best travel apps for japan

13 Best Travel Apps in Japan in 2024 (Tried & Tested)

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If you’re looking for some handy Japan travel apps, here are the ones I use most when travelling in Japan. 

Let’s start with a little disclaimer. I don’t think you NEED all these apps to travel in Japan comfortably. As long as you download Google Maps and Google Translate (or Papago) , you’ll be completely fine. These are the two apps I can’t travel to Japan without.

However, we all like a bit of technological help every now and then. Some of these apps can be very useful in certain situations. I’ve tried to keep this list free of fluff and only added apps that my husband and I actually use when we’re in Japan.

To use the majority of these apps, you’ll need an internet connection. I use Pocket WiFi on most trips to Japan, which lets you go online with up to 10 devices. Use code  THENAVIGATIO15  for 15% off  Ninja WiFi Pocket WiFi .

Essential Travel Apps in Japan

Here are the best apps for travelling in Japan:

1. Google Maps

If you’re only going to use one app in Japan, it should be Google Maps. I love planning my trips with Google Maps , but it’s not just a great tool for preparing for a trip beforehand.

Google Maps works great in Japan . The directions even include metro and train times and platform information. Especially in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, knowing up-to-date public transport information makes travelling so much easier.

There are many other apps for directions, but Google Maps is the only one I use. Some people may suggest using other navigation apps for Japan, but I’ve never had any issues with Google Maps in all my visits to Japan.

If you look at the screenshot below, you can see how easy it is to understand and use. The app shows you what station, what line, what carriage on the train is best for a quick transfer (if there is a transfer), and when the next train arrives in case you miss it. On top of that, it shows you accurate costs!

2. Google Translate

Travelling in Japan without knowing the language may seem daunting, but it’s much easier than you may think. I didn’t speak any Japanese during my first few trips to Japan, and even after some Japanese classes, I still use Google Translate.

There are multiple popular translation apps, but it’s best to pick one and stick with it. I’m a big fan of Google Translate , but Papago is another option I’ve used before. They both work just fine.

Google Translate is my go-to translation app because of its camera feature . You can open the app and scan menus or signs and get a real-time translation. It’s not flawless, but it’s much better than staring at Kanji without having a clue what it means. Especially since not all restaurants have English menus, this feature can be a lifesaver.

3. Suica Card on Mobile

While this isn’t quite the same as downloading an app, it’s one of the most useful things to add to your phone in Japan . To use public transport in Japan, like metros, you can use an IC travel card (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca, etc). They’re all the same thing – a card you can add money onto and use on public transport, vending machines and certain shops.

Instead of buying separate tickets for every metro/train journey (and believe me, you’ll be taking a lot of these!), you can simply tap in and out at every station. The card will automatically take off the correct fare, saving you a lot of hassle.

You can buy a physical Suica card at any train or metro station in Tokyo, but you can also add one to your Apple Wallet (currently only on iPhone). You can top it up on your phone and use your phone to tap in and out at stations.

Having it on your phone makes travelling so much easier, especially since you can only top the physical card up with cash. Getting a physical card in the first place can be tricky as there have been some shortages in recent years. If you add a digital Suica card to your Apple Wallet, you won’t need a physical one.

JR East is working on an app for Suica, which should allow you to use it on any phone, including Android. It should be ready in 2025, so I’ll be sure to test it out when it’s ready!

Since earthquakes are quite common in Japan, the Nerv app can help you prepare in case anything happens during your trip. This free app will give you real-time notifications and information about any natural disasters that could occur in Japan. This includes earthquakes, typhoons and floods.

Their “ early earthquake warning ” is especially helpful. It notifies you when an earthquake has occurred and when you can expect to feel it depending on your location. On one of my recent trips, I got one of these notifications (see screenshot). On the app, the seconds were counting down until we felt a little shake.

But this app also has accurate weather information, including a rain radar and weather page . I find this especially useful when travelling around Japan, as the regular weather app isn’t as accurate and detailed as this one.

Go Taxi is my go-to taxi app in Japan. Even though I don’t use a lot of taxis (I mainly travel on public transport or by car), it’s a good idea to have an app ready for it when you do need one.

It works similarly to Uber , where you can request a taxi on the app. You can select certain taxi companies to in- or exclude in your search. Plus, you’ll see how much you’re going to pay beforehand. Payments can also be made on the app, making it very easy to use.

The app also often offers small discounts for new or returning users. I got a few ¥500 off coupons on the app before, which is always welcome. Especially when dragging large suitcases around, a taxi can make certain journeys a lot more comfortable.

To use some of these apps, you’ll need an internet connection. You’ll have to check with your regular phone provider to see if they offer any usage abroad, but more often than not, it’ll be quite expensive. Getting an eSIM or Pocket WiFi will be your best shout.

Pocket WiFi is a small device that lets you connect to the internet. You’ll have to pre-order them and pick them up at the airport. I really like using them because, as I create itineraries and travel guides during my trips, I have to connect multiple devices to the internet. Pocket WiFi lets you do this easily.

But if you don’t want to carry an extra device around and charge it every night, an eSIM can be a perfect alternative. Instead of having to change the physical SIM card in your phone to a foreign one (like you used to), an eSIM gets installed on your phone without having to make any physical changes .

Airalo is a favourite for usage in Japan, plus they’re easy to install and use. I’ve used them in Japan (and other countries) before and it works like a charm. Since they also offer eSIMs for many other countries, it’s worth having the app on your phone if you travel often.

7. Ramen Beast

Japanese food is a big reason why people love travelling to Japan, myself included. Specifically ramen. But with so many ramen spots to go to, how do you know which one to try and which one to avoid?

Ramen Beast helps you find the best ramen spots in Japan (no tourist traps, no chains, only the real deal). 

It includes more than 700 of the best ramen shops in Japan , plus it gives you English recommendations on what to order. You can also read restaurant reviews on top of the chef’s history, speciality ingredients, and more.

8. Ecbo Cloak

When travelling through Japan , you probably have some luggage to carry around with you. Normally, this isn’t a problem, because you can leave your bag in your hotel room, or ask the hotel reception to look after them before/after checking out. But if that isn’t an option, you can use Ecbo Cloak .

Use the app to locate a storage place nearby, store your luggage, pay, and pick it up when you need it again.

9. Sakura Navi

Sakura season (usually around the end of March until the start of April ) is one of the most popular times to visit Japan. The cherry blossoms are beautiful but it’s hard to predict when they’ll bloom.

Because temperature and weather greatly influence the blossoms, you may want to keep a close eye on the forecast. Especially if you’re travelling to Japan to see the blossoms.

Sakura Navi is an app that shows you the forecast of popular cherry blossom viewing spots all across Japan. The app shows you the growth rate of the blossoms, plus the expected blooming dates. You can save spots you want to visit and the app will notify you if you’re near one of them.

This is the only paid app on this list, but since it was a great resource during my 3-months spring trip in Japan, I think it deserves a spot on this list. I’ll be using it again!

This app shows you where you can refill your water bottle for free . It’s a way to cut down on plastic bottles and save some cash at the same time. You can buy drinks at vending machines, but if you bring a reusable bottle, you can use this app to find refill spots all across the country.

The blue dots are public refill spots , the dark blue dots indicate natural spring water , and the yellow/golden dots represent businesses that allow you to refill your bottle for free.

Especially if you’re travelling to Japan in summer, when it gets very hot, you want to make sure you drink enough water. On the app, you can find over 200,000 refill points globally, so you can even use it outside of Japan.

Not many people are using Skype anymore, but I’ve always found it handy to have it on my phone in case I need to make cheap phone calls in Japan . You can add a few dollars in credit to your account and you’ll be able to call any phone number in Japan through the Skype app.

My regular phone provider in the UK doesn’t allow me to make phone calls abroad and my husband’s provider charges astronomical prices for this. Using Skype, we could call the lost and found department when I’d lost my camera (it was found!) and a few hairdressers in Hiroshima to make an appointment.

Klook is an online marketplace for all things travel and covers a lot of Japan. You can buy passes, tickets, tours and more with them. I’ve used them to buy so many passes over the years, including the Hakone Pass , Nikko Pass and JR Pass .

You can find all your passes on the app. If you’ve bought anything on Klook, downloading the app is a great idea. This way, you’ll always have everything you need with you.

Klook now also has the option to pre-book individual Shinkansen tickets through their website. I don’t think it’s necessary to pre-book tickets for the bullet train unless you’re travelling during a very busy period like Golden Week though. Normally, you can simply buy them at the train station on the day you travel.

However, on one of my recent trips I did travel during Golden Week, so I used Klook to pre-book my journey from Kyoto to Tokyo. This way, I was sure to have a seat and picking up the tickets from the station was very easy.

SmartEX is also a popular app to use for pre-booking individual Shinkansen tickets. I’ve heard great things about it in our Japan Facebook Group, but I haven’t used them myself yet.

13. USJ & Tokyo Disney Resort App

Downloading the official apps for Universal Studios Japan (USJ) and Tokyo Disney is a must if you’re visiting one of the parks. They include a map of the park and give you accurate waiting times for the rides.

Conclusion – Best Travel Apps in Japan

There are so many apps advertised as essential for Japan. But as I mentioned at the start of this article, as long as you’ve got Google Maps and Google Translate, you should be completely fine!

The other apps on this list can come in handy in certain situations, but even without them, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Again, the apps listed above are ones my husband and I actually use in Japan. There are so many other apps I haven’t included because I didn’t like using them or didn’t end up using them as much during my travels.

If you have any other apps you think I missed on this list, let me know in the comments so I can test them on my next visit!

Nele (Nay-la) graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an English and Creative Writing Degree and has lived in the UK for nearly 10 years. She has had an interest in Japan and its culture for as long as she can remember. Since her first trip in 2018 surpassed all expectations, she has continued to return to Japan to explore more of all it has got to offer. You can read her full story here .

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » 15 best apps for traveling around Japan in 2024

15 best apps for traveling around Japan in 2024

August 23, 2024

This article is dedicated to the most useful apps to check while traveling in Japan . If you are scared of the fact that you simply can’t cope with Japanese writing and will get lost either in translation or the extensive Tokyo Metro system – worry no more. Our app selection is here to save the day.

Below you’ll find a detailed list of the best apps for traveling in Japan, the type of service they provide, and how to use them when visiting the country with a Japan Rail Pass !

Navitime (Japan Travel by Navitime)

Navitime for Japan is a popular app that makes navigating around the Japanese capital and the rest of the country stress-free. Apart from providing detailed information about the world’s most complex metropolis ( Tokyo ), it also generates:

• Door-to-door route search
• Voice navigation
• New offline search for free WiFi spots
• A train stop list that will help you confirm you are headed in the correct direction
• Train delay information
• Platform details for each service
• Recent routes saved for offline searches

It can be downloaded for both iOS and Android and also features guides to events, art & culture, shopping , nightlife, and food & drink across Japan.

However, you should make sure you have an internet connection to be able to get the most out of it. If you’re looking for some great connectivity options for your stay in Japan, there’s nothing better than a Pocket Wi-Fi device, which can connect to a total of 10 devices simultaneously.

Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan)

Jorudan Co., LTD. is a Japanese company, which has developed an easy-to-use English transport app called Japan Transit Planner . Below you can see a screenshot of the PC version and the type of information it provides.

As you can see, this Rail Planner app tells you the distance, fare, type of seat on the train (reserved, non-reserved), including any surcharges that may apply. You’re given information about the duration of the trip and the total price, and you can also filter out services that aren’t covered by the Japan Rail Pass .

Japan Transit Planner is available for both iOS and Android systems.  The app is free to download , but there is also a paid option that is ad-free and allows you to access route search/timetable history, customize search criteria, and other premium services.

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

Tokyo Metro Subway Map & Route

If you’re planning to make Tokyo your primary destination in Japan and spend a few days exploring the metropolis, then this app is essential!

Incredibly simple and easy to use, this app provides a full interactive map of the city’s Metro, Toei, and Yamanote lines . So you don’t need to waste time looking around for wall-mounted or paper route guides.

It also lets you navigate around the city through the route planner function and helps you find the quickest route to your destination (even if you aren’t connected to the internet).

It’s free to download for both iOS and Android systems.

Google Maps

Google Maps is one of the oldest and best-known transportation apps. Similar to the apps we’ve seen so far, the new Maps will guide you through any city, town, village or area in Japan , by showing all the optimal routes available at the moment of your inquiry.

By clicking Details you can see the name of your train (in this example Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen is the bullet train line) and the time it will take you to get to your selected final destination.

The displayed cost is only valid for those who do not hold a Japan Rail Pass. The biggest advantage of this app is that it is more visual regarding location. Apart from your destination station, you can easily see nearby restaurants, parks, bars and more. 

Available for both Android and iOS .

Available in more than 15 languages, this interactive map is similar to Google Maps, but can be used without an internet connection. SImply download the map of Japan when you’re connected to Wi-Fi and you can use it even when in internet dead zones!

Maps.Me also lets you import bookmarks from Google My Maps and use them alongside the built-in points of interest and custom pins within the app you create, even when offline. Also, it has a GPS function that can be used when you’re connected to the Internet.

Maps.me is free to download and use for both iOS and Android . However, if you want to remove the in-app ads, you can choose between 3 subscription options; weekly, monthly, and yearly.

Google Translate

If you don’t understand a lick of Japanese and want to make your trip through the country as hassle-free as possible, then downloading the Google Translate app is a must.

This app makes it easy to overcome the language barrier with functionalities such as: 

• Instant text translation
• Voice translation
• Conversation mode that allows to translate back-and-forth speech in real time
• Voice playback that aids pronunciation
• Handwriting analysis and translation
• Translation of text in images through camera mode

The Google Translate app is also great because it allows you to download many different languages for offline translation from Japanese.It can be easily accessed from your computer, tablet, or Android or iOS phone .

This Japanese dictionary app is ideal for travelers who want to engage with the local language . Incredibly accurate in its translation, it not only provides you with Japanese words and phrases but also teaches you how to pronounce them correctly!

What’s more, the app is available in many different languages , including:

Imiwa? is an offline app, meaning you don’t need an internet connection to use it. Also, it’s free to download, but only available for iOS .

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor is a top-rated app, used by millions of people all over the world. If you’re used to using to it in your own country, you can easily in Japan as well. It’s available for both Android and iOS .

Tripadvisor gives you personalised options about:

• Places near you
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Holiday rentals
• Destination guides

Having all of this information at the tip of your fingers will surely make a difference. Select your preferred food, price limit, personal interests and start discovering. The app is completely free of charge.

This easy-to-use app is a lifesaver for travelers in Japan needing temporary storage for their luggage.

It allows you to locate nearby storage facilities, securely store your bags, and pick them up at your convenience .

With a vast network of storage options , ecbo cloak lets you find a convenient spot near tourist attractions and stations. It permits you to free yourself from the burden of hauling luggage around, making your travel experience more enjoyable.

The app is not only budget-friendly but also boasts a straightforward payment system that allows for quick transactions . You can download it on both iOS and Android .

OMOTENASHI GUIDE

OMOTENASHI GUIDE makes it easier to understand Japanese by providing instant transcription of public announcements in various locations , including train stations and tourist spots.

When an announcement is playing in Japanese, simply open the app and press the on-screen button. The app will then display the translation instantly in the language you select .

By offering real-time translations, OMOTENASHI GUIDE ensures that all travelers have access to vital information , enhancing safety and convenience. It’s available for both iOS and Android .

Gourmet Navigator (GuruNavi)

Gurunavi is a great and easy to use restaurant-finder app for both iOS and Android . It lets you select your prefecture (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, etc.) and the area where you are.

Once you have selected where you want to eat, the app shows you restaurant search results by cuisine such as:

• Sushi/Seafood
• Okonomiyaki/Takoyaki
• Yakiniku (BBQ)
• Izakaya (Typical Japanese pub)
• Dining bars / beer halls

Furthermore, there are some quite useful filters such as:

• Places with English-speaking staff
• All you can eat/drink offers
• Places with free Wi-Fi access
• Family-recommended
• Non-smoking restaurants

As the app tends to display a huge number of results and the search filters are limited, you might feel a little overwhelmed by all the restaurant options GuruNavi offers you. Still, it’s very useful if you want to find an option to eat out close by in the surrounding area!

While Gururnai is often considered the “Yelp of Japan”, good old Yelp is also incredibly useful in the country too! This top-rated app, used by millions of people all over the world, is relatively new in Japan, but is still a reliable resource for finding high-quality restaurants in the country.

Yelp not only offers reviews and ratings of restaurants so you can make an informed choice for where to eat out, but you can also use it to search for other businesses such as hairdressers and beauty salons.

You can also use it to make reservations and order take-out food . It’s available for both Android and iOS .

The Yelp app is completely free of charge. However, you’ll need an internet connection to access it. Apart from the amazing Pocket Wi-Fi option, you can also order a Data SIM card (internet only) that will give you direct access to the fastest internet connection available in Japan.

Sushi Dictionary

Navigating the world of sushi in Japan is made easy with the Sushi Dictionary app. This app is a must-have for sushi enthusiasts and travelers alike, offering a comprehensive guide to sushi terminology and fish types.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Comprehensive Content: Includes a complete glossary of fish and seafood, covering common sushi items and preparation styles.
• Visual Aid: The Image Searcher feature helps you visualize each type of fish, both fresh and as sushi.
• Audio Feature: Learn the correct pronunciation of sushi terms in Japanese, enhancing your dining experience.
• Sharing and Saving: Share your newfound knowledge with friends or save definitions for easy reference.
• Search Functionality: Easily search for terms in English, Japanese, or romanized Japanese.
• Additional Features: Access specialized sake terminology and a guide to yakitori menus.

Available for free on the Google Play Store , the Sushi Dictionary is an invaluable tool if you’re looking to deepen your understanding and enjoyment of sushi in Japan .

Ramen Beast

Ramen Beast is the ultimate app for enthusiasts of authentic Japanese ramen , guiding you to the best ramen experiences in Japan.

The app’s curated selection features over 700 top-rated ramen shops in Tokyo , carefully selected to avoid tourist traps and chain restaurants.

It provides detailed reviews, including information about the chef’s history , specialty ingredients, and unique aspects of each ramen shop.

Ramen Beast also offers English recommendations on what to order, making it accessible to non-Japanese speakers. It’s available to download for iOS only .

Tabelog is the go-to app for locals to discover the best dining experiences across Japan, offering an extensive range of restaurant reviews. It boasts:

• In-Depth Ratings : Known for its thorough rating system, Tabelog app provides reliable guidance on restaurant quality. Ratings above 3 stars indicate excellent choices.
• Extensive Database : With over 800,000 restaurants reviewed and more than 50 million reviews, Tabelog offers unparalleled insights into Japan’s dining scene.
• User-Driven Content : The app’s content is largely user-generated, ensuring authentic and up-to-date information.

While the app is only currently provided in Japanese, you can easily translate the content using Google Chrome , making it accessible to non-Japanese speakers. Tabelog is available for iOS users.

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12 Of The Best Apps For Japan Travel

Last Updated August 16, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Gear & Tech » 12 Of The Best Apps For Japan Travel

When it comes to travel to Japan, things can easily get lost in translation.  Whether you’re a first timer or a frequent traveller to the country, it’s always a bit overwhelming especially in big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka where you’re faced with endless number of neighbourhoods, what seems to be an infinite number of train lines and companies that run them, and not to mention all of the restaurants that you can choose from.  It’s a lot to take in but thanks to a couple of apps, your life on the road in Japan can be made a lot easier.

So without further ado, here are the twelve best apps for Japan travel that you’ll definitely want to make sure you download before you go.

In This Article

• 1.  Google Maps
• 2.  Maps.me
• 3.  HyperDia
• 4.  Japan Travel by NAVITIME
• 5.  Tokyo Subway Navigation
• 6.  Norikae Annai Japan Transit (formerly Japan Transit Planner by Jorudan)

7. Google Translate

8. gurunavi, 9. ramen beast, 10. rosetta stone, 11. ecbo cloak, 12 must-download apps for japan travel, read more about japan, where to stay in japan, japan trip planning essentials and discounts, the best apps for japan travel.

As technology has evolved, so have the apps that are on our smartphones.  Here are a collection of apps that I always make sure are loaded on my phone before I start my trip to Japan.

1.  Google Maps

Let’s start with the most obvious here.  Map apps are going to be one of the most critical ones to keep you from getting lost.  You’ll use it to find places you want to go and you can use it to navigate as well.

