Explore Local Japan With Tabelog’s New Multilingual App For Travelers

Published on December 24, 2025

Japan has unveiled a new multilingual version of its Tabelog app, the country’s leading restaurant search and reservation service, to provide international visitors with an easy and convenient way to experience authentic Japanese dining. With over 100 million monthly users, Tabelog has long been the go-to platform for locals seeking restaurant recommendations. Now, with the launch of this app, the service extends its reach to tourists, offering a seamless dining experience in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Enhancing the Tourist Experience

The Tabelog multilingual app is designed to address common frustrations faced by international visitors when dining out in Japan. Many tourists have struggled with language barriers, particularly when trying to make reservations or find authentic, local dining spots. The new app aims to alleviate these challenges by offering users access to detailed restaurant information, complete with reviews and photos, in multiple languages. This development comes as part of Japan’s efforts to enhance the overall travel experience and improve its hospitality infrastructure for foreign tourists.

As Japan continues to see a growing number of international visitors, the app’s launch comes at an opportune time. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Japanese food remains one of the top attractions for international tourists, with many travellers eager to try authentic dishes beyond the typical tourist-focused restaurants. By using Tabelog, visitors can now discover hidden gems and local favourites that are beloved by Japanese people, instead of relying solely on global map services that often feature tourist-oriented establishments.

Key Features of the Tabelog Multilingual App

The Tabelog app offers several features designed to improve the user experience for international tourists:

1. Map-Based Restaurant Search

Using the app’s robust database, which includes information on nearly 890,000 restaurants across Japan, users can find nearby restaurants that match their preferences. The app’s map-based search makes it easy to discover dining options, whether you’re in a bustling city or a quieter rural area.

2. Instant Online Reservations

One of the key pain points for foreign visitors is the need to make reservations by phone, often requiring communication in Japanese. The Tabelog app eliminates this obstacle by allowing users to make online reservations directly through the app, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Whether you’re hopping between sightseeing spots or simply craving a delicious meal, securing a table is now just a few taps away.

3. Multilingual Support

Available in English, Chinese (Traditional), and Korean, the app caters to the diverse needs of international visitors. This multilingual support ensures that tourists from various countries can easily navigate the app, read restaurant reviews, and make informed dining choices, all without the need for translation services.

A Strategic Move to Combat Overtourism

By promoting lesser-known, locally-loved restaurants, Tabelog’s app plays a role in alleviating overtourism in Japan’s busiest tourist areas. As more tourists flock to iconic spots such as Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka, local eateries outside of these heavily touristed regions are often left underappreciated. The app aims to boost regional economies by guiding international visitors to these lesser-known but equally delicious dining options. This is a key part of Japan’s broader strategy to encourage more sustainable and responsible tourism, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Strengthening Japan’s Tourism Infrastructure

The launch of Tabelog’s multilingual app aligns with Japan’s broader efforts to enhance its tourism infrastructure ahead of future events like the 2026 World Expo in Osaka. The Japanese government has long recognised the importance of improving the tourism experience, with a focus on making travel more accessible to a global audience. As part of this effort, services like Tabelog’s multilingual app are essential in providing foreign tourists with the tools they need to explore the country independently and confidently.

In 2025, Japan’s tourism sector saw a steady recovery, with international arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The government has set ambitious targets for the future, including increasing the number of international visitors and ensuring that they have a positive, enriching experience. With tools like Tabelog, Japan is positioning itself as a top destination for global travellers who are keen to immerse themselves in the country’s culinary culture.

Overview

The launch of the Tabelog multilingual app represents a significant step forward in Japan’s efforts to make its dining culture more accessible to international visitors. By overcoming language barriers and providing real-time access to restaurant reservations, Tabelog enhances the overall travel experience and encourages visitors to explore local dining spots beyond the typical tourist areas. As Japan continues to embrace tourism growth, such innovations are vital to ensuring that the country remains a top destination for global travellers, offering a seamless and memorable experience.