The Best Travel Apps for Japan

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The Best Travel Apps for Japan to Download Right Now!

With today’s technology, international travel has never been easier. When traveling to a destination that you’ve never visited before, having a few travel apps can decrease stress and increase productivity while on your trip. These are a few of the best Japan travel apps that we found most useful during our visits to Japan!

1. Google Maps

If you’re only going to download ONE of these travel apps for Japan, let it be Google Maps. It’s by far the app that we used to most while in Japan. Google Maps allows you to be very efficient in how you travel from place to place, regardless of your method. I love how this app allows you to change your method of travel (walking, driving, public transit, etc.) and gives you both a map and turn by turn instructions.

Another great feature of Google Maps is its ability to calculate your fare on public transit (i.e. trains, subways, streetcars, etc.) so you’re able to purchase the correct ticket and don’t have to worry about correcting your balance at your destination.

The last thing we love about Google Maps is that we were able to save all of the places we wanted to visit by flagging or favoriting locations and you can find many other neat things in the area by clicking on different places and seeing photos/reviews.

Have we sold you already on these travel apps for Japan within the first one? 😉
Cost: Free

READ MORE: Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan

2. TripAdvisor

We have used TripAdvisor a number of times when researching and planning our trips. While it is good to reference printed literature when planning your trip, TripAdvisor is amazing because information about attractions, hotels, restaurants are typically updated frequently and it is free to use!

TripAdvisor utilizes reviews and information given by travelers and professional sources to give you information about the best locations to visit, stay, and eat, to get the most out of your trip. You can also create lists to save everything in one place.

One of the best aspects of TripAdvisor is its map and current location searches that allow you to search areas of interest near you. It was especially helpful on the evenings when we had changed our itinerary and needed a quick place to eat nearby.

While it is nice to visit “hot spots” in each city, we also enjoy trying new locations that haven’t been reviewed and sharing these new places with other adventurous travelers.
Cost: Free

3. Gurunavi

Gurunavi is basically the Yelp of Japan except it focuses on restaurants that are local favorites, versus the feedback of tourists (like TripAdvisor is in Japan). You can search by the location or special features and find detailed information about the restaurant you choose to look at including hours, address, and how to get to the restaurant, real-time information, menus, photos, and even make online reservations when available.
Cost: Free

4. Innovative Language 101

I have learned that making an attempt to learn another language can go a long way in how receptive others are when you visit their country. Innovative Language 101 has a lot of great materials to get you started on the basics of many different languages and is available to use on your desktop computer as well as your phone.

It also utilizes audio and visual lessons and has native speakers teach you proper intonation and phrasing of your desired language. There are also written lessons, PDF files, and community forums to aid in furthering your language education. While the download and trial membership are free, to gain full utilization of all the resources there are various membership packages available for a monthly fee.
Cost: Download – Free; Premium membership – $14.99/month; Basic – $4.99/mo; Mobile only – $6.24/mo

READ MORE: Things to Know About Driving in Japan

5. Google Translate

While we all have the best intentions when it comes to learning a new language, more often than not we don’t quite achieve our desired proficiency before we leave on our trip. Thankfully Google has developed some great apps that allow people to travel and communicate like never before.

Google Translate is an amazing app that allows you to obviously translate simultaneously between two different languages. Hands down, this is one of the most useful travel apps for Japan.

The basic function is to type in the desired phrase or word and the app generates the corresponding text in the desired language. However, this app goes above and beyond with its extensive interface. An example is using the microphone to seamlessly translate spoken words into a text and verbal reply.  

Another feature of this app which is still a work in progress is the written translation. You can take a picture of text (i.e. a menu, or attraction pamphlet) and have it translated to your desired language.
Cost: Free

6. Imiwa

As we’ve said before, Google Translate is an awesome app that works well MOST of the time, but there are times when it doesn’t translate correctly or it just doesn’t cut it. That’s where Imiwa comes in. Imiwa is basically a Japanese dictionary of words or phrases that you can look up or you can type our kanji characters to help figure out what a word is in Japanese if Google Translate is not translating correctly.
Cost: Free

7. Hyperdia

Hyperdia is a railway timetable app that is perfect for planning out when you need to catch your train. Google Maps also offers this feature but Hyperdia is another great way to double-check your routes, especially in more rural areas where Google Maps might fall short.