On my first trip to Japan I was skeptical about how good this would be but in most cases, I’d say I defaulted to Google as one does.

You can pretty much find anything you’re looking for on Google and with its handy Save feature where you can drop pins on places that you want to visit.  This is something I do for almost every trip and part of my trip planning process .

Google Maps is also surprisingly good when it comes to providing train navigation instructions with accurate timing.  I noticed locals use it too so it must be pretty reliable.

Offline wise, Google Maps is fully capable but with drawbacks.  You can easily do the “OK Maps” technique of saving maps offline  or you can go into the “Offline maps” section of the menu.  However, the issue is that if you pull up your offline map when you’re out of range of data, your pins don’t show up and that can get pretty annoying if you don’t have a Japan SIM card or a hotspot such as Skyroam .

Get your SIM

If you’re headed to Japan, think about ordering a SIM card ahead of time so that you can hit the ground running when you arrive. No more stressing with where to go one you land at the airport and figuring out what plans work out the best or are the best deal.

ORDER YOUR SIM

Another nifty feature of Google Maps is that you can create your own custom maps (called My Maps) which you’ll see me use on all of my itineraries and guides including the top ramen shops in Tokyo and best places to eat in Tokyo .  I love them because you can copy them from folks like me and then tweak it to your liking in terms of adding custom icons, colours, and layers.  The only problem with this feature is that again, you need data to access it.  Even if you have offline maps saved, it won’t let you load it unless you have data.

Tips:  If you’re going to travel without data and you want to use Google Maps with your pins intact (custom maps or otherwise), make sure you have the Google Maps open while you have wifi and make sure you keep the map alive throughout the day

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Pros:  

• Easy to use and most are comfortable with the interface
• Navigation capabilities are very good in Japan
• Access to the large pool of data that’s on Google (point of interest information such as hours, website, pictures, reviews)

Cons:  

• Has limitations when it comes to offline use

Offline Capability: Yes but no access to pins or My Maps without data

Download:  iOS / Android

Price:  Free

2.  Maps.me

On the topic of maps, Maps.me is an app that I’m going to more and more and here’s why.

Maps.me is an offline map juggernaut and while I can’t say it’s a replacement for Google Maps, I use it to complement it in situations where I know there’s going to be blackout of data or simply put, I’m too cheap to pay for data.

That is why when I plan my trips, I make sure that the pins that I added on Google Maps also appear on Maps.me.  There’s a fairly simple process of doing it but if you don’t know how, make sure to read my guide on how to import your custom Google Maps into Maps.me .

The advantage of the Maps.me app is that once you download the areas of interest, you’ll have access to the maps, points of interests that are built-in, and of course any custom pins/bookmarks that you create.

• Has very rich offline capabilities
• Bookmarking features are handy and luckily you can import them from your Google My Maps
• Surprisingly a high number of points of interests for their small offline map sizes which means you can actually search for places offline
• Tracks GPS location as you would expect
• Does not have navigation capabilities
• Takes awhile to learn the app if you’re a first-time user
• Point of interest lacks rich data that Google has

3.  HyperDia

UPDATE: As of March 31, 2022, they disabled the ability to search timetables but you can still search average times. It looks like the Android version of the app has been pulled but the iOS version remains as “HYPERDIA by VOICE”. The better alternative for Hyperdia is now Japan Travel .

This is one of the essential apps when it comes to travel in Japan mainly because it is the Bible for all any train travel in the country.

Whether you have the Japan Rail Pass or you’re purchasing rail tickets leg by leg, this is the must-have app or website to find out what you need to take and accurately see the departure and arrival times. What makes HyperDia a godsend is that it’s useable Japanese website that has English translations.

Traditionally, HyperDia was something you used on your desktop.  It’s got handy features like being able to filter out Nozomi and Mizuho trains in your search so you only see trains that your Japan Rail Pass can use.  This is still the preferred way to use HyperDia but with everyone living off of their smartphones, they’ve also developed an app version.

For those with Apple phones, they have an app that’s built with Siri-like capabilities.  All you have to do is say something like “Tokyo station to Osaka station, first train” and it’ll be able to parse it out to search.  It’s a good quick search tool for those that are on the go.  I also like that you can filter for results that only work with the Japan Rail Pass .

If you have Android, it doesn’t have the voice feature but it does everything else and even has additional features like providing walking times, car rental rates, and even suggest hotels in the area.

The disadvantage with HyperDia apps is that they’re not free and so I think most people will end up using this on your browser or laptop if you packed one for your trip to Japan.

Overall, this is a must-use tool especially for anyone travelling around the country.

• Access to highly accurate and complete schedule of all trains in Japan
• Will show you routes that sometimes Google will miss
• Useful for those that are travelling with the JR Pass
• Provides tons of valuable travel information including duration and cost
• Saves your history of searches
• App is not free
• Extremely basic app design that is quite dated
• Mapping isn’t built in
• No real offline capabilities

Offline Capability: No

Download:  Japan Travel on iOS

Website:    HyperDia

Price:  App is free to download but unlocking English features require payment.  Subscription based – $2.99 USD per month for English and $25.99 USD for the year.  That said, you can use the app as a 30 day trial so just download this right before you leave.

4.  Japan Travel by NAVITIME

This is another essential app to have for anyone that’s spending time in Japan’s capital, Tokyo.  If you’ve read my  how to get around in Tokyo guide, you’ll know how complex transit is in the city because of all the different companies, lines, ways to pay and so much more.

NaviTime is a comprehensive app that has everything you need to know about not only Tokyo’s transportation network but also the rest of the country.  It also includes the following:

• Offline search for free WiFi spots
• Navigation directions to get from point A to B
• Voice navigation
• Train stop list which helps with knowing you’ve gotten on train that’s going in the right direction
• Train delays
• Recent routes are saved offline

If you’re using this to plan your train routes, another handy thing is knowing what platform you need to be on which is especially useful in big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.

The app has also expanded beyond just transit as it also has built in guides for events, shopping, nature, nightlife, art & culture, and food & drink.  It also has itineraries and coupons as well which can be helpful.

One thing you should be mindful of is that to use most of the functionalities you will need data so make sure you grab a SIM card ahead of time or a pocket wi-fi device .

• You could say this is a more full fleshed out app compared to HyperDia
• Detailed schedule of trains in Japan and optimal routing
• Access to travel guides and articles
• The searches by JR Pass can be limiting because it can exclude some obvious connectors that will require cash payment and instead ask you to walk instead which may not be ideal
• There are some complaints about battery life on Android
• No real offline capability

Price:  Free (searching alternate routes based on disruptions or voice searching are paid features)

5.  Tokyo Subway Navigation

UPDATE: This app has been discontinued but we really like Tokyo Subway Map OFFLINE on iOS. There’s a different Android version called Tokyo Metro Map (Offline) .

If you’re only staying in Tokyo and need just a really simple app to replace the paper map for the Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines then this is it.

There’s not much to say about it other than the fact that it’s basic, easy to use, and for me is all about seeing the subway system lines so I can quickly figure out how to get to where I need to go.

• Offline map of the Tokyo Metro and Toei lines in Tokyo
• Limited functionality beyond the two lines

Offline Capability: Yes but only for the map and not for navigation purposes

6.  Norikae Annai Japan Transit (formerly Japan Transit Planner by Jorudan)

This is another transit app that is often raved by locals that live in Japan.  The original Jorudan app is packed with features but since there was never any English built in, they finally created a stand-alone app called Japan Transit Planner.

Similar to the other navigation apps on the list so far, it does routing for trains so you can filter out routes that aren’t covered by the JR Pass, pick reserved seats, find out how much each option costs, and which takes the least amount of time.  I also like that this one has capabilities to search by station to see what lines run through and their individual schedules.

This app also has information about flights as well if that’s an option that makes sense for your journey.

What it doesn’t have are any maps or any offline capabilities which was one of the big advantages of the Japanese version.

• Easy to use and clean interface
• Allows you to find the fastest route and tells you which ones are easy to help you decide
• Includes ticket pricing whether using a ticket or IC card which is helpful
• Useful filtering options for Japan Rail Pass, Tokyo Subway Ticket, and sort order preferences
• No offline functionality

Price:  Free but there is a subscription available that removes ads, path/timetable history, customized search criteria, and optimal boarding position

So far we’ve been focusing on navigation and that’s super important because the worst feeling is getting lost in a brand new country.  The second thing that you’ll encounter is the language barrier.  While you might not have any experience in Japanese at all, there are apps like Google Translate that can help along the way.

This is an app that is a must-have for anyone that travels because you can download so many different languages for offline translation.  Over the years it has also gotten better and better with new functionality.

Here are a few things that Google Translate is good for:

• Translating something in English to Japanese and either attempting to say it or just showing the characters (flip the phone to landscape mode and it’ll show the words in a giant cue-card format
• Voice translation (data required) where you can translate something quickly on the fly from English to Japanese or if you hear something in Japanese and want it translated, you can also use this
• Conversation mode is a new one that I haven’t tried yet but the idea is that you can literally have it running and it’ll translate back and forth as both sides speak
• Handwriting can be helpful if you see Japanese characters and you’re trying to figure out what it says
• Camera mode is also useful for translating Japanese to English on the fly by taking your phone’s camera and pointing at the sign that you’re trying to figure out
• Voice playback to help with pronunciation
• Incredibly easy to use and offers multiple ways to translate
• Offline capability is a huge plus
• Camera mode is sometimes un-useable as only some of the translations make sense so it is very much hit-or-miss

Offline Capability: Yes but some features may not be available such as any voice feature, Conversation, or Handwriting

We’ve gotten this far without talking about food so it’s time to correct that.  If you’ve been wondering “what is the Yelp of Japan”, GuruNavi is going to be the closest thing as a reputable app that let’s just say is going offer way more authentic advice than TripAdvisor.

GuruNavi is an app that helps you figure out what to eat based on where you’re going to be, the type of cuisine, and budget across cities all over Japan.  The app is a relatively simple search interface where you’ll pick the cuisine you want and the city or neighbourhood.

These are the features that you’ll find helpful while you travel:

• Find out whether they have English menus or not
• Preview of menus with price
• Recommended dishes
• Credit cards accepted
• Opening hours
• Phone number

I personally feel like the app is decent for restaurant research but you’re going to be overwhelmed with the results.  The main issue is that there’s no real way to sort the restaurant listing by some sort of rating system.  There doesn’t seem to be a rhyme or reason to what you see so the challenge you’ll have is figuring out what’s the best.  Still, it’s helpful in a pinch if you feel like just picking something random around you.

• English-based app for restaurants all across Japan
• Detailed information about each restaurant
• Handy link to be able to call restaurants to make reservations if you need to
• Ability to filter by neighbourhood and cuisine
• No offline capability
• Missing utility features such as being able to bookmark restaurants
• No rating system to make it possible to sort listings

If you’ve read my piece of ramen etiquette that you’re probably breaking or the best ramen restaurants in Tokyo , you’ll know that I did this with the help of local experts from Ramen Beast.  They’re a small team that’s obsessed with finding the best ramen in the country and sharing that passion with the rest of the world.

They started off as something web-based but now they have a killer app as well and super handy for anyone that wants to seek out the best bowl of ramen goodness.

It’s truly impressive how much of the country that have covered and especially when you go to hot spots like Tokyo or Osaka, you’ll see the land dotted with red pins.  Each listing has photos of the location and food, essential info about the shop, recommended “bowl to crush”, and a description that reads like it was written by a writer for The Hollywood Reporter (which is actually true).

If you’re overwhelmed by the choice, the Ramen Beast app also has lists which are curated collection of ramen shops that will tell you which ones are the best miso style, ones that are open late, or simply the crème de la crème of Tokyo.

• Slick and modern UI that’s easy to use and navigate
• Has a geo-location function to narrow down by map where you are
• Listings include photos and more importantly, the one bowl you have to order
• Handy lists to help narrow down your choices
• No Android version
• No offline capabilities

Download:  iOS /not available on Android

If you’re super keen on learning Japanese, I’d recommend trying out Rosetta Stone.  Yes they still exist!  Instead of the boxes you could buy off the shelves of Best Buy, it’s gone fully digital with an app and everything.

We tested the app for the Mandarin edition and we were really impressed with how well put together the curriculum is and its focus on the practical as opposed to the mundane details of grammar.  You jump right into conversational pieces that will actually be useful.

With the Rosetta Stone, you can truly learn a new language on the go where all the modules can be done while commuting or waiting at the doctor’s appointment.  There are built in audio guides for extended learning, and on top of that, lessons can be saved offline.

Once you learn the basics of Japanese, you won’t feel some of the struggles that are very real in the country where English comprehension is quite limited.

• Very well-built app that is very conducive to learning a new language
• Offline capability is handy
• May not match your learning style

Offline Capability: Yes, lessons can be downloaded offline and is available for 30 days afterwards

Price:  The subscription $129.99 USD for 12 months or if you want something shorter $89.99 for 6 months of $49.99 for 3 months but they always offer Rosetta Stone discounts so check them out for savings up to 20% off.

Have you ever had situations in your travels where you’ve needed to check out of your accommodations early and you have this awkward gap of time between catching a bus, plane, or train and you don’t know what to do with your stuff?  You either have to carry your luggage with you or you have to find a place to stash it for a couple of hours.

Ecbo Cloak is an app that works similarly to another service I learned about in Taiwan called Lalalocker .  Think of it as the Airbnb of storage lockers.  In most cities, you’ll have the official storage lockers in train stations, large retail stores, and post offices but what about all of the available space in someone’s store, restaurant, maybe even a hotel offering up their space to non-guests, or even someone’s home?

With Ecbo Cloak, it’ll help you find the luggage storage shops nearby, help you reserve, and pay all through the app.  How it works is you reserve your space ahead of time by paying online with your credit card.  Storage is charged per day and for most places, it’s 300 JPY for small bags smaller than 45cm long and 600 JPY for anything larger.  You can also reserve at rail stations for a flat fee of 800 JPY.

• Sharing economy at its finest and provides great utility for a common travel issue
• Reasonable prices and all handled within the app to eliminate the hassle of payment outside of the system
• Established trust factor

Price:  Free to download but fee required for luggage storage

Yes Uber does work in Japan. I finally got a chance to test it on my latest trip to Japan!

I don’t think I need to explain what Uber does so why don’t I just dive into what situations you’d want to use Uber versus the traditional way of hailing a cab in a city such as Tokyo.

I talk about this same topic when explaining how to apply to the Toyosu Fish Market tuna auction  but essentially it works like this.  Uber in Tokyo is more like a taxi-hailing app where the same taxis that you’d flag down on the street could be the same ones picking you up by Uber.  Overall, Uber in most cases is going to be more expensive than regular cabs but where there’s a twist in the story is during late night from 10PM to 5AM where there’s usually a 20% surcharge.  Uber doesn’t add this in so if you’re out late, Uber may be a good option.

Another thing to consider is when you’re travelling in groups of 5 or more.  Most cabs in the city are for a maximum of 4 passengers.  Uber allows you to call a van on-the-fly as opposed to waiting around and hoping for a larger van cab to roll by.

• Regular taxis are usually cheaper

Price:  Free to download but if you’re creating a new account, make sure to use promo code  willt1324ue to save $5 off your first ride.

So there you have it!  12 useful apps to have when travelling to Japan.  You might not use all of these apps when you’re in the country but they’re always good to have pre-downloaded before you go.

Last tip I’ll share is that you want to make sure you open each one before you leave because they may need to download an internal update or in the case of the map apps, do all the offline downloading ahead of time.

Have a blast in Japan!

• Best offline maps app for travel that isn’t Google
• Ultimate Tokyo food guide
• Must-read Japan 12 day itinerary
• Kichijoji street food guide
• What to buy in Japan and where
• Our Japan guide
• Now that’s a loaded question but to get you started, here are a few guides to take a look at.  Here are places to stay in Tokyo and where to stay in Kyoto .

If you’re in the middle of booking your trip to Japan, here are the most important places you need to go to book:

• JR Pass – The two most reliable places we always check are JRailPass and JRPass . If you are taking long distance Shinkansen across multiple region, get the full JR Pass . If you’re focusing on one specific area, you only need a JR regional pass .
• Shinkansen – The JR Pass prices have gone up and for many of you, it’ll make more sense to book tickets individually. The secret is that when you buy your Shinkansen tickets through Klook offers special vouchers for Don Quijote and BIC when booking. Their tickets are super easy to redeem as well. Right now, use code SKS10OFF to save $10 USD off.
• Hotels/Ryokans – In Japan, the best website for accommodations, hands down is Agoda . When we’ve compared them against Booking , Agoda consistently came out cheaper.
• Tours – While Viator and GetYourGuide are our go-to’s, Klook and KKDay are much popular in Asia so it’s always worth comparing across all of them to make sure you get the best price.
• Pocket Wifi – While we do love eSIMs, having a pocket wifi is great for sharing data with a large group. The most popular is NinjaWifi which is easy to pick up at the airport. Use code AWESOME15 to save 15% (automatically applied). Alternatives are offered by JRPass and JRailPass but they aren’t as cheap. For a more global solution, consider Solis and PokeFi .
• eSIM – The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting the Japan region eSIM and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. From now to Feb 29, the 10GB package is half price as well! Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.
• Car Rental – Big companies like Budget , Avis , and Enterprise operate in Japan but they’re usually the most expensive. The best companies are the local Japanese ones such as Toyota Rentacar, Nippon Rentacar, Orix Rentacar, Nissan Rentacar, and Times Car Rental. To make things easier, use Rentalcars and Klook to compare prices all in one place. Don’t forget, you need an IDP to drive in Japan so get one before you leave your home country.
• Learn Japanese – It helps to know even a bit of the language before you go. Start your learning with Rosetta Stone Japanese .
• Cash or credit – Cash is still very important to have in Japan but when you use credit cards, make sure you’re not getting charged those extra exchange rate fees. The best card right now is the Wise Multi-Currency Card which is actually a debit card where you can convert at favorable rates beforehand. This cuts out any sneaky transaction fees.
• Travel Insurance – Make sure you’re covered in case something happens. Get quotes from Insured Nomads and if you’re from Canada, get quotes from RATESDOTCA .
• Shopping – Discovering Don Quijote is a quintessential part of the Japan experience. The secret for tax-free shopping is that they have a coupon that can help you save 10% off + additional 5% off if you spend ¥10,000 or more.
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About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Best Free Apps for Easy Traveling Around Japan

Smartphones are the new guidebooks, translators and maps of travel combined—and in Japan, they’re pretty much indispensable.

Even if you like to be old school, or managed just fine in the rest of Asia without one, in Japan a smartphone can seriously save you. Whether it’s the surprising lack of English (or the confusing examples that are there) or finding that random hostel you booked three months ago, sometimes having a digital friend can make all the difference. We would say this of course, being a website, but we also promise we’re telling the truth. To prove it—here are the best apps and websites for traveling in Japan. Read it, try them, have a great trip and then email us to say thanks (only kidding, it’s Japan—you’ll have to fax our robot secretary).

• 1. Transport Apps
• 2. Food and Restaurant Apps
• 4. Language Apps
• 5. Money and Conversion Apps
• 6. Safety Apps
• 7. Bonus Social Media Apps

One thing to be aware of : Japanese websites and often apps too, are not known for their great interfaces. Not sure why they haven’t quite caught up here, but keep in mind that even the newest apps—if created by Japanese companies—might seem clunky, unintuitive and sometimes just downright bad. We suggest you try a few and see which ones work for you.

1. Transport: The big one

Trains are a fantastic way to travel, from the bullet train to the metro. Working out the best routes and the times can be a bit confusing though, just take a look at the metro maps in Tokyo for inspiration there. For this, we suggest that you combine two apps (or an app and a website anyway).

Google Maps (we know, keep reading)

We suggest Google Maps to figure out where your nearest stations are. It’s an obvious one, we know, but it’s a good one, especially when paired with our other suggestions. For actual A–B transport it’s pretty reliable in Tokyo too, but less so elsewhere. Download the areas you’re traveling to beforehand if you’re not getting wifi, and pre-save locations, then you can find them offline!

Pros : Great for location, especially if offline and lost Cons : Have to download sections in advance Available on: Android and Apple

Hyperdia: For A–B travel

• For figuring out the actual journeys,
• Hyperdia is your friend.

