Best Mobile Apps for Traveling in Japan

Introduction

Having the right mobile apps can make traveling in Japan much smoother, helping with navigation, transportation, language translation, and more. Here’s a list of must-have apps to download before your trip to Japan!

🗺️ Navigation & Maps

1. Google Maps (Free | iOS & Android)

Best for directions, walking routes, and public transport information.
Works well in major cities but may lack details for some rural areas.
Tip: Save maps offline for areas with limited signal.

Perhaps Google is the most used map for cities with great detail for anything a tourist or visitor needs.

2. Japan Travel by NAVITIME (Free & Premium | iOS & Android)

Specially designed for foreign tourists.
Provides detailed train routes, ticket prices, and JR Pass compatibility.
Premium version offers offline access and real-time train updates.

Japan Travel has a lot of guided routes , such as walking routes in Kyoto. There are food recommendations, culture tours and culture activities. Some of the activities are paid. They also offer discounts on eSims.

3. MAPS.ME (Free | iOS & Android)

Best for offline navigation in rural areas or hiking trails.
Allows you to download entire regions for offline use.

There is a Pro version, which is paid. The screens and colors for the free version make it easy to see. Like Google, restaurant and popular places come up. There are tab searches for hotels, groceries and WiFi.

🚆 Public Transport & Shinkansen

4. JAPAN Transit Planner by Jorudan (Free & Premium | iOS & Android)

Helps you find the best train routes, ticket prices, and JR Pass options.
Real-time updates on train delays and schedules.

5. Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA App (Free | iOS & Android)

For Mobile Suica (IC card payments on your phone).
Lets you charge your IC card and pay for trains, buses, and convenience store purchases.

6. Shinkansen (SmartEX) App (Free | iOS & Android)

Allows you to book and manage Shinkansen tickets.
Avoids waiting in ticket lines.

🌐 Translation & Language Help

7. Google Translate (Free | iOS & Android)

Essential for instant text and voice translation.
Camera function lets you translate menus, signs, and labels instantly.
Tip: Download Japanese offline translation pack before your trip.

8. VoiceTra (Free | iOS & Android)

A Japan-specific voice translation app.
Better at understanding Japanese slang and dialects.

9. Yomiwa (Free & Paid | iOS & Android)

Best for reading Japanese kanji on menus, signs, and packaging.
Works even without an internet connection.

💸 Payments & Money

10. Wise OR Revolut (Free | iOS & Android)

Helps with currency exchange and low-fee international transactions.
Works well with Japanese ATMs.

11. Currency Converter Plus (Free | iOS & Android)

Useful for real-time currency exchange rates.

📶 Connectivity & WiFi

12. Japan WiFi Auto-Connect (Free | iOS & Android)

Helps you connect to free public WiFi spots automatically.

13. Saily eSIM, Ubigi, OR Airalo (Free | iOS & Android)

Buy and activate an eSIM for internet access without renting pocket WiFi.
Tip: Purchase the eSIM before arriving in Japan.

🍣 Food & Restaurant Guides

14. Tabelog (Free | iOS & Android)

Japan’s most popular restaurant review app.
More accurate than Google Reviews for local recommendations.

Some restaurant information is available only in Japanese.

15. Gurunavi (Free | iOS & Android)

Best for finding restaurants based on dietary restrictions (vegetarian, halal, etc.).
Includes English-language menus for many places.

📍 Travel & Sightseeing

16. Japan Official Travel Guide (JNTO) (Free | iOS & Android)

Lists tourist attractions, travel alerts, and emergency info.

17. Klook OR GetYourGuide (Free | iOS & Android)

Great for booking tours, attractions, and activities.
Often offers discounted entrance fees for tourists.

🚨 Emergency & Safety

18. Safety Tips (JNTO) (Free | iOS & Android)

Sends real-time alerts for earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons.
Includes emergency contacts and instructions.

19. Japan Shelter Guide (Free | iOS & Android)

Shows the nearest emergency shelters in case of disasters.

20. Medical & First Aid App (Japan Hospital Guide) (Free | iOS & Android)

Lists English-speaking hospitals and clinics.

🛍️ Shopping & Tax-Free Info

21. Japan Tax-Free App (Free | iOS & Android)

Helps you find duty-free shopping locations and understand tax refund policies.

Conclusion

Downloading the right apps before your trip will make your journey across Japan much easier. Whether it’s navigating public transport, translating menus, or finding the best food spots, these apps will ensure a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience.

Safe travels and enjoy your adventure in Japan! 🇯🇵✨