We love this app because it allows you to set specific times, railways, and other variables to determine your best route. Hyperdia also gives you information on what type of seats are available, the cost, and the duration of your trip. Do keep in mind that this app has a 30 day free trial period after downloading the app but even with a membership, Hyperdia is still one of the best Japan travel apps.
Cost: Free (First 30 days)

READ MORE: A Complete Packing List For Japan

8. Maps.Me (Maps with Me)

This map application is wonderful for those who don’t have constant internet access while abroad. You can download various city or region maps and utilize them while you are disconnected from the internet. While limited compared to a lot of the other navigation apps, Maps.Me allows driving and walking directions by utilizing a phone’s GPS capabilities. In fact, as of right now, Google Maps doesn’t allow you to download their maps for Japan.
Cost: Free

9. Klook

If you are planning to book tickets in advance to certain attractions in Japan, Klook is a great option to streamline ticket purchases. Once you have an account set up you can simply show your mobile voucher/ticket. You also get discounts with the more bookings you make on Klook which makes it a cost-effective way to visit attractions in Japan too!
Cost: Free

10. Google Chrome

We are both Apple users, but for the purpose of this list of Japan travel apps, you might want to consider downloading Google Chrome. Why? Because it automatically translates any language. We noticed that when looking up websites for attractions, restaurants, etc. in Japan there isn’t always an English option on the webpage, thus being able to translate the webpage is very helpful!
Cost: Free

11. Suica (SuicaEng)

In our Japan trip planning guide, we cover more about the Suica card. But here’s the gist of what you need to know! Suica is an electronic card that allows you to add money to it and pay for public transportation and convenience stores in Japan. Now they have an app where you can link your Suica card to the app and scan it too which might be helpful if you have easier access to your phone or happen to lose your IC card.
Cost: Free

12. Japan Travel Guide

Japan Travel Guide is an app that allows you to find nearby attractions or events going on near the cities or areas you are visiting in Japan. You can first select the region of Japan you are in, such as Tohoku, then narrow it down by prefecture or area.
Cost: Free

13. Japan Official Travel App

This app is kind of the king of the best travel apps for Japan. It has information about popular tourist spots, restaurants, baggage storage, ATMs, hotels, car rentals, free Wi-Fi locations, disaster information, train stations, tax-free information, and hospitals. Some of these features are even available offline.
Cost: Free

14. Uber

Uber is a rideshare program that has become increasingly more popular around the world and is available in certain parts of Japan. In preparation for the Olympics that happened in 2020, they’ve begun expanding their service as well.
Cost: Free

15. Japan Taxi

Where Uber is not available, Japan Taxi will most likely be the best alternative! It’s a program available only in Japan where you can call a taxi, make a future reservation for a taxi, find out your fare and pay for it instantly by connecting your card.
Cost: Free

16. MyMizu

MyMizu is an especially helpful Japan travel app because while there is a convenience store on nearly every corner you can purchase bottled water at, that cost adds up AND it uses a lot of plastic bottles. With MyMizu you can locate the nearest water station to refill your bottle. Most of the locations are water fountains or partner businesses like co-working spaces, restaurants, or eco-friendly cafes.

17. NHK News

NHK News is the largest news broadcaster in Japan. Downloading their app will alert you to local news near you (you might even find a cool event!) but it’s also a great app for your safety. NHK News offers live updates on any natural disasters like earthquakes, typhoons, or more. It is also available in 17 languages!
Cost: Free

18. Line

In the United States, we use WhatsApp or GroupMe but in Japan, Line is the popular messenger. The reason we love Line is that we can communicate with friends in Japan but it also can be a money-saving app too! Many stores and restaurants in Japan have QR codes that you can scan and sign-up for coupons or discounts to their store on Line. But, hey, if you make a few friends while in Japan, you could ask for their Line information too! 🙂
Cost: Free

We definitely consider these to be the best Japan travel apps and they were seriously live savers on our three week trip to Japan and again when we moved to Japan for three months. Whether it be to get around, search for something to do, or aid in communicating, we highly recommend all of these travel apps for Japan to help make your trip easier and stress-free!

What were some apps that you couldn’t live without while traveling abroad? Which of these best Japan travel apps do you already have and utilize?