share, the easier it becomes to avoid mismatches — helping you connect more efficiently!
4.Send a “Like” to someone you’re interested in
Once you’ve completed your profile by uploading a photo and writing your self-introduction, it’s time to start looking for a match and sending “likes.”
Some apps let you search for potential matches using filters, while others automatically suggest people for you.
If you find someone who seems like a good fit, don’t hesitate to send them a “like”!
5.Exchange messages
Once both of you have liked each other and matched, you’ll be able to start messaging. Begin with a friendly greeting to get the conversation going.
While apps like Tinder may allow men to message for free under certain conditions, most dating apps require a paid subscription for messaging.
If you’ve matched with someone you’re interested in, it’s worth considering a subscription.
For your first message, including the following elements can leave a good impression:
- A friendly greeting
- A reason why you liked their profile
- A question to make it easy for them to reply
- A compliment or a touch of humor, if possible
Most importantly, include a question that makes it easy for them to respond.
Take a moment to read their profile or hobbies beforehand.
6.Make plans to meet in person
When your message exchange is going well and the mood feels right, it’s time to make plans to meet in person.
Spending too much time messaging without meeting can lead to losing interest, so it’s best to arrange a date within about one week of starting to chat.
You can invite them casually with phrases like:
“Would you like to go out for lunch next weekend?”
“How about grabbing a coffee at a café sometime next week?”
Keep it light and casual like this.
Be careful about inviting them to a dinner date or drinks on the first meet-up, as that can sometimes make people feel cautious.
5 Important Points to Keep in Mind When Using Popular Dating Apps in Japan
There are a few important things to keep in mind when using popular dating apps in Japan.
| Be cautious of scams. Understand the risks of long-distance relationships. Be aware of cultural differences. You may experience language barriers. It can take time to develop a romantic relationship. |
To avoid risks, let’s go over some important points to keep in mind.
Be cautious of scams
Even on popular dating apps in Japan, there are malicious users aiming to scam others.
Many cases involve financial requests, such as investment scams or romance scams, so please be cautious.
If you come across suspicious users, it’s recommended to use the block and report features to avoid any further contact.
Understand the risks of long-distance relationships
You may meet Japanese people and even fall in love through dating apps.
However, if you plan to stay in Japan only temporarily, a long-distance relationship might be the result.
Besides distance, you should also consider the challenges of time and financial costs.
Of course, long-distance relationships can sometimes lead to marriage.
But even then, you’ll have to make important decisions about where to live together in the future and which country to settle in.
Be aware of cultural differences
When dating abroad, it’s common to experience cultural differences.
Sometimes, after dating for a while, things don’t work out because of these differences.
In Japan, the dating style usually involves taking things step-by-step and carefully building the relationship.
In the US, dating is often casual, and it’s common to date multiple people at the same time.
However, in Japan, dating more than one person at once can be seen as being “playful” or “not serious.”
You may experience language barriers
Nowadays, translation apps have improved significantly, so using them effectively can help facilitate communication.
However, it’s common to still face language barriers, especially with subtle details.
It’s essential to promptly clarify any misunderstandings and respond carefully to avoid confusion.
Also, try to pay attention to nonverbal communication, such as gestures.
It can take time to develop a romantic relationship
Many people hope to find a partner quickly using dating apps.
However, relationships between foreigners are not always easy.
Rushing into things can lead to failure.
It’s best to get to know the person well through the app, go on several dates, and then decide whether to start a relationship.
Conclusion
We have introduced popular dating apps in Japan for foreigners.
All of these apps have many Japanese users who are interested in meeting foreigners, making it easier to find matches.
If any app catches your interest, be sure to sign up and give it a try.
We also explained the process from registration to going on a date.
Creating a strong profile is essential for meeting people.
Make sure to upload attractive photos and write a thoughtful self-introduction to showcase the best version of yourself!
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