Last updated on February 6, 2024 by Krysti
Japan is an absolutely incredible place to visit, one that offers so many opportunities for exploration, discovery, and cultural immersion. However, like most destinations, it does present its own unique set of challenges for travelers.
From difficult language barriers to unexpected cultural differences and confusing transit systems, navigating Japan (literally and figuratively) can be complicated and even a bit overwhelming at times – especially for first-time visitors.
Thankfully, there are several Japan travel apps that are specifically designed to help ease travelers’ woes. While all of these apps for Japan are helpful in their own way, some are certainly more useful than others.
I’ve personally spent a lot of time and a lot of effort testing out the various options, so you don’t have to. From travel guides to currency conversion, subway navigation, and real-time translation, here’s my list of the 11 best apps for Japan travel.
The Best Apps for Japan Travel
Listed in no specific order, these apps are sure to make your experience in Japan less stressful and much more enjoyable!
Japan Official Travel App
Price: Free
Availability: iOS & Android
Major Perks: Provides travel guides, discounted passes, transit navigation, safety information, and more.
Developed by the Japan National Tourism Organization, the Japan Official Travel App is one of the most comprehensive and useful apps for travel in Japan.
Here you’ll find a wealth of travel guides and suggestions that offer insight into attractions, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, theme parks, art, culture, and events. The app even provides discounted tickets and passes for some of the country’s top destinations.
In addition to this, you’ll find an extensive navigation search function that allows users to seek out points of interest and plan out travel routes. If you’re using a rail pass, you can even filter your search so that is shows you the transit options that work best with your pass.
Last but certainly not least, it’s also worth noting that this app offers safety information and support. This includes contact information for various emergency personnel and embassy representatives. As well as an updated list of current safety advisories and on-hand translations of helpful phrases most commonly used in emergencies.
Japan Travel by NAVITIME
Price: Free with paid features
Availability: iOS & Android
Major Perks: Offers transit maps, itinerary planning, travel guides, tickets, coupons, and more.
Hailed by many as the best navigation app in Japan, Japan Travel by NAVITIME is an in-depth railway app that offers transit information for trains and subway systems nationwide.
Whether you’re attempting to navigate Tokyo’s subway or want to travel from Kyoto to Osaka, Japan Travel has got you covered. Here you’ll find extensive information pertaining to available transit routes, travel updates, and delays. In addition to this, the app even offers the option to input your rail pass if you’ve purchased one and would like to filter your transit search accordingly.
Aside from this, the app provides a plethora of tourist information. This includes suggested itineraries, recommended points of interest, travel coupons, transit passes, tour excursions, and travel advisories.
You can even create your own itinerary directly in the app, either by searching and saving selected points of interest or by altering one of the app’s preset itineraries.
Google Maps
Price: Free
Availability: iOS & Android
Major Perks: Provides easy-to-follow navigation and route planning via car, train, and on foot.
This may come as a surprise to some, but Google Maps is one of the best apps in Japan for general navigation.
Personally, I have found it to be quite reliable and easy to follow, even when the street names are in Japanese. In fact, it’s become my go-to app any time I travel within Japan.
It’s a particularly great tool when navigating the subway systems, as it offers in-depth directions for many of Japan’s major cities. In the app, you can find everything from train departure times to platform numbers, delay updates, and directions to the most convenient subway exits.
Moreover, the app offers easy-to-follow navigation on foot and by car, ensuring you’re covered no matter how you choose to travel.
In addition to this, you can even create your own custom map within Google Maps using their My Maps function. Simply pin your desired destinations to your map and save it for later.
Maps.me
Price: Free
Availability: iOS & Android
Major Perks: Offers downloadable offline maps with route navigation and pinning features.
Maps.me is the best navigation app for those who plan on traveling within Japan without cell service or Wi-Fi coverage.
Generally speaking, this app functions similar to Google Maps in that it offers in-depth navigation and route planning. However, it also provides users with the ability to download regional maps directly to their phones.
This means you can access, search for, and pull up navigational directions even if you don’t have service.
The app also allows users to bookmark points of interest on their downloaded maps. This feature is excellent when navigating busy cities but can also be used when exploring off the beaten path. In fact, some users rely solely on Maps.me to bookmark locations when hiking in unknown or remote areas.
Japan Transit Planner – Norikae Annai
Price: Free with paid features
Availability: iOS & Android
Major Perks: Provides easy-to-read train timetables and route planning.
The final navigational app on our list is the Japan Transit Planner by Norikae Annai, one of the top apps in Japan for transit navigation.
With a focus on buses, subways, and trains, this app provides in-depth detailed timetables for public transit all across the country.
Users may search for transportation using various filters, including location, route, date, departure time, arrival time, and transit type.
In addition to this, the app provides users with the ability to directly purchase mobile transit tickets and passes. With a variety of options to choose from, covering all regions of Japan, you’ll be set to go no matter where you plan to travel next.
Google Translate
Price: Free
Availability: iOS & Android
Major Perks: Offers instant translation between English and Japanese in real-time via text, voice, and photo.
In my opinion, Google Translate is the number one best app for Japan travel, especially for those who don’t speak the local language.
While I do think it’s beneficial to learn some Japanese before you go to Japan, chances are you won’t be fluent enough to survive on your own.
And that’s okay – Japanese is a hard language to learn!
I mean, I live in Japan and I’m still struggling to understand the language. I have to rely on the assistance of Google Translate all the time!
In particular, the app’s speech-to-text translation function is great to have on hand when communicating with locals who don’t speak English (which is common). And its photo translation feature is perfect when shopping, particularly at the grocery store.
Of course, you can also translate simple sentences via text if you like. This feature is even available offline. Just be sure to download the app’s Japanese dictionary ahead of time.
DuoLingo
Price: Free with paid features
Availability: iOS & Android
Major Perks: Provides in-depth Japanese lessons, including an overview of Japan’s writing systems, Hiragana and Katakana.
If you’d like to go beyond basic phases and learn more Japanese, I recommend downloading DuoLingo.
Considered by many to be the best language learning app available, DuoLingo offers easy-to-digest Japanese lessons that touch upon a variety of topics. From introductions to greetings, ordering food, counting, and directions, you’ll learn everything you need to survive during your trip to Japan.
The app even offers a separate section dedicated to learning Hiragana and Katakana, two of Japan’s most common writing systems.
While you probably won’t be able to master these character sets through DuoLingo alone, the information learned will still come in handy when reading simple signs and menus.
Klook
Price: Free
Availability: iOS & Android
Major Perks: Offers a variety of travel excursions, tours, and park passes across Japan.
Klook is one of the best apps for Japan travel if you’re interested in booking local excursions or tours.
Similar to Viator but more popular among Asian countries, Klook offers access to an extensive marketplace where you can book a wide variety of local experiences. From cooking classes to guided day trips, food tours, bar hopping, and walking tours, there’s something here for everyone.
The app even offers ticket sales to a number of local attractions, including popular destinations such as Disney Resort, TeamLabs, Tokyo Tower, and Legoland. As well as booking services for hotels, airport transfers, car rentals, and rail passes.
On top of this, Klook has an awards program where you can earn points for every purchase made and completed. Once you’ve earned at least 10 credits, you can apply them to your next purchase for a discount.
Ecbo Cloak
Price: Free
Availability: iOS & Android
Major Perks: Provides the location and availability of luggage storage facilities across Japan.
If you plan to travel around Japan a lot, then you’ll definitely want to download Ecbo Cloak.
Connected to regions all across the country, this app provides updated information pertaining to the location and availability of luggage storage lockers. It even allows users to reserve spots ahead of time and make payments online.
While this may not seem immediately important, trust me when I say it is.
More times than not, when traveling across Japan, I’ve encountered situations where I arrive much earlier than my allotted check-in time at my hotel or Airbnb. When this happens, these luggage storage lockers have been liver savers.
After all, there’s nothing worse than trying to sightsee while dragging your luggage along with you.
My Currency Converter & Rates
Price: Free
Availability: iOS
Major Perks: Offers fast and reliable currency conversion on the spot.
Currency conversion can be confusing, especially when rates constantly change throughout the day. This is why I use My Currency Converter & Rates.
This simple app provides quick and reliable currency conversions between US dollars and Japanese yen. Simply pop in your figure, and it’ll instantly convert it for you as needed.
The app even offers a chart overview if you’d like to see how rates have changed over time.
Please note that as of writing this article, My Currency Converter & Rates is only available for iPhone users. There are a lot of other options out there, however, for Android users, including My Currency Converter and Currency Converter.
Line
Price: Free with paid features
Availability: iOS & Android
Major Perks: Japan’s most popular messaging platform.
Line is one of the most popular apps in Japan for communication and messaging among locals.
It’s so popular that many shops and businesses even use it to communicate with their customers.
In fact, I first downloaded it when I was trying to sign up for an account with Banana Republic in Japan. The only way for me to register in their system and receive discounts was to create a Line account.
Since then, Line has become a regular mode of communication for me when messaging with locals. And it is the only way that I know how to contact my dog trainer here in Japan.
While Line is not absolutely necessary for travel in Japan, I still recommend downloading it. Some tour companies use the app as an additional form of communication, and it’s a great way to keep in touch with any locals you may befriend.
Additional Tips for Japan Travel
If you plan to catch a flight to Japan, it’s important to plan ahead and be strategic!
In addition to downloading travel apps, there are a few other important things you can do to ensure your trip to Japan goes smoothly.
Use Visit Japan Web for Entry into the Country
The country’s official immigration and customs website, Visit Japan Web, is an important site that you can use to help expedite your entry into the country. You can visit the site before your departure to input your information.
If it’s your first time visiting the website, you’ll need to create an account, enter your immigration information, and add your arrival schedule. Once processed, you will receive a QR code that you can scan at the airport when you land in Japan. Generally speaking, using this QR code helps speed up the immigration and customs process upon arrival.
This website also offers a tax-free shopping feature, where you can input your information to obtain a tax-free QR code. Simply show this to the sales clerk at any eligible store to receive tax discounts.
