The Best Apps and Tools for Japan: A 17-day Itinerary

In the U.S., many of the apps and tools we use for navigation and exploration can be used nearly anywhere. At home, I rely on Waze or Apple Maps to get around in my car. If I’m in the mood for a new restaurant, a quick Google search or a glance at the Apple Store’s thousands of apps usually does the trick. When traveling domestically, I often use Uber or Lyft for short trips or rent a car when I want the freedom to explore.

But this trip isn’t in the U.S. It’s in Japan. Renowned for its efficiency, modern technology, and impeccable transportation system, Japan presents a unique challenge for first-time visitors like us. To make our journey as seamless as possible, I’ve embarked on a mission to find the best apps and tools to ensure our trip is smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free.

Navigation

Navigation is crucial when traveling, and for Japan, it’s tied closely with communication, which we discuss in Learning Japanese Basics for Everyday Needs: A 17-Day Itinerary. Japan’s cities are connected by one of the world’s most sophisticated public transit systems, including subways, trains, and buses and my husband and I intend to utilize them as our main mode of getting around. As a native New Yorker, traveling via train and buses is not new to me and is preferable to driving. However, if you have ever been to New York City, you know the trains leave much to be desired for in timeliness and cleanliness. My husband got a peek into traveling with a train in our Washington, DC trip, but has never been a fan of buses. With a reputation for timeliness and cleanliness, I am excited to use Japan's transportation services.

Here are the apps and tools we plan to use to make navigating Japan a breeze:

• Google Maps: Good ol' Google - a global lifesaver. You will see me mention many of their different applications here. Google has mastered the process of helping people find things and get around. Google Maps works just as effectively in Japan as it does in the U.S. It provides detailed directions for walking, driving, and public transit, including train schedules and platform information. This will not be the end all be all to navigating, but it will provide a familiar aspect to the process. One tip I’ve come across is to download offline maps for areas we’ll explore—just in case we lose connection.

• Japan Transit (Navitime): New York has MTA, Washington DC has WMATA, and Japan has JR. This app specializes in Japan’s public transit systems, including the iconic Shinkansen (bullet trains). It provides real-time updates on train schedules, platform information, and route suggestions. Watching tutorial videos before our trip will be key to mastering its features.

• Suica/Pasmo: Speaking of trains, in Tokyo the main IC cards used to pay for your transit is Suica or Pasmo. These prepaid IC cards are essential for navigating public transport. Suica and Pasmo can be loaded with funds and used for trains, buses, and even at some vending machines and convenience stores. The convenience of adding them to Apple Wallet makes them even more appealing. While there’s no significant difference between the two, Suica seems to be slightly more popular among travelers.

• Go: In the US, taxis has all but become the thing of the past. Though you will still see taxis options available, most Millenials and Gen Z use Uber or Lyft to get around when they do not have a car. Japan’s answer to ride-hailing apps, GO, is a modern approach to booking taxis. While Uber operates in Japan, its limited availability and long wait times make GO a better option for short-distance trips. I will try an Uber just to get my own opinion on the process, but if reviews are true, it will be a short lived experience.

Communication

Navigating a foreign country isn’t just about getting around; it’s about being understood. While I’m learning Japanese phrases to help with day-to-day interactions, I won’t be fluent by the time our trip rolls around. I would love to be, trust me, but we are setting realistic goals here. That’s where these apps come in handy:

• Google Translate: I told you, you would see Google again. Though English is fairly common in tourist areas, this is a must-have for translating text, speech, and images. Its photo feature will be invaluable for menus and signs, and the voice feature will help with quick conversations.

• PapaGo: Often touted as a strong alternative to Google Translate, Papago excels in translating Asian languages. Its photo, voice, and text features are all highly rated amongst users. It is best not to put all your eggs in one basket. As I do not intend to download all translation application, I decided to make this my back up translation application.

• iPhone: In case, you were unaware, built into iPhones, is a camera translation function, which is a great third option. Following my principle of having more than one option, I will keep this in my back pocket if I ever feel the other two are not giving me the translation I need when using the photo function.

Food/Activities

If you are just joining, then you may wonder why Food and Activities are their own separate section. If you are not new, then you know I travel for the activities and my husband travels for the food. As such, they deserve their own section, as we will be using them to guide lots of our downtime and meals. I am clearly the planner of the two of us, so my focus is typically to find activities in advance. My husband on the other hand is more interested in the moment, so the focus of his applications are reviews.

We may find more apps to use and of course we will use Google (that's the third mention, but who's counting), but these apps cater to both our styles:

• Klook: A one-stop shop for booking activities, transportation, and dining experiences. From tickets to iconic landmarks to unique tours, Klook makes planning simple and organized.

• Viator: This is a staple in my travel planning. I have used it on every trip I have planned since my husband and I have been together. Viator is packed with activities across Japan, from Kyoto’s cultural tours to Osaka’s vibrant nightlife experiences.

• Ramen Beast: If you go to Japan and do not experience authentic ramen, did you even go? This niche app guides you to the best ramen spots in Japan, curated by locals and ramen enthusiasts. It’s a must-have for ensuring we get a taste of high quality authentic ramen.

• Tabelog: Known for its detailed restaurant reviews, Tabelog rates dining experiences on taste, service, atmosphere, and cost. Be prepared for harsher-than-usual ratings—Japanese diners don’t hold back!.

• GuruNavi: A powerful app for finding restaurants and making reservations. With its extensive database and user-friendly interface, it’s another excellent tool for uncovering culinary gems. Say it with me, "Do not put all your eggs in one basket."

Internet Access

Now, I have listed a good amount of applications and tools that we will be using when we arrive to Japan, but all these apps rely on one critical element: a stable internet connection. In Japan, travelers typically choose between a portable Wi-Fi device or an eSIM card. After careful consideration, we’ve opted for an eSIM card for its convenience and reliability. Unlike pocket Wi-Fi, it doesn’t require carrying an extra device. This will ensure we’ll stay connected throughout the trip, lets us access maps, and use essential travel apps without worrying about Wi-Fi. While we haven’t chosen a specific provider yet, top contenders like Airalo and Ubigi have excellent reviews and affordable packages.

These apps and tools are just the beginning of what we’ll use to explore Japan. If you’ve been to Japan, I’d love to hear about your experience! What apps did you find indispensable during your trip? Did any of the ones I’ve mentioned help, or do you have hidden gems we should check out?

Drop your recommendations and tips in the comments below. We’re always excited to learn from fellow travelers and discover new ways to make our adventure smoother and more enjoyable!

And as always: