Ultimate List of 23 Best Apps for Travel to Japan

Disclosure: This best apps for Japan article may contain affiliate links. If you click it and buy something you like, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. With it, you will help me buy treats for my dog and parrot, build the time machine, and travel back in time to see dinosaurs and interview stone crafters on Easter island. Thank you! Read more in Disclaimer.

Attention a fellow traveler to Japan!
Are you planning, the land of the rising sun? 

Superb! Then this ultimate list of the best apps for travel to Japan is just what you need.
I used those Japan travel apps on my first time travel to Japan.

They were an immense help on my 17-day Japan itinerary during cherry blossom season. Because, let’s face it, traveling in Japan is something different.

🐶 If you have been wondering “If Anja were a dog, what breed would she be?”, you will find the answer hidden in the blog.

You are faced with a new culture, a new (unfamiliar) language and writing system, and different food and customs. Selection of apps for Japan travel will not only make your trip stress-free but will also help you to overcome all those unfamiliar ‘differences’.

Because let’s be real, getting lost in translation is only fun for so long. But with japan travel essential apps, your journey through Japan will be unforgettable.

Best apps for japan travel will help you conquer the language barrier, make you navigate the Japanese public transport system like a pro, and help you find a place to eat.

Japan apps will help you choose the best ramen, find the best sushi, select the best tour and alarm you about possible disasters. Like earthquakes and what to do during an earthquake. They offer a plethora of information.

Now, get your phone ready to download 23 best apps for Japan.

Ultimate list of best apps for travel to Japan

• GENERAL: Japan Official Travel App
  GENERAL: Japan Travel by NAVITIME
  
• TOURS and TRAVEL GUIDES: Japan Travel Guide Offline
  TOURS and TRAVEL GUIDES: GetYourGuide
  
• NAVIGATION: Google Maps
  NAVIGATION: Maps.Me
  
• TRANSPORTATION: Rome2rio
  TRANSPORTATION: HyperDia
  TRANSPORTATION: Norikae Annai – Japan Transit Planner
  TRANSPORTATION: Tokyo Metro Subway Map & Route
  TRANSPORTATION: Arukumachi KYOTO Route Planner
  
• LANGUAGE: Google Translate
  LANGUAGE: Omotenashi Guide
  LANGUAGE: VoiceTra
  
• INTERNET CONNECTION: Travel Japan Wi-Fi
  
• LUGGAGE: Ecbo Clak
  
• FOOD: GuruNavi
  FOOD: Tabelog
  FOOD: Ramen Beast
  FOOD: Happy Cow
  
• NATURE: Weather Japan
  NATURE: Yurekuru App
  NATURE: Sakura no Kimochi

1. General apps for Japan travel

1.1. Japan Official Travel App

An official smartphone app ‘Japan Official Travel App’ is at the top of the list of apps to use in Japan. This app was created by JNTO, which stands for Japan National Tourism Organisation.

It is a must-download app if you are traveling to Japan for the first time. It helps you plan and navigate your trip to Japan safely and comfortably.

The app includes travel guide articles, tourist spot info, maps, and route search. Route search is compatible will all public transportation lines, including Japan Rail Pass.

Inside this travel app you can find helpful links and tourist tips, and search for free Wi-Fi hotspots, tourist info centers, and hospitals. It can help you with navigation to the attractions and offers access to buying tickets. Amazing thing is that you can even use it offline. 

Languages: English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Korean
Download: iOS | Android | Website 
Price: Free

1.2. Japan Travel by NAVITIME

Japan Travel by NAVITIME is another must-have japan travel app. It will help you explore Japan with travel guides and articles like a local.

In this pocket guidebook app, you will get comprehensive information about transport, money, food, art and culture, nightlife, and shopping, which are all available for different areas around Japan.

Its route search feature will help you plan your trip from point A to point B, using different types of public transport. Amazing thing is that it gives you info like platform number, station and time.

Plus it shows you train stations so you actually know if you are going in the right direction. It has the option to show trains covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

The Navitime app also helps you find free WiFi sports, ATMs, currency exchange offices all offline. In places nearby you can also book hotels, activities and rental cars. You can add points of interest on your itinerary, view your travel plan on a map or select from proposed itineraries.

