Japan can be a tricky and daunting country to travel to, and these 15 x Japan apps will make life and travelling through Japan just a little bit easier. From navigating, translating, staying connected, to finding the best local eats, or booking attractions. This is your ultimate guide to all the Japan apps you are going to want to download to travel JAPAN with ease!
Table of contents
15 x BEST Apps for Japan
We have travelled to Japan several times, over many months and these are the best Japan apps we recommend that we couldn’t live without!
Transport & Navigating Apps for Japan
Navigating Japan’s Rail Network might seem like a daunting task. However, it is made very easy with Google Maps, Apple Maps or with the Roam2Rio App!
It is as simple as imputing where you need to go and ALL of these apps will map out the best route. These apps will also give you prices, schedules and step by step instructions. This includes directions to the train stations, to which platforms and lines making navigating a breeze.
Here’s a little more information about each app and how to use them to travel through Japan.
1. Google Maps / Apple Maps
Description: Google Maps is a NON NEGOTIALE app for navigating Japan’s cities and rural areas. This app provides accurate directions for walking, driving and for public transportation. Further, it will give you REAL TIME schedules, costs and route options. They let you know which train lines, train stations, when to change trains and how long your journey will take including walking directions to and from the Station. It is my fist choice Japan app I use for my travels.
I have also used the google map app to create a saved Japan Map. I have pinned nearly 300 pins of my favorite sites and experiences in Japan, click to view and save my Japan map.
App Features:
- Detailed maps and street views.
- Real-time transit information, prices, and line information.
- Set pins, create and save a map just for your trip!
- Add notes to your saved pins.
- Plus you can DOWNLOAD your city maps to use offline! – (NOTE you will need an internet connection to get REAL TIME travel and navigation directions)
- Below is an example of how to use this app in Japan to navigate:
2. Roam2Rio Navigating App
Description: Roam2Rio app is our other go-to app for navigating Japan’s transport network. It also offers a comprehensive timetable and route planner. What makes Roam2Rio different is it looks at Multi-Mode Transport Options. Helping you find the quickest and most convenient bus, taxi, ferries, trains, including Shinkansen (bullet trains) and local trains.
App Features:
- Compare Multi-Mode Transport Options
- Compare train schedules and routes, costs
- Cost estimates for ALL OPTIONS
- Mobile App
- Below is an example of using this app in Japan to Navigate the different transport modes:
3. Suica Digital Transit Card App for your phone
Suica Cards are a rechargeable smart IC Travel Card used for seamless travel on public transportation throughout Japan. These contactless cards simplify the process of getting around by allowing users to quickly tap and pay at ticket gates for trains, subways, and buses.
Suica cards can also be used for purchases at certain retailers, vending machines, convenience store and even some restaurants accept Suica payments.
Over the last 12 months there has been a GLOBAL SHORTAGE of chips and has made getting a physical cards harder to get.
This is why the DIGITAL SUICA CARD is a great option for travelers.
It is actually NOT AN APP, but a digital card loaded through your Apple Wallet (sadly it is not available for android users)
This guide will help you navigate how to find one due to a global shortage, and also has instructions how to load your digital version.
This guide will help you navigate how to find one due to a global shortage, and also has instructions how to load your digital version.
This guide will help you work out which JAPAN RAIL pass to get, and how to SAVE MONEY on your Japan Train Travel.
4, 5 & 6. Uber, GO or Japan Taxi Apps
If you need to travel by taxi in Japan then using the Uber, GO or the Japan Taxi app are all excellent apps for hailing rides quickly.
By using one of these ride apps in Japan to book, you will get live information on nearby taxis, estimated fares, and it also allows for a variety of payment methods and bookings.
You will also find it easy to translate your destination, as they will already have this information in Japanese through the app.
Apps Feature:
- Fare estimates and payment options
- English language support and translation
Are you still looking for a Hotel? Checkout these…
Japan Translating Apps
7. Google Translate App
Description: While many Japanese people speak English, having a Japanese translation app like Google Translate can be incredibly useful for reading menus, signs, and communicating more effectively. The app supports voice, text, and camera translations, making it versatile for different situations.
App Features:
- Text and voice translations.
