Best apps for your Japan trip
Mar 07,2025 | Milo
Table of contents
Japan Internet and eSIM Solutions
Navigate, Book, and Enjoy Your Japan Adventure
Japan is packed with unforgettable experiences—whether you're exploring Tokyo’s bustling streets, soaking in the tranquility of Kyoto’s temples, or indulging in Osaka’s renowned street food.
However, with Japanese as the primary language and limited English signage, navigating the country can be a challenge.
To make your trip easier, we’ve compiled a list of must-have travel apps, breaking down their features, drawbacks, pricing, and compatibility.
These apps will assist you with translation, navigation, and insider tips, ensuring a stress-free and immersive journey through Japan.
Here’s a quick rundown of the best options:
Best Apps for Japan Travel
These essential travel apps for Japan ensure a hassle-free journey, covering everything from directions and translations to local insights and recommendations.
1. Google Maps
A must-have for travelers, Google Maps provides precise navigation, including real-time traffic updates, walking routes, and public transport details. Whether you’re searching for popular landmarks or off-the-beaten-path eateries, this app helps you get around Japan effortlessly.
2. Google Translate
A must-have app for overcoming the language barrier in Japan, Google Translate offers instant translations for text, speech, and images.
Simply type, speak, or scan Japanese text with your camera to get immediate translations—ideal for deciphering signs, menus, and instructions on the go.
For added convenience, download the Japanese language pack for offline use, ensuring seamless communication even when you’re without internet access.
3. Japan Travel by NAVITIME
Japan Travel by NAVITIME is an essential app for navigating Japan’s transportation system effortlessly.
It provides route planning for trains, buses, and flights, along with real-time updates, train delays, and offline maps. The app also offers helpful features like optimal travel routes, recommended itineraries, Wi-Fi hotspots, and local guides to enhance your journey.
4. Maps.me
Maps.me allows you to access comprehensive maps and navigate without needing any data.
By downloading maps before your journey, you can easily access walking directions, points of interest, and saved locations without an internet connection.
This app is ideal for exploring remote regions of Japan while reducing data expenses, offering useful features like turn-by-turn navigation and offline search capabilities.
5. NERV Disaster Prevention App
The NERV Disaster Prevention App, created by Gehirn, Inc., delivers instant notifications for earthquakes, tsunamis, and extreme weather events across Japan.
This app provides critical updates to ensure your safety during unexpected situations.
It also includes tools like rain cloud radar and weather forecasts, making it an essential resource for both locals and visitors alike.
Japan Internet and eSIM Solutions
To fully utilize these apps for navigation, translations, and live updates, a stable internet connection is essential.
With these internet and eSIM options, you can stay connected throughout Japan, gaining instant access to directions, alerts, and schedules as you travel.
---> Uncover all the essential information you need with our comprehensive guide to mobile internet choices in Japan.
6. ByteSIM
ByteSIM provides eSIM options for over 200 countries, including Japan, ensuring you're always connected no matter where your travels take you.
You can easily purchase and activate your eSIM before departure, and once you land in Japan, simply scan the QR code sent to your email to get started — the process takes just around five minutes. Alternatively, manual setup is available.
With ByteSIM’s Japan plan, enjoy unlimited data, and benefit from unlimited hotspots with other devices.
If you're visiting multiple countries, consider ByteSIM’s regional plans like the Asia eSIM to avoid the hassle of constantly switching plans across borders.
7. Suica Card
The Suica card, offered by JR East, is a reloadable smart card that allows seamless travel on Japan's trains, buses, and subway systems without the need for cash.
It can also be used for purchases at convenience stores, vending machines, and retailers displaying the Suica logo.
Tourists can opt for the Welcome Suica card, a deposit-free version that's valid for 28 days. Typically, you can only purchase one card per person.
To buy the card, you'll need to present your passport with a temporary visitor visa at major JR East stations or airports. The Welcome Suica (tourist version) is available at select airports and significant JR East stations such as:
- Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station
- JR East Travel Service Centers at Narita Airport Terminals 1 and 2-3
- Key JR East stations in Tokyo like Tokyo Station, Ueno Station, Ikebukuro Station, Shibuya Station, and Shinagawa Station
Japan Transportation Apps
Navigate Japan with ease using the top transportation apps available. Whether you’re hopping on a subway or booking a taxi, these apps will help you stay on course.
8. Uber
Is Uber available in Japan? Absolutely! Uber links you to licensed taxi drivers for most trips, unlike the individual drivers typically seen in the U.S.
In certain cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, you can also opt for personal vehicle rides. This offers more flexibility, particularly in crowded areas where finding a taxi might be a challenge.
