Navigating Japan is a seamless and enjoyable experience, thanks to the abundance of English signage and the helpful locals. It can be made even easier with the best Japan travel apps, which I have compiled in this article.
Considering you’ve done your homework and have most of your plans and itinerary set, the most helpful tools for discovering Japan’s hidden gems are translation tools and navigation tools that allow you to plan your movements according to transportation schedules.
Without wasting any more time, make sure to install the following apps on your smartphone before embarking on the best trip of your life:
Best Japan Navigation apps
1° Japan Travel by NAVITIME (Android, iOs)
While Japan Travel offers a multitude of features and highlights interesting places to visit and things to do, its most valuable tool is definitely the Train Routes Planner. It allows you to check Shinkansen timetables, various connections, and helps you stay organized. You can also filter your train search by routes covered by the Japan Rail Pass. It has been my key to success during all my trips to Japan!
Google Maps is a useful tool for finding nearby train stations and its suggested travel times are quite accurate. It is especially helpful in Kyoto, where bus lines outnumber subways and navigating can be more challenging than in Tokyo.
3° Tokyo Metro (Android, iOs)
If the first two apps on this list don’t suffice, Tokyo Metro is a great alternative, as it focuses on Tokyo Metro lines. It features visual maps and a route planner to help you navigate the labyrinth of Tokyo’s underground lines.
Best Japan Translation apps
1° Google Translator (Android, iOs)
You’ll often find yourself in need of Japanese translations for English words that locals don’t understand. The world’s most popular translator comes in handy in these situations.
2° Google Lens (Android, iOs)
The photo-focused feature of Google Translate is a lifesaver, especially when no English signs are visible or when checking labels of local products written only in Japanese. Please note that translations from Japanese are not always 100% accurate, so it’s advisable to double-check based on your needs. (For instance, when translating a restaurant menu, it told me a dish was pork-free, when in reality it contained pork.)
Bonus: Best SUICA balance check App Suikakeibo
If you don’t have an iPhone, you cannot obtain a digital SUICA card (an IC card that can be very beneficial while traveling in Japan). If you are an proud and glorious Android user, your only option is the new IC card Welcome Suica or PASMO Passport, which only lasts for 28 days before expiring.
The app I’m about to recommend allows you to keep track of the credit balance on your IC card and how you have spent it. It also has a very useful feature that allows you to check your credit balance at any time by simply tapping the card on your phone (if it’s NFC-compatible).
Search for SUIKAKEIBO on your app store! (Android only)
Bonus: Best Internet Connection App
During your trip, one of your needs will be an Internet connection. If your phone is compatible (you can check it by following this guide), I recommend using an eSIM (a virtual SIM card that allows you to connect to the internet in Japan). I find this solution to be more convenient and user-friendly.
After evaluating various eSIM providers Airalo to be one of the best eSim on the market.
I highly recommend choosing one of their plans to stay connected during your Japanese adventure. (Click on the images to visit their official website.)
I opted for the 20GB plan for 30 days, which proved more than sufficient for my 21-day trip with my girlfriend.
BONUS TIP: If traveling in pairs, you can purchase a single plan and share the connection using a mobile hotspot. This worked flawlessly for us. Only drawback is that if you get separated, one of you will lose internet connectivity.
I hope this information is helpful, and I wish you a fantastic trip to Japan. Please let me know if you have any other useful app recommendations!
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