Are you planning a trip to Japan and searching for the essential apps to make your tour convenient?
Your search ends here, as today I will suggest some of the best apps that you should keep handy while traveling to Japan.
Also, read this article to learn where to watch Japanese shows online.
Best Apps For Traveling in Japan
You should always be prepared when traveling to a distant country, especially you are unfamiliar with the culture and language of the land you are visiting. To make your journey safe and easy, here are 6 essential apps that you must keep around while traveling in Japan. Have a look!
1) Maps.me
Maps.me is an important offline interactive map app to make your Japan tour convenient.
As it is offline, you will not require internet. The functions are much similar to that of Google maps.
But to access PINs or My maps, you will require mobile data or Wi-Fi.
It is free to download and use but a paid version is also available where you can remove the in-app ads.
Pros
- The app is free to use.
- Maps.me can be operated offline.
- It supports more than 15 languages apart from Japanese and English.
- It can track GPS location easily.
- Includes bookmarking features that can be imported from Google My Maps.
- Available for iOS and Android.
Cons
- Maps.me does not have navigation capabilities.
- It might take a little time to be familiar with the app.
2) Navitime
Navitime is a great app equipped with all the essential features you need for a Japan tour.
You can get maps, directions, voice route guidance, and even find restaurant and hotel suggestions using this app.
From the current position, you can also track hospitals and Wi-Fi spots.
Pros
- This app is completely free to use.
- The app includes a Voice navigation feature.
- Travel information with time duration and cost is provided.
- It provides a schedule of trains in detail.
Cons
- Cannot be used without the internet.
- Some find it uncomfortable to use.
- The basic app does not support any other language than Japanese.
3) Hyperdia
Hyperdia is another must-have app that you should keep handy while traveling to Japan. It is highly useful for those who have Japan Rail Pass.
This service offers the aviation and route of the railways in Japan.
Hyper-dia can guide the fare and route from the starting point to the destination.
The app is Subscription-based and costs $2.99 USD per month for English and $25.99 USD for the year.
Pros
- It shows the complete train schedule in Japan.
- Hyperdia’s Japanese website has English Translations.
- The Siri-like voice feature is available for Apple users.
- It provides car rental rates, provides walking times, and suggests hotels available in the area.
Cons
- The app is free to download but to unlock the English features, you need to pay.
- Does not have a built-in mapping feature.
- Not recommended for offline use.
Get Hyperdia for iOS, Visit Website
4) Japan Taxi
Taking a Taxi in Japan is made easier with the JapanTaxi app. It provides more than 61,000 taxis available for users.
All you need to do is tap to call for a taxi, book a reservation, and check your fare instantly.
You can connect to your convenient payment method and make convenient payments.
Pros
- Easy to use interface and free to download.
- Users can choose their preferred payment method.
- The app supports Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean languages.
Get Japan Taxi for iOS, Android
5) Gurunavi
You will no longer stay hungry in Japan with this amazing restaurant finder app.
You can select your area and prefecture- Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, and so on.
After selecting the destination, the app will show you the restaurants available along with the cuisine to suit your appetite.
Pros:
- The app is completely free with easy to use interface.
- Sushi dictionary is available to decode all those delicious items you can miss!
- Provides information about restaurants with English-speaking staff.
- You can filter for places with Wi-Fi access or non-smoking restaurants.
- It includes details about the traditional preparation style of each seafood type.
Cons
- It can be used offline.
- Cannot bookmark restaurants.
No rating system is available for sort listing.
6) Yomiwa
Yomiwa is a multilingual translator, dictionary, and optical recognizer.
This is the ultimate dictionary and OOCR that you must keep andy while traveling to Japan.
Pros
- Yomiwa provides an offline dictionary with a read learns Japanese feature.
- It supports any kinds of alphabets from – Kanji, Katakanas, Hiragana or Romajis.
- Equipped with fast OCR technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which is the best map app useful in Japan?
Maps.me is an important offline interactive map app that you can use in Japan.
- What is the best way of transportation in Japan?
The train is the most convenient way of transportation in Japan. You can use Hyperdia app which is highly useful for those who have Japan Rail Pass.
- What apps do I need to download to enter Japan?
You should download map apps like Maps.me, Hyperdia, Navitime, Japan Taxi while traveling in Japan.
Final Words
So, that’s it. These are the best apps for traveling in Japan. If you have any questions related to this topic, then ask us in the comment section below.
robert says
very well written. thanks for the information