Find out 6 essential apps you must download before travelling to Japan, with tips on how to use them, and 7 extra useful apps! (with Android and IOS links)
Technology changed the way we travel. Smartphones have become maps, dictionaries, weather forecasters… It seems unthinkable to travel without a smartphone and an Internet connection. Truth is, it makes everything easier. No need to carry guides, dictionaries,… Apps are all we need to travel safely and to get around. I am sure I am not the only one that has downloaded lots of apps before travelling to some location and ended up using only a few. In this guide, I will share the apps that you must have on your smartphone before travelling to Japan. Find also the Android and IOS link to download each app! Unless stated in
To avoid downloading too many apps, they are classified into categories, and after the essential one, there is another list with useful apps that might be useful for some specific purposes.
Getting around (2)
Japan’s largest cities are massive. Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya,… their metro systems can be overwhelming at first. Most of the maps available on the stations are only in Japanese, and getting around is challenging. Moving between cities also requires some skill and planning, as some train stations in Japan are among the busiest on the planet(Shinjuku is the busiest train station in the world). However, there are some apps that make getting around in Japan an easier task.
Google Maps
Google Maps is the go-to app for getting around in Japan. Most metro systems are well represented, schedules are updated regularly, and it even gives specific indications about which metro exit to take to get closer to your destination. 90% of in-city transportation is doable using only Google Maps.
TIP: Use the offline map functionality of Google Maps by downloading the map of a specific city or area to your device. Even without an internet connection, it is possible to ask for directions, although public transport information is limited.
Hyperdia
Google Maps works wonders for in-city travelling. However, when moving between cities, Google Maps sometimes suggests weird itineraries or includes non-JRPass trains in its recommendations. The perfect app for planning large train trips within cities in Japan is Hyperdia.
Available also as a webpage, Hyperdia offers multiple train combinations, different routes and has some very interesting functionalities like excluding the “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” Shinkansens (not included on the JR Pass) or even including flights in your itinerary.
There are a couple of limitations when using the Hyperdia app or website:
- Its design: It feels like being back to windows XP or windows 95. The User Interface is terrible, although it is easy to use.
- It requires to input the exact name of the stations. Due to the size of Japan and its cities, you need to enter the exact match of the origin and destination station. Make sure to write them down before using the app.
Despite the limitations, it is one of the MUST-have apps when travelling through Japan. It saves time, money and you know that you are taking the right train. This is especially valued when everything around is written in Japanese characters.
Accommodation (1)
Some travellers book all their accommodations in advance. Others book a couple of places and choose on the go where they will be staying. If you belong to the second group, you need to have some of the following apps. However, even if you have everything booked, consider having them on your smartphone. Check your reservations, prices, and who knows, maybe there is a sudden change of plans or a spontaneous trip somewhere unexpected.
Booking
The only app I consider a must in the travelling to Japan accommodation section is the Booking app. I usually book on the go. Being a travel photographer, getting a rainy day somewhere usually ruins my plans. Thus, I prefer having an initial sketch of my route but move around based on what I see in-location.
There are a lot of accommodation options in the Booking app. Not only hotels but also hostels, capsule hotels… Not a single issue when paying using any credit card, and fast payment confirmation. I booked every single night in Japan using booking, and got some nice deals, like the 5 nights in Osaka for less than 10€ per night.
Language (1)
Google Translate
Unless you speak Japanese, one of the main limitations when travelling to Japan is the language. Not only because only a few percentages of Japan’s population speaks English, but because some menus, indications or maps are only available in Japanese. Google Translate app is the best option to translate any Japanese information to your language. Moreover, it is possible to download any language on your phone and use it offline.
However, the best functionality is the camera option. Inside the Google Translate app, tap on the camera icon and decide from the top dropdown the “from” language and the “to” language. Point it towards any signal, paper… and it will give you an immediate translation. It won’t be 100% accurate, but in a vast majority of situations, it will be enough to get the basic information. Always have the Google Translate app with the language of the country you are in downloaded.
Food (1)
Travelling is not just about visiting new places. It is also about culture, and one of the best ways to discover and understand any countries’ culture is through their food. Japan is not an exception. No trip to Japan is complete without trying some of its traditional cuisines. Sushi, ramen, soba,… every region has its own delicacies. Oh, and be aware of Japan’s etiquette and don’t tip!
