With the right resources, a trip to Japan is a breeze. Here are the top 8 Japan travel apps, including those that work perfectly with Jetpac eSIM. These will ensure you stay connected and informed on your Japan travel.
These top-rated Japanese travel apps have everything you need. They range from a reliable guide to the best spots in Japan to the top local food recommendations to an easy-to-use app for getting around Japan. Find out which apps, like mobile maps and language translators, will make your trip to Japan easy and fun.
Top Japan Transportation App: GO Taxi App
Reliable transportation is crucial when travelling in Japan. The GO Taxi App stands out as one of the best travel apps for tourists. This app is a total game-changer that even locals use. This travel app is perfect for your Japan holiday, especially since locals prefer standard cabs to ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft.
Finding a taxi is incredibly convenient and user-friendly. In busy areas like Shibuya, calling a cab via the GO app was easy and left no room for confusion about our destination. This was particularly helpful in tourist destinations like Kyoto, where commuting using public transportation can be daunting. Using the app minimises the impact on public transit and makes travelling simple.
One of the app’s standout features is the ability to hail a taxi with a GO sticker and pay effortlessly by scanning a QR code. The GOpay feature eliminates the hassle of handling cash or cards, making the payment process seamless. As a cherry on top, the app even accepts international cards for payment!
English to Japanese Language Translator App: DeepL
Navigating a country where the language barrier can be challenging, especially in a place like Japan, is made much easier with translation apps. While Google Translate is a widely used tool, DeepL stands out as the superior choice for travelers in Japan. DeepL excels at providing more accurate translations, particularly when it comes to understanding the nuances of Japanese symbols like kanji and hiragana.
What sets DeepL apart is its ability to detect and translate idiomatic phrases more naturally. This means that when you encounter common Japanese expressions that don’t translate literally, DeepL provides a more contextually accurate interpretation, ensuring you avoid those awkward “lost in translation” moments.
DeepL enables you to confidently communicate with staff in shops, hotels, and restaurants. Whether it entails reading a menu, deciphering a street sign, or asking for directions, DeepL gives you the clarity you need.
To make the most of DeepL during your trip, be sure to have a reliable internet connection, such as a Jetpac eSIM, which offers nationwide connectivity, keeping you connected and confident throughout your stay in Japan.
An Essential When Visiting Japan: Google Maps
Google Maps is an absolute must have when traveling in Japan. It’ll help you navigate through the unfamiliar streets, giving you a clear sense of direction and the best routes to your destination. The app breaks down everything you need—distance, travel time, and cost—making it easy to plan your journey. Whether you’re exploring cities or venturing into the countryside, Google Maps is an invaluable tool that ensures you get where you need to go with confidence.
Tip #1:
Use Google maps for precision exploration around Japanese cities. Google Maps will often take you through local routes that tourists might not discover, helping you travel faster and experience Japan like a local.
It provides everything from pricing information to station names and even specific platform numbers, ensuring you don’t accidentally head in the wrong direction on Tokyo’s complex train lines.
THE ANSWER When You Don’t Know Where To Go:
Beyond navigation, Google Maps also points out the best restaurants, cafes, and attractions based on community ratings. A quick search like “Best Ramen in Tokyo” will show top-rated spots nearby, enhancing your travel experience.
Tip #2
Before your trip, you can save lists of must-visit locations in each Japanese city. This not only keeps you organized but also gives you flexibility in planning your days. By sharing these lists with your group, you can make spontaneous decisions about where to visit next, making your trip more relaxed and fun. Plus, it leaves you with a great list of places for future visits and to share with your friends!
If you’re looking for a more detailed and accurate trip-planning tool for Japan, the Japan Travel by Navitime app (Apple, Android) arguably outperforms Google Maps. This app offers highly detailed maps that show not only your current location but also where you can connect to free public Wi-Fi in case of emergencies. It’s an excellent guide for navigating Japan’s extensive public transportation system, providing accurate train times and routes, especially in rural areas.
Relying on Google Maps or paper diagrams for Japan’s complex transit systems can be overwhelming, but Navitime can simplify the process, ensuring a smoother experience.
One of the app’s standout features is its detailed map of train stops and multiple route options to get to your destination. For those using a Jetpac eSIM, the app enables you to download offline maps, making it one of the best travel apps for navigating Japan without needing constant connectivity.