- Camera translation for text in images.
- Offline translation capabilities.
When we travel to Japan, we use it mostly with menus or things like signs for parking or rules etc. I simply take a photo and translate the Japanese into English in the click of a button.
Connection Apps
8. Airalo – Esim WIFI
The BEST way to stay connected while traveling in Japan is by using an eSIM app. We love how convenient they are and how you don’t need to swap out your own SIM card. They also provide excellent connectivity through local networks. Click here to see their Japan Plans
Features:
- Trusted by 10million users
- Available in 200+ Countries including Japan
- No need to remove your Sim Card
- Great low priced Data Plans
9. LINE Japan app
Description: LINE is a popular messaging app in Japan and is similar to WhatApp. It is essential for staying connected with locals and other travelers. It offers text, voice, and video messaging. Many Japanese businesses and services use the LINE app for communication and customer service.
Line Japan App Features:
- Free text and voice calls
- Stickers and emojis popular in Japan
- Integration with various Japanese services
- Translation feature
Looking for inspiration of the BEST things to do and places to visit in Japan? Take a look at our Easy 10 Day Itinerary and save our pinned google map with nearly 300 pins.
Japan Currency Exchange Apps
10. Xe Exchange App
If you want to work out the exchange rates easily, you are going to want to get an Exchange App. These calculate the exchange to multiple currencies at the push of a button.
App Features
- Convert any amount of currency to any exchange rate
- Convert multiple currencies at the one time
11. Wise App
We swear by the WISE money card and app! It offers the best exchange rates we’ve found. Far surpassing the rates of our bank and any other cards we’ve tried.
Plus, you get immediate access to a digital card and can order a physical card as well.
App Features:
- Keep your money in your own currency or exchange when the rate is high
- Set ALERTS & automatic exchange’s when the rate hits a certain amount.
- Digital Card for your Apple or Google Wallet
FIND out more about the WISE TRAVEL CARD
Food Apps in Japan
Below are the Japan Apps we use to assist in finding Restaurants, reading reviews, and making restaurant reservations.
12. Ramen Beast App
The Ramen Beast app is great to find where the best Ramen spots in Japan that are near you. This app will work throughout the whole of Japan, and each listing has a rating and review.
13. Tabelog Japan App
This one is for food lovers! Tabelog is an essential app or website. It’s Japan’s most popular restaurant listing, reservation and review site. It will help you find the best local eateries, from high-end sushi restaurants to cozy ramen shops. The app can only be downloaded in Japan or you can use the website. Both include user reviews, photos, and detailed information on each restaurant.
English Website – Tabelog – Japan
Tablelog Japan App Features:
- Extensive restaurant database throughout the whole of Japan.
- User reviews and ratings.
- Search filters by cuisine, location, and price range.
Booking Apps in Japan
14. Klook App
Klook is a comprehensive booking site where you can book just about EVERYTHING in Japan. What we love about Klook is you often get things cheaper than going direct, and you also get a discount if you use a code like our TRAVELLIVNKLOOK.
We also love the convenience of having all our booking confirmations in the ONE PLACE and in an easy-to-use app.
You can book experiences, tours, attractions, trains and hotels through Klook.
Click here to search Tours, Trains and Hotels
15. Booking.com App
We love using booking.com and its app for booking our accommodation. Booking.com provides a user-friendly platform to find hotels, ryokans, and holiday rentals across Japan. It offers a range of options from budget to luxury, complete with reviews and booking flexibility.
What we also love about booking through this app, is having all of our Hotel and Ryokans bookings in one place. This makes them easy to find and to see our itinerary mapped out.
App Features:
- Wide selection of accommodations
- User reviews and ratings
- Easy booking and flexible cancellation option
Japan Safety Apps
16. Nerv
The NERV Disaster Prevention App is a smartphone app that provides warnings in Japan for earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and other emergencies. This app offers weather-related disaster prevention information for flooding and landslides.
Earthquakes and natural disasters are common in Japan which makes this app an essential app for anyone traveling through Japan.
- Japan Earthquake Early Warning (Alert level).
- Tsunami Warning/Major Tsunami Warning.
- Japan Emergency Weather Warning.
Discover more of Japan…
