Top 7 Fitness Tracker Apps Popular in Japan

In recent years, with the growing awareness of health in Japan, more people have begun re-evaluating their daily habits related to exercise, diet, and sleep. Among the tools gaining attention are fitness management apps, which enable users to manage their health easily using just a smartphone. These apps not only track steps and calories burned but also support users in managing diet, weight, and sleep—making them strong allies for today’s busy lifestyles. In addition, integration with AI and IoT enables highly personalized health advice, further boosting their popularity. This article highlights some of the most popular fitness management apps in Japan today, introducing their key features and usability. Try finding one that best fits your lifestyle.

Fitness Tracker Apps Ranked

1. Adidas Running
2. FiNC
3. Nike Run Club
4. ASICS Runkeeper
5. 30-Day Fitness Challenge at Home
6. Google Fit
7. Cyclemeter

1. Adidas Running

Source: Adidas Running Homepage

adidas Running (formerly Runtastic) is a multifunctional fitness app that tracks and manages activities such as running, walking, and cycling. With GPS-based measurement of distance, time, and pace, it also offers real-time audio coaching and live tracking, allowing you to share your progress with friends and family. Monthly challenges, events, and achievement badges help maintain high motivation. Personalized training plans, heart rate monitoring, and smart device integration (e.g., Apple Watch) are also supported. Popular among both beginners and advanced runners, the app offers free basic features, with advanced analytics and training plans available in the paid version.

2. FiNC

Source: FiNC Homepage

FiNC is a healthcare app equipped with an AI trainer that manages daily life logs, including steps, weight, meals, sleep, exercise, and menstruation. Simply carrying your smartphone automatically records steps and sleep, while AI analyzes calorie and nutrient intake from photos of your meals. It supports over 59 types of exercise and calculates calories burned based on intensity. The app also features over 30,000 fitness videos and recipes, supervised by nutritionists and professional trainers, along with numerous short, practical programs. Users can earn points through gamified features, such as “Step Gacha,” which can be exchanged for health and beauty products at FiNC MALL. While many functions are free, the paid version, FiNC Plus (¥480/month), offers benefits such as carb checks, increased point multipliers, weekly reports, ad-free use, and permanent data storage.

3. Nike Run Club

Source: Nike Run Club Homepage

Nike Run Club (NRC) is a free running app designed to motivate runners and enhance their performance. It offers GPS tracking of distance, pace, heart rate, elevation, and split times. Users can set goals (distance, time, pace) and receive audio feedback to report progress during runs. Guided Runs, including mindfulness runs developed with Headspace and over 300 training sessions for all levels, boost both performance and motivation. Six structured training plans are available, from 5K to marathon distances. Community features include weekly and monthly challenges, leaderboards, and social sharing with stickers. Real-time location sharing also enhances safety. Unique “shoe tracking” logs mileage on specific shoes, suggesting when to replace them. Integration with Strava, Apple Watch, Garmin, and Coros is also supported. Although it is free, it offers robust features suitable for both beginners and experienced runners.

4. ASICS Runkeeper

Source: ASICS Runkeeper Homepage

ASICS Runkeeper is a fitness app that utilizes GPS to accurately track running, walking, and other activities. It automatically logs distance, time, pace, and calories burned, displaying data in easy-to-read graphs. With a wide range of training plans for all levels, plus guided audio workouts, the app is highly versatile. Users can check their routes on a map, track shoe mileage, and sync with devices like Apple Watch and Garmin. Features like reminders and a community platform help support long-term consistency. The free version is feature-rich, while premium plans unlock advanced analytics and personal training options.

5. 30-Day Fitness Challenge at Home

Source: 30-Day Fitness Challenge Homepage

The 30-Day Fitness Challenge app provides easy, equipment-free workouts for home training. Its goal is to gradually tone the body within 30 days, with specific programs designed for muscle building, fat burning, and improving flexibility. Workouts are designed for all levels, with intensity increasing gradually, making them accessible even to beginners. Programs include targeted training for abs, legs, arms, and full-body workouts, allowing efficient sessions in short periods. Progress tracking and reminder notifications help maintain motivation, while clear video guides and a straightforward interface make the experience user-friendly. This app is ideal for individuals seeking a serious home workout.

6. Google Fit

Source: Google Fit Homepage

Google Fit is Google’s unified health and fitness platform, available on Android, iOS, and Wear OS. It tracks activity, heart rate, and sleep logs all in one place. Unique features include Heart Points and Move Minutes, which were developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AHA). These metrics gamify healthy activity, encouraging moderate to vigorous exercise, such as 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. The app uses smartphone and smartwatch sensors for automatic activity recognition, logging walking, running, and cycling without manual input. It also integrates seamlessly with third-party apps such as Strava, MyFitnessPal, Sleep as Android, and Headspace, as well as devices like Fitbit and Wear OS watches. Simple yet powerful, it’s a reliable, free tool for data integration and supporting a healthy lifestyle.

7. Cyclemeter

Source: Cyclemeter Homepage

Cyclemeter is a high-performance fitness app primarily designed for cycling, but also supports running, walking, and other activities. It records detailed data via GPS, including distance, speed, calories burned, elevation, and heart rate—displaying over 250 different statistics. With audio guidance and Apple Watch integration, users can view real-time metrics while exercising. The app also integrates smoothly with Strava, Google Calendar, and MyFitnessPal, making data sharing and management easy. The free version is sufficient for basic needs, while the paid Elite plan removes ads and adds advanced training analytics. All data is stored on the device, ensuring strong privacy protection. With its precision and customization options, it is particularly favored by advanced users.

Conclusion

This article introduced some of the most popular fitness management apps in Japan. Each offers unique features tailored to different goals and lifestyles—from running-focused apps to comprehensive health management tools and easy at-home training options. Finding the right app is key to maintaining long-term exercise and health habits. Start by choosing one that feels manageable and incorporate it into your daily routine. With the help of technology, exercise can become more enjoyable, approachable, and beneficial for both body and mind. Why not use one of these apps as your first step toward achieving your fitness goals?