Available in English, Japanese and Chinese, this site is updated very regularly with information from Kotsushinbunsha, so it’s about as reliable as it gets. The only issue is you need to know your stations before you start (which is where Google Maps comes in). Giving you full train routes across the country with the added option of selecting (or excluding) not only bullet trains but JR Pass–friendly ones, it soon becomes indispensable. There are also options for highway buses—check them out if bullet trains start looking too pricy!

Pros : App allows first and last train search (website does not) Cons : Needs station names Available on: Android and Apple

Tokyo Subway Navigation: Get to know Tokyo

For specific Tokyo travel, this app is good for getting to know the city. It navigates around a detailed subway map and gives you a simple time, price and transfer list alongside the line you need to catch, and the direction. You can choose from entering station names or finding the station on the map. This makes it great for figuring out routes and getting to know Tokyo.

Note: There is a ‘for tourists’ version of this app—but we’re not entirely sure why, except you might just prefer the interface which is a bit cleaner and allows you to navigate between lines, stations and services like Lost and Found. This app doesn’t work offline, which is odd as the regular app does.

Pros : Handy map for familiarization and works offline Cons : Intense for cartophobics Available on: Android and Apple

Suica Card: Track your travel

If you’re already planning to use a Pasmo or Suica Card , firstly, well done, and secondly, why not app it up? You can use The official JR Suica App to track the balance, load and use tickets on your phone which is super handy—but it’s currently only available in Japanese and on iPhone. For Android users, you can connect your Suica to Google Pay instead. For Pasmo users you can . . . get a Suica? There isn’t an official Pasmo App at the moment, but there are some unofficial options out there (this is also the case for Android Suica users).

Pros : Can be linked to Apple or Google Pay Cons : Only in Japanese, not always smooth running, no Pasmo app Available on: Android and Apple

2. Food: Avoid getting hangry

With over 160,000 restaurants to choose from, and only our reccomendations to help you (only kidding—but not really), finding dinner can become slightly overwhelming after a day’s worth of sightseeing. While there’s a solid point to be made for wandering into whichever spot tickles your fancy, there’s also a good one for going to great places you’ve previously looked up.

Tablelog (search for 食べログ)

This is the food bible of Japan, and while it is in Japanese, Google Translate/Chrome is your friend. Tabelog has photos, extensive reviews and a tough rating system though. The general rule is that anything over 3.5 stars is decent, anything above 4 is great and if you see a 4.5 it’s exceptional (and rare). If you have the time and patience, you can translate the reviews to find reccomended dishes, or just use the main page to check stars, location and photos.

Pros: Extensive and peer reviewed with lots of details Cons: Crowd sourced, so sometimes info can be a little inaccurate Available on: Android and Apple

Gurunavi: The food encyclopedia

The contender for biggest food encyclopedia of Japan, Gurunavi (short for “gourmet navigator”) is a huge compendium of dinner options. Available in English, it is certainly more tourist user–friendly, allowing you to select down to very specific categories. You can see average prices, availability of English-speaking staff, address, nearest station—it has everything, except ratings. So, potentially check out locations here, then see their rating on the Tabelog website.

Pros : Huge amount of information Cons : No peer reviews so no clue on quality Available on: Android and Apple

Happy Cow: Go green

If you’re vegetarian, vegan or otherwise specific about your food then Happy Cow is your new best friend. Providing locations, ratings and reviews of all the veggie-friendly establishments in the area, Happy Cow is the easiest way to find meat-free meals in Tokyo (and beyond). If you pay for the full app, you can save locations offline, otherwise the free version works fine, You can even search cities in advance.

Pros : Reliable due to customer reviews and updates. Cons : Can’t save locations offline, iOS version not free Available on: Android and Apple (not free)

3. Wifi: Keeping connected

If you’re not planning on renting portable wifi , or getting a SIM card during your stay in Japan, then finding free wifi will become your new hobby. To make your life easier (and less Starbucks orientated) you can download these apps (in advance) and get on the net, as the cool kids say. This is our best list of cafes to go for wifi , so if you pair them up, you’ll be living the life of a well-connected and well-caffeinated riley.

Travel Japan Wi-Fi: All the wifi

With over 200,000 hotspots across the country this app lets you connect automatically, eliminating the annoyance of signing in eight-thousand times a day. The map function allows you to find the nearest spots and can be downloaded to work offline which is great. The spots to look out for are the blue-lettered Wi2 (and many variations)—you’ll start seeing them everywhere and can get pretty strong connectivity.

Pros : Has offline map, autoconnects to nearest hotspots. Cons : Requires social media log-in. Available on : Android and Apple

Japan Connected Free Wifi: Almost all the wifi

Another similar app with 170,000 spots and auto-connect features to avoid constant signing-in. The app has a map function too and works in 16 languages, which is pretty impressive.

4. Luggage storage: The Ecbo App

4. Language learning: Get talking

Even if you’re only here for a few days, the ability to get a few sentences out and recognize the odd character can be really helpful. If you’re a keen linguist, you might be well on top of this already—general language apps like Memrise and Duolino are good for building vocab and basic grammar. Meanwhile, WaniKani, Obenkyo and Anki all offer a more in-depth experience—the ones below will be great while you’re on the move though.

Google Translate (Again, we know—keep reading)

While you have probably used it here and there, Google Translate has a couple of features that really make it stand out. The best one is the camera function—see a sign, snap a picture and read the contents (it’s especially perfect for menus). Remember to save the Japanese option for offline use and try the writing option too if your camera can’t read handwritten kanji. As an add on to this, use Chrome when you can—it auto-translates websites which helps when researching.

Pros: Camera option makes menus a breeze Cons: Are there any? Available on: Android and Apple

Imiwa and Yomiwa: In-depth Google Translate

If you’re aiming to learn while you go, Imiwa and Yomiwa are similar to Google Translate in function, but also offer explanations of kanji and their radicals (the lines that make them up). These apps more for middle-range learners and great if you want to learn new kanji you spot when out and about. Imiwa has writing and reading practice while Yomiwa has the camera app—those with iPhones can combine the two for a stacked version of Google Translate.

Pros: Yomiwa works offline, Imiwa has a camera function Cons: Imiwa is only available on iPhones Available on: Imiwa is only available on Apple . Yomiwa is available on Android and Apple

Dr. Moku’s Hiragana & Katakana: Easy learning

If language learning isn’t really your thing, this app can be a fast way to learn the two phonetic alphabets: hiragana and katakana (not kanji, the Chinese symbols, although there’s a version for that too). The app employs the mnenomics method—using visual keys to help you remember each symbol’s corresponding sound. Learning these two alphabets can be very handy; hiragana can often be found written above kanji so children can read them, it’s especially handy for train station signs. Katakana is used for foreign words and is usually found on menus—so if you combine the two you’ll have a real head start without worrying about grammar. Note : Only the trial is free, so give it a go and if it works for you, it’s worth it.

Pros: Visual approach to learning Cons: Full version not free Available on: Android and Apple

5. Cash money: Currency converters and paying on the go

Japan is a cash-based nation and making sure you have some (and knowing how much) is key to having a good time. Flashing your Mastercard, Visa or Amex isn’t going to help you much in Japan, unless your in a large store or hotel. While the rest of the world has moved to contactless and beyond, here you’ll need to find ATMs and have backup cash on you. If that makes you nervous, remember Japan’s low crime rate (when it comes to theft).

The XE Currency Converter: How much is that exactly?

Remembering exactly how many thousands of yen make a few dozen dollars can be pretty confusing, especially if you’ve been country-hopping for a while. The XE app provides up-to-date conversions between dozens of different currencies and allows personalized settings. You can send money, check the exchange rates and track up to ten currencies at a time, allowing you to plan ahead if you’re moving on. If you’re looking to send money to Japan we have some tips , and a few for if you’re sending it back home as well.

Pros: Easy to use, allows personalization Cons: Source currency selection annoying to change Available on: Apple and Android

Google and Apple Pay: Skip the coins

Japan’s issue with cards is one of trust, and having pre-loaded cards like Suica or Waon is much more popular. The cards are accepted in lots of chain stores as well as being used for transport (in Suica’s case) and have now been linked to Smart Payment Systems Apple and Google Pay. This weird intersection of technologies is not yours to question, but you can make the most of it and use the apps to connect to cards and pay using home funds. We don’t suggest you rely on this for all costs but pair it with cash as well, as many places still don’t accept anything but the real deal.

Pros: Reduces amount you’ll need to withdraw, good backup Cons: Requires Suica or WAON to connect to, only accepted in some locations Available on: Android and Apple

6. Emergency and safety Apps: Literal lifesavers

So along with cherry blossom and hot springs, Japan’s close ties with nature also mean pretty frequent natural diasters (compared to most countries). Earthquakes, flooding and landslides are the most common, and while we’re not trying to bring down your holiday mood, if the worst does happen, it’s better to be prepared. While Japanese phones have in-built systems to notify you, many still prefer the app below. While you’re here, there’s also personal disasters to consider as well. Break a leg on a night out? Need some emergency dental treatment you weren’t expecting? There’s an app for that too …

Yurekuru Call: Earthquake early warning system

This is the most popular app in Japan for earthquake warnings, offering a good early notification system (often faster than built-in phone options) as well as info on the quake’s epicenter and strength. You can set your location as well as threshold for notifications based on seismic strength. The app works in English and allows for the option to be notified of early warning drills should you wish to participate. While all systems only offer a few seconds warning, they can give you time to get into a better position.

Pros: In English, allows personalization. Cons: Location use while offline can affect battery Available On: Android and Apple

Japan Hospital Guide

If you’re not indestructable (and even if you think you are), this app can be a lifesaver if you have an accident. Hospitals in Japan are a bit of a nightmare (closing for lunch, closing on weekends, closing on alternate staff member’s birthdays, and so on) and that’s before we even reach the language barrier. Luckily, the Japan Hospital Guide offers A Google Maps–based navigation system for clinics and hospitals including opening times, contact numbers and directions. Keep in mind that the app requires your location to function, so give it access in advance.

Pros: Easy interface, provides nearest to location. Cons: Crashes more following recent update Available on: Android and Apple

7. Social media special mention: LINE

There are a few apps that can be really handy, but don’t quite fit into any of our categories. LINE is an app only really used in Japan and was launched to help with communication following the 2011 Earthquake in Eastern Japan. It’s a messaging app and although there are timelines and profiles, etc., most people don’t really bother with that. LINE is good for adding new ‘friends’ you don’t necessarily want to add to your real-life social media (meta much). The messaging app allows for calls and blocking, so use them as you wish. It is also used by lots of stores and sites for discounts (scanning QR codes, etc.), so if you’re planning on shopping it can be handy to have.

Pros: Great for creepers and discounts Cons: Annoying to set up—requires a phone number (so set it up before you leave for Japan) Available on: Android and Apple

• Japan travel
• Japanese language

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New Video: Top Japanese Phrases You Need Before Traveling to Japan

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Planning a Trip to Japan?

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Useful Apps Download a selection of apps to make your trip to Japan run even smoother. Choose from a list of all-round, navigation, sightseeing and accommodation applications.

• Helping You Plan

Travel Info

Tokyo Metro Subway Map

Download a full and interactive map of the Tokyo Metro, plus a handy route planner for getting around. The map covers the Tokyo Metro lines, Toei lines and JR Yamanote line. It works offline to provide support even without an internet connection. With the Tokyo Metro Subway Map app, riding the metro is easy.

• Google Play

Japan Travel – Route, Map, Guide

The Japan Travel app provides you with all the information you need as a tourist to truly explore Japan. Find specific information that you need and make recommendations via reviews for other travelers.

Japan Transit Planner

Japan Transit Planner is a multilingual navigation application. Find the route and how to transfer by railways or airplanes in Japan. It can check the route, the fare, and the required time easily when you input the departure station and the destination station.

Google Maps

Navigate your world faster and easier with Google Maps. Get real-time GPS navigation, traffic, and transit info, and explore local neighborhoods by knowing where to eat, drink and go - no matter what part of the world you’re in.

GetYourGuide: Travel & Tickets

Download the GetYourGuide app to discover and book unforgettable travel experiences. Whether you're planning a vacation or looking for things to do in any destination, the app makes booking tours, day trips, and activities easier than ever. Choose from culture, food, adventure, nature, and more experiences.

Viator: Tours & Tickets

Use Viator for world-class travel experiences with traveler-minded flexibility and convenience. With 300,000+ experiences at your fingertips—everything from simple tours to extreme adventures —you're guaranteed to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Yelp: Food, Delivery & Reviews

The famous user-based review site, Yelp, is now in Japan. You can make reservations, order delivery or pickup- all from your phone. Search for nearby businesses such as salons and spas, with reviews to make informed decisions.

Useful apps

Safety tips

Stay safe while in Japan! Find out the latest disaster information including early earthquake warnings, tsunami warnings, volcanic activity and strong weather with this app.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN

NHK WORLD-JAPAN provides the latest news and information on Japan and Asia. It is the international service of Japan’s public broadcaster NHK. (19 languages available - Push notification of emergency information on earthquakes and tsunami *English, Chinese, Portuguese and Vietnamese)

Worried about the language barrier in Japan? VoiceTra is a speech translation app supporting over 31 languages. Enjoy smooth communication in Japan particularly in places such as public transportation, shopping, hotels, or sightseeing spots.

Travel JAPAN Wi-Fi

Accessing free Wi-Fi can be a little difficult in Japan. With the Travel JAPAN Wi-Fi app, you'll be able to find free Wi-Fi while you are out and about. It automatically connects you to Wi-Fi hotspots, so you are never out of the loop.

Japan Connected Wi-Fi

Stay connected with the Japan Connected Wi-Fi app. With over 170,000 spots, tourists can easily access free Wi-Fi all over Japan. Simple and convenient, you'll be able to connect after a one-time registration. You can also search for Wi-Fi hotspots. This app has multi-lingual support.

Taxis & Ride sharing

Uber - Request a ride

Join the millions of riders who trust Uber for their everyday travel needs. Whether you’re running an errand across town or exploring a city far from home, getting there should be easy.

DiDi Rider: Affordable rides

Do you need a ride? Or are you craving for a pizza? Ride wherever you want or order food delivery with DiDi, the world's largest mobility app and professional food delivery platform! Order a car in just three taps for relaxed and comfortable travel.

With S.RIDE, you can hail a taxi with one swipe and the nearest vehicle will be dispatched to you from one of Tokyo’s largest taxi networks. Payment is also cashless and speedy. This app offers a much more comfortable way to move around Tokyo.

GO / Taxi app for Japan

The GO app streamlines travel with quick taxi dispatch, arrival alerts, direct messaging, and cashless payments through GO Pay. It offers advance bookings, specialized vehicles, and an Airport flat-rate service to Tokyo's Haneda and Narita airports.

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Best 15 Japan Travel Apps to Keep Your Trip Stress-Free

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: December 17, 2022

When visiting Japan, a decent set of Japan travel apps can make planning your trip a breeze.

Here are 15  travel apps for Japan to help get you started.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Japan Essentials

We almost always find the best flights to Tokyo and Osaka on Momondo .  It may be worthwile to compare these with Skyscanner and a new but promising flight aggregator, WayAway .

Don’t lose time upon arrival at the airport and order your Japan travel SIM  or portable WiFi device in advance so that it’s ready and waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.

Having a Japan Rail Pass is often the cheapest way to travel around Japan.

Check out our ultimate Japan travel blog where you can find many more interesting Japan articles to prepare for your trip.

Need help with your Japan trip planning? Check out this post on how to plan your trip to Japan.

Some of these apps require a data connection for them to work. Check here which local SIM card is the best for your trip and avoid high data-roaming costs.

Best Travel Apps for Japan

Japan travel by navitime.

In Japan, Navitime is well-known for its automatic trip planners, compiling possible train routes for any given date and time.

Its app ‘Japan Travel’ is no exception, even taking into consideration any tourist passes you might have.

This an especially handy trick if you’re using the Japan Rail Pass and want to get your money’s worth.

Not only that, this Japan train app provides a build-your-own-itinerary function and detailed Japan tourist maps in English that shows a variety of locations helpful to any traveler.

You don’t even need to type out a search of “stores near me.” Simply tap an icon at the bottom of the screen for Wi-Fi, ATMs, convenience stores, restaurants, etc.

Then, voila! The pins of every nearby spot will pop up on the map.

Altogether, it serves as a true Japan travel guide app, designed to guide you at every point in your journey from the moment you touch down at the airport until you leave.

With the itinerary function, you can save your entire trip plan in one convenient location.

Some functionality is restricted to paid users only, but the essentials – such as the map and train route planner – are 100% free to use.

Download the app here: Android  / iOs

Here is an overview of all our Japan itineraries that we have online:

• Best Japan 7 day itinerary suggestions
• Best 2 weeks Japan itinerary
• Epic 3 week Japan itinerary

Google Maps

Google Maps has come a long way in the past decade.

Nowadays, it’s easily one of the best apps for Japan travel in the world. It not only provides ease of navigation but detailed data for many different locations in Japan.

This ranges from restaurants to businesses to common tourist spots. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that you could use it as a one-stop trip planner.

One of its most notable features is the Street View. Being able to zoom into the streets takes a huge burden off as you navigate to Japan.

No more wondering, “Is this the right place?”

You’ll be able to confirm with your own two eyes what your destination looks like just by checking this map.

That holds true whether it’s an attraction, a station, or the front of a hotel or restaurant.

And if you don’t have internet access for whatever reason, no worries – you can use Google Maps offline in Japan. You just have to prep ahead of time and download the maps you’ll need.

You can’t always guarantee that you’ll always have internet access, after all.

Google Translate

Google Translate is a powerful tool for deciphering languages. As must-have apps for travelers go, it’s at the top regardless of destination, but doubly so for Japan.

Why? While many Japanese people are required to learn English in school, they get very little real-world practice.

High-traffic tourist spots are usually fine, but outside of those, you’ll find yourself in a sea of Japanese only.

Most folks can only speak very basic English, and sometimes nothing more than “Hello” and “How are you?”

That’s where Google’s audio translation software comes in. One little screen tap will let you automatically translate conversations from Japanese to English or vice versa in real time.

It’s not perfect, but the technology for it is constantly improving, making it more accurate every year.

Need to read a Japanese-only sign? Break out the app’s camera function and it’ll translate anything you point it at in mere seconds.

Come across a particular Japanese character that the camera can’t read?

Try copying it out with the handwriting tool. Even if you can’t draw an exact match, the software will make suggestions to help you figure it out.

It’s one of the most invaluable apps for traveling in Japan that you can get.

Norikae Annai

Need a Japan train app with timetables? Look no further than Norikae Annai , a transit planner with train timetables and a route search engine.

It suggests not just train routes, but some common alternatives, such as the shuttle going from Narita Airport to Tokyo Disneyland .

Using it is quick and easy. Input the departing and arriving train stations into the search engine, enter the date and time of travel, and boom! The app will show several different options, some with abbreviations for speedy reference.

These are F to indicate fast travel time, E for easy (i.e., few transfers), and L for low cost.

You can also adjust the search to focus on results that are cheapest, quickest, or have the fewest transfers.

Once you’ve picked out the route that works best for you, you can even send it to yourself via email.

The main downside is that, although undoubtedly useful, the interface is rather plain.

Even so, a plain-Jane Japan trip planner app with good functions beats a flashy but useless one any day of the week.

Japan Rail Metro Map

One problem with many Japan apps is that they require the internet to work.

For that reason, it’s good to have an offline backup to help you out in a pinch. That’s where Japan Rail Metro Map comes in.

This Japan train app provides straightforward train route maps in Japan’s three most popular tourist destinations: Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

You may not think you need an offline route map – after all, there are maps on the trains, right? Well, not exactly. While the train stations themselves always have route maps, they’re typically posted near the ticket machines. Once you get past the ticketing gate and onto the station platforms, it’s just a signboard announcing the next few incoming trains. At best, they might have a plain chart showing which stations a given train stops at.

Taking into consideration that trains and subways are the least likely to have internet service, it’s important to have a backup plan. Japan’s train routes are vast and intertwining. It can be difficult even for locals to keep track of. Having a metro map on hand will allow you to keep track of exactly which station you’re at and where the train you’re on is headed.

Time is precious when traveling. You don’t want to wait until the end of the line to realize you got on the wrong train! Download this train app for Japan to stay on top of the metro system at all times.

Download the app here: Android 

Suica and IC Card Reader

One thing you’ll inevitably have to deal with when using public transportation is figuring out how to pay for it.

You could lug around a heavy sack of coins wherever you go, or get an IC card to make paying quick and easy. But once you have an IC Card, how are you going to keep track of it?