Languages: English, Korean, Chinese (13 altogether)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free + In-App Purchases

2. Tours and travel guide apps for traveling in Japan

2.1. Japan Travel Guide Offline

As the name suggests, Japan Travel Guide Offline works without an internet connection. With this Japan app, you can access information about Tokyo, Kyoto, Sapporo and other locations around Japan.

You can browse through guides, phrase lists, and search for restaurants and hotels. You can look at metro maps, and create custom lists of interests. You can add places to favorites and learn about local costs. All of this is available offline.

App will suggest articles related to your current location and works great with Maps.me app. There is a free version of the app, but if you wish more info you can upgrade to the full version with more amazing features.

Languages: English, French, German, Italian (7 altogether)
Download: iOS | Android
Price: Free + In-App Purchases

2.2. GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is a must-have travel app! Not only when traveling in Japan but everywhere else in the world as well. It offers more than 60,000 tours, tickets, and activities, where anyone can find something for themselves.

This ultimate in-destination travel app is perfect for any type of traveler. For a solo female travelers, couples, and families. They offer private tours, airport transfers, group activities, seasonal tours like cherry blossom, day trips, tours for foodies and more.

Inside the app you can add activities to your wish list, receive instant confirmations and read reviews from previous guests. App offers offline availability of upcoming bookings, vouchers, and contact details. You can access all the tours via their website as well!

Language: English, Danish, French, German, Italian (14 altogether)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

3. Best Japan travel apps for navigation

3.1. Google Maps

Google Maps is the #1 Navigation map on Apple iOS and has more than 10 billion downloads. This is one of the essential travel apps most of you already have installed on your mobile phone and are already using even in your home country. I love it!

What I especially love and do before every travel is to download Google Maps to work offline. Do that for the map of Japan. If you don’t you will have to use wifi for the app to work properly.

Besides the ‘usual’ stuff like calculating distances, bus stops, train stops and route suggestions, this supreme navigation app has other tricks up its sleeve.

You can use it to find groceries, restaurants, hotels, parks, gas stations, and attractions. You can save your top spots in your favorites or store them for your next travel plans. It also allows you to share your itinerary and points of interest with others.

It is easy to use, fast, accurate, user-friendly travel app with real-time updates that every traveler should have on their phone.

Language: English, Danish, French, German, Italian (37+ altogether)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

3.2. Maps.Me

Maps.me is another navigational travel app that holds first spot amongst offline maps apps. It is not a substitute or a replacement for Google maps. I use it more like an add-on to Google maps. They live in harmony and complement each other, like peanut butter and jelly.

An amazing feature of Maps.me is that it works offline. But before that, you will have to download the map of the area you are traveling to. In this case Japan. I love using Maps.Me in Seychelles, especially when going on hikes in Praslin or La Digue.

Besides using map features and distances, this travel app also has travel guides and shows restaurants and cafes in the area. Before leaving on a trip, make sure to import Google maps pins into your Maps.me.

Language: English, French, German, Italian (29+ altogether)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free + In-App Purchases

4. Transportation apps to use in Japan

4.1. Rome2rio

Just like I use Google Maps everywhere I go, I use Rome2rio app everywhere I travel for transportation. Based on the destination I then combine this app with destination-specific apps. You will find a whole list of those apps for Japan below.

Rome2rio app is an amazing travel planning app that will show you route options, time to get there, a form of transport used for that route, and an estimated price. Great when traveling in Mexico, Exploring Sydney, traveling in Japan, finding a ride in Bali, or when on Eurotrip.

This app covers more than 160 countries and covers busses, trains, rental cars, ferries, and flights. You can choose any starting point and the Rome2rio will do the rest.

Language: English, French, German, Italian (6 altogether)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

4.2. Hyperdia

HyperDia is a website or an app available in three languages. It is an essential app to use in Japan for planning your rail trip around Japan. It is extremely useful for JR Pass users. This was my most used app while in Japan. (Not counting Google translate.)

Hyperdia is Alfa and Omega of Japan rail travel. It is perfect if you are traveling in Japan using Japan Rail Pass or if you have to buy train tickets that are not covered under JR Pass.

