Four zero waste apps to prepare before coming to Japan

Traveling to Japan but concerned about creating waste? Here are three apps you’ll want to download or bookmark if you’re interested in zero waste!

While language may be a barrier, Japan has a number of zero waste efforts. Some can be used in the country whether you know the language or not. Note that not all these are downloadable apps from app stores.

mymizu

Sometimes “buying water” doesn’t make sense, especially when it comes to plastic bottles. With the mymizu app and your own water bottle, you can save money and get free water refills.

The mymizu app is free and helps you find water refill spots in Japan. These locations include participating cafes and restaurants, facilities like hotels, and public water fountains. Some locations even feature pictures, which are useful for finding public refill spots more easily.

The app also has a tracker to count the number of bottles you’ve saved, providing a visual representation of your environmental impact by the end of your trip.

iKASA

Japan has seasonal rains, and occasional downpours are not uncommon. If you’re visiting major cities in Japan, there’s a good chance iKASA is available. iKASA is an umbrella rental service that aims to reduce the need for disposable umbrellas.

Unfortunately, an English version doesn’t seem to be available, but the app should be intuitive for those who understand Japanese. At the time of writing, iKASA is available in 14 prefectures, including major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido, Nagoya and Fukuoka, with more than 1,000 iKASA rental stations at train stations.

Ekolokal

Shopping is likely on your to-do list, so why not do it in an eco-friendly manner? Ekolokal is a free website where users can find eco-friendly stores near them.

The good thing about Ekolokal is that it offers more than just zero waste options. It provides categories like fair trade and plastic-free to match your interests. Although designed to drive local sustainability, the site’s English version is easy for travelers to use.

Zenbird.Life

Through interactions and interviews with various brands, Zenbird.Life shares curated brands the editorial team believes are beneficial for society and/or the environment. The site covers a range of topics from veganism to the circular economy and, of course, includes zero waste options.

Zenbird plans to soon release guides on zero waste and eco-tourism, so keep an eye out. Zenbird.Life is a browser site, so no download is needed.

How to download Japanese apps while overseas

Some apps may require you to be in Japan before you can download them. Remember that you can easily rent portable Wi-Fi devices or prepaid SIM cards upon arriving in the country. Various internet coverage options are available, so do your research to find the best fit.

Browser apps like Ekolokal and Zenbird.Life don’t require downloads. It’s recommended to bookmark them so you won’t have to search again.