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor is my go-to app when it comes to food. Lots of reviews, plenty of filtering options, and a very intuitive interface. However, one problem that also my second recommended option has is that some local restaurants are not advertised online. This is their way of not getting crowded with tourists. Thus, besides using apps for finding restaurants, observe where locals go or ask at your hotel or hostel.
Google Maps
Given that you most likely will be using Google Maps for getting around, consider also using it for finding restaurants or places to eat. Some places that are not listed in TripAdvisor are on Google Maps and vice versa. It is a good option to check both apps before making a decision. However, 90% of the restaurants in Japan are delicious and have excellent service.
Weather (1)
It is essential to keep an eye on the sky while travelling. Before getting to a location do some research about whether if there is a rainy season, if there are any recommended seasons to visit it, or how your route and activities can get affected because of the weather.
What is the best season to visit Japan?
Find out what makes each season special and start planning your trip! Check it here!
Accuweather
A must-have app when travelling to any country, not only Japan. Some of the most well-known smartphone brands use Accuweather data in their apps, but the official one has many other interesting features.
I found the minute cast function in the Accuweather app to be especially useful for the short but heavy storms that I encountered during my trip. This function shows in a clear graph the expected rain for the following 60-120 minutes, specifying the intensity of the rain and possible breaks. Knowing when the rain will stop or start is very useful. Among all the weather apps that I use, Accuweather was the most accurate one in Japan.
Other useful apps
It is possible to travel to Japan with just the 6 apps listed above. However, it is always nice to have some back-up, places to double-check or alternatives if an app crashes and does not work anymore. These are 7 extra apps that will be very useful if you are travelling to Japan.
Navitime
Navitime works similar to Hyperdia and Google Maps and mixes the between-city and within-city navigation. It has a very useful offline functionality, and it offers information about places of interest, ATMs, restaurants… However, I don’t deem it as essential because Google Maps tends to have more information about spots.
Information can be filtered by location, and it is useful if you don’t know much about an area and need a fast overview of what to see around you.
Maps.me
This one almost made it to the essential apps to travel through Japan. This app offers perfect offline metro or subway information after downloading the map of the city. Yet, I find the in-app ads slightly annoying. Consider it for your trip if you know you will be for long periods of time without an internet connection, or if you don’t get a SIM card.
Tokyo Metro app
As its own name indicates it is an app that gives detailed information about the Tokyo Metro system. It works offline, but I found Google Maps to give the same information, with the benefit of being such a user-friendly app. Other major cities also have their own metro app.
Hostelworld
Hostelworld is a hostel-specialized app. However, most Japanese hostels are available also in Booking, and I found some Hostelworld prices a bit more expensive. Yet, it is a good option to check other possibilities.
HotelsCombined
The other alternative to Booking is HotelsCombined. I mainly used it to check if it was possible to find better prices, but, again, I found the best deals in Booking. Moreover, I am more used to the Booking interface but kept visiting it to double-check the prices.
Airbnb
Everyone knows what Airbnb is. The app to get apartments, rooms or other accommodation options at a very competitive price all over the world. I have used Airbnb a lot in the past, but this time I was travelling solo, and it was not worth getting a full apartment for myself. If travelling with a group (+3 people), it is probably the cheapest option to get accommodation in Japan (together with hostels).
Windy
Although Accuweather was very useful, Windy is my go-to app for the weather forecast, especially because its user interface is so friendly and easy to navigate. The benefit of using windy compared to Accuweather is that it makes it easier to check the weather forecast in non-registered locations, such as rural areas, villages…
If some location can’t be found on Accuweather, get the windy app, and look for it on the map, tap over the location and it will give you the exact weather forecast for the following days.
These are the apps that everyone travelling to japan must download, plus some extra recommendations. Optimize your smartphone memory and download only the essential ones, or the ones that fit your travel style.
Japan is an amazing country. As a travel photographer, I wrote many guides about their cities, places to photograph, activities, budget and much more! Find them here!
For sure there are many other apps that are very useful when travelling to Japan. Leave a comment below and share them! If you have any questions about the apps or when planning your trip to Japan, you can contact me through Instagram (@aniolvisuals) or through email at hello@aniolvisuals.com.
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