This is where the Suica and IC Card Reader app comes in.

Though it may not be the first to pop into your head when you think of apps for traveling in Japan, it’s still very helpful.

With this, you can track your IC Card’s balance as well as your public transit history. All you have to do is install the app and scan your IC Card.

No stress of wondering how much is left on the card – just open the app and check.

This card reader works for a wide range of public transit cards, including Toica, Pasmo, Suica, Nanaco, and more.

Meanwhile, the cards themselves can be used on many types of public transportation, from buses to the nationwide JR railway.

It even has a function to export your transit data to a CSV sheet.

That’s something that will come in especially handy if you need a detailed record of your travel expenses.

Download the app here: Android / IOS

Xe –Converter & Money Transfer

When visiting a foreign country, one thing you’ll need to do before setting off is learn about the local currency and what its exchange rate is with your home currency.

This is especially true in Japan, a country where people still use cash for everyday transactions. In some cases, cash may even be the only option.

You can prepare ahead of time with Xe Converter, one of the best apps for currency exchange.

Enter your home country’s currency in one box, and Japanese yen in the other, and start your calculations.

It will be able to convert from one currency to another just like that.

For travelers, this app can serve as a great budgeting tool. Quickly check what your favorite dish is on the menu or see if you can afford that fancy souvenir.

You can also figure out how much money you need to convert into yen – it’s always good to have some spare cash on you.

The app is just a starting point, though. It will give an approximation using a mid-market rate and isn’t necessarily the amount you’ll receive in the end.

However, that ballpark idea will be a good measure to know what something costs, or whether you’re getting a good exchange rate if you decide to exchange money.

The app can also be used to send money , but only if you have a bank account in Japan – or a trusted friend or relative has one.

If you want to go that route, be sure to create an account long before your departure date.

That way, you can transfer the money and have it ready to go by the time you arrive in Japan.

The Wise Debit card is another excellent travel companion. You can keep a balance in Japanese Yen, convert your money at low fees when the conversion rate is in your favor and withdraw a certain amount for free every month.

Tokyo Metro Subway Map & Route

Since almost everyone who visits Japan ends up going through Tokyo, you’ll almost certainly need one of the best train apps in Japan for navigating Tokyo’s maze of subway routes.

Although the JR trains are ideal for getting between cities, the metro system serves as the best intracity transportation between popular sightseeing spots, such as the Asakusa Temple and the Tokyo Skytree.

Tokyo Metro Subway Map & Route offers an intricate map of the metropolis’s entire subway system.

It has a slick, intuitive interface that allows you to pick out which stations you want to depart from and arrive at and suggests the best trains and transfers.

You can also flip the map from a plain white background showing only the routes and stations to one where you can see streets and parks overlaid with the subway lines.

This feature in particular is helpful in planning which stations to use to get from one sight to the next.

The free version of the app comes with ads, but you can pay to have them removed when you first boot it up.

You could also get the free no-ad, three-day trial, but only if you think you’ll remember to unsubscribe in between sightseeing.

For more information about using public transportation in Tokyo, click here.

Itineraries:

• Best 5 day Tokyo itinerary
• Best Tokyo itinerary for 4 days 

Where to stay in Tokyo:

• Best places to stay in Tokyo
• 12 cool hotels in Tokyo
• Best vacation rentals in Tokyo for families
• Best Airbnbs in Tokyo

Getting around in Tokyo:

• First-timers guide to Tokyo’s public transport

General information about Tokyo:

• What is Tokyo famous for
• Best sakura spots in Tokyo
• Best places to visit in Tokyo

Learn Japanese Phrases

As mentioned above, most people in Japan don’t speak a lot of English. So, include a good phrasebook app like Learn Japanese Phrases on your list of apps for Japan travel.

Rather than trying to learn a language from scratch, most travelers would rather just learn key phrases to prepare for their time abroad.

That’s where Learn Japanese Phrases comes in.

The home page presents you with a colorful array of situations that you’ll likely find yourself in – transportation, accommodation, eating, and so on.

Select one and it will display dozens of useful words and phrases, complete with audio.

It makes for a great study aid or even just a quick translation tool if others are having a hard time understanding your accent.

All you have to do is tap on the phrase that you want and show it to the other person. For this reason, it’s one of the best language apps for traveling in Japan.

Traveling for the first time to Japan? Here is an overview of more travel tips for Japan.

Universal Studios Japan

If you’re stopping at Universal Studios Japan (referred to as USJ by the locals), the Universal Studios Japan app is one of the best apps in Japan for checking wait times for each attraction.

In addition, the app has a map of USJ and provides useful information regarding rides, shows, restaurants, and shops.

One of the nice things – particularly if you’re traveling with children – is that it will give height requirements and other restrictions right on the app.

It makes it much easier to plan where to go and what to do so that you don’t have to waste time deciding after you’ve arrived.

As USJ’s official app, it even comes with the option to buy tickets and passes, including the express pass.

The page for the annual pass is Japanese-only, but that’s only an issue if you’re planning multiple trips a year.

Looking for Universal studios tickets? Buy your tickets here.

Check prices and availability: Universal Studios Tickets

Tip: If you want to be able to do all the rides in 1 day we highly recommend paying the extra fee for  the Express Passes.   The express passes need to be bought separately from the entry tickets. A limited number of express passes is available for each day so these may be sold out on the day itself.

If you’re planning to head to Super Nintendo World, the app also allows you to scan your band and keep track of your coins and rank.

It’s a definite must if you want a truly immersive experience.

Tokyo Disney Resort App

Much like the Universal Studios Japan app, the Tokyo Disney Resort App is the perfect resource when strolling through Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

With it, you can check wait times for attractions and get information on various rides, shows, restaurants, and shops. As Disney’s official app, it’s one of the best apps in Japan to find such information in one place quickly and easily.

If you make an account, you’ll open up access to a slew of other useful features, including the ability to book a reservation at a restaurant or show, apply for a standby pass, or even buy a vacation package.

You can even get some bonus features if you scan your ticket into the app at the park.

If there are any downsides, it’s mainly that the app needs reliable internet access in order to work properly.

Rather than take your chance with spotty Wi-Fi, make sure to get a Sim Card in Japan upon arrival so that you’ll be secure.

Here you can find more information on Tokyo Disney.

Looking for Tokyo Disney Tickets? Choose between Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

Check prices and availability: Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea Tickets

One thing to take into consideration when traveling to a foreign country is purchasing things when you can’t read the label.

Some things you’ll be able to identify easily with a glance, but packaging can often get in the way.

Especially in the case of food products, appearances can be deceiving, and you’ll need to be able to read a nutrition label if you or anyone you might be buying a gift for has allergies or special nutritional requirements.

This is where Payke comes in: an extremely useful tool that scans barcodes and provides product information in your native language.

This alone makes it one of the best apps for Japan travel, if not any travel in the world, but it doesn’t stop there.

It also connects to a network so that you know what items are popular in your area.

It’s a handy trick if you want to confirm a product’s quality but aren’t willing to do the drudge work of scanning through dozens of reviews.

Granted, the English grammar in the app isn’t perfect, and most if not all of the translations are clearly automated.

However, the usefulness and uniqueness far outweigh any linguistic nitpicking.

Despite the many restaurant apps to choose from, OpenTable is one of the few travel apps for Japan that offers both a decent array of Japanese restaurants and an English language interface.

You can look up places to eat either by your current location or by searching a general area – for example, Minato Ward in Tokyo.

The app will show pictures and names of each restaurant, plus ratings and price ranges.

Tapping on a restaurant will bring you to a page where you can check availability for reservations, check its location on a map, and read reviews (note: many, sometimes all, reviews might be in Japanese).

You can even input your email to book a reservation through the app itself, which is a great way to get ahead of the crowds.

As useful as OpenTable is, though, it’s not all that comprehensive.

If you’re not in a major city, for example, it might not list any restaurants at all. This brings us to the next point on this list of Japan travel apps…

Hot Pepper Gourmet

Hot Pepper Gourmet has got to be one of the best apps in Japan when looking for a place to chow down.

It comes with an extensive catalog of restaurants in every prefecture and a map so you can scan for nearby eateries.

They also have an English website that will allow you to search for restaurants and book a reservation. (Note: reservations can only be made through the app if you’re a resident of Japan.)

Although completely in Japanese, the user-friendly interface is intuitive and easy to understand.

The map also ensures that a comprehensive knowledge of Japanese writing isn’t needed in order to use it.

It is wise, however, to learn at least what the name(s) of the cities you’re visiting look like in their native Japanese, as that will make it easier to plan ahead.

You just have to go to the main directory and find the city name (Tokyo is at the very top, being the most common destination).

Unlike OpenTable, this Japan travel app has a huge number of restaurants in cities and towns all over Japan. You don’t have to worry about missing out if you happen to be on a road less traveled.

Safety Tips

Although not one of the happier aspects of travel, emergency situations do happen sometimes.

And if it happens while you’re on your trip, you want to be prepared.

That is precisely what Safety Tips is designed for, and it’s one of the most essential apps for traveling in Japan on this list.

Once you download the app, select the language and your country of origin. You’ll be asked to choose five different areas to keep a lookout for warning alerts.

You can choose by current location, tourist spot, or city and district. To change the locations (for example, after leaving one city for another), you can do so in Settings.

Not only does it provide warnings for natural disasters, but information on weather, hospitals, and evacuation shelters.

It even has a fairly comprehensive route search function, meaning that it doubles as a Japan train app.

You’d think that would be the end of it, but nope! It contains helpful phrases in Japanese, general medical information, and useful links to news websites and WiFi spots.

It even has contact numbers for emergency services, including the local consulate of your country. (That’s why it requests your country of origin during installation.)

If ever something unexpected should happen while traveling, this is one of the best apps in Japan to have on hand.

Traveling shouldn’t drive you up a wall.

Take advantage of modern technology with these Japan travel apps and make your trip as stress-free as possible.

19 Best Apps For Travel To Japan In 2024

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links and I may get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you !

Are you looking for the best apps for travel to Japan? 

If that is a resounding yes, then you have definitely come to the right site.

I did a solo trip to Japan and I have got to say downloading some of these Japan travel apps made my trip so much easier and less stressful since I do not speak Japanese !

So here are the 19 best apps for Japan travel ranging from navigation, transportation, language, food, and others so you can bid farewell to travel-related anxiety and enjoy yourself thoroughly throughout the trip!

List Of 16 Best Apps For Japan Travel

• Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO)
• Universal Studios Japan
• Google Maps
• Japan Navitime
• Tokyo Subway Navigation
• Norikae Annai
• Suica and IC Card Reader
•  Imiwa
• Rosetta Stone
• Travel Japan Wi-Fi
• Ramen Beast

Related Articles:

• Best 16 Kyoto Food Tours (For Delicious Feasts!)
• Best 17 Ryokan With Private Onsen In Hakone (2024)
• Japan Ski Packing List: What To Pack & Useful Tips
• First Time To Japan: 45 Useful Travel Tips For First Time Traveler
• Best Day Trip To Hakone From Tokyo: The Ultimate Guide
• Top 23 Snacks In Japan To Try (And Where To Get Them)
• The Ultimate Japan 3-Week Itinerary

19 Best Apps For Travel To Japan

Let’s dive right into the 19 best apps for Japan travel :

Japan Guide

1. japan national tourism organisation (jnto).

If you are looking to plan your itinerary in Japan, Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) is the right place to get to. 

Available in English, Chinese, and Korean languages, you can find the main highlights to visit around the country, filled with detailed information such as the history, operating hours, entrance fee, and so on.

Besides, you can also search for routes using the app—such as Japan Rail (JR) , subways, taxis, and ferry services.

JNTO comes with the “ Safety Assistance ” feature too where users will be notified when there are natural disasters or other national-level emergencies. 

These handy features make JNTO among the best apps for travel to Japan.

Personal experience: This Japan travel app is my saviour! I literally refer to this app to get to virtually everywhere in Japan during my trip there.

Since I used 3-Day Subway Tokyo Ticket when I was at Tokyo, I selected that pass during the search and the app showed the eligible routes that I could take to get from Point A to Point B without paying extra fare.

And I did the same when I was at Osaka using Osaka Amazing Pass and JR Pass when I wanted to take JR trains, buses and shinkansen.

If you could only download 1 travel app for Japan, JNTO is the one to get!

Download here: iOS | Android | Website

Price: Free 

Planning To Get A Japan Rail (JR) Pass?

A JR pass offers a time-saving, convenient, wallet-friendly approach to international visitors (like you and I), especially when you are exploring at least 3 Japanese cities or planning a 3-week stay in the country.

2. Universal Studios Japan

Being one of the 6 Universal Studios parks in the world, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) attracts thousands of visitors all year long.

And if you are not a fan of waiting in long queues for amazing rides, you can check the waiting time for each attraction using Universal Studios Japan app.

With this, you can readjust your plan as you go and opt for a shorter queue ride first without wasting time queuing for the longer one.

The app also shows the map of the site and offers useful information like:

• available rides,
• restaurants,
• and more, offering a better travel experience for visitors.

Tip: Make sure to buy the Express Pass separately so you can try all the stunning rides in USJ within 1 day!

Since there is a limited number of Express Passes for each day, it is best to buy the ticket in advance before flying into Japan.

BUY USJ PASS NOW 🎢 | GET USJ EXPRESS PASS TODAY ⚡

Download here: iOS | Android

Price: Free

Best Japan Travel App: Navigation 

3. Google Maps

Google Maps might be the most familiar best Japan travel app among all the apps listed in this article. 

This user-friendly navigation travel app allows you to save the landmarks or places that you want to visit and retrieve them later when needed. 

It also shows the shortest route from one place to another, with accurate train timing, travel duration, and estimated total fare. 

If you are looking for nearby eateries or convenience stores, Google Maps show their operating hours, pictures, and even reviews!

Travel tip: I like visiting local-frequented, family-ran eateries instead of chain restaurants for a more authentic dining experience. And you can find plenty of these eateries when you search the food term in Japanese using Google Maps.

So if I feel like eating curry rice, I use the Google Translate app to translate “curry rice” into Japanese language and I paste the term into Google Maps. And voila now I have more authentic eateries options to choose from!

I did this in every city I visited in Japan and that was how I managed to enjoy a truly good plate of curry rice at a small eatery managed by a lovely old Japanese couple in Takayama .

However, Google Maps requires an internet connection to work and load. 

So to have peace of mind of not getting lost among the tall skyscrapers or ancient temples during your visit to Japan, it is recommended to get yourself a local sim card or portable Wi-Fi router . 

I got this   eSIM for Japan  before I travel to Japan and it was one of the best purchases that I have made for the trip!

It was easy to use and convenient since I did not need to change any sim card just to get the data.

Download here: iOS | Android  

Maps.me is the free, not-too-bad alternative to Google Maps where the app is still workable even when there is no internet connection. 

To use Maps.me, you will have to first download the map of Japan . It will show you the places of interest that you can visit during your trip. 

This app also offers travel guides to the users and you can search ATMs, restaurants, or cafes in the area.

Note: This free travel app is available in 15 languages, including English, German, and Arabic. 

Price: Free & Paid Subscription

Best Apps For Japan: Transportation

5. Hyperdia

If you are asking for a local’s recommendation for the best Japan travel app for transportation, Hyperdia would probably top the list. 

Available in English, Japanese, and Chinese, Hyperdia allows you to check for the accurate timings of train departure and arrival regardless of whether you are using a JR pass or getting the individual train tickets from one station to another. 

Hyperdia’s result page will show the detailed breakdown of your search request, including:

• The train’s name
• The departure and arrival track number
• Ticket fare
• Travel duration 
• Number of train transfers
• Total travel distance

You can also personalise your filters by opting out of Nozomi and Mizuho trains —the two trains that are not covered under JR pass; a handy feature that you will be thankful for after knowing Japan has more than a dozen train operators throughout the country.

Other than providing information about train services, Hyperdia offers car rental services, recommends hotels to book, and even nearby restaurants to visit . 

Hyperdia by Voice app comes with an additional feature where you can speak to the phone for your search queries, like “Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, first train”.

And yes, you can customise the search to include the trains that are covered under JR Pass with this. 

One word—convenient!

However, this app version with voice software is only available to iPhone users (sorry Android users!).

You will also need an internet connection to use Hyperdia, so make sure to get a Japan  eSIM , local sim card or pocket Wi-Fi router to fully utilise the useful features that this Japan transportation app offers.

6. Japan Navitime

Japan Navitime is one of the best apps for travel to Japan for navigating around this culturally rich country.

This useful transportation app offers detailed and comprehensive information about the country’s transportation system, map, train routes , and so much more. 

Some of the searches that you can do using Japan Navitime are: 

• Navigation between two places in Japan
• List of all public transportation modes (trains, taxis, ferries, and planes)
• Free Wi-Fi spots 
• Train delays
• Efficient route for JR pass holders  
• Recent saved routes to view offline

Besides, Japan Navitime also comes with travel guides and itineraries that you can refer to when you are in Japan.

Or you can create your travel plan by using the app itself. 

To offer a better travel experience to the user, this Japan travel app has added  several new guides , such as shopping, nightlife, events, food and drinks and more!

It is worth noting that most Japan Navitime features require an internet connection to work so it is best to get a Japan  eSIM (I used this & loved it!), local sim card with data or a portable Wi-Fi router before your Japan touchdown. 

7. Tokyo Subway Navigation

Update:  Tokyo Subway Navigation is no longer available for download. For Android phone users, you can download this alternative Japan travel app instead:  Tokyo Metro Map .

As the app name suggests, the Tokyo Subway Navigation app shows the intensive subway map in Tokyo without the need to use an internet connection. 

You can search for the shortest route between the two stations or landmarks, ticket fare, and the travel duration. 

If you are not sure of the station name, fret not—you can just key in the landmark and the app will show the nearest exit to get to the place. 

Besides, this travel app also shows the subway stations offering free Wi-Fi connection to passengers.

Tokyo Subway Navigation app is exceptionally helpful particularly to international travellers , where the sight of Tokyo subway networks might be slightly overwhelming to first-time visitors.

Looking for unmissable things to do in Tokyo? Check out my detailed 4 Days Tokyo Itinerary to learn more!

8. Norikae Annai (Previously know as Jorudan)

Norikae Annai is a helpful transportation planning app that allows you to search for the train schedule and fare , including the reserved and non-reserved seats.

Besides, this app for Japan travel shows the travel duration between stations, vehicle numbers, platforms, and the shortest route to the input destination .

Letter symbols  are used to describe the ride, such as F to indicate fast travel, E for less transfer, and L for low price.

The one thing that I like about Norikae Annai is that you can also filter out the routes that are not covered by the JR pass .

Did I mention that Norikae Annai also shows the weather in the departure and destination areas? That is just so cool!

9. Suica and IC Card Reader

If you plan to use cash to buy single-trip tickets every single time you travel from one station to another, you are doing it wrong.

Aside from keeping lots of coins thanks to the change given, wasting time queuing to buy train tickets is not exactly the core memory you want to create while exploring Japan.

Downloading a Suica and IC Card Reader app is one of the best things you can do before flying into the country. 

The app allows users to make contactless payments for various transportation services and purchases. 

Simply tap your smartphone on the card reader and you can pay for

• train and subway fares,
• vending machines,
• and even convenience stores!

It is also not just limited to Suica ; you can manage other IC cards too using the same app such as Pasmo, Toica, and more!

You can even charge the card in your mobile phone electronically , so you can save time and spend it on visiting extra attraction sites while in Japan.

I used the Suica Card in Osaka and Kyoto and I really love how convenient it is to explore around the cities by just tapping in and out of the stations.

It is definitely one of the best apps for Japanese travel to have in your mobile phone!

Travel tip:  Suica Card is widely accepted around the country, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Sapporo, and rural areas.

10. Ecbo Cloak

Have you ever felt like ditching your luggage in a safe place to explore the city one more time before heading to the airport? 

I feel it most of the time—especially when I need to check out of the hotel in the morning and I have a night flight out of the country on the last vacation day.

If you are also feeling that way, then you will have to download Ecbo Cloak into your mobile phone when you are in Japan!

Ecbo Cloak is an app that shows you the nearby luggage storage places . 

You can also use the app to reserve a spot for your luggage and make payment online using a credit card—seamlessly convenient.

For most locations, you will be charged US$3 (300 yen) for small bags (45 cm long and under) and U$6 ( 600 yen) for larger bags. 

All these charges are for per -day use.