You select your departure and arrival point, and HyperDia will give you a list of train information, prices, and average journey times. Hyperdia is great while in Japan and before getting there, to calculate the cost of single train journeys compared to the JR Pass.

Do note that Japan Rail Pass is NOT valid on Nozomi trains, offered in HyperDia but (for now) you can select only JR Pass trains. Which is extremely convenient and tourist-friendly!

Their iOS app has a voice search feature and offers in-app purchases. They don’t have an app for Android users. But don’t be upset! To be honest, Hyperida works best on a desktop or on your phone browser.  Or you can use an alternative, already mentioned NAVITIME.

Language: English, Japanese, Chinese
Download: iOS | Website
Price: Free + In-App Purchases

4.3. Norikae Annai – Japan Transit Planner

Norikae Annai is the most downloaded transit planner app in Japan. It is known also by the name Jorudan from the developer. It does what the name suggests – it helps you to plan your travel when using public transport system in Japan. 

Transit planner works similarly to Hyperdia. Type in your departure and arrival train station in a browser or inside an app. You will then get route options, with departure times, journey duration, price, and type of transport (train, plane, ferry, bus).

You can further sort results by time, fare, and changes. Great thing about the app is that it shows you the weather forecast on both stations and a train stop list for your convenience. Japanese people think and are prepared for everything. 

Language: English, French, German (13 altogether)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free + In-App Purchases

🐶 “If Anja were a dog, what breed would she be?” I would either be Golden Retriever or St. Bernard.

4.4. Tokyo Metro Subway Map & Route

When visiting the capital of Japan, Tokyo Metro Subway Map & Route is the one for you. Tokyo has more than 37 million people, so you can only imagine how complex and intense its metro system is. Pair that with crowds and unfamiliar language and you get yourself into a challenge.

A really helpful thing about the Tokyo Subway app is that it works offline. That is right, you don’t need to have Wi-Fi to use it but it still works better with it! On the flip side, it doesn’t show the options that would include only the JR Pass lines.

This is an easy-to-use and simple app that helps you with Tokyo subway navigation and shows you the best routes between point A and point B. Time you need to get there, closest exit, landmarks nearby … Useful things to know when you find yourself wandering around in the largest city in the world.

Language: English, French, German (11 altogether)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free + In-App Purchases

4.5. Arukumachi KYOTO Route Planner

Arukumachi KYOTO is a transportation app to use in Japan when visiting the cultural capital Kyoto. It helps to with planning routes when visiting various sites in Kyoto. From Kinkakuji, Fushimi Inari, Bamboo grove and others.

It is a basic route planning app that combines Kyoto city rail and bus routes. It shows travel times and fares. You select your point of departure and destination and the app will do the rest. When using an app with location service it will show you the nearest station.

Based on the search term, the app will also show you the walking routes and detailed station maps. So you won’t get lost (like I did plenty of times) because I just could comprehend that train stations are on different floors, underground! I felt like being trapped in an ant nest.

Language: English, Japanese, Korean (5 altogether)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

5. Language apps for travel to Japan

5.1. Google Translate

Google Translate is another travel app that can be used everywhere. I personally use it on all my travels. When in Tanzania to learn what Swahili words mean when in Mexico to help with my not-the-best Spanish, when in Italy, in Japan and other places.

I’m sure you are familiar with this language app already. The most obvious feature is it will help you translate the Japanese language into your own one. But the absolute best feature is that it can translate the text using ‘camera translation’.

All you have to do is to open the app, point your camera toward the Japanese written sign and Google translate will do the rest. Perfect for menus! It also translates text from the photos on your camera roll. And it also works offline, when you download the language pair on your phone.

Language: 133 languages
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

5.2. Omotenashi Guide

Omotenashi Guide is not a language app per se but it will help you with the problems of the language barrier. It is a voice translation app, designed to help you understand Japanese announcements. The ones on train stations, shopping malls, airports, theme parks, busses

The use of this Japan travel app is simple. Open an app when you hear the announcement. Omotenashi will then translate it into the text of your desired language. It transforms voice messages in Japanese into a foreign language text.

And the best part is that it works without an internet connection. But in order for the app to work, you should give it permission to use the microphone and location service.