Additionally, Navitime offers tips and short blog posts that highlight the best places to enjoy Japanese culture, along with a travel planner that estimates travel costs, allowing you to budget your trip effectively. Its extensive functionality makes it a decent one-stop solution for your Japanese adventure, from navigation to cultural insights.
Pros:
- Trusted for rural Japan train times: The app is incredibly reliable for planning travel in less connected, rural areas.
- Essential for public transport: It’s a must-have if you plan on using public transportation in Japan, especially trains.
- Rail pass support: The app is excellent for JR Pass holders, allowing you to filter routes based on the passes you have and even providing details on which train car to board and which exit to use.
- Local navigation: It tends to outperform Google Maps when it comes to local navigation, offering multiple routes and customization options for train passes.
- Good for organizing routes: The app helps you efficiently plan your routes to and from destinations, making it an essential tool for tourists in Japan.
Cons:
- Limited free plan: Many of the app’s best features are now only available with a premium subscription. The free plan has been reduced, so you can’t access all timetables without paying.
- Clunky pedestrian navigation: The pedestrian GPS function is not as user-friendly as the transit features. It can either show a static map to the station or a dynamic map without an itinerary, making walking navigation tricky.
- Difficult refunds and purchases: Be careful with in-app purchases—cancelled train rides won’t be refunded by Navitime.
- Outdated UI: The app’s user interface is somewhat outdated and can be difficult to navigate.
- Troublesome onboarding: Signing up and logging in can be a frustrating process due to poor onboarding and login experiences.
- Ads in free version: The free version is filled with ads, which can make the interface confusing.
- Poor customer support for eSIMs: We don’t recommend purchasing an eSIM through Navitime, as their customer support is unhelpful if complications arise.
This highlights a significant gap in the market for an app that offers a seamless user experience, a better interface, and a less restrictive payment subscription model. For travelers seeking a smoother, more intuitive tool for their trip to Japan, there’s clearly a need for something beyond Navitime.
Booking for Events, Venues and Tours: Klook App
For seamless booking of events, venues, and tours in Japan, the Klook app is a must-have. Whether you’re looking to reserve tickets for popular attractions, guided tours, or seasonal events, Klook offers a wide range of experiences that cater to all kinds of travelers. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Klook makes exploring Japan easy with its user-friendly platform, allowing you to browse, book, and even score discounts on various activities.
One of the major perks of using Klook is the ability to secure bookings in advance for everything from theme park admissions to cultural experiences. The app also allows you to view detailed information on each venue or event, ensuring that you’re fully prepared for your trip. Plus, with features like instant confirmation and e-tickets, you can skip the hassle of long lines and enjoy your adventures stress-free.
For tourists who want to make the most of their trip without wasting time on planning logistics, Klook is an essential tool that simplifies the booking process and keeps your itinerary running smoothly.
Top Japan Travel Payment App: Revolut
With Revolut, managing your money while traveling in Japan is incredibly convenient. The app allows you to handle your mobile finances and, if you’ve applied for it, use a Revolut Visa debit card. It provides instant notifications, making it easy to track your spending. One of the key benefits of the Revolut travel card is the ability to swap and transfer money in various currencies, helping you save on foreign exchange costs.
The Revolut card works seamlessly for everyday shopping in Japan, offering competitive exchange rates and low transaction fees. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs using your Revolut debit card, which is especially useful in the few shops in Japan that don’t accept cards. Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, Revolut’s ease of use makes it a must-have for smooth financial transactions. Plus, with Revolut travel insurance options available, you can ensure peace of mind while exploring Japan.
So, if you’re wondering, “Can I use Revolut in Japan?”—the answer is yes, and it’s one of the best ways to manage payments during your trip.
Top Japanese Food Recommendation App: Tabelog
Tabelog is the ultimate app for foodies exploring Japan, helping you discover the best hidden gems that most tourists miss. Unlike Google Maps, Tabelog features not only the well-known spots but also the local favorites that are off the beaten path, giving you an authentic dining experience.
Loved by locals, this Japan food app is packed with detailed reviews and recommendations, making it the go-to tool for finding top-notch dining spots in Japan.