You can also rent a storage space in a train station , where the fee typically ranges from 500 yen to 700 yen per hour depending on the luggage size. 

Best Apps For Travel In Japan: Language

If you are looking for an offline multilingual Japanese dictionary that is similar to Google Translate, Imiwa is your best bet. 

You can find the meaning of the words in English, Spanish, Russian, French, German —making it among the best apps for travel in Japan that you should not miss downloading!

Apart from that, Imiwa also offers sample sentences based on the search entry and teaches you the word pronunciation in Japanese.

So if you are looking forward to interacting with the locals using some simple Japanese words , you can definitely learn them using Imiwa. 

However, this language app for Japan travel is only available for iOS users . 

Download here: iOS  

Yomiwa is one of the best apps for travel to Japan that could potentially save your life from frustration and loads of time when you are exploring the country. 

This  offline   Japanese translation travel app  allows you to literally point at the road signs, menu, package labels, and ATMs (you name it) and  translate the wording into English !

It also works if you  upload the picture  directly into the language app for translation. 

You can even pick up the language by using Yomiwa thanks to its  flashcard feature!

13. Rosetta Stone

If speaking to the locals in Japanese has always been a dream of yours, then you should download Rosetta Stone.

Available in multiple languages including Japanese, Rosetta Stone has plenty of immersive curriculum to enhance one’s capability to learn foreign languages easily. 

You can conveniently develop your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through the interactive lessons and real-life scenarios offered by this app.

And the best part is you can use Rosetta Stone on the go as it can be used offline!

Whether you are commuting on the subway or waiting for your meal in a restaurant, you can practise Japanese with the handy app.  

Price: 3 months for US$49.99

14. VoiceTra

Of course, learning a foreign language with three writing systems is not for everyone.

Kanji? Hiragana? Katakana? Nan desu ka? (Meaning “What is it?” in Japanese)

And for some, VoiceTra could be one of the best apps to have when travelling to Japan acting as their free personal speech translator.

This voice translation app can translate your words instantly into Japanese or any other supported language and vice versa.

This feature of VoiceTra makes having conversations with locals, ordering food, or asking for directions to be so so so much easier and more fun!

Sugoi! (Means “awesome” in Japanese!)

Best Travel Apps For Japan: Wi-Fi

15. travel japan wi-fi.

If you do not plan to get a Japan eSIM , local sim card or pocket Wi-Fi route r when visiting Japan, then the Travel Japan Wi-Fi app will be your saviour . 

This Japan travel app offers more than 200 000 hotspots all over the country and allows you to connect automatically.

Travel Japan Wi-Fi also comes with a map feature that lets you search for the nearest hotspot even when you are offline . 

To connect to Travel Japan Wi-Fi, you will just have to look out for blue-lettered Wi2 on your mobile gadgets and voila— free Wi-Fi connection throughout your Japan stay!

Being said that, the one con about this travel app is that you will need to use your social media account to log in for the internet connection.

Best Apps For Travel To Japan: Food

16. GuruNavi

GuruNavi is among the best apps for Japan travel to download to plan your meals easily based on your preference.

This user-friendly  food Japan travel app  allows you to  look for nearby restaurants according to your search preferences , such as:

• cuisine types,
•  meal budget,
•  directions,
•  free Wi-Fi access,
•  the presence of English-speaking servers and more.

You can also filter the city (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc.) for the restaurant recommendations and make your plans before even getting over to that city!

However, GuruNavi does not come with a rating system —so you would not know the restaurants’ reviews at a glance. 

To overcome this, you will have to Google search the restaurant online to check on the reviews instead. 

17. Ramen Beast

One of the famous things that Japan is known for is definitely its ramen.

If you are a ramen enthusiast or simply want to embark on a culinary adventure that revolves around places that offer a truly authentic, non-tourist-trapped bowl of ramen , then the Ramen Beast app could be the single best Japan travel app. 

With detailed reviews, ratings, location photos , and insider tips, Ramen Beast helps you navigate the vast and diverse world of ramen, making it easy to find your perfect bowl.

But if you are overwhelmed with the choices, you can navigate the list by category , such as “Late Night”, “Tsukemen”, “Vegetarian”, and more.

Travel tip: Tokyo alone has more than 700 recommended ramen places to visit in this Japan travel app!

Download here: iOS

18. Happy Cow

Happy Cow is definitely a must-download Japan travel app for vegetarian or vegan international travellers!

Among the best apps for Japanese travel for meatless food , Happy Cow shows the locations of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants located nearby you. 

This app also shows reviews of the eateries , making your food planning easier—especially if you plan for local non-meat food hunting all day long.

Though, it is worth noting that this app requires an internet connection to work or else getting the premium subscription for the food app to work offline. 

If you plan to save on the pocket Wi-Fi router rental and premium app subscription, you can do some research on the vegetarian or vegan restaurants and screenshot their locations before getting disconnected from your hotel’s Internet connection. 

Apps For Japan: Earthquake Notifier

19. yurekuru.

There are quite a few Japanese earthquake apps available but the one best app for Japan travel that you need to get before you are travelling to Japan is Yurekuru . 

Yurekuru is popular among the locals and visitors in Japan as the app alerts the users and provides accurate information regarding upcoming earthquakes , including:

• the location,
• magnitude and
• its epicentre. 

Note: The app is available in the English language. 

FAQs: Best Japan Travel Apps

What app to use to travel around japan.

Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) Universal Studios Japan Google Maps Maps.me Hyperdia Japan Navitime Tokyo Subway Navigation Norikae Annai Suica and IC Card Reader Ecbo Cloak  Imiwa Yomiwa Rosetta Stone VoiceTra Travel Japan Wi-Fi GuruNavi Ramen Beast Happy Cow Yurekuru

What is Japan’s best way to travel?

One of the best ways to travel around Japan is by train . Regardless of you getting to off the beaten path places of Japan by bullet train or up the beautiful mountain in a electric tram, Japanese trains are clean, punctual, and offers a comfortable ride.

Which is better Suica or Pasmo?

Since there is no difference between these two cards in terms of fare usage , you can get either Suica or Pasmo card when you are in Tokyo. Japan offers plenty of rechargeable travel cards (IC card) options that are made compatible with each other.

Japan Navigation App: Round-Up

Google Maps Maps.me

Tokyo Travel App: Round-Up

Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) Google Maps Maps.me Hyperdia Japan Navitime Tokyo Subway Navigation Norikae Annai Suica and IC Card Reader Ecbo Cloak Yomiwa VoiceTra Travel Japan Wi-Fi GuruNavi Ramen Beast Happy Cow Yurekuru

Final Thoughts: Best Apps For Travel To Japan

So here you go—the 19 best apps for travel to Japan that you need to know and consider before embarking on your journey to Japan!

These best apps for Japanese travel can improve your travel experience in Japan by allowing you to immerse into the local culture and navigate the country easily without many struggles. 

Japan was my first solo trip destination, and being a non-Japanese speaker, downloading these Japan travel apps gave me the courage and independence to keep going and have fun throughout my trip! ❤️

Do you have any other best travel apps for Japan that you would like to share with me? I would really love to hear from you!

Remember to share this article with your friends and family members who are looking forward to spending their vacations in Japan stress-free!

Tanoshinde! (Have fun!)

Sam Lee, founder of Sam Lee Travel, is a seasoned traveler with over 10 years of experience exploring various Asian countries. Having lived in Singapore for almost a decade, Sam has developed a deep understanding of the culture, customs, and attractions in the region.

With a passion for outdoor travel adventures and water sports, Sam has helped over 25K readers per month plan their trips around Asia, including off-the-beaten-path destinations, offering helpful travel tips and unfiltered personal travel experience.

13 Best Apps For Traveling In Japan

Best Apps For Traveling In Japan – Navigating in Japan can be a challenge in itself. One can find a wealth of information providing one has hours and hours of time to peruse the internet. Apps come in handy and here we’ve compiled a list of the 13 best apps for traveling in Japan.

Table of Contents

Hyperdia is an app that helps you find the fastest and most efficient travel routes via public transportation. While there are many competitors this Japan based app gives a local and comprehensive traveling guide where foreign apps do not. Hyperdia gives all the transit times and a wide variety of travel routes, but narrows your top search down to the fastest and most efficient.

Download Hyperdia on the App Store (iOs) / Download Hyperdia on Play Store (Android)

Japan Travel App

As its name suggests this app is the all comprehensive travel tool beloved by both locals and travelers alike. The company is called Navitime in Japan and if you were to hop on one of the JR trains, you’d be more than likely to see a commercial touted the apps effectiveness. Navitime has a ubiquitous presence in Japan. You can search offline for Wifi spots, ATMs and train stations and even the 100 yen stores and their distance to you. The app also provides articles about Japan and recommended itineraries. The app can even map out day trips for you along with the travel times and commute costs.

Download Japan Travel App on the App Store (iOs) / Download Japan Travel App on the Play Store (Android)

Japan Official Travel App

Download Japan Official Travel App on the App Store (iOs) / Download Japan Official Travel App on the Play Store (Android)

Google Maps

Perhaps the easiest map app to use is Google Maps. Have you seen a google car yet? Since its initial launch for androids and iPhones in 2008, Google Maps has come to dominant the market far ahead of its contemporaries.

Download Google Maps on the App Store (iOs) / Download Google Maps on the Play Store (Android)

Download Imiwa on the App Store (iOs) / Not available on the Play Store

Line is the Whatsapp for the Japanese. If you don’t have a line account, chances are some people don’t even bother to get your contact information. Texting and calling are always free. There are also several in app purchases such as gifts or stickers you can buy from the store. You can make group chats and post on your feed, like other social media platforms.

Download LINE on the App Store (iOs) / Download LINE on the Play Store (Android)

Google Translate

Google translate supports over 100 languages and is widely used. It can translate websites to speech and handwritten translations. Google translates first to English and then to the second language which can result in some questionable phrases, still it is an exceptionally handy tool. Google translate also doubles as a common dictionary.

Download Google Translate on the App Store (iOs) / Download Google Translate on the Play Store (Android)

Download Yurekuru on the App Store (iOs) / Download Yurekuru on the Play Store (Android)

Uber has yet to hit the scene in Japan, aside from its restaurant deliveries. Japan taxi is the go to app for hailing cabs throughout the city and even in more rural areas. You can request a taxi at your nearest location and the app will alert you when a taxi has been dispatched and the estimated time of arrival. Paying the fare is easy as you can connect your phone to your preferred method of payment.

Download JapanTaxi on the App Store (iOs) / Download JapanTaxi on the Play Store (Android)

Yomiwa is not free and that is because it delivers seamless translation for more advanced text analysis. It can break Japanese sentences into words, describe conjugate forms, display furiganas and even provide translation to English with its new offline translation mode.

Download Yomiwa on the App Store (iOs) / Download Yomiwa on the Play Store (Android)

Learn Japanese Phrases and Words

This app has a cute study guide which is a parrot and it helps you learn useful Japanese words and phrases. It teaches you correct pronunciation and no internet access is required. It has search functions in English and Japanese. You can record your own voice to see if your accent is up to par. This is the perfect app for beginners who want to learn Japanese in a quick and fun way. It starts at a very low level and you can test out of various stages, bringing you to your appropriate level of learning.

Download Learn Japanese Phrases and Words on the App Store (iOs) Download Learn Japanese Phrases and Words on the Play Store (Android)

An important factor of this map application is that is available to use offline so you are free to save precious mobile data. Maps.me offers an incredibly detailed and up to date travel guide. Native not only to Japan Maps.me covers several countries in Europe and the United States.

Download Maps.me on the App Store (iOs) / Download Maps.me on the Play Store (Android)

Japan Connected Free Wifi

You can easily access 170,000 spots in Japan with free wifi. There is a one time only registration process and you can connect with a single tap to free wifi at major train stations and airports, convenience stores and department stores, tourist spots and more locations. You can use the offline feature to search for wifi spots. Currently, it is available in 16 languages including English, Chinese and Spanish. However, you are responsible for fees incurred. The good news is that coverage areas are expanding.

Download Japan Connected Free Wifi on the App Store (iOs) Download Japan Connected Free Wifi on the Play Store (Android)

So there is our list of the best apps for learning Japanese and for traveling. Do you agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading and happy trails. Your Japan is also on Facebook , Instagram , and Pinterest . Follow us and don’t miss our next posts. You can join our Group , it’s a growing community on Facebook.

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Related Posts

10 Best Apps for Travel in Japan

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: June 12, 2024

Japan is exciting and unique but it can be hard to travel for first-timers. We share the best apps for travel in Japan, so you can have a stress-free trip.

Japan is one of our favorite countries in the world. The food is amazing, the culture is unique and the cities are diverse. Tokyo is a bustling city with some amazing things to see and do, including the stunning Tokyo Disney Resort – plan at least 5 days in Tokyo . Kyoto offers temples and beautiful nature whilst Osaka is the place to be for gaming and quirky foods. You can also check out Universal Studios in Osaka before exploring the most romantic places in Japan .

Best Apps for Travel in Japan

Japan Official Travel App

This app for travel in Japan is developed and managed by the official tourism board of Japan. If you’re looking for a one-stop app, this is the one. The software features a guide to exploring the city on your own. On the “Discover” tab, businesses promoting Japanese culture, such as sake brewing, historical sites, and even featuring local people, are all available.

Another section is called “Route Search”, which is a great way to figure out how to get from one place to another, whether by train, bus, air, taxi, ferry, or bullet train. The app also displays specific options if you hold a particular transportation pass.

You can discover various businesses on the tab “Point of Interest”. From attractions, tax-free stores, restaurants, and hotels, to free wifi spots and tourist information desks.

Finally, the app also features tickets and passes in a promo or at discounted prices. You can find a link on each promo to purchase the pass. There is also a list of helpful hotlines for visitors, including fire stations, ambulances, police, and embassies.

Google Translate

Google Translate is a handy app to install when visiting Japan. The app allows users to write the word or sentences in their preferred language and then automatically translate it to the language of their choice.

The app also has a microphone function that lets you speak directly on the phone, and it will transcribe words. The app will then proceed to translate the transcribed words. You can also ask the other person to speak on your phone to translate their answers. Remember to download the languages you need in advance so you can translate offline. 

All translated sentences will be displayed on the screen and can be played as audio. The microphone or record and speaker features are great for persons with disabilities. All these features are for free. You can subscribe to the “Pro” version, which is ad-free, phrase book access, and camera translation, just to name a few.

To translate:

• On the left language bar, choose the input language. 
• On the right language bar, choose the output language.
• Write the words or phrases you wish to translate inside the white box. You can also press the “microphone” button if you want to record instead of typing.
• Once all the texts are encoded, click “translate”.
• Below the white, a blue box will appear, showing the translated version. You can copy, share, and play the translated words on the speaker. 

Japan Travel/Navitime

Navitime is an app for travel planning. It’s available to many countries (not in the EU due to privacy policies). The app features five options – explore, map, route, trip, and miscellaneous services such as booking hotels and tours, settings, and emergency hotlines.

After installing the app, choose Asia, then Japan. Now, select the number of times you have visited Japan in the past, and finally, your main reason for visiting Japan this time.

To use the “trip” tab, you must create an account. This tab will help you make and plan your travels in an organized manner. The explore section is excellent for getting tips about traveling to Japan. It will show you articles on using JR Rail Pass, upcoming public festivals, and even activities you can book.

You need to upgrade to “Premium Plan” if you wish to see other functions such as multiple collections/travel plans, alternative routes, voice navigation, and rainfall radar. 

Maps.me is a famous offline navigating app either by foot or car. Although the public transportation option is available, it’s not the most reliable. But the app still helps with knowing where you are and where you’re going, especially if you just arrived in a new location trying to figure out how far your hotel is or the distance between the airport and the city center.

It’s important to remember that you must download the maps in advance for the navigation to work. The software also features a “wallet” section where you can fund your account and transfer worldwide, although it’s not as polished as other e-wallet apps.

To download the map:

• Click the “Search icon”. 
• Type the city or country. Let’s say “Japan”. 
• Now, you have five options – “Download”, “route to”, “route from”, “add to favorites”, and “share”.
• Once the map has been downloaded, test to make sure that the navigation works by filling out the location tabs.

Voice Tra is a fantastic translation app that was first built to translate between Japanese and English. It’s now has expanded to 20+ languages. The app can only be used for microphone or record setting and not for typing compared to Google Translate.

Because of this specific feature, this app is perfect if you speak to a Japanese local and want the conversation to be more precise, smooth, and quick.

How to use:

• Choose your language preference or native tongue.
• Read the terms and conditions before you agree.
• A tutorial will show you how to use the app. 
• On the left side is the language of the other person or the language you wish your words to be translated to.
• On the right side is your own language.
• Click the microphone button and say the phrase you need to be translated. 
• Remember to keep the words short, 1-2 sentences is the best, and avoid longer phrases to ensure the translation is accurate. 
• The app will automatically play the translated words into Japanese on the speaker.
• If the other person/Japanese speaker wishes to talk, click the left toggle or the “Japanese” word, then the mic.
• Now, your friend can speak Japanese, which will translate automatically into English.

Japan Transit Planner

This transit planner for any area in Japan assists in navigating the country in a much more organized way. The main screen has four primary tabs: route, timetable, spots, and my page.

You can use the free version or upgrade to the premium mode to access more features. But, honestly, if you just need the transit feature, you don’t need to upgrade. You can use other free apps for different functions instead. The paid version is called “Norikae Annai”, but you can only install it once you are in Japan.

It’s a pretty straightforward app to use. For example, on the “Timetable” tab, you only need to place the station name and voila! You have the information you need. The “spot” section is a great way to check which places you want to go to. Simply click it, and the app will help you find the route to reach that place.

How to use the “route tab”:

• Input the departure and arrival station.
• Add the time you plan to leave.
• Need to switch places? Simply click the arrow button.

Some trains and metro in Japan don’t work 24/7. In this situation, it will help to have a backup plan. Japan Taxi lets you get a ride in a matter of minutes even though you can’t speak the local language.

You should set up the app in advance. Make an account and include a password. You can set up a payment in different ways, such as bank cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Docomo “d” payment. The app is available in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. 

To order a taxi:

• Set up the pick-up location.
• Add the drop-off location.
• Click “order now”.
• Track how long it will take for the driver to pick you up.

If you want to take your Japanese vocabulary to the next level, try this Japan-developed app called Hey Japan . Knowing the basics will definitely make your trip more enjoyable and easier. Locals are always happy to see foreign visitors putting extra effort into communicating in a local language.

After you install the app, you will select which language you prefer the app to run. You can then set a time for the software to remind you to do your tasks of the day. You don’t need an account, but you must input your Japanese level and how many minutes a day you want to work.

The app will give you daily tasks, including writing, listening, and speaking. Compared to Duolingo, this app gives you a quick yet helpful explanation of how the Japanese language works to help you with your progress.

UberEats is a globally-used app. If you already have this installed, the app will adjust once you arrive in Japan. Just make sure that the app has permission for “Location” to work properly while in Japan. Set up the payment method in advance. It accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. You can also pay with Apple Pay and Google Pay. 

How to order food:

• You can type the cuisine or restaurant name in the browse section.
• Choose the food you want and modify it or add special requests.
• Double-check if your address is correct, it’s best to write your hotel’s name. If that’s not possible, look up the hotel’s address and use that, then add a hotel name on the “note to the driver”.
• Pay your order and track the delivery progress.

In most places in the world, there are go-to apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Telegram, and Signal for communication. For Japan, it’s the app Line . This communication software works the same as the other apps. All you need is a phone number to make an account which could be set up once you’re in Japan or before you arrive. This is the best way to communicate with your accommodation, tour agencies, and friends that you will make in Japan. 

Best things to do in Tokyo

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Ultimate List of 23 Best Apps for Travel to Japan

Disclosure: This best apps for Japan article may contain affiliate links. If you click it and buy something you like, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. With it, you will help me buy treats for my dog and parrot, build the time machine, and travel back in time to see dinosaurs and interview stone crafters on Easter island. Thank you! Read more in  Disclaimer .

Attention a fellow traveler to Japan! Are you planning, the land of the rising sun? 

Superb! Then this ultimate list of the best apps for travel to Japan is just what you need. I used those Japan travel apps on my first time travel to Japan. They were an immense help on my 17-day Japan itinerary during cherry blossom season. Because, let’s face it, traveling in Japan is something different.

🐶 If you have been wondering “If Anja were a dog, what breed would she be?”, you will find the answer hidden in the blog.

