Tabelog, Japan's Largest (*1) Restaurant Search and Reservation Service, Launches Multilingual App for International Visitors
MWN-AI** Summary
Tabelog, Japan's largest restaurant search and reservation service operated by Kakaku.com, launched a multilingual smartphone app on November 17, 2025, aimed specifically at international travelers. With roughly 100 million monthly users, Tabelog is a favorite among locals for discovering highly-rated dining options throughout Japan, boasting an extensive database of about 890,000 establishments and over 85 million user-generated reviews and photos. The new app leverages this comprehensive information to enhance the dining experience for visitors, who often face challenges such as finding local restaurants rather than tourist traps and navigating language barriers.
Previously, Tabelog offered multilingual services through web browsers, but the app provides a more user-friendly interface available in English, Traditional Chinese, and Korean. This smartphone-native experience allows users to conduct map-based searches for restaurants based on their preferences and current location, complete with rich visuals and reviews. Additionally, the app streamlines the reservation process, enabling users to book tables instantly without needing to place phone calls, thereby overcoming common travel obstacles related to language.
The app's development was motivated by the recognition that Japanese cuisine is one of the top attractions for tourists, yet many struggle to find authentic local dining experiences. By facilitating connections between travelers and neighborhood eateries, Tabelog aims to mitigate overtourism and invigorate local economies. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, resulting in the app achieving the top download spot among “Japanese Gourmet Search Apps” for international visitors. Through this initiative, Tabelog reinforces its commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible way for international travelers to immerse themselves in Japan's vibrant culinary culture.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Tabelog's launch of a multilingual app tailored for international visitors presents a strategic development in the competitive landscape of restaurant discovery and reservation services. With 100 million monthly users and a comprehensive database of approximately 890,000 establishments, Tabelog distinguishes itself by offering authentic ratings and reviews produced predominantly by Japanese locals, thereby fostering a unique dining experience for international travelers.
This innovation reflects a proactive response to growing customer needs, particularly in light of challenges foreign visitors face when navigating Japan's culinary scene. The ability to search and reserve tables effortlessly from a smartphone—without the language barrier posed by phone reservations—positions Tabelog as a user-friendly alternative to existing services dominated by global players.
From an investment standpoint, Tabelog's strategic move should be closely monitored. The growing trend of international travel to Japan, particularly for gastronomic experiences, suggests a significant potential for revenue growth. The app has already gained traction, evidenced by its position as the top download in the "Japanese Gourmet Search Apps" category. This popularity bodes well for Kakaku.com, Inc., the parent company, which has a diversified service portfolio, including the well-established price comparison site Kakaku.com.
Potential investors should consider the scalable model of Tabelog as it further develops its multilingual capabilities, potentially expanding to other languages and regions as travel demand increases. The increased focus on catering to international tourists not only promises an uptick in user engagement but also contributes towards balancing overtourism by promoting local dining experiences.
In summary, Kakaku.com’s Tabelog represents a solid opportunity in the hospitality tech market, driven by user-centric improvements and aligned with current tourism trends. Investors looking for growth in the digital service sector related to travel should monitor this development closely.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
Experience Japan's Authentic Culinary Scene in Your Language — From Search to Reservation, All on Your Smartphone
Ranked No. 1 in Downloads Among "Japanese Gourmet Search Apps" Chosen by International Travelers (*2)
Tabelog ( https://tabelog.com/en/ ), Japan's largest restaurant search and reservation service operated by Kakaku.com, Inc., launched its multilingual smartphone application (iOS/Android) for international travelers on Monday, November 17, 2025.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251221963753/en/
The Tabelog Multilingual App for International Travelers — Japan's Largest Restaurant Search and Reservation Service
With approximately 100 million monthly users(*3), Tabelog is Japan's premier service widely used by Japanese locals for daily restaurant discovery. Its database is unrivaled domestically, featuring information on approximately 890,000 establishments nationwide and over 85 million reviews and photos(*4). Unlike global map services or travel sites, Tabelog is built on "authentic ratings and reviews from local Japanese users," enabling travelers to discover truly exceptional restaurants beloved by locals — not just tourist-oriented establishments.