Language: English, French, German (13 altogether)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

5.3. VoiceTra

VoiceTra is a language translation app that translates speech into another language. It is a perfect app for all travelers, supports 31 languages, and can be used for free. Although, to make VoiceTra work you will need an Internet connection.

The app translates in both ways. From English to Japanese and vice versa. It also offers text input. VoiceTra is great for simple, everyday conversations that you may encounter. Perfect to conquer language barrier. It allows instant switching between two languages.

Use it when buying admission tickets, asking for a direction, when on a train or bus, while shopping, or when checking in at a hotel.

Language: English, French, Spanish (32 altogether)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

6. Best app for Japan travel internet connection

6.1. Travel Japan Wi-Fi

Travel Japan Wi-Fi is the ultimate app for finding free wifi in Japan. It is a great app if you are not planning to buy your pocket wifi (I highly recommend ordering one) or a local Japan sim card.

This app will make your travel to Japan more fun and much easier. Travel Japan Wifi offers a map of more than 200.000 hotspots around Japan and connects automatically to one of them. From Tokyo, Narita, Osaka and other places in Japan.

You can combine this app and use free wifi hotspots even when you have a local sim card or pocket Wifi to save a bit on your data consumption. Search for Wi2 in blue letters and yellow circles at the back (like a target). This is a Wire&Wireless sign for a free WiFi in Japan.

Language: English, Japanese, Korean (6 altogether)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

7. Luggage app in Japan

7.1. Ecbo Cloak

Ecbo Cloak is a perfect app when exploring Japan. It is superb when moving between cities with all your luggage but still want to do some sightseeing in between. I used this a lot during my 17 days Japan itinerary – in Miyajima, Hiroshima, Nagano, Matsumoto, Shirakawa-go and others.

This app will tell you of the places nearby, where you can store your luggage.  Storing luggage makes you travel stress-free, and sightseeing lighter. You can store your bags for a couple of hours, a whole day, or multiple days.

To avoid any surprises, you can even make reservations so you know that an empty storage room will be waiting for you. They are available at train stations, cafes, post offices and even hair salons. You can expect to pay from 400 yen/bag/day and up.

Language: English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

8. Food apps for traveling Japan

8.1. GuruNavi

If you love to indulge in a delicious food you might have already heard about GuruNavi. It is a popular food app when traveling in Japan, even by locals. It works like a search engine for an area in Japan, based on the cuisine type you feel like eating.

With this gourmet navigator you can choose between sushi, okonomiyaki, izakaya, dining bars, curry, noodles, modern or traditional japanese cuisine and others. You can even choose western cuisine, Italian, Chinese, French organic, Halal or Karaoke.

When you find a restaurant you like, it will give you all the info about their opening hours, menu, prices, if they have Wi-Fi, if the servers there speak English and the nearest train station. You can also filter it by the city.

It comes with a map and restaurant locations which makes it easier for you to find it.
Note that the app has a glitch sometimes and it is hard to switch the language back to English. In those cases, just use a website to find your favorite restaurant. 

Language: English, Japanese
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

8.2. Tabelog

Tabelog is a comprehensive restaurant search guide in Japan. What GuruNavi is for food, Tabelog is for restaurants. It is like TripAdvisor and Google reviews all in one. This is really popular app/website in Japan between locals.

You can search for restaurants via cities or by type. When choosing one by cities, the app will show you top 3 restaurants for various categories. When you select a restaurant, it will show you daytime and night time prices, when they have tables available and show it on the map.

Restaurant reviews are really precise and have a fierce rating system. If you find a restaurant with 3 consider it good! Anything above 4 or higher is excellent and beyond.

App is only available for iOS but not for Android users. You can still use the website version, which I found it is easier to use. 

Language: English, Japanese
Download: iOS | Website
Price: Free

8.3. Ramen beast

Ramen beast is the app for the delicious world of ramen in Tokyo, Japan. This is a foodie’s guide to the best ramen shops you can find in Japan. It includes only the best ramen shops, which will tell you the best miso, spicy, and the ones that are open late. 

It is a really easy and simple-to-use app, that will point you to the best ramen shop based on your preferences. You can choose between 700 ramen shops in Tokyo, get recommendations of the best ramen bowl in specific shops, and also learn about the history of the chef.