You are faced with a new culture, a new (unfamiliar) language and writing system, and different food and customs. Selection of apps for Japan travel will not only make your trip stress-free but will also help you to overcome all those unfamiliar ‘differences’. Because let’s be real, getting lost in translation is only fun for so long. But with japan travel essential apps , your journey through Japan will be unforgettable.

Best apps for japan travel will help you conquer the language barrier , make you navigate the Japanese public transport system like a pro, and help you find a place to eat . Japan apps will help you choose the best ramen, find the best sushi, select the best tour and alarm you about possible disasters. Like earthquakes and what to do during an earthquake . They offer a plethora of information. Now, get your phone ready to download 23 best apps for Japan .

for general JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS: • GET OVER JET LAG WITH THESE 19 EASY-TO-FOLLOW TIPS • ULTIMATE TRAVELER SAFETY GUIDE: WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE for JAPAN TIPS: • Ultimate List of 23 Best Apps for Travel to Japan • JAPAN COST OF TRAVEL AND DETAILED BUDGET BREAKDOWN • HOW TO SPEND SEVENTEEN DAYS IN JAPAN: FIRST TIME ITINERARY • 73+ Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Tourists Visiting Japan & Free cheat sheet for best TOURS IN JAPAN: • TOP 5 RAMEN TOURS IN TOKYO TO UNLOCK YOUR TASTEBUDS • 10 STUNNING JAPAN CHERRY BLOSSOM TOURS THAT YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY LOVE for INSTAGRAM CAPTIONS about JAPAN: • 55 BEST KYOTO CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – GOLDEN AND KAWAII • 55 BEST TOKYO CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – KAWAII AND CUTE • 73 Best Ramen Captions for Instagram – Delicious Like Broth • 87 Simplistic Cherry Blossom Captions for Sakura – Sweet and Dreamy • 135 Best Japan Captions for Instagram – Puns, Quotes, Riddles & Jokes

and READ: • 55 BEST TOKYO CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – KAWAII AND CUTE • 55 BEST KYOTO CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – GOLDEN AND KAWAII • 73 BEST RAMEN CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – DELICIOUS LIKE BROTH • 87 SIMPLISTIC CHERRY BLOSSOM CAPTIONS FOR SAKURA – SWEET AND DREAMY • 135 BEST JAPAN CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – PUNS, QUOTES, RIDDLES & JOKES

Table of Contents

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Ultimate list of best apps for travel to Japan

• GENERAL: Japan Official Travel App GENERAL: Japan Travel by NAVITIME
• TOURS and TRAVEL GUIDES: Japan Travel Guide Offline TOURS and TRAVEL GUIDES: GetYourGuide
• NAVIGATION: Google Maps NAVIGATION: Maps.Me
• TRANSPORTATION: Rome2rio TRANSPORTATION: HyperDia TRANSPORTATION: Norikae Annai – Japan Transit Planner TRANSPORTATION: Tokyo Metro Subway Map & Route TRANSPORTATION: Arukumachi KYOTO Route Planner
• LANGUAGE: Google Translate LANGUAGE: Omotenashi Guide LANGUAGE: VoiceTra
• INTERNET CONNECTION: Travel Japan Wi-Fi
• LUGGAGE: Ecbo Clak
• FOOD: GuruNavi FOOD: Tabelog FOOD: Ramen Beast FOOD: Happy Cow
• NATURE: Weather Japan NATURE: Yurekuru App NATURE: Sakura no Kimochi

1. General apps for Japan travel

1.1. japan official travel app.

An official smartphone app ‘ Japan Official Travel App ’ is at the top of the list of apps to use in Japan. This app was created by JNTO, which stands for Japan National Tourism Organisation. It is a must-download app if you are traveling to Japan for the first time . It helps you plan and navigate your trip to Japan safely and comfortably.

The app includes travel guide articles , tourist spot info , maps, and route search . Route search is compatible will all public transportation lines, including Japan Rail Pass . Inside this travel app you can find helpful links and tourist tips, and search for free Wi-Fi hotspots , tourist info centers, and hospitals. It can help you with navigation to the attractions and offers access to buying tickets. Amazing thing is that you can even use it offline . 

Languages: English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Korean Download: iOS | Android | Website  Price: Free

THINKING ABOUT GETTING JAPAN RAIL PASS?

The best way to travel around Japan is by using Japan rail service. There is 7, 14, and 21 day Japan Rail Pass . JR Pass is super convenient, time-saving, and usually a cheaper option than buying individual train tickets. NOTE: JR Pass is only available to tourists so it is essential that you buy or order your Japan Rail pass BEFORE coming to Japan .

1.2. Japan Travel by NAVITIME

Japan Travel by NAVITIME is another must-have japan travel app. It will help you explore Japan with travel guides and articles like a local. In this pocket guidebook app , you will get comprehensive information about transport, money, food, art and culture, nightlife, and shopping, which are all available for different areas around Japan . Its route search feature will help you plan your trip from point A to point B , using different types of public transport. Amazing thing is that it gives you info like platform number, station and time.

Plus it shows you train stations so you actually know if you are going in the right direction. It has the option to show trains covered by the Japan Rail Pass . The Navitime app also helps you find free WiFi sports , ATMs, currency exchange offices all offline. In places nearby you can also book hotels, activities and rental cars. You can add points of interest on your itinerary, view your travel plan on a map or select from proposed itineraries. Languages: English, Korean, Chinese (13 altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free + In-App Purchases

ALSO READ: • HOW TO SPEND SEVENTEEN DAYS IN JAPAN: FIRST TIME ITINERARY

2. Tours and travel guide apps for traveling in Japan

2.1. japan travel guide offline.

As the name suggests, Japan Travel Guide Offline works without an internet connection. With this Japan app, you can access information about Tokyo, Kyoto, Sapporo and other locations around Japan. You can browse through guides , phrase lists , and search for restaurants and hotels. You can look at metro maps , and create custom lists of interests. You can add places to favorites and learn about local costs. All of this is available offline .

App will suggest articles related to your current location and works great with Maps.me app . There is a free version of the app , but if you wish more info you can upgrade to the full version with more amazing features. Languages: English, French, German, Italian (7 altogether) Download: iOS | Android Price: Free + In-App Purchases

ALSO READ: • 135 BEST JAPAN CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – PUNS, QUOTES, RIDDLES & JOKES

2.2. GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is a must-have travel app! Not only when traveling in Japan but everywhere else in the world as well. It offers more than 60,000 tours, tickets, and activities , where anyone can find something for themselves. This ultimate in-destination travel app is perfect for any type of traveler. For a solo female travelers, couples, and families. They offer private tours , airport transfers , group activities , seasonal tours like cherry blossom , day trips , tours for foodies and more .

Inside the app you can add activities to your wish list , receive instant confirmations and read reviews from previous guests. App offers offline availability of upcoming bookings, vouchers, and contact details. You can access all the tours via their website as well! Language: English, Danish, French, German, Italian (14 altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

ALSO READ: • 10 STUNNING JAPAN CHERRY BLOSSOM TOURS THAT YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY LOVE

3. Best Japan travel apps for navigation

3.1. google maps.

Google Maps is the #1 Navigation map on Apple iOS and has more than 10 billion downloads. This is one of the essential travel apps most of you already have installed on your mobile phone and are already using even in your home country. I love it! What I especially love and do before every travel is to download Google Maps to work offline. Do that for the map of Japan. If you don’t you will have to use wifi for the app to work properly. Besides the ‘usual’ stuff like calculating distances , bus stops, train stops and route suggestions , this supreme navigation app has other tricks up its sleeve.

You can use it to find groceries, restaurants, hotels, parks, gas stations, and attractions . You can save your top spots in your favorites or store them for your next travel plans. It also allows you to share your itinerary and points of interest with others. It is easy to use , fast, accurate, user-friendly travel app with real-time updates that every traveler should have on their phone. Language: English, Danish, French, German, Italian (37+ altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

ORDER POCKET WIFI BEFORE COMING TO JAPAN

Pocket wifi is the best, cheapest, and most convenient option to stay connected everywhere in Japan. There are free Wi-Fi zones but, trust me, you might need to search for something online when least expected. I can confirm it is great! NOTE: Pocket Wifi needs to be ordered BEFORE coming to Japan . It will be delivered to your hotel or can pick it up at the airport! When leaving you will simply mail it back.

3.2. Maps.Me

Maps.me is another navigational travel app that holds first spot amongst offline maps apps . It is not a substitute or a replacement for Google maps. I use it more like an add-on to Google maps. They live in harmony and complement each other, like peanut butter and jelly. An amazing feature of Maps.me is that it works offline . But before that, you will have to download the map of the area you are traveling to. In this case Japan. I love using Maps.Me in Seychelles, especially when going on hikes in Praslin or La Digue.

Besides using map features and distances, this travel app also has travel guides and shows restaurants and cafes in the area . Before leaving on a trip, make sure to import Google maps pins into your Maps.me. Language: English, French, German, Italian (29+ altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free + In-App Purchases

ALSO READ: • JAPAN COST OF TRAVEL AND DETAILED BUDGET BREAKDOWN

4. Transportation apps to use in Japan

4.1. rome2rio.

Just like I use Google Maps everywhere I go, I use Rome2rio app everywhere I travel for transportation . Based on the destination I then combine this app with destination-specific apps. You will find a whole list of those apps for Japan below. Rome2rio app is an amazing travel planning app that will show you route options , time to get there, a form of transport used for that route, and an estimated price . Great when traveling in Mexico, Exploring Sydney, traveling in Japan, finding a ride in Bali, or when on Eurotrip.

This app covers more than 160 countries and covers busses, trains, rental cars, ferries, and flights. You can choose any starting point and the Rome2rio will do the rest. Language: English, French, German, Italian (6 altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

ALSO READ: • 13 EASY WAYS TO MAKE YOU MORE SUSTAINABLE TRAVELER

4.2. Hyperdia

HyperDia is a website or an app available in three languages. It is an essential app to use in Japan for planning your rail trip around Japan. It is extremely useful for JR Pass users . This was my most used app while in Japan. (Not counting Google translate.) Hyperdia is Alfa and Omega of Japan rail travel . It is perfect if you are traveling in Japan using Japan Rail Pass or if you have to buy train tickets that are not covered under JR Pass. You select your departure and arrival point, and HyperDia will give you a list of train information , prices, and average journey times. Hyperdia is great while in Japan and before getting there, to calculate the cost of single train journeys compared to the JR Pass.

Do note that Japan Rail Pass is NOT valid on Nozomi trains, offered in HyperDia but (for now) you can select only JR Pass trains . Which is extremely convenient and tourist-friendly! Their iOS app has a voice search feature and offers in-app purchases . They don’t have an app for Android users. But don’t be upset! To be honest, Hyperida works best on a desktop or on your phone browser.  Or you can use an alternative, already mentioned NAVITIME. Language: English, Japanese, Chinese Download: iOS | Website Price: Free + In-App Purchases

ALSO READ: • 55 BEST KYOTO CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – GOLDEN AND KAWAII

4.3. Norikae Annai – Japan Transit Planner

Norikae Annai is the most downloaded transit planner app in Japan. It is known also by the name Jorudan from the developer. It does what the name suggests – it helps you to plan your travel when using public transport system in Japan.  Transit planner works similarly to Hyperdia. Type in your departure and arrival train station in a browser or inside an app. You will then get route options , with departure times , journey duration , price , and type of transport (train, plane, ferry, bus).

You can further sort results by time, fare, and changes . Great thing about the app is that it shows you the weather forecast on both stations and a train stop list for your convenience. Japanese people think and are prepared for everything.  Language: English, French, German (13 altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free + In-App Purchases

🐶 “If Anja were a dog, what breed would she be?” I would either be Golden Retriever or St. Bernard.

4.4. Tokyo Metro Subway Map & Route

When visiting the capital of Japan, Tokyo Metro Subway Map & Route is the one for you. Tokyo has more than 37 million people, so you can only imagine how complex and intense its metro system is. Pair that with crowds and unfamiliar language and you get yourself into a challenge. A really helpful thing about the Tokyo Subway app is that it works offline . That is right, you don’t need to have Wi-Fi to use it but it still works better with it! On the flip side, it doesn’t show the options that would include only the JR Pass lines.

This is an easy-to-use and simple app that helps you with Tokyo subway navigation and shows you the best routes between point A and point B. Time you need to get there, closest exit , landmarks nearby … Useful things to know when you find yourself wandering around in the largest city in the world. Language: English, French, German (11 altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free + In-App Purchases

ALSO READ: • GET OVER JET LAG WITH THESE 19 EASY-TO-FOLLOW TIPS

4.5. Arukumachi KYOTO Route Planner

Arukumachi KYOTO is a transportation app to use in Japan when visiting the cultural capital Kyoto. It helps to with planning routes when visiting various sites in Kyoto . From Kinkakuji, Fushimi Inari, Bamboo grove and others. It is a basic route planning app that combines Kyoto city rail and bus routes . It shows travel times and fares. You select your point of departure and destination and the app will do the rest. When using an app with location service it will show you the nearest station.

Based on the search term, the app will also show you the walking routes and detailed station maps . So you won’t get lost (like I did plenty of times) because I just could comprehend that train stations are on different floors, underground! I felt like being trapped in an ant nest. Language: English, Japanese, Korean (5 altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

ALSO READ: • ULTIMATE TRAVELER SAFETY GUIDE: WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

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5. Language apps for travel to Japan

5.1. google translate.

Google Translate is another travel app that can be used everywhere . I personally use it on all my travels. When in Tanzania to learn what Swahili words mean when in Mexico to help with my not-the-best Spanish, when in Italy, in Japan and other places. I’m sure you are familiar with this language app already. The most obvious feature is it will help you translate the Japanese language into your own one. But the absolute best feature is that it can translate the text using ‘camera translation’ .

All you have to do is to open the app, point your camera toward the Japanese written sign and Google translate will do the rest. Perfect for menus ! It also translates text from the photos on your camera roll. And it also works offline , when you download the language pair on your phone. Language: 133 languages Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

ALSO READ: • 73+ Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Tourists Visiting Japan & Free cheat sheet

5.2. Omotenashi Guide

Omotenashi Guide is not a language app per se but it will help you with the problems of the language barrier. It is a voice translation ap p, designed to help you understand Japanese announcements . The ones on train stations, shopping malls, airports, theme parks, busses The use of this Japan travel app is simple. Open an app when you hear the announcement. Omotenashi will then translate it into the text of your desired language. It transforms voice messages in Japanese into a foreign language text .

And the best part is that it works without an internet connection . But in order for the app to work, you should give it permission to use the microphone and location service. Language: English, French, German (13 altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

ALSO READ: • 73 BEST RAMEN CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – DELICIOUS LIKE BROTH

5.3. VoiceTra

VoiceTra is a language translation app that translates speech into another language. It is a perfect app for all travelers, supports 31 languages, and can be used for free . Although, to make VoiceTra work you will need an Internet connection. The app translates in both ways . From English to Japanese and vice versa. It also offers text input. VoiceTra is great for simple, everyday conversations that you may encounter. Perfect to conquer language barrier. It allows instant switching between two languages.

Use it when buying admission tickets , asking for a direction , when on a train or bus, while shopping, or when checking in at a hotel . Language: English, French, Spanish (32 altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

ALSO READ: • BEST WAYS OF TRACKING TRAVEL EXPENSES DURING A TRIP

6. Best app for Japan travel internet connection

6.1. travel japan wi-fi.

Travel Japan Wi-Fi is the ultimate app for finding free wifi in Japan . It is a great app if you are not planning to buy your pocket wifi (I highly recommend ordering one) or a local Japan sim card. This app will make your travel to Japan more fun and much easier. Travel Japan Wifi offers a map of more than 200.000 hotspots around Japan and connects automatically to one of them. From Tokyo, Narita, Osaka and other places in Japan.

You can combine this app and use free wifi hotspots even when you have a local sim card or pocket Wifi to save a bit on your data consumption. Search for Wi2 in blue letters and yellow circles at the back (like a target). This is a Wire&Wireless sign for a free WiFi in Japan. Language: English, Japanese, Korean (6 altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

ALSO READ: • TOP 5 RAMEN TOURS IN TOKYO TO UNLOCK YOUR TASTEBUDS IN 2023

7. Luggage app in Japan

7.1. ecbo cloak.

Ecbo Cloak is a perfect app when exploring Japan. It is superb when moving between cities with all your luggage but still want to do some sightseeing in between. I used this a lot during my 17 days Japan itinerary – in Miyajima, Hiroshima, Nagano, Matsumoto, Shirakawa-go and others. This app will tell you of the places nearby, where you can store your luggage .  Storing luggage makes you travel stress-free, and sightseeing lighter. You can store your bags for a couple of hours, a whole day, or multiple days .

To avoid any surprises, you can even make reservations so you know that an empty storage room will be waiting for you. They are available at train stations , cafes , post offices and even hair salons. You can expect to pay from 400 yen/bag/day and up. Language: English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

8. Food apps for traveling Japan

8.1. gurunavi.

If you love to indulge in a delicious food you might have already heard about GuruNavi. It is a popular food app when traveling in Japan, even by locals. It works like a search engine for an area in Japan, based on the cuisine type you feel like eating. With this gourmet navigator you can choose between sushi, okonomiyaki, izakaya, dining bars, curry, noodles, modern or traditional japanese cuisine and others. You can even choose western cuisine, Italian, Chinese, French organic, Halal or Karaoke.

When you find a restaurant you like, it will give you all the info about their opening hours , menu , prices , if they have Wi-Fi, if the servers there speak English and the nearest train station . You can also filter it by the city. It comes with a map and restaurant locations which makes it easier for you to find it. Note that the app has a glitch sometimes and it is hard to switch the language back to English. In those cases, just use a website to find your favorite restaurant.  Language: English, Japanese Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

ALSO READ: • 87 SIMPLISTIC CHERRY BLOSSOM CAPTIONS FOR SAKURA – SWEET AND DREAMY

8.2. Tabelog

Tabelog is a comprehensive restaurant search guide in Japan. What GuruNavi is for food, Tabelog is for restaurants. It is like TripAdvisor and Google reviews all in one. This is really popular app/website in Japan between locals. You can search for restaurants via cities or by type . When choosing one by cities, the app will show you top 3 restaurants for various categories. When you select a restaurant, it will show you daytime and night time prices , when they have tables available and show it on the map.

Restaurant reviews are really precise and have a fierce rating system. If you find a restaurant with 3 consider it good! Anything above 4 or higher is excellent and beyond. App is only available for iOS but not for Android users. You can still use the website version , which I found it is easier to use.  Language: English, Japanese Download: iOS | Website Price: Free

8.3. Ramen beast

Ramen beast is the app for the delicious world of ramen in Tokyo , Japan. This is a foodie’s guide to the best ramen shops you can find in Japan. It includes only the best ramen shops , which will tell you the best miso, spicy, and the ones that are open late.  It is a really easy and simple-to-use app, that will point you to the best ramen shop based on your preferences. You can choose between 700 ramen shops in Tokyo, get recommendations of the best ramen bowl in specific shops , and also learn about the history of the chef .

Ramen beast is an amazing app but unfortunately, it is only available for iOS users. If you have Android use the Website version to find a delicious ramen shop.  Language: English Download: iOS | Website Price: Free

ALSO READ: • BEST WAYS TO USE PINTEREST FOR TRAVEL PLANNING

8.4. Happy Cow

If you are a vegan or vegetarian Happy Cow app is for you. It is one of the best apps to find vegan and vegetarian food restaurants around the world. Happy cow has a base of 180.000 restaurants and cafes in over 180+ countries . And also in Japan. You can search for meatless and animal-free food plates via filters and choose the best one for you with the help of reviews or more than a million uploaded photos . App will show you the location of the cafes on a map, the price, and the opening time.

Do note that the app will need an internet connection to work properly, so think about ordering a pocket wi-fi or a local sim card. Or screenshot you favorite restaurant while using free travel Japan Wi2. Language: English, German, Italian (12 altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Paid

9. Nature apps for travel in Japan

9.1. weather japan.

Weather Japan is a weather forecast app for tourists in Japan. The information inside the app is provided by Japan Weather Association so it will be more accurate than the general weather app. All dates and times inside the app are set in Japan standard time .

