Top Dating Apps in Japan for Foreigners in 2025: What Works and What Doesn’t
By Blogger Tiffany | January, 2025 | Lifestyle, Love & Relationships
Navigating the dating scene in Japan can be a bit more challenging than in other parts of the world, especially for foreign women seeking meaningful relationships. Between cultural nuances, language barriers, and general shyness, finding love here often requires more effort. Thankfully, dating apps have become an effective way to bridge these gaps. With dozens of options available, how do you know which dating apps in Japan are worth your time? Here’s a look at some of the most popular options for 2024, including insights from 15 foreigners living in Japan who shared their experiences.
1. Tinder
Rating: 5/5
Tinder, the global dating app known for its swipe-right-or-left interface, remains a favorite for many, despite its reputation for casual dating. It’s not just for hookups—many users have found lasting connections, whether they’re looking for love, friendship, or activity partners. Some users have even formed groups to attend local festivals, proving Tinder can be used for more than just romance.
With the introduction of the global passport feature (available with a paid subscription), users can connect across borders, making it even easier to meet people worldwide. The platform supports multiple languages, including English and Japanese.
Languages: English, Japanese, and 43 others
Fees: Free to match and chat; premium subscriptions available (Tinder+: ¥1,200; Tinder Gold: ¥3,400; Tinder Platinum: ¥4,300).
2. Bumble
Rating: 5/5
Bumble, where women make the first move, offers a unique approach to online dating. If the woman doesn’t message within 24 hours, the match expires. Initially slow to catch on in Japan, it’s now growing in popularity, especially after introducing alternate login options, such as Apple ID and phone numbers.
One user shared that Bumble stood out because of its low number of fake profiles and the fact that most men on the app aren’t on other platforms. She also appreciated how Bumble puts the control in the woman’s hands.
Bumble isn’t just for dating—it also features Bumble Bizz for networking and Bumble BFF for finding friends. The "Travel Mode" feature allows premium users to match with others globally.
Languages: English, Japanese, and 16 others
Fees: Free to swipe and message; premium subscriptions available (Bumble Boost: ¥1,600; Bumble Premium: ¥3,200).
3. Yoitoki.jp
Rating: 4.8/5
Specifically designed with foreign men in mind, Yoitoki.jp offers a unique space to connect with Japanese women. In fact, Yoitoki.jp stands out as the #1 —and the only—platform where foreign men can meet Japanese women who are genuinely open to dating them.
The site allows you to browse through profiles, chat with someone who catches your attention, and, if the chemistry is right, arrange a meet-up. One unique feature is the transportation fee setting, where foreign men can offer compensation for a woman’s travel expenses, making meet-ups even more convenient and accessible.
For those who hit it off particularly well, some women may even share access to their private photos, further deepening the connection.
Key Advantages of Yoitoki.jp:
The only local platform that allows registration using a foreign phone number or email verification.
Includes a built-in multi-language translation system, so you can have meaningful chats even if your Japanese is limited.
Chat logs aren’t stored, giving you the freedom to converse openly and even exchange personal contact details.
Unfiltered, original camera photos of users ensure authenticity and eliminate the risk of “photo scams.”
Languages: English and Japanese
Fees: Free for women. For men starting at 6,800 JPY/month (as low as 1,700 JPY/week)
4. Zexy Enmusubi
Rating: 4/5
Zexy Enmusubi, connected to a renowned Japanese wedding services company, is tailored for those seeking serious, long-term relationships. Its focus on marriage makes it a great option for anyone looking to settle down. A few users I spoke with have even gotten married through the app, so its reputation for successful matches is solid.
However, the app’s approach is strictly for those who know exactly what they want. If you're uncertain about your relationship goals, this app might not be the best choice.
Languages: English and Japanese
Fees: Free to register and match; ¥4,900 monthly for additional messaging features
5. Omiai
Rating: 4/5
Omiai is one of Japan's largest and oldest dating platforms, known for its focus on marriage-oriented connections. Users can filter their results based on various criteria, including nationality and income, which makes the platform feel more formal than others. While it has recently tried to appeal to younger users with a more modern design, Omiai remains primarily for people seeking a committed, long-term partner.
Women can use the app for free, while men must pay a fee if they wish to send more than two messages.
Languages: Japanese only
Fees: Free for women; ¥3,900 per month for men to send more than two messages
6. Tapple
Rating: 4/5
Tapple’s distinctive feature is its focus on matching users based on shared hobbies and interests. You fill out a profile specifying what qualities you’re looking for, and then the app matches you with others who meet your criteria. However, some users have reported that while it's easy to make connections, meeting up in person can be challenging, as many prefer to stay online.
Despite some hesitance to meet offline, Tapple has become a top choice for younger users in their 20s looking for relationships that might develop into something serious.
Languages: Japanese only
Fees: Free for women; ¥3,700 per month for men
7. With
Rating: 4/5
With has become popular among university students and young professionals due to its unique matching system based on personality tests. It is aimed at people who want a serious relationship rather than casual encounters. One of the app’s biggest draws is the psychological assessments that match users based on their core values.
Though most users are in their 20s, the app’s support for introverts with its message/conversation guides makes it a solid choice for anyone looking for meaningful connections.
Languages: Japanese only
Fees: Free for women; ¥3,600 per month for men to message and like profiles
8. Happy Mail
Rating: 4/5
Happy Mail boasts over 25 million users and is one of Japan's most established dating platforms. The app has grown significantly over the years and now caters to everyone from people seeking casual connections to those looking for serious, marriage-focused relationships.
Despite its success, some users note that the app’s interface feels a bit outdated compared to newer platforms. Still, it’s a viable option for many.
Languages: Japanese
Fees: Free for women; men must pay for additional features using a point-based system
9. YYC
Rating: 3/5
YYC is an older platform that remains one of Japan's largest dating services. While it’s still popular among young professionals, users tend to disappear after using up their free points, making it feel a bit inactive. The app has added features like live streaming, but its overall vibe is somewhat outdated. Non-native speakers may also find it a bit difficult to navigate.
Languages: Japanese only
Fees: Free for women; points-based system for men
10. Pairs
Rating: 3/5
Pairs is a well-known app with a significant advertising presence in Japan. Despite its popularity, some users feel that the platform doesn’t cater well to foreign women seeking serious relationships. While there are plenty of users, the chances of finding someone genuinely interested in a non-Japanese speaker are slimmer than on other platforms.
Languages: Japanese only
Fees: Free for women; ¥3,700 per month for men
11. OkCupid
Rating: 2/5
OkCupid is one of the most detailed dating apps, with users required to fill out a comprehensive profile. While this increases the chances of making a meaningful match, it also tends to discourage those looking for a quick connection. The app's user base is also filled with serial daters, so it may feel overwhelming to some.
Languages: English and Japanese
Fees: Free for basic features; premium features available
12. JapanCupid
Rating: 1/5
Part of the Cupid Media network, JapanCupid offers a platform specifically designed to connect Japanese singles with foreigners looking for love. Although many users are seeking serious relationships, the site’s paid features limit some interactions, making it more suitable for those with a specific long-term focus.
Languages: English and Japanese.
Fees: Free for women. Men must pay to send messages.
Choosing the right dating platform can be a challenge, but it ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. Whether you're seeking a serious relationship, casual encounters, or something in between, Japan has an array of apps to help you find your match.