Japan is consistently one of the most popular destinations in Asia for travellers, and with good reason. The country has much to offer—from its seamless blending of the modern with the traditional, from its local culture to its cuisine. In 2023 alone, it welcomed over 25 million visitors from all over the world!
However, when visiting for the first time, travellers may face challenges when it comes to communication, navigating through the Tokyo Subway System, finding the best food places, managing their travel passes, and more. So, if you’re planning to visit Japan anytime soon, save this guide where I list all the essential apps and websites you need for Japan travel. Take note that all of these apps are available absolutely free of charge and are sure to make your trip to Japan a smooth and fun experience.
Also check out my YouTube video to get a feel of the user interface of the apps and websites. There, I show you in detail how to use some of these apps most effectively.
#1: Google Translate
Application: Translation
If Japanese is not among the languages you speak, overcoming the language barrier will be a daunting task. Google Translate makes it simple; just open the camera option in the app and scan through your restaurant menu or street signs you want to understand, and voilà! It will translate it into your language of choice in real-time. While the more commercial areas have English readily available along with the Japanese signs, you may face challenges when exploring smaller establishments, such as bars and izakayas on small streets.
You can also use the type-in translator of Google Translate to communicate with locals. Type in whatever you want to say, translate it into Japanese, then click the ‘speaker’ option. Google Translate will read out your translated message for you. This is especially helpful when asking for help or seeking directions to your destination from locals.
But Google Translate isn’t the only Google app that’ll come to your rescue.
#2: Google Maps
Application: Navigation
When it comes to navigating through the Tokyo Subway System, even second- or third-time visitors may find it quite complicated to get around. With 13 lines and 285 stations, it is important that you know exactly where you are, and how to reach your destination, or you can get lost in the system for hours. So read along.
Each of the 13 lines is denoted by an alphabet. For example, the Marunouchi line is denoted by the letter M, and the Hibiya line is denoted by H. Each station along a particular line is assigned a number. For example, the Nishi Shinjuku station, which is the 7th station in the Marunouchi line is assigned the number 07. Therefore, if you want to go to the Nishi Shinjuku station, the code you want to look for is M-07.
Google Maps uses the same alphabet-number code as mentioned above, for representing the subway stations. Just type in your current location and your destination, and it will show you the code, the platform number, and the correct entry point.
When travelling through bigger stations, such as Tokyo, Shibuya, and Shinjuku, entering from the wrong point can cost you a lot of time. Therefore, refer to the entry point (shown in Google Maps in yellow) to reach the platform.
It is also important to ensure that you are on the correct platform. Suppose you’re going from station M-07 to M-15, you would want to be on the platform that shows M-07 > M-25. Since M-15 comes in between M-07 and M-25, you will be heading in the correct direction.
And while Google Maps is an incredibly good option to navigate across the subway system in Tokyo, if you’re travelling outside Tokyo (perhaps in Osaka or Kyoto), then this next app will be a saviour.
#3: Japan Travel
Application: Navigation
While Google Maps is mostly confined to Tokyo, Japan Travel will help you explore other cities. In addition to doing everything Google Maps does, it provides an additional filter for choosing the routes that your travel pass covers. Neat, right? The app also offers some exclusive promotions for people travelling to Japan. Make sure you don’t miss out on them!
#4: Japan Train Card Balance Check
Application: Commerce
Speaking of travel passes, once you’re in Japan you need to get ahold of one of the travel IC cards to get around. The two preferred options are SUICA and PASMO. Essentially, both are rechargeable e-money cards that work on a pay-as-you-go basis. You can use them in JR East lines in the Greater Tokyo Area, private railway lines, subways and buses, and in convenience stores and vending machines. You can collect these cards at the airport or major JR East Line stations.
If you want to check your IC card balance on the go and do not have a scanning machine nearby, download the Japan Train Card Balance Check app, hold your card under the phone, and it will show you your card balance.
#5: Visit Japan Website
Application: Travel
Available on: Official website; no mobile app available
Let us now shift the focus towards the immigration clearance process. Clearance is a mandatory step before you’re allowed entry into Japan. However, the long queues can be tedious and tiring, especially if you’re travelling with family, elders, or children.