Inside the app you can look for weather forecast up to 48h in the future. You can weather search for a place by its name or on a map . App will show you weather conditions and temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Weather Japan app also displays sunrise/sunset times . You will need an internet connection for this app to work. Language: English, German, Italian (11 altogether) Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

ALSO READ: • 185 BEST SPRING CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – FUNNY, FRESH AND COLORFUL

9.2. Yurekuru App

Geographically, Japan is located on the west side of the Ring of Fire . An area where the majority of earthquakes happen in the World. That is why it is recommended to know what to do during an earthquake and to have Yurekuru App downloaded on your mobile phone. Yurekuru is the best and most popular earthquake alert app in Japan. It provides the most accurate information about the possibilities of when and where the earthquake will occur. They include location, magnitude, and epicenter.

Do note that Japan is one of the most prepared and organized countries. This app can make you feel safer and more prepared. If an earthquake does occur, follow the lead of the locals, and Stop, Drop, Cover, and Hold on. Language: English, Japanese Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free + In-App Purchases

ALSO READ: • 185 BEST FALL AND AUTUMN CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM

9.3. Sakura no Kimochi

Sakura no Kimochi is a great app, especially useful at the time of the cherry blossom season . It shows you the status of the cherry blossoms, expected flowering, and full bloom dates for more than 1000 famous viewing spots in Japan! This is a free app and will let you know the forecasted dates for cherry blossoms all around Japan. It will show you the map of Japan with expected cherry blossom dates , when the cherry will begin to bloom, and the time of full bloom.

The app only comes in Japanese language, which is not ideal. Make sure you have a translating extension turned on or use the website version of the app. Language: Japanese Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

ALSO READ: • 185 BEST WINTER AND SNOW CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM

Best apps for travel to Japan, in a nutshell

As you can see, there are a variety of apps available to help you have an amazing trip to Japan. Here is only a selection of the best apps to travel to Japan with . Whether you’re looking for easy navigation tools , language apps , the best routes on public transportation, or access to wifi , there’s an app to help you with it. To further add to your selection, there are apps that tell you where you can store your luggage and food travel apps .

The ones that will recommend the best food options in a selected area, the best restaurants, and also food apps for vegans and vegetarians. Plus there are apps that will tell you about the weather , where to search for the most beautiful cherry blossom, or if there is an earthquake alert.

Select the ones that suit your needs best! With these apps in your pocket, you can feel confident in your ability to make the most out of your trip to Japan. Don’t forget to share this list of travel apps with your friends traveling to Japan! Shine on, Anja

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Skipped to the good part? Here is the gist

Here you will find a list of the best apps to travel to Japan with. Japan is a country full of unique and wonderful experiences, making it a destination you’ll never forget. With the right travel apps in hand, your traveling to Japan will be easier than ever. From navigation apps to translation apps, finding the right train station to the best sushi spots, with these Japan travel essential apps, you’ll have your sights, transportation, and itinerary covered, no matter what your travel style is. So, pack your passport and your phone, and get ready to explore this captivating country. Bon voyage!

What are the best apps for Japan travel?

Google Maps | Navitime | GuruNavi | Ecbo Cloak | VoiceTra There are many useful apps that can help you navigate and make the most of your trip to Japan. Google Maps is great for navigating. Navitime offers information about the public transport system in Japan. GuruNavi will help you choose the best food. EcboCloak provides information about the closest lockers for your luggage. VioceTra will help you translate Japanese.

What map app is the best to use in Japan?

Google Maps. Google Maps is the number one navigational and map app in the World. It is also widely used and trusted in Japan. It has accurate and up-to-date information on public transportation schedules, train and bus routes, and walking directions. It also offers real-time traffic updates, making it a useful tool for navigating the busy streets of Tokyo and other major cities.

What is the best food app to use when traveling Japan?

Gurunavi. Gurunavi is one of the most popular food apps in Japan. It offers a comprehensive database of restaurants across all of Japan. Gurunavi allows you to search for restaurants by cuisine, location, and price range, and it also offers reviews and ratings from other users.

What public transport app do they use in Japan?

Norikae Annai – Japan Transit Planner Norikae Annai is the most downloaded transit planner app in Japan. It is known also by the name Jorudan from the developer. It does what the name suggests – it helps you to plan your travel when using public transport system in Japan.

What luggage app do they use in Japan?

Ecbo Cloak Ecbo Cloak is a luggage storage app that allows you to find and reserve storage lockers at train stations, airports, and other locations across Japan. The app also offers luggage delivery services, allowing you to have your bags transported to your hotel or other destination.

✈ Travel like a PRO

Are you ready to travel like a PRO? Save time and money with these travel tips and resources . I personally use these companies to save time and money. They do the work by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews from actual guests, for anywhere I am traveling worldwide. ✈️ FLIGHTS: I use Skyscanner in combination with Google Flights to find amazing flight fares (try the Explore feature). I book directly with an airline or pair it with Iwantthatflight for the best deals. 🏨 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is my favorite site for finding great hotel deals. They return the best rates and reviews are from actual guests! 🚘 RENTAL CARS: Discover Cars are my go-to, when planning an epic road trip. 🗽 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: I like to wander around on my own, but when I want to explore with a group, skip the line with an entrance ticket, I book it with GetYourGuide or Viator . ❤️‍🩹 TRAVEL INSURANCE: I never, under any circumstances travel without insurance. In most cases, I use yearly global travel medical insurance. But, if you don’t have that and some impromptu travel plans occur, use SafetyWing . With them, you can buy travel insurance even when you are already abroad. Better be safe, than sorry! 📲 ONLINE SAFETY: NordVPN keeps your devices’ browsing safe and malware-free. Stream shows from around the world, access social media in countries where they are blocked and buy cheap flights by changing your virtual location. 🛜 STAY CONNECTED WITH eSIM: Ditch the plastic SIM cards and waiting in lines at the airport! Airalo eSIMs allow you to connect as soon as you land at your destination. They have eSIMs for over 190+ countries worldwide.

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❥ About Anja On Adventure

Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester. Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me .

About the author: Anja

1 thought on “Ultimate List of 23 Best Apps for Travel to Japan”

wow is this a thorough list! I wish this type of list existed for every country! Great recommendations!

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12 Best Japan Travel Apps 2024: Essential for Your Japan Travel!

April 7, 2024

Table of Essential Japan Travel Apps

Japan travel app : navigation & transportation, google maps.

When planning a trip to Japan, it is highly recommended to use Google Maps, a key travel app for navigation. It helps you easily mark the places you plan to visit, which is an important feature in my travel planning every time. Surprisingly, Google Maps is awesome at providing accurate train itineraries and times that even locals rely on it to prove its reliability.

Over time, Google Maps has evolved into one of the world's leading travel tools for Japan. It provides detailed information on a variety of locations including restaurants, businesses and major tourist attractions, making it ideal for one-stop travel planning.

The Street View feature in particular is worth mentioning, as it allows you to see the streets in depth, greatly easing the difficulty of navigating Japan. This means you no longer have to ask, "Where am I now?" Because you can directly use the map to confirm the real view of the destination, whether it is the sightseeing spot, the station or the main entrance of the hotel restaurant.

Plus, even when you don't have an Internet connection, you don't have to worry, as Google Maps supports offline use in Japan. Simply download the required map in advance to make your trip stress free even if you do not have access to the Internet.

What sets Maps.me apart, especially for travelers, is its great offline functionality. Gone are the worries of finding Wi-Fi or facing data connectivity issues.

With Maps.me, you can search for places by name, address, or category without an internet connection. It's particularly handy for outdoor enthusiasts with detailed maps that include hiking trails and even metro overlays for urban navigation.

The app also offers turn-by-turn navigation, bookmarking capabilities similar to Google Maps, and even features travel guides and the ability to share your location with friends. Despite its slightly less polished user interface and the presence of ads, Maps.me's offline reliability and the richness of its features make it an essential travel tool, complementing Google Maps' offine deficiency.

It continues to draw its rich mapping data from OpenStreetMap. This is an open-source platform over proprietary technologies allows for a diverse and detailed mapping experience, crafted by a community passionate about creating superior maps. In fact, within nine months of enabling users to edit, over a million changes were made, showcasing the app's collaborative spirit.

Based on my travel experiences in Japan, drivers have mentioned that this app is one of their most frequently used tools. They attribute its popularity to the high accuracy of its integrated maps, which, for instance, can precisely indicate whether a pick-up point is on the left or right side of the road. The data is updated swiftly, making it a favorite among both drivers and passengers. The user interface is available in various languages, making it simple and easy to use.

Uber operates in over 700 cities across the globe. In many places, drivers use their personal vehicles for rides, but in Japan, due to strict regulations, only licensed taxi services can join the platform. The service covers key urban areas including Tokyo, Yokohama, Sendai, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. To use the service, you need to download the app and sign up by providing your email address and phone number. You will also need to enter credit card details for making electronic payments.

When you're ready to ride, simply input your desired destination and where you'd like to be picked up. The app then finds available taxis nearby. While you wait, you can track the approaching taxi's location directly on your smartphone.

Japan Travel by NAVITIME App

For travelers heading to Japan, the NAVITIME app is a must-have, simplifying every aspect of your journey. This user-friendly app, praised for its route planning and comprehensive transportation guidance, helps you navigate Japan with ease. Available for both iOS and Android, NAVITIME offers a wealth of features to make your trip seamless and enjoyable. Downloading NAVITIME is straightforward. Search for it in the App Store or Google Play, download, and customize it to your preferences, including language and areas of Japan you plan to visit. It's known for its precise trip planning, taking into account any tourist passes like the Japan Rail Pass, offering a feature to build your itinerary, and providing detailed maps in English. This makes exploring Japan's attractions, finding Wi-Fi spots, ATMs, and eateries effortless.

Key features include:

• Route Search & Planning: Enter your start and end points along with your preferred arrival time to get a selection of routes, including JR Pass-friendly options to help save money.
• Train Timetables: Stay updated with the latest schedules for JR and private railways, ensuring efficient travel planning.
• Offline Maps: Detailed maps of Japan are available offline, showing landmarks to help you find your way without needing internet access.
• Multilingual Support: The app caters to a global audience with support in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
• Travel Guides: Explore articles on Japanese culture and travel tips, enhancing your visit.

Stay Connected for Your Japan Travel!

• If you are going to Japan, eSIM is a must! We explain how to choose Japan eSIM and its advantages and disadvantages

User Comments

Japan Travel App: Hotels & Flights

Website | iOS | Android

Trip.com, which you might remember as Ctrip, becomes an indispensable tool for your trip to Japan, and it's all conveniently in English . I've found it pretty useful for organizing various aspects of travel, including booking tours, accommodations, flights, transfers, and even deals on Disney tickets.

As a leading travel platform , Trip.com offers a great variety of services such as hotel reservations, transportation tickets, and comprehensive tour packages. Boasting partnerships with over 1.4 million hotels across 200 countries, it offers a wide range of lodging options and exclusive discounts . Its extensive flight network includes more than 2 million routes, connecting over 5,000 cities worldwide.

Paired with 24/7 customer support in English and a number of additional travel products, Trip.com is a reliable ally for planning your upcoming adventures in Japan!

Japan Travel App : Food

Gourmet navigator (gurunavi).

GuruNavi, short for Gourmet Navigator, boils down its essence to one simple phrase: "Restaurants at your fingertip." Launched in 1996, it has grown to support not just diners but also restaurants through online services, promotions, and management advice. Here's a breakdown of what makes GuruNavi stand out:

• Easy Search: GuruNavi lets you find restaurants by location or type of cuisine, offering access to a wide range of dining experiences.
• Curated Recommendations: The app highlights top restaurants based on their popularity and the type of cuisine they offer, helping you make informed choices about where to eat.
• Multilingual Menus: Understanding the menu is crucial, and GuruNavi provides this information in multiple languages, including English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), and Korean.
• Direct Reservations: Once you've chosen a restaurant, you can book directly through the app. This feature simplifies the process, especially for first-timers, by allowing you to select a set menu and pay in advance.

With GuruNavi, you're spoilt for choice, with access to a database of over 50,000 restaurants, whether you're craving local dishes or international flavors. Find the perfect spot by location or cuisine type. The only catch? The app is in Japanese. But, if you've been brushing up on your Japanese, you'll find GuruNavi really handy!

Ramen Beast

Get up to speed with Japan's ramen culture through an app that's a dream come true for noodle enthusiasts! It's hard to imagine, but the creators sampled over 10,000 ramen dishes to bring this app to life. Dubbed Ramen Beast, this app is your reliable guide to discovering your next ramen adventure. It's crafted for the culinary explorer, featuring a curated list of top-notch ramen joints throughout Japan. Navigate easily with a map that pinpoints ramen spots near you, delve into ratings and details right from your phone, and effortlessly pick where to head for your ramen fix next. Ready to explore?

Yelp, the renowned platform for user-generated reviews, has officially landed in Japan! If you're on the hunt for your next dining experience while roaming around Japan, Yelp is your go-to resource. This app simplifies the process of finding your next meal by allowing you to book tables, order food for delivery or pickup, all directly through your smartphone. Beyond just eateries, Yelp also helps you discover local businesses like beauty salons and spas, complete with reviews to guide your choices.

Japan Travel App : Safety

Whether you're moving to Japan or just touring, staying updated on natural disaster preparedness is crucial. In cities filled with skyscrapers, knowing what to do in the event of an earthquake is essential.

NERV, a smartphone service designed to deliver precise emergency updates. Created for those residing in or visiting disaster-prone areas, NERV aims to swiftly inform users about emergencies, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and other weather-related dangers.

With location-based alerts, it ensures you're well-informed on how to sidestep potential hazards. With NERV, there's no need to feel anxious about what to do in an emergency situation—help is just a tap away. Ready to feel more secure?

Safety tips

Stay alert and safe during your travels in Japan with this essential information app, designed specifically for international visitors. This innovative app delivers real-time notifications about earthquakes, tsunamis, and various weather conditions across Japan.

Beyond just alerts, the app is packed with features to aid both tourists and expats. It includes an evacuation guide, illustrating step-by-step procedures based on your current situation, useful phrases to gather information from locals, and links to websites for comprehensive disaster-related data. This tool is invaluable for ensuring your safety and preparedness in Japan.

It also supports a wide array of languages including English, Japanese, Hangul, Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish, Portuguese etc.

Japan Travel App : Translation

Concerned about navigating the language differences in Japan? Look no further than VoiceTra, your personal speech translation assistant. This app breaks down language barriers, offering translation support for over 31 languages. Whether you're navigating public transit, shopping, staying at hotels, or visiting tourist attractions, VoiceTra will interpret your speech and make your communication in Japan really smooth. Ready to bring a digital interpreter with you in Japan? Download!!

Note that Japanese appears not only when Japanese talk but also shows up in everywhere you go. When visiting a country where the language and surroundings are totally strange to you, everything from street signs to cafe menus might be in Japanese, only sometimes with English translations available. But there's no need to worry! With the Yomiwa app, you're well-equipped to navigate these challenges effortlessly. All it takes is a snapshot of any text you need translated, and the app instantly provides the translation. It's an incredibly useful tool to have, ensuring you're never lost or confused during your travels.

FAQs about Best Japan Travel Apps

What app do most japanese use, what app to download before going to japan, what map app do japanese use.

12 of the Best Japan Travel Apps

• 1. Table of Essential Japan Travel Apps
• 2. Japan Travel App: Navigation & Transportation
• 3. Stay Connected for Your Japan Travel!
• 4. Japan Travel App: Hotels & Flights
• 5. Japan Travel App: Food
• 6. Japan Travel App: Safety
• 7. Japan Travel App: Translation

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Best Japan Travel Apps – Directions, Food, & More

I’ll be the first to admit that I have no idea how to read a traditional paper map. There’s no point when I can have all the same information and more in the palm of my hand! If you are planning on traveling to Japan, there are a lot of apps out there that can help you not only navigate the train system , but also find where to eat, learn some survival phrases, and more! Before you go, make sure you download these essential japan travel apps for your trip!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Find more information about affiliate links on our policy page .

Best Japan Travel Apps

In a hurry and just want to know which apps made the top of the list? Check out my recommended Japan travel apps!

Want to know why these apps made the top of the list and other apps I considered? Keep reading!

• Food and Drink
• Guides to Japan
• Japanese Language
• Miscellaneous

JAPAN NAVIGATION APPS

My recommendation:  navitime.

I’m a big fan of NAVITIME. It’s main purpose is to help you navigate Japan’s extensive train system , but it also provides blog articles about recent news as well as recommended things to do in Japan. However, that’s just a bonus feature for me. I really like the app because it has a lot of features to make sure that you find the best train to take from point A to point B.

When you start typing in your originating or destination train station, it starts provides suggestions of train stations in English AND Japanese. It was one of the few apps I saw that offered both. Having both the English and Japanese name for a station is convenient if you need to ask for directions or help.

It also easily allows you to select your departure time, so you can plan out route in advance. You’ll find that some trains run at different times depend on the time of day or day of the week. Next to the departure time is a button for the JR Rail pass . When turned on, it will prioritize JR rail lines that way you can get the most out of your rail pass.

Once you hit search, it will give multiple different route options. There are times when rain lines get delayed, so having the multiple route options is convenient if you are trying to avoid a particular rail line. For each route option, it also displays the total amount of time taken, the ticket price (with and without an IC card ), and what stops are in between. If they next station you arrive at isn’t listed as one of the stops, you’re on the wrong train.

It also has some additional bonus features such as finding free wifi, the nearest ATM, the nearest station, and Japan travel hacks .

A Close Second: Japan Transit Planner

If you don’t need all the “touristy” features such as guides for things to do and finding local ATMs, I would actually recommend Japan Transit Planner over NAVITIME. In terms of navigation it has even more features than NAVITIME, including optimizing your route for the subway pass as well as the JR Rail Pass , whether you prefer to use local or express trains, seeing time tables for all trains at a particular station, create routes with multiple destinations, and more.

However, some of the above mention features are “Premium” only. When I downloaded the app, I was automatically given premium mode for 60 days (which would cover most people’s trips to Japan). After 60 days, you have to purchase a “premium ticket” in order to continue using all of the features.

The Gap Filler: Google Maps

The one and only feature that I feel like is lacking from NAVITIME and Japan Transit is the ability to find directions for more than just station to station. For example, if I am at my hotel and trying to go to a nearby tourist attraction, I can’t just type my hotel name into NAVITIME. I would have to find the station nearest me and the station nearest the attraction I am trying to visit. While NAVITIME does have a feature that allows you to find the nearest station, I still might have to figure out how to get to that station, so Google Maps helps fill this gap.

You’ll also find that in Japan, you’ll probably do a lot of walking, meaning you may not even need to take a train to get to where you are going. Google Maps is great for when you’re walking to your destination. It even has a little arrow that indicates which direction you are currently facing. It seems trivial, but this little arrow is super helpful when trying to orient yourself in the middle of a big city.

Other Navigation Apps

I tried a lot of apps to find which one I felt would be best to help people navigate in Japan. However, what is best may differ from person to person depending on their situation, so I thought I’d briefly mention some of the other apps I tried and my thoughts on them.

乗換 案内 (Norikae Annai)

Norikae Annai is actually the app that I used while in Japan and is made by the same company who made Japan Transit Planner (Japan Transit Planner is considered the English version of Norikae Annai). It’s designed more for those living in Japan as opposed to tourists. I chose to use Norikae Annai while in Japan because it somewhat has the ability to do point-to-point directions. I couldn’t type in the name of my hotel, but I could type in the name of major attractions, meaning I would haven’t to research what stations were nearest to my destination. The main reason I didn’t list Norikae Annai as my main recommendation is because the app is entirely in Japanese, meaning you have to have a decent understanding of Japanese in order to be able to use the app.

It has a lot of the same features as the ones mentioned above (multiple route options, optimize for the JR rail pass , etc). However, I felt like the interface was very clunky and not nearly as friendly as other apps. It also didn’t have any of the additional features such as guides for things to do or finding nearby ATMs.

Tokyo Metro Subway

Despite the name, it will actually give routes for many of the rail lines in Tokyo (not just the subway). However, it is limited to the Tokyo area.

Metro Tokyo Subway

Gives detailed information about routes and stations, but is limited to the Tokyo area.

The idea behind this app is that you can download full maps, that way you would have it even if you didn’t have internet. However, I felt like it wasn’t real intuitive. Since I wasn’t physically in Japan when I tested this app, I couldn’t figure out how to download a map for an area I wasn’t already in. Maybe you can do that and I just couldn’t figure it out. If you can’t then, personally, I feel like that defeats the purpose of the app. If I’m going to Japan and won’t have a phone with data or wifi, I would like to download the map before I even get to Japan.

