Tokyo, November 17, 2025 – For anyone who’s ever dreamed of diving deep into Japan’s legendary culinary scene but found themselves lost in translation, help has officially arrived.

Tabelog, Japan’s largest restaurant search and reservation service, has launched its multilingual smartphone application for international travelers.

It is Japan’s premier local restaurant guide, used by approximately 100 million monthly Japanese users, now in English, Chinese (Traditional), and Korean.

This development tackles a critical pain point for visitors: the frustration of “only finding tourist-oriented restaurants” and the near-impossibility of making phone reservations without Japanese language skills.

Tabelog is operated by Kakaku.com, Inc., boasts an unrivaled database of approximately 890,000 establishments nationwide and over 85 million authentic reviews and photos from local Japanese users.

This focus on local perspectives is the game-changer, promising to connect travelers with neighborhood dining gems, rather than just the obvious tourist traps.

While basic multilingual services were previously available via web browsers, the dedicated app aims to provide a “smooth operability unique to mobile apps,” enhancing the entire search and reservation experience, from trip planning to dining out. The app has already hit No. 1 in downloads in the “Japanese Gourmet Search Apps Chosen by International Travelers” ranking for November 2025, a clear indicator of immediate demand.

So, how does it actually make your Japan culinary adventure easier?

• Map-Based Search & Comprehensive Information: Users can intuitively locate restaurants matching their preferences near their current location, backed by Tabelog’s massive database, abundant photos, and local reviews. No more blindly wandering unfamiliar streets.
• Instant Online Booking: This is huge. The dreaded “phone reservation” barrier is gone. Travelers can now instantly check availability and make online reservations directly within the app, whether on a train or between sightseeing spots, with no language barriers.
• Smartphone-Optimized Interface: Fully supporting English, Chinese (Traditional), and Korean, the app ensures comfortable navigation with an intuitive design, even on smaller screens, allowing users to deeply understand and choose restaurants without stress.

Kakaku.com, Inc. was founded in 1997 and is a major player in Japan’s internet economy, operating various web services deeply rooted in daily life. Tabelog offers users the convenience and they aim to contribute to the “alleviation of overtourism and the revitalization of regional economies” by connecting travelers with authentic, locally-rated dining establishments. It’s a pragmatic approach to both visitor satisfaction and local impact.

This app could fundamentally change how international visitors experience Japan’s food culture. Instead of relying on generic guides or fragmented online searches, tourists now have direct access to the same insider knowledge that locals use every day.

Is this the definitive tool for unlocking Japan’s true gourmet heart? It certainly looks like it.