Must-Have Apps for Japan Travel

January 31, 2026 (1mo ago)

Navigating Japan is a dream if you have the right digital toolkit. From mastering the "Labyrinth" that is Shinjuku Station to finding the best hidden izakaya, here are the apps you actually need.

Navigation & Transport: Master the Rails

While Japan's trains are world-class, they are incredibly complex. Don't wing it.

  • Google Maps: Still the undefeated champion for "walking" directions and finding specific station exits (crucial in Tokyo).

  • Expert Tip: It now shows you which train car is closest to your transfer or exit.

  • Japan Travel by NAVITIME: The best app for JR Pass holders. It allows you to filter routes specifically covered by your pass and shows platform numbers—a lifesaver during 2-minute transfers.

  • Japan Transit by Jorudan: A powerful alternative to Navitime, preferred by some for its clean interface and precise "last train" search.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing

  • GO (Taxi App): This is the #1 app in Japan. Uber exists but usually just dispatches regular taxis at a premium. Download GO for the fastest pickups and fixed-rate airport options.
  • S.RIDE: Very popular in Tokyo specifically; look for the "S.RIDE" logo on the side of taxis.

Digital Payments & IC Cards

  • Apple/Google Wallet (Suica & PASMO): You no longer need a physical card. Add a Suica or PASMO directly to your phone's wallet.

  • Fact Check: As of 2026, physical "Welcome Suica" cards are often in short supply due to chip shortages. Going digital is highly recommended.

  • PayPay: While traditionally for locals, more tourists are using this QR code payment system in small shops that don't take credit cards.

Language: Breaking the Barrier

  • Google Translate: Use the Lens feature to translate menus in real-time.

  • Pro Tip: Download the "Japanese" language pack for offline use.

  • VoiceTra: Developed by Japan’s National Institute of ICT, its speech-to-text is often more culturally accurate and polite than Google’s.

  • DeepL: For longer texts (like reading a museum plaque or a lease agreement), DeepL provides much more natural Japanese syntax.

Food & Dining: Eat Like a Local

  • Tabelog: The "Bible" of Japanese food.

  • Note: A 3.5 rating on Tabelog is actually excellent (Japanese users are strict). Anything above a 4.0 is elite.

  • Hot Pepper Gourmet / Gurunavi: These are better for making actual reservations and finding "All You Can Eat/Drink" (Tabehoudai/Nomihoudai) deals.

  • HappyCow: Essential for vegetarians/vegans, as Japan can be "hidden fish stock" (dashi) territory.

Connectivity & Essentials

  • Ubigi or Airalo (eSIM): Don't mess with physical SIM cards. Ubigi is often cited as having the most stable network in Japan using the NTT Docomo towers.
  • NERV: Originally a fan-made app based on the anime Evangelion, it is now the fastest and most accurate disaster prevention app in Japan for earthquake and tsunami alerts.

Unique Tools for a Smoother Trip

  • Ecbo Cloak: Think "Airbnb for luggage." If station lockers are full (which happens often in Kyoto), use this to book a spot in a nearby cafe or shop.
  • Mymizu: Japan has amazing tap water. Use this to find free refill stations and save money on vending machine bottles.
  • Japan Official Travel App: Built by the JNTO, it’s a great "all-in-one" for emergency info and finding ATMs that accept foreign cards.

The "Don't Leave Home Without These" Top 5

  1. Google Maps (General Navigation)
  2. GO (The only taxi app you'll actually use)
  3. Ubigi/Airalo (For instant 5G data)
  4. Suica/PASMO in your Phone Wallet (Seamless transit)
  5. NERV (Safety first in the Ring of Fire)