Ramen beast is an amazing app but unfortunately, it is only available for iOS users. If you have Android use the Website version to find a delicious ramen shop. 

Language: English
Download: iOS | Website
Price: Free

8.4. Happy Cow

If you are a vegan or vegetarian Happy Cow app is for you. It is one of the best apps to find vegan and vegetarian food restaurants around the world. Happy cow has a base of 180.000 restaurants and cafes in over 180+ countries. And also in Japan.

You can search for meatless and animal-free food plates via filters and choose the best one for you with the help of reviews or more than a million uploaded photos. App will show you the location of the cafes on a map, the price, and the opening time.

Do note that the app will need an internet connection to work properly, so think about ordering a pocket wi-fi or a local sim card. Or screenshot you favorite restaurant while using free travel Japan Wi2.

Language: English, German, Italian (12 altogether)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Paid

9. Nature apps for travel in Japan

9.1. Weather Japan

Weather Japan is a weather forecast app for tourists in Japan. The information inside the app is provided by Japan Weather Association so it will be more accurate than the general weather app. All dates and times inside the app are set in Japan standard time.

Inside the app you can look for weather forecast up to 48h in the future. You can weather search for a place by its name or on a map. App will show you weather conditions and temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Weather Japan app also displays sunrise/sunset times.

You will need an internet connection for this app to work.

Language: English, German, Italian (11 altogether)
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

9.2. Yurekuru App

Geographically, Japan is located on the west side of the Ring of Fire. An area where the majority of earthquakes happen in the World. That is why it is recommended to know what to do during an earthquake and to have Yurekuru App downloaded on your mobile phone.

Yurekuru is the best and most popular earthquake alert app in Japan. It provides the most accurate information about the possibilities of when and where the earthquake will occur. They include location, magnitude, and epicenter.

Do note that Japan is one of the most prepared and organized countries. This app can make you feel safer and more prepared. If an earthquake does occur, follow the lead of the locals, and Stop, Drop, Cover, and Hold on.

Language: English, Japanese
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free + In-App Purchases

9.3. Sakura no Kimochi

Sakura no Kimochi is a great app, especially useful at the time of the cherry blossom season. It shows you the status of the cherry blossoms, expected flowering, and full bloom dates for more than 1000 famous viewing spots in Japan!

This is a free app and will let you know the forecasted dates for cherry blossoms all around Japan. It will show you the map of Japan with expected cherry blossom dates, when the cherry will begin to bloom, and the time of full bloom.

The app only comes in Japanese language, which is not ideal. Make sure you have a translating extension turned on or use the website version of the app.

Language: Japanese
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

Best apps for travel to Japan, in a nutshell

As you can see, there are a variety of apps available to help you have an amazing trip to Japan. Here is only a selection of the best apps to travel to Japan with.

Whether you’re looking for easy navigation tools, language apps, the best routes on public transportation, or access to wifi, there’s an app to help you with it. To further add to your selection, there are apps that tell you where you can store your luggage and food travel apps.

The ones that will recommend the best food options in a selected area, the best restaurants, and also food apps for vegans and vegetarians. Plus there are apps that will tell you about the weather, where to search for the most beautiful cherry blossom, or if there is an earthquake alert.

Select the ones that suit your needs best! With these apps in your pocket, you can feel confident in your ability to make the most out of your trip to Japan.

Don’t forget to share this list of travel apps with your friends traveling to Japan!

Shine on,
Anja

---

Skipped to the good part? Here is the gist

Here you will find a list of the best apps to travel to Japan with. Japan is a country full of unique and wonderful experiences, making it a destination you’ll never forget. With the right travel apps in hand, your traveling to Japan will be easier than ever. From navigation apps to translation apps, finding the right train station to the best sushi spots, with these Japan travel essential apps, you’ll have your sights, transportation, and itinerary covered, no matter what your travel style is. So, pack your passport and your phone, and get ready to explore this captivating country. Bon voyage!

---

🗨 FAQ

---

---

---

---

---

✈ Travel like a PRO

---

✔ You May Also Like

---

❥ About Anja On Adventure