Whether you're just visiting, or in Japan long-term, dating apps are an appealing option for meeting locals and possibly finding a long term partner. Despite recent marketing pushes from apps like Tinder and Pairs to destigmatize and normalize dating apps, they're still not considered a mainstream way to meet a long-term partner. Who you'll find on the apps varies, especially in larger cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Where foreign populations are higher, you'll see more diversity.
Bumble is the most popular app among foreigners and Japanese for hooking up or potentially finding a relationship. Pairs is a Japanese app, entirely in Japanese no other language options. However, if you have some language skills, it is one of the more popular apps amongst Japanese for finding relationships.
Compared to Bumble, you won't find nearly as many non-Japanese speakers on Pairs. Women can use the site for free, while men must pay a steep price for the ability to message their matches.
The running joke is that HelloTalk , the language exchange app, is actually a dating app. It's popular with locals looking to meet and potentially hook-up with or date a foreigner. Whatever app you use, you'll notice the quirk of the dating app experience in Japan- A LOT of people wish to remain anonymous - you'll find dozens of profiles with pictures of food, pets, and stickers covering faces.
So when you swipe on a bowl of ramen, you're not really sure what you're getting until the conversation starts. It's the messaging app that every local has on their phone. Whatsapp is not popular in Japan, and people rarely exchange phone numbers. If you don't speak Japanese, there is an app within LINE that you can add to a chat that will translate every message sent between you and your date - while it's not perfect, it is a huge time-saver. If you are going to use dating apps in Japan, there are things to keep in mind.