Go to the Visit Japan website from the above link, register, and fill in your details beforehand. This way, you can ensure that your data is already stored in the immigration clearance systems. Once you’ve completed all the required fields, you will be provided with a QR code. In the clearance area, walk through with your passport and the QR code to fast-track your clearance and avoid the queue.
A tip: The Visit Japan website will ask you to upload a scanned copy of your passport. Make sure you have adequate sunlight while scanning, as the website may not recognise the passport if it is scanned at nighttime, even under good lighting.
#6: Japan Wi-Fi Auto-Connect
Application: Networking
Let’s face it; if not for the Internet, none of these apps and websites would be of any use. While you always have the option of activating international roaming plans on your default SIM card, they may burn a hole through your pocket.
Alternatively, you can avail Wi-Fi services in several locations across Japan for absolutely free! There are two problems, though. First, you must manually check if free Wi-Fi services are available in your area. Second, every time you connect to Wi-Fi, you must register by filling in the details.
Japan Wi-Fi Auto-Connect solves both problems, as it tells you where nearby Wi-Fi spots are and saves you the hassle of registering over and over again. Just register once, and it will automatically enter the data and connect you to Wi-Fi.
Disclaimer: Be cautious while using Public Wi-Fi Networks, as you can’t be certain whether there’s a hacker in the network you’re using. However, you can protect yourself by installing a secure VPN.
There’s another option to avail Internet services without paying hefty international roaming bills. Check out this next website.
#7: Airalo
Application: Networking and Communication
Available on: Official website; app available for iOS and Android
An eSIM essentially offers you all the services of a physical SIM card without the hassle of paying extra. Nowadays, most phones have two SIM card slots. If you have only one SIM card in your phone, you can go ahead and buy an eSIM data pack of your choice to get Internet connectivity in Japan, or any country you’re travelling to, while still receiving calls and messages through your original SIM card.
I personally prefer using Airalo as my go-to eSIM provider. It covers more than 200 destinations at pocket-friendly prices, so I don’t have to sweat it. You can check out their plans on their official website above. Once you’ve taken one of their plans, download their app to install, activate, and use your eSIM.
As a regular Airalo customer, I can get you a discount of 3 USD on your next eSIM data pack purchase. Simply head over to the above link and enter the code STEVE5974 while purchasing your plan.
#8: Tabelog
Application: Food and Lifestyle
Available on: Official website; app available for iOS and Android
Finally, how can a trip to Japan ever be complete without trying out their plethora of culinary delicacies?
Japan has a rich culinary heritage, with food standards that are second to none. When it comes to the sheer number of restaurants and food outlets, imagine this: You can eat three full meals at a different place every day on your trip, and you’ll still barely scratch the surface. The options are endless, which is why you may want to try only the best dishes the place has to offer.
Worry not, as Tabelog comes to the rescue! Here you can locate the best food chains in any area of Japan. You can filter your options according to food type, area of Japan, and solo/group hangouts and see the top restaurants in Japan rated by the locals.
While Tabelog also has an app version, the website has an additional benefit of English translation, which may be useful for those who do not know Japanese. So do check it in the link above and thank me later!
Endnote
Now that you’ve walked through the 8 most essential apps and websites you need while travelling to Japan, you can be confident about your trip and hop on the next flight. Come back to this guide to check if you need any app during your visit. You can also check out my YouTube video to get an idea of the UI/UX of the apps and websites listed here.
Essential Apps in Japan FAQs
You can use Google Maps to navigate your way across stations and entry points in the Tokyo subway system. For regions outside Tokyo, use Japan Travel. Both apps are available for iOS and Android smartphones.
Download the Japan Train Card Balance Check app from the app store and hold your SUICA card under the phone after opening the app. Once detected, the app will tell you your card’s balance and validity.
The immigration clearance process requires you to fill out a form with necessary details before you’re allowed entry. Standing in the queue may take between 1 to 1.5 hours before you reach the clearance desk. To skip the queue and save time, go to the Visit Japan website and fill in your details before boarding the flight. More details on the #5: Visit Japan Website section above.
Tabelog is a great option if you’re looking for the top restaurants and food outlets rated by the locals. You can filter your options by food type, location, whether eating alone or with a group etc.
eSIM is definitely a good option for travellers who are running on a budget or do not want to spend extra on international roaming plans. Airalo is one of the best eSIM providers, covering over 200 destinations at affordable data pack prices.
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