Top 7 Food Apps Used in Japan
Finding the right food app in Japan can make everyday eating more enjoyable, convenient, and stress-free. Whether you are looking for the best restaurant, a quick delivery, or simple cooking inspiration, Japan offers a wide range of apps designed for every kind of eater. Below are the top 7 food apps used in Japan, each playing a unique role in how people find, cook, and enjoy their meals.
Food Apps Used in Japan
- Tabelog
- Cookpad
- Kurashiru
- Rocket Now
- Delish Kitchen
- Hot Pepper Gourmet
- Uber Eats
1. Tabelog
Source: Tabelog Website
TabeLog is Japan’s most influential restaurant review platform, widely trusted for its extensive database and user-generated ratings. The app features detailed menus, photos, pricing, and reservation options, making dining decisions easy whether you're in a big city or a rural town. Its scoring system is taken seriously—many restaurants proudly advertise their TabeLog ratings. The platform helps users discover hidden local gems and high-end dining, making it essential for food lovers across Japan. With constant updates and millions of reviews, Tabelog remains the country’s go-to app for choosing where to eat.
2. Cookpad
Source: Cookpad Website
Cookpad is the most popular recipe-sharing platform in Japan, where home cooks upload thousands of recipes every day. It's designed for everyday cooking, offering simple dishes, seasonal ideas, and quick inspiration when you’re not sure what to make. The community aspect is strong—users comment, share tips, and post photos of their results to help others improve. Cookpad’s search filters make it easy to find meals based on ingredients you already have at home. Whether you're a beginner or experienced cook, the app encourages fun, stress-free home cooking.
3. Kurashiru
Source: Kurashiru Website
Kurashiru is loved for its clean interface and easy-to-follow recipe videos that visually break down each step. The app focuses on simple, accessible meals that anyone can make, making it especially popular among busy workers and beginners. Kurashiru also offers curated recipe collections based on themes like budget meals, healthy options, and seasonal dishes. The video-based style helps reduce cooking anxiety by showing exactly how each step should look. With its warm and friendly approach, Kurashiru transforms everyday cooking into an enjoyable routine.
4. Rocket Now
Source: Rocket Now Website
Rocket Now is a rapidly growing food delivery app known for its emphasis on speed and affordability. Unlike larger delivery platforms, it often highlights local restaurants and niche shops that may not appear on bigger services. The app’s interface is straightforward, offering quick navigation and a clean ordering flow. Rocket Now is gaining attention for its low service fees and fast delivery times, making it appealing to frequent users. As it expands, more neighborhoods in Japan are beginning to rely on it for quick, everyday meals.
5. Delish Kitchen
Source: Delish Kitchen Website
Delish Kitchen stands out for its high-quality, professionally produced cooking videos that teach recipes in a clear, approachable style. Each video focuses on practical home meals, ranging from one-pan dishes to trendy café-style recipes. The content team ensures every recipe is reliable, well-tested, and balanced in terms of flavor and convenience. Many users appreciate that most dishes require only common ingredients, making cooking less of a hassle. Perfect for busy people, DELISH KITCHEN is a trusted app for quick inspiration and delicious results.
6. Hot Pepper Gourmet
Source: Hot Pepper Gourmet Website
Hot Pepper Gourmet is one of Japan’s major restaurant search and reservation platforms, offering extensive listings and frequently updated discounts. Users value the app for its large selection of coupons, which makes dining out more budget-friendly. The app also includes ratings, menus, photos, and map features to help with planning meals around the city. Hot Pepper often collaborates with restaurants to offer seasonal deals, making it a great way to try new places without overspending. It’s a practical tool for anyone who enjoys dining out while saving money.
7. Uber Eats
Source: Uber Eats Website
Uber Eats remains one of Japan’s most widely used delivery apps thanks to its convenience, wide coverage, and user-friendly interface. It offers access to a vast range of restaurants—from local favorites to national chains—making ordering flexible for all tastes. Real-time tracking and multiple payment methods add to its appeal, especially for international users living in Japan. The app frequently runs promotions and free-delivery campaigns, helping reduce costs. Whether you're craving a full meal or a quick snack, Uber Eats provides fast and reliable service across major Japanese cities.
Conclusion
Japan offers a wide range of food apps that make eating easier, whether you are exploring restaurants, cooking at home, or ordering delivery. Each app on this list serves a different purpose, from Tabelog’s trusted reviews to Cookpad and Kurashiru’s simple home-cooking support. Delivery options like Rocket Now and Uber Eats add convenience for busy days. By combining these apps, you can enjoy a flexible, reliable, and stress-free approach to meals. No matter your lifestyle, there’s an app that helps make every meal more enjoyable.