Kyoto Maps and Walk

Great way to find things to do in Kyoto and how to get there, but is limited to Kyoto. If you want to get directions to a certain place, you have to have the premium version

JAPAN FOOD AND DRINK APPS

My recommendation: gurunavi.

This app is great if you’re either looking for places to eat nearby, or trying to plan out what restaurants to visit during your trip. It allows you to specify a location, what kind of food you are interested in (sushi, ramen, etc), and your price range. Additional search options include searching for places with English speaking staff, accepts debit/credit cards, and more.

Other Food and Drink Apps

GURUNAVI was the only app I was able to find that was specifically for finding food and drinks in Japan. However, a lot of other travel guides provide food and drink suggestions.

COMPLETE GUIDES TO JAPAN

Find places: tripadvisor.

Probably an obvious pick, but I like TripAdvisor simply for the sheer amount of information it contains. It’s great for finding things to do in a particular area. It also gives detailed information about the various places, such as hours of operation and reviews. The app also allows you to create your own trips and build itineraries, allowing you to keep all the necessary trip information in one convenient location.

Learn About Japan: Ms. Green

I have heard other people speak highly of this app, and I can see why. It has several different manga (comic stories) that help you learn about Japan, whether it be the food, culture, or trending topics. The stories are relatively short, meaning you don’t have to devote a lot of time to it at once, and they’re lighthearted. It’s a very entertaining way to familiarize yourself with the country before going on your trip.

However, I did notice that at times the app could be a bit glitchy, and didn’t always respond right away to some of my taps. Hopefully this will be fixed in future updates.

Other Guides:

Japan travel guide.

While this app gave good suggestions of places to go and allowed you to create an itinerary, I felt like the app wasn’t as user friendly and did not have nearly as many locations as TripAdvisor

This app is basically a collection of articles and videos about Japan. Articles include itinerary suggestions, tours, and more. It also allows you to save destinations so you can look at them again later. While they have some interesting articles, I feel like this app could have been robust with features.

Good Luck Trip Japan

This app was basically a collection of blog articles about various attractions, food, shopping, and more. Similar to Planetyze, I feel like it falls short in comparison to some other Japan travel guides .

This app gives recommendations for things to do in Japan, but I feel as though there database of things to do is severely lacking.

JAPANESE LANGUAGE APPS

Survival japanese: learn japanese by bravolol.

This app is great for a basic introduction to Japanese. It gives basic survival phrases such as greeting, dining, shopping, and more. It also has an easy to use interface so you can quickly find what you need.

Translate Anything: Google Translate

This is another obvious choice, but I relied on Google Translate quite a bit during my trip to Japan. It was good for on-the-fly translations. With it’s ability to translate from text, voice, and pictures, it really seems capable of translating anything you might need.

Other Apps for Japanese

This app is highly recommended by other people, and I think this app is great. Actually, I think it’s actually a little too robust, at least for the purpose of this article. Imiwa? is a very comprehensive Japanese-English dictionary, however, I think it is better for those who actually intend on learning the language as a whole, as opposed to just wanted to know enough to survive. Some of the search functionality requires at least a basic understanding of the language, and is probably a bit more than a tourist would need.

Sushi Dictionary

Great app if you are a sushi lover, as it provides the English and Japanese names for various types of sushi. However, it can’t do anything beyond sushi and is thus limited in functionality.

Good English-Japanese dictionary, but is limited to voice only. You cannot enter text to translate or translate from pictures.

MISCELLANEOUS APPS FOR JAPAN

Emergency notifications: yurekuru call.

Japanese cell phones and foreign cell phones with Japanese SIM cards are connected to Japan’s alert system, meaning that they will make a loud noise when there is a notification such as an earthquake alert. If you use an internal phone plan or portable wifi, you may not receive this alerts. Yurekuru Call allows you to go in an configure the settings to give you an alert if an earthquake with a specified seismic level is detected.

Communicate: LINE

I don’t think I ever met a native Japanese person who didn’t have this app installed. It is the primary app used for texting and calling. If you intend on making any Japanese friends, you’ll want to install this app in order to easily stay in contact with them.

Make New Friends: HelloTalk

This app pairs you with native speakers of the foreign language you are trying to learn. For example, if I wanted to learn Japanese, I would be paired with a native Japanese speaker who wanted to learn English. It’s a great way to not only learn and practice Japanese, but also make new friends before your trip even begins!

Exchange Rates: XE Currency

Exchange rates are always fluctuating. This app helps you figure out currency conversions whenever you might need them.

News: NHK World Radio Japan

NHK is Japan’s largest broadcasting organization and provides broadcast in multiple languages about current events, cultural information, language learning, and more. It’s a great way to get familiar with the country before actually visiting.

Free Wifi: Japan Connected

If you plan on going without an international phone plan, JapaneseSIM card,  or portable wifi pack, knowing where there is free wifi is really convenient. Free wifi isn’t as common in Japan as it is in the United States, but it’s growing.

Have you used any of these apps? What were your experiences with them? Are there any apps you feel like I missed? Feel free to let me know in the comments below!

Are you ready to start planning your trip to Japan?

Get a FREE copy of A Dreamer’s Guide to Trip Planning to get started!

Further Reading

• Navigating Japan’s Train System: Tips for Traveling Japan by Train
• Is the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) Worth It

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8 thoughts on “Best Japan Travel Apps – Directions, Food, & More”

This is an impressive list. well done on that job like. seriously. really cool. will come back to this when i am off to japan for sure.

Glad it was useful! And I’ll be doing my best to keep this list updated so that when you come back to it for your trip, it will still be just as useful as it was now!

This guide to useful apps in Japan is super helpful! I’m going next year for the first time, so I’ll be sure to download some of these apps. I have maps.me and find it incredibly useful, especially when you don’t have data!

Data can be so hard to come by when traveling, so having an app that doesn’t require it is always SUPER convenient. If only all of the convenient things about each of the apps could be combined into one big app!

Found your blog through your Rikkyo articles(preparing for my own study abroad experience) and every post has been IMMENSELY helpful. Thank you so much!

Not a problem! I know my university didn’t really provide me with a whole lot of information when planning my study abroad trip to Rikkyo University. I actually started this blog out of my frustration with them. I wanted to document everything I learned so that future Rikkyo University international students hopefully wouldn’t have as many issues as I did. Glad you found it helpful! Feel free to let me know if you have any additional questions about studying abroad at Rikkyo. I hope you enjoy your time there!

Hello, and thank you for your suggestions! Is the GURUNAVI app still available in English or does it somehow need to be translated into English from the downloaded version? I can only seem to find/get it in Japanese! Thank you!

No problem! I just took a look, and it looks like there is no longer an English version of the app (at least that I could find). However, they at least still have an English version of the website that you could potentially use: https://gurunavi.com/

Thanks, Kiyoko

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TRAVEL | Tips and Advice

10 USEFUL APPS FOR VISITING JAPAN THAT ARE IN ENGLISH

Article | |--> Dayna Hannah

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PLANNING A TRIP TO JAPAN JUST BECOME A LOT EASIER WITH THESE 10 USEFUL APPS FOR VISITING JAPAN THAT ARE IN ENGLISH!

As much as we might hate to admit it, smartphones are necessary to get through most of our days. When you're traveling, they can be a real lifesaver. Especially if it's your first time in Japan , and you can't speak any Japanese! Before you leave the airport, make sure to pick up a SIM card or mobile WiFi router . Without them, getting connected while you explore different parts of Japan will be frustrating. Although you can depend on hotels to have reliable internet connections, most public places don't. Coffee shops and restaurants usually only have provider-specific routers, and city-wide WiFi is so slow it's pretty much useless. Once you've got a way to access the internet, download these apps to make your trip to Japan a breeze!

1. GOOGLE MAPS

Let's get the obvious app you'll need out of the way first. If you go anywhere on your own in Japan, Google Maps are a must. Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto have ancient roads that go in curvy and complicated patterns. Without a navigation app, you'll quickly get lost. But what makes Google Maps the one we recommend? It'll also help you navigate local trains, buses, and subways ! When you ride the Tokyo Metro, Google Maps will show you either your train's platform number or the name of the final destination. It'll also sometimes tell you which car to board so that you can easily reach your exit or make a speedy transfer. Recently, a new feature shows how crowded it usually is, too! That said, Google Maps isn't entirely flawless. It can drain your battery life, and it's sometimes a few minutes off on train arrivals and route estimate times. If you're making a long-distance journey, you can't search for which trains and buses accept the JR Pass. If you want an alternate navigation app, take a look at Hyperdia .

2. GOOGLE TRANSLATE

You might have heard that most Japanese people don't speak any English. While that statement isn't entirely factual , a 2016 survey by Rakuten found that 70% of respondents said they have little or no English abilities. To get around the language barrier, many travelers learn some Japanese phrases , but it never hurts to have Google Translate as a backup. Many restaurants offer English or illustrated menus, but this isn't always the case. At some mom-and-pop shops, you might get stuck with a paper filled with kanji— in cursive ! In this kind of situation, you can use Google Translate's "instant camera" function. Although it won't be 100% correct, you'll get the main idea. When it comes to face-to-face communication, using English and hand gestures goes a lot further than you might think. Only use Google Translate as a last resort, and make sure you input simple sentences.

3. INSTAGRAM

Yes, you'll see picturesque places that you'll want to share with friends, but we're not talking about that. You can use Instagram to help map out your day. Especially if you're coming to see cherry blossoms or autumn leaves . Everyone has their favorite place for seeing these phenomenons. However, cherry blossoms and other flowers are fickle. Nothing is more disappointing than crossing oceans to find they haven't reached their full bloom or have already wilted. With Instagram, you can get the inside scoop without leaving your hotel. Using the search function, enter the name of your tentative destinations. Other user's recent pictures will pop up, and you can see for yourself if it's worth it to go. There are other apps and websites dedicated to this, but the best (and free) ones are only in Japanese.

4. WHATSAPP OR LINE

Don't get charged exorbitant long-distance fees when you call or text. Tools like WhatsApp and LINE will make it easy for you to keep in touch without running up your phone bill. If you're joining a group tour, download WhatsApp. Most, if not all, guides use this app to contact their guests in case of an emergency. If you aren't already a user, note that you can't call landlines, nor can you call a mobile phone that doesn't have WhatsApp installed. Besides tour guides, though, WhatsApp isn't the most popular instant messaging platform. Most Japanese people use LINE instead of calling or texting through their service plans. Like WhatsApp, you can use LINE to text, call, or video chat with other users. Businesses sometimes offer discounts if you add them as a "friend," so keep an eye out for these kinds of promotions.

5. ANA OR JAL

Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways are the two largest international airlines in the country. If you're taking either of these on your flight to and from Japan, consider downloading their apps. With ANA Sky Mobile, you can make reservations, check flight statuses and your mileage, as well as apply for rewards. You can also use it to access in-flight entertainment on some domestic routes. JAL GLOBAL offers similar services, but the company has also released other apps to help you during your travels after you land. The JAL Explore Japan WiFi connects you to over 200,000 public hotspots.

6. JAPANTAXI

Finding a cab in metropolitan areas is a sinch. You'll see them lined up at taxi stands or actively looking for passengers as they drive around town. However, if you're in the suburbs or if it's rush hour, you might have some trouble hailing one. There are ridesharing apps in Japan, but they haven't seen as much success as they have in other countries. With the JapanTaxi application, you can call a cab to your location without any Japanese needed. You don't need a credit card to sign up, and the interface is very user-friendly. Just hit "Pick me up here" to call a cab right away, or use the "Date and Time" button to reserve one. You can also change your location by moving your screen or search for an address. When you confirm your ride, JapanTaxi will send the license plate number of your car.

7. SAFETY TIPS

Japan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world and is typhoon-prone in late summer . Although it isn't likely that you'll experience a natural disaster, it's better to stay prepared. As soon as you arrive, your phone automatically connects with the emergency alert system. Unfortunately, all of the warnings are in Japanese. The Japan National Tourism Organization developed the Safty Tips app for foreign travelers to receive notifications in their native language. You can set it to actively use your location or input the places you'll visit. The home screen shows the current weather and a flowchart of warnings and information. Among the different options, you can find information about recent earthquakes, volcanic warnings, and evacuation procedures. If you have a personal emergency, you can use Safety Tips to find the closest hospital or phrases in Japanese for seeking help.

8. ECBO CLOAK

One of the necessary evils about traveling is your suitcase . No matter how few clothes you bring or souvenirs you buy, dragging bags around town isn't fun. Thankfully, Japan has a convenient luggage-delivery system, and most train stations have coin lockers. But what do you do when the lockers are full, or you don't want to send your things? Ecbo Cloak is like Airbnb for suitcases. On their interactive map, you can find different businesses that offer storage for a fee. Places like hair salons , language schools, coffee shops, and other establishments with extra space for sale all participate. The app very advantageous if you have oversized or unusually shaped items like sports equipment or musical instruments. You might also consider using it if you take a day trip and want to lighten your load. Best of all, you can reserve ahead of time or as needed depending on your itinerary.

9. OPENTABLE

If wandering the streets to find something to eat doesn't sound appealing to you, you can use OpenTable to find a restaurant. Although you might know this app as a tool for making reservations, it's possible to use it to search for shops by budget, cuisine, or availability. That isn't to say Japan doesn't have apps that work like Yelp. Locals usually use Tablelog or Gurunavi to find eateries in their area. Tablelog has customer reviews, and Gurunavi notes if there is an English menu or vegetarian options. Neither app is in English, but their mobile-friendly sites have multiple languages.

If you're a solo traveler looking to make friends from all over the world, Japan can be a somewhat lonely country. In Japanese culture, people usually don't speak to strangers, even in bars and clubs. Try to strike up a conversation with someone in a cafe, and you might get sideways glances and awkward stutters. With the Meetup app, you can find events in your area where you can meet new people. Some of the activities target travelers and ex-pats, some are for everyone, and some specifically try to connect Japanese and international people. Just enter your hobbies when you sign up, and Meetup will show happenings around town that might interest you!

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10 Best Apps to Have in Japan

Mao Goto is a Japanese freelancer who was born in Hayama, Kanagawa prefecture, and raised in Tokyo. Since 2016 she lives in the Taito Ward, home to a lot of Japanese culture hotspots such as Asakusa, Akihabara, and Ueno. She has been interested in the field of English education in Japan and got her Master’s degree in March 2020. A lover of photography, travel, sweets, and cross-stitch. Contact her via  Facebook .

This post may contain some affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we may receive some commission, at no extra cost to you .

Japan is a country rich in wonderful sights, delicious food , and rich cultural experiences , but you can make the most out of these attractions if you bring a handful of useful smartphone apps with you. For first-time visitors to Japan, language barriers and navigating in a new environment may be a challenge, but these apps may help address those issues and more. Also included are apps that can help with information on tourist attractions, reservations , transportation , and planning dining experiences . Here is a selection of 10 apps that can help foreign visitors have the best possible experience in Japan.

2. Japan Travel by Navitime

3. google maps, 4. gurunavi, 5. japan wi-fi auto-connect, 6. google translate, 7. tripadvisor, 8. ecbo cloak, 9. yurekuru, 10. voicetra, japan wonder travel tours , more articles you may find interesting.

LINE is an application used by around 1/7th of Japanese people every month. LINE offers not only text messaging, but also audio and video calling. Users can enjoy real-time communication with friends and family. In addition, LINE offers message stamps which allow users to convey their emotions through illustrations rather than words. A variety of stamps are available, perfect for small greetings and emotional expressions. Also, the app can be customized in many ways with background images to make the experience uniquely your own.

Official Website: LINE

Application Download: (iOS) App Store & (Android) Google Play

Japan Travel by Navitime, designed for foreign visitors, will help support your journey in Japan. The app supports multiple languages and provides assistance in every aspect of your trip, from pedestrian route searches to tourist articles. It offers not only public transportation routes and fare information to your destination but also tips and advice for your travels in Japan. Furthermore, it displays recommended spots around your current location on the map, allowing you to explore the charms of Japan without getting lost.

Official Website: Japan Travel by Navitime

Google Maps is a powerful mapping service that takes your travels to the next level. It allows you to easily search for local information and becomes a reliable companion in every step of your journey. This app utilizes real-time traffic information to provide you with the optimal route to your destination, taking congestion into consideration and ensuring smooth travel, making your journey more comfortable. Moreover, when you tap on businesses or landmarks on the map, you can see reviews and ratings written by other users. This ensures you won’t miss out on delightful restaurants or recommended tourist spots. Google Maps also offers various display modes, allowing you to customize your map view with options like showing real-time traffic or a satellite view of your area.

Official Website: Google Maps

Gurunavi is one of the top gourmet information sites in Japan and a convenient app for people who love to eat out at restaurants . The app is an excellent tool for easily searching for restaurants based on a variety of criteria including region, nearest train station , type of food, and budget. You can find the ideal restaurant for your dining preferences, as well as an intuitive reservation feature that allows you to reserve or cancel your seat. And because the service is online, you can use it from the comfort of your hotel or out and about on your phone. At the moment, it seems like the phone app does not have an option to change the language, but the website does, making it ideal for travelers.

Official Website: Gurunavi

One of the services you will likely want to use as quickly as possible in a strange country is Wi-Fi. Especially in large cities in Japan, many free Wi-Fi spots are offered, and this application is recommended to make the most of them. Once registered, this application automatically connects you to Wi-Fi spots, so there is no need for complicated settings or procedures. From the moment you arrive in Japan, you can enjoy a fast and secure Wi-Fi connection. And with it, you can download maps, share social networking sites, check email, and more while on the go.

Official Website: Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect

Google Translate is a well-known translation application. In the past, this app simply translated text, but its usefulness has expanded exponentially within the last few years. Nowadays, all you have to do is hold up your camera and it will instantly translate the text on the screen into your language without having to type. In addition, it is also possible to translate from voice, allowing you to communicate with local people if you ever find yourself stuck with a language barrier.

Official Website: Google Translate

Tripadviser is a handy tool for travel enthusiasts. The site helps you compare hotels and travel plans to explore your options while abroad. To help you design the ideal travel experience you seek, Tripadviser offers a wide range of features. The site allows you to search for flights on multiple airlines at once and find the lowest fares. Finding hotels that fit your budget is also easy, as it helps you find accommodations that match your requirements. Additionally, Tripadviser has a review feature that allows you to view ratings and comments from other travelers. You can choose hotels and restaurants with more confidence based on other traveler’s past experiences.

Official Website: Tripadvisor

Ecbo cloak is a sharing service that connects people who want to leave their luggage with stores that provide space to accept luggage. The app has partnered with many stores in Japan, including cafes , guesthouses, and karaoke parlors , where you can safely store your large luggage. The procedure for using this convenient service is simple. Simply use the app to make a reservation in advance at the store where you would like to leave your luggage, and drop off your luggage at that store on the day of your trip. With Ecbo cloak, you can enjoy sightseeing in Japan freely without worrying about heavy suitcases and large shopping bags. Ecbo cloak allows you to enjoy the charms of your trip without stressing about always keeping an eye on your belongings.

Official Website: Ecbo Cloak

Japan is famous for its many volcanoes and frequent earthquakes . In a country where major earthquakes can strike without warning, it is essential to be prepared for earthquakes. We recommend the “Yurekuru” application. If you download this app, it will notify you of the predicted strength and arrival time of earthquakes to your smartphone. It will raise your alertness against sudden earthquakes and help you act quickly. In addition, Yurekuru displays messages about actions to take depending on the scale of the earthquake. It will promptly tell you whether you should evacuate to a safe place or stay still for the coming earthquake, and the necessary countermeasures.

Official Website: Yurekuru

VoiceTra is a multilingual voice translation application for smartphones developed under the jurisdiction of Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The app is free to download and use and supports 31 languages , offering a new way to handle language barriers. Voice playback is also very smooth, allowing for easily understood communication. VoiceTra is a wonderful app that is free to use and will enrich your interactions with the locals.

Official Website: VoiceTra

In this article, we introduced 10 apps you should have in Japan, but did you find any you would like to download? Traveling in a new country can present many challenges, but don’t worry. These apps help you transcend language barriers and support your trip to Japan. To make the best of your stay in Japan, please consider the apps introduced in this article and enjoy a trip full of excitement!

Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.  From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!  In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help! 

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▶ Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours) There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.

▶ Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.

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