Uber currently operates in parts of Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanagawa, and Aichi prefectures, with plans to expand to more regions. Choose from standard taxis, high-end vehicles like the Toyota Alphard, and even Tesla Model Ys in specific locations.
While fares might be a bit higher due to booking charges, Uber remains a convenient, English-friendly choice in Japan’s most bustling areas. (¥: Japanese yen)
9. GO Taxi
GO Taxi is a popular taxi app in Japan, especially favored by foreigners, covering 45 out of the 47 prefectures, including key tourist destinations such as Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Okinawa.
This app provides features like real-time tracking, fare estimates, and the ability to pay cashlessly, offering a hassle-free experience for both locals and visitors. GO Taxi also supports several languages, including English, making it accessible to international travelers. (¥: Japanese yen)
10. Tokyo Subway Navigation
The Tokyo Subway Navigation app, created by Tokyo Metro, is an essential companion for exploring Tokyo’s vast subway network.
It provides an interactive map that includes Tokyo Metro, Toei lines, and the JR Yamanote line, allowing you to plan your journey, check travel times, and view transfer details.
This app works offline, enabling you to access maps and route plans even without an internet connection. Designed with international travelers in mind, it is available in several languages, including English and Japanese.
Activity and Booking Apps
Enhance your Japan trip with these top-rated activity and booking apps. Whether you're after tickets or guided tours, these platforms make it simple to reserve experiences and skip long lines.
11. Klook
Klook is a comprehensive travel booking app offering a variety of activities, tours, and attractions throughout Japan.
You can easily book experiences such as Mount Fuji excursions, cultural tours in Kyoto, and tickets for Tokyo Disneyland right from the app.
Klook frequently offers special discounts and exclusive promotions, allowing you to save on your travel costs. The app supports several languages, including English and Japanese, and many bookings come with instant confirmation.
12. Japan2Go!
Japan2Go! is a multilingual travel app designed to enhance your journey through Japan by providing in-depth details on more than 130,000 attractions, including cultural landmarks, dining spots, and popular tourist sites.
With its intuitive search options—both list-based and map-based—you can effortlessly discover places of interest. Additionally, the app grants access to 400,000 free WiFi hotspots across the country.
However, some public WiFi networks in Japan come with usage limits. For instance, Osaka Free WiFi requires users to log in every 30 minutes, while Osaka Free WiFi Lite restricts access to four 15-minute sessions per day.
Food and Restaurant Apps
Explore Japan’s dynamic food culture with these restaurant apps. Whether you're craving sushi, ramen, or hidden local gems, these tools help you discover, book, and savor the best dining experiences in Japan.
13. RamenBeast
RamenBeast is an iOS app dedicated to guiding users to Japan’s finest ramen spots, curated by experts who have sampled more than 10,000 bowls.
It provides in-depth reviews, highlights shop specialties, and offers ordering advice to ensure an authentic ramen experience.
With a selection of over 700 ramen shops in Tokyo, the app categorizes options by style, including tonkotsu, tsukemen, and spicy varieties. Each listing contains key details such as location, operating hours, and must-try menu items.
14. Uber Eats
Uber Eats allows you to experience Japan’s rich culinary offerings from the comfort of your accommodation. With an extensive selection of local eateries, you can conveniently order sushi, ramen, or international cuisine with just a few taps.
The app features real-time order tracking and supports various payment methods, making it a hassle-free choice in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
15. GuruNavi
Short for “Gourmet Navigator,” GuruNavi is one of Japan’s leading restaurant discovery platforms, providing details on more than 65,000 dining establishments.
You can search by location, type of cuisine, or price range and access comprehensive menus, high-quality images, and customer reviews.
Additionally, the app offers exclusive discount coupons and reservation options, making it simple to navigate Japan’s diverse food scene.
Navigate, Book, and Enjoy Your Japan Adventure
Exploring Japan is an exciting adventure, but the language barrier, intricate public transportation, and bustling cities can be intimidating for some travelers. With the right apps, however, you can navigate the country with ease, enjoy incredible food, and easily access must-see attractions.
Apps like Google Maps, NAVITIME, and RamenBeast streamline everything—from finding directions to discovering great dining spots—making your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
To get the most out of these apps, you’ll need a reliable internet connection and plenty of data. ByteSIM’s unlimited data eSIM is an excellent choice.
You can easily set up your eSIM before your trip, activate your plan as soon as you arrive, and with ByteSIM’s region-specific plans, you’ll stay connected without the hassle of switching SIM cards or plans.
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