Purchase a SIM Card or Rent Portable Wi-Fi
If you don’t have an international cell phone plan, then I highly recommend either purchasing a SIM card or renting a pocket Wi-Fi device. While Japan does offer free Wi-Fi hotspots in touristy areas of the country, they won’t be available everywhere you go, so it’s best not to rely on them.
You can purchase SIM cards and rent pocket Wi-Fi devices at most major airports upon arrival. However, if you’re traveling during the busy season, it’s best to try and reserve a pocket Wi-Fi ahead of time if you opt to go that route. Another alternative to consider, if your phone has the capabilities, is an eSIM Card. These can usually be purchased online ahead of time.
If you plan to use a SIM or eSIM card, you’ll want to confirm that your phone is unlocked. You can check with your service provider if you’re unsure.
Leave Your Power Adapter At Home
Chances are you won’t need to bring a power adapter when you travel to Japan if you’re flying from the United States or Canada. Japan uses 2 prong (type A) outlets that are similar to those found in North America. These can typically accommodate most electronics that visitors bring, although those traveling with larger equipment may need a 3-to-2 (type B to type A) prong converter.
Similarly, most travelers won’t encounter any issues with voltage, as Japan uses a voltage of 100V. Many American and Canadian appliances are rated at a voltage of 100V-120V, so you should be okay for the most part. The exception to this is higher powered appliances, such as blow dryers and steam irons. If you plan to bring anything similar, you’ll want to pack a power converter so you don’t end up ruining your appliances.
If you’re uncertain about the voltage of your devices, you can check the cords on your devices to see what they’re rated for.
Add Your Subway Card to Your iPhone
Many Japanese subway cards can now be added to iPhones and Apple Watches, allowing for an easier and more convenient transit experience. You can either purchase a new transit card directly through Apple Wallet or transfer an existing physical card. Set-up is relatively easy and quick to do, and once completed, allows you to use your cell phone instead of a physical card.
Unfortunately, for Android users, this feature is only available on Android devices that have been purchased within Japan. If you’re coming from overseas with an Android phone, you’ll need to use a physical subway card instead. For those that happen to have a Japan-bought Android phone, you can add your subway card to Google Wallet as long as it supports Osaifu-Keitai, the Japanese version of Google Wallet.
Consider Purchasing a Japan Rail Pass
A Japan Rail Pass is a great option to consider if you plan to travel to several cities within Japan. Passes cover rail travel across the country and can be purchased for one, two, or three-week intervals. They offer unlimited long-distance train rides on JR trains, as well as some subway travel within certain cities. Rail passes can be purchased online, at designated sales offices overseas, or upon arrival in Japan.
If you’re unsure whether or not it’s worth it to obtain a pass, I’d recommend pricing it out to see the difference in cost between the pass and individual ticket purchases. While the JR Pass is a wonderful option, it doesn’t always make sense for everyone, especially if you don’t plan on traveling very far.
Frequently Asked Questions About Japan Apps
Travel apps make it easier to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, like Akiyoshidai Cave in Mine, Japan.
Here are my thoughts on some commonly asked questions about Japan travel apps.
Do I Need to Download an App to Travel to Japan?
No, you don’t need to download an app to travel to Japan. However, doing so is certainly helpful. There are several apps out there that can be beneficial for travelers, but those that I recommend are included above in my list of the best apps for Japan travel.
What App Does Japan Use Most?
The app most used in Japan is the messaging app Line. While this app isn’t necessary for those traveling to Japan, it can be beneficial, especially if you plan to keep in touch with locals. It’s also used by some Japanese businesses and tour companies as a means of communication.
Does Apple Maps Work in Japan?
Apple Maps does work in Japan, but it isn’t always as reliable as other navigation apps. It really depends on where you are and the method of transportation that you’re using. In my personal experience, I’ve found that Apple Maps tends to get confused, especially on subways, so it doesn’t always provide the most up-to-date information. I have heard that Apple has put out updates to try and fix this, so it may improve in the future, but as of now, Google Maps is my go-to navigation app for Japan.
Does Japan Have Free Wi-Fi Everywhere?
While free Wi-Fi is readily available in many places around Japan, particularly near major tourist destinations, you won’t always be able to find it everywhere you go. This is especially true if you plan to travel to any off-the-beaten-path destinations. As such, I always recommend purchasing a SIM card or renting a pocket Wi-Fi when traveling to Japan.
Can I Use My Mobile Data in Japan?
You may be able to use your mobile data in Japan; it just depends on your service provider and the plan you’ve signed up for. If you are able to use your data, you will most likely have to pay additional fees unless you’re on an international plan. It’s always best to check with your service provider before traveling so you aren’t caught off-guard by any unexpected charges.
Final Thoughts: Best Apps for Japan Travel
Japan is an incredible destination, it’s true, but it’s also one that offers its own unique set of challenges for travelers. And while it would be easy to let those challenges overwhelm you, it doesn’t need to be that way.
The apps I’ve mentioned above have all been developed to assist travelers and are perfect for those traveling to Japan. All you need to do is download them and go!
Are there any other travel apps you’ve found useful while visiting Japan? Let me know in the comments below!
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