My Top 7 Must-Have Apps for Navigating Japan like a Pro

Japan is a country that's both incredibly fascinating and challenging to explore, especially if you're not familiar with the language, culture, and geography. Fortunately, technology has made traveling in Japan much easier and more convenient, thanks to a plethora of useful apps that can help you with everything from transportation to translation, and food to fun. As someone who has traveled in Japan and loves to explore its many wonders, I've compiled a list of my top 7 must-have apps that I believe every visitor or resident in Japan should have on their phone.

1. Google Maps

While this might seem like an obvious choice, Google Maps is a lifesaver in Japan, especially if you're trying to navigate the intricate web of trains, buses, and subways that crisscross the country. Google Maps is accurate, reliable, and easy to use, with real-time information on routes, schedules, fares, and even crowdedness. You can also save your favorite places, review ratings, and even book reservations directly from the app.

2. Japan Official Travel App

Developed by the Japan National Tourism Organization, this app is a comprehensive guide to all things Japan, from attractions and events to accommodations and restaurants. The app offers curated itineraries, insider tips, and multilingual support, making it an essential companion for any traveler who wants to make the most of their time in Japan. You can also use the app to purchase discounted tickets for popular attractions such as Tokyo Disneyland or the Ghibli Museum.

3. Japan Travel by NAVITIME

Navitime is a free mobile app designed to help tourists navigate and explore Japan more easily. It provides a comprehensive range of travel information and tools that can assist visitors in planning and executing their trip, from transportation to sightseeing, dining to shopping, and more. One of the key features of Japan Travel by NAVITIME is its accurate and up-to-date route search function, which can help travelers find the best way to get from point A to point B using public transportation or walking. The app covers various modes of transport, including trains, buses, subways, taxis, and ferries, and provides real-time updates on schedules, delays, and cancellations.

4. Yomiwa

If you're not fluent in Japanese, reading signs, menus, or labels can be a daunting task. Yomiwa is a powerful OCR (optical character recognition) app that can instantly translate Japanese characters into English, Chinese, or Korean, even without an internet connection. Yomiwa can recognize kanji, hiragana, katakana, and romaji, and provide detailed definitions, examples, and conjugations for each word. Whether you're ordering food, buying souvenirs, or reading manga, Yomiwa can help you understand the Japanese language better.

5. Tabelog

Japan is a foodie's paradise, with a staggering variety of delicious and unique dishes to try. Tabelog is a popular restaurant review app that can help you find the best places to eat in your area, based on user ratings, price range, cuisine type, and other criteria. Tabelog has over 6 million listings and 10 million reviews, covering everything from sushi to ramen, tempura to yakiniku. You can also make reservations, order takeout, or share your own reviews and photos on Tabelog.

6. Jorudan

Jorudan is a transportation app that specializes in train and bus routes in Japan. Jorudan can provide detailed directions and schedules for any destination in Japan, including rural areas and small towns. Jorudan also offers real-time information on delays, cancellations, and platform changes, as well as alternative routes and modes of transport. You can also use Jorudan to plan multi-leg journeys, buy tickets, and save your favorite routes for future reference.

7. Agoda

Agoda is an online travel booking platform that specializes in providing accommodations, flights, airport transfers, and other travel-related services to customers around the world. The company was founded in 2005 and is based in Singapore, with regional offices in major cities such as Bangkok, Tokyo, and New York. It offers a wide selection of properties, ranging from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxury resorts and villas. Customers can search for and book accommodations in over 200 countries and territories, using a variety of search filters such as price range, location, amenities, and user ratings.

Another app that you might use is Hyperdia. It is a comprehensive online timetable and route search service for trains, subways, and buses in Japan. It is one of the most popular travel tools used by both tourists and locals in Japan. With Hyperdia, users can easily find the best route to their desired destination, including the fastest and cheapest routes, the departure and arrival times of trains, and the total fare. Hyperdia covers all major cities and towns in Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, as well as rural areas, making it an essential tool for anyone traveling in Japan.

With these 7 apps on your phone, you'll be well-equipped to explore Japan with confidence and ease. Of course, there are many other apps that could be helpful depending on your specific needs and interests, such as Airbnb, Uber, Booking, Instagram and Facebook. However, I believe that these top apps cover the essential aspects of traveling in Japan: navigation, tourism, language, food, and transportation. So, don't forget to download.

Where to stay in Tokyo Japan

1. Nohga Hotel Akihabara Tokyo

2. The Barn Tokyo

3. Mimaru Tokyo

4. The Tokyo Station Hotel

5. Mita Guest House

Where to stay in Osaka

1. Hotel Elcient Osaka

2. APA Hotel and Resort Osaka Umeda Eki Tower

3. Chisun Standard Osaka Shin Imamiya

4. Hotel New Hankyu Osaka

5. Hotel The Rock