While multilingual services were previously available through web browsers, the official app has been released to provide an enhanced search and reservation experience for the growing number of international visitors, from trip planning to their actual stay in Japan. In the same month, it achieved No. 1 in downloads in the "Japanese Gourmet Search Apps Chosen by International Travelers" ranking(*2).
Download URL: https://tabelog-tourists.onelink.me/3eEh/iqkkho9r
About the Tabelog Multilingual Smartphone App
Background
While "Japanese cuisine" is cited as a top highlight of visiting Japan(*5), travelers often express frustrations such as "only finding tourist-oriented restaurants" and challenges like "giving up on phone reservations because Japanese-language communication is required"(*6). As Japan's largest restaurant search and reservation service, Tabelog has developed this smartphone app leveraging the extensive database and expertise cultivated through its web version to address these pain points.
By providing locally-rated restaurant information in multiple languages, Tabelog aims to connect travelers with neighborhood dining establishments, contributing to the alleviation of overtourism and the revitalization of regional economies.
Key Features
- [SEARCH] Map-Based Search and Comprehensive Information to Find Restaurants That Match Your Preferences Near Your Current Location
Utilizing Tabelog's database boasting Japan's largest number of listings, users can intuitively locate restaurants that match their preferences on a map near their current location. With abundant photos and reviews easily accessible on the go, travelers can confidently choose restaurants even in unfamiliar areas. - [RESERVATION] Instant Online Booking Completed on Your Smartphone — No Phone Calls Required
We've eliminated the barrier of "phone reservations" that pose challenges for travelers. Simply select your date, time, and party size within the app to instantly check availability and make online reservations — whether you're on a train or between sightseeing activities. Secure your table smoothly without concerns about language barriers. - [UI] Smartphone-Optimized Interface for Comfortable Navigation in Your Preferred Language
Fully supports English, Chinese (Traditional), and Korean. The multilingual service previously available on the web version now features the smooth operability unique to mobile apps. Beyond viewing translated information, the intuitive design allows users to deeply understand and choose restaurants without stress, even on smaller screens.
(*1) | Restaurant search and reservation site with the most listed establishments survey (May 2024/internal research). Accessed target sites (Tabelog, Hot Pepper Gourmet, Gurunavi, Retty, Hitosara) and tallied all listed establishments displayed in searches without filtering, by prefecture. |
(*2) | November 2025/AppTweak research. Combined downloads from "Food & Drink (Restaurants & Cafes)" and "Travel & Navigation (Trip Planner)" categories on App Store and Google Play in surveyed regions (Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, United States). Compared as "Japanese Gourmet Search Apps." Source: AppTweak ( https://www.apptweak.com ) |
(*3) | 96.73 million users (September 2025) |
(*4) | As of December 23, 2025 |
(*5) | According to the Japan Tourism Agency's "Consumption Trend Survey for Foreigners Visiting Japan (2024)," "eating Japanese food" ranked first in "what they most looked forward to before visiting Japan" and "what they actually did." |
(*6) | Refers to "communication with facility staff" and "insufficient multilingual signage" being cited as top difficulties during travel in the Japan Tourism Agency's "Survey on Improving the Accept Environment for Foreign Visitors" and similar studies. |
About Kakaku.com, Inc.
Founded in 1997, Kakaku.com has been operating since the early days of Japan's internet era. Currently, the company plans and operates various web services deeply rooted in daily life, including the purchasing support site "Kakaku.com," restaurant search and reservation service "Tabelog," and job search aggregation service "Kyujin Box." Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Securities Code: 2371), the company provides platforms with the largest user bases in Japan across multiple sectors.
Service Overview: https://corporate.kakaku.com/en/service
The original source-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the source-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251221963753/en/
Kakaku.com, Inc.
Public Relations and Investor Relations Office
pr@kakaku.com
FAQ**
How does Kakaku.com, Inc. plan to monetize the Tabelog Multilingual App KKKUF, given its emphasis on user-friendly features and seamless online reservations for international travelers?
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How does the user data collected through the Tabelog app influence Kakaku.com, Inc.’s decisions regarding service enhancements and future features, KKKUF?
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**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about KaKaKu.com, Inc (OTC: KKKUF).
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