What makes Tabelog unique is its prestigious awards system, which highlights restaurants that showcase the very best of Japanese cuisine. These awards offer more credibility than casual reviews, ensuring you’re dining at truly exceptional places. Whether you’re exploring fine dining or seeking popular eateries, Tabelog Tokyo delivers in-depth evaluations from passionate food reviewers, making it a must-have for any foodie traveling through Japan.
How to Make Reservations on Tabelog:
- Open the Tabelog app or visit the website.
- Search for your desired Japanese restaurant or location.
- Select your chosen restaurant and look for the “Reserve” button.
- Choose your date, time, and party size.
- Fill in your contact details, and your reservation will be confirmed.
Using Tabelog ensures you’ll have access to all the finest spots, from high-end restaurants to local hidden gems. Whether you’re searching for the best Tokyo restaurant app or simply want to make sure you’re enjoying the finest cuisine, Tabelog is the app you can’t travel without.
Tip:
We recommend for those who don’t speak Japanese to just access the English language site: https://tabelog.com/en/ as the app at the moment does not have an English language version.
The Travel Convenience App: Suica App
If you’re traveling in Japan, the Suica app (Apple, Android) is an absolute must-have. It simplifies payments and saves you time and hassle by allowing you to load money onto a Suica card and use it at countless locations, from konbinis (Japanese convenience stores) to buses, trains, and many other services. Whether you’re taking public transportation or making purchases, the Suica card ensures quick and effortless transactions.
One of the best features of the Suica app is how easy it is to top up your balance using an international debit/credit card. You can also add funds at subway station machines, giving you the flexibility to always stay prepared without relying on cash.
Even better, you can scan and pay directly through the app or via Google Wallet and Apple Wallet, making your travels through Japan smoother and more efficient. If you’re comparing Pasmo vs Suica, Suica is typically favored for its versatility and widespread usage across Japan.
Setting Up a Digital Suica Card for Your Trip with Apple Pay (Even if You Don’t Read Japanese)
Adding a Suica card to your Apple Wallet is surprisingly simple, even if you don’t read Japanese. Here’s a quick guide:
- Open Apple Wallet and tap the “+” sign to add a new card.
- Select Suica from the list of options. If you don’t see Suica, make sure your region is set to Japan.
- Follow the steps to add a digital Suica card. You can create a new card or transfer an existing physical Suica card by tapping your iPhone against it.
- Once set up, you can load funds directly using Suica Apple Pay. The balance is immediately available for use in transportation or purchases.
The Suica app even comes in English, so you can manage your account, top up your balance, and track your spending without any confusion. As for those wondering, “Can I ship a Suica card to the United States?” — unfortunately, you can’t, but setting up a digital version through Apple Pay means you’re good to go even before you land in Japan.
With the Suica app, you’ll experience seamless travel, skipping the lines at ticket machines, and handling all your transactions effortlessly, making your trip to Japan that much easier.
Trip Itinerary Planner App: Wanderlog Japan
The Wanderlog travel app is a must-have for planning your next trip to Japan. It helps you keep track of all the information about your getaway, like where to go and what to see, like Tokyo Disneyland and Super Nintendo World. You can easily add these places from Google Maps, along with personal notes and lots of information.
You can make detailed day-by-day plans with this Japan travel app. It’s easy to drag and drop tasks and see how long each trip will take. With the app’s built-in map, you can see all of your planned stops on a personalized route, which makes planning your trip easier.
Wanderlog Japan also makes it easier to handle reservations by adding them immediately when emails are shared or when they are entered manually. You can also tell your friends about your trip plans and look at tips and guides from other users and famous websites. Wanderlog helps you plan your trip to Japan quickly and easily. You can stay on schedule when pairing this with the Jetpac eSIM to make sure your next trip sails smoothly.
Final Words
It’s a blast to travel in Japan with the right Japan travel app along with your Jetpac eSIM. These apps make transportation, payments, and communication hassle-free. With features like detailed maps that you can take offline, real-time transit information, and cultural insights, these tools are essential for any traveller.
Use these top Japan travel apps to make sure your vacation to Japan is one to remember. These travel companions will benefit any traveler, from first-timers to seasoned pros. Get these apps before your next trip to enjoy all that Japan has to offer. Oh, and don’t forget that Jetpac eSIM!
