Useful Apps
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There are many useful apps for traveling in Japan, such as finding free WI-FI areas, searching train timetables and maps, translating Japanese, and getting the latest weather updates.
It’s best to prepare ahead of time and download all the apps you’ll need before you go. Here is a list of the best free apps available on both iTunes and Google Play.
9 Best Free Apps for Japan Travel
1. Free Wi-Fi Areas
Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi is an app that lets you search for Wi-Fi areas and connect free of charge. A single registration allows you to connect to free Wi-Fi in over 150,000 areas all over Japan.
2. Train Timetables
Hyperdia is a wonderful app that lets you search train timetables all over Japan. You can choose the departure station, arrival station, and time. The results give you the name of the train, track number, total cost, duration of journey, total distance, and transfers.
If you are using a Rail Pass, you can filter out Nozomi and Mizuho trains (these are not included with the Rail Pass).
3. Offline Maps
Navitime is a popular app that offers an excellent GPS map showing where you are at all times. The map includes detailed information such as shops and stores in relation to your location. You can also see local Wi-Fi spots, ATMs, tourist information centers, and nearby stations.
4. Sightseeing Information
DiGJAPAN! offers detailed travel information about popular sightseeing spots. You can look up destinations and get detailed information, such as the business hours, admission fees, website, and step-by-step directions.
5. Restaurant Finder
Gurunavi lets you see restaurants in the local area. You can make a selection based on type of food (i.e., curry, beer halls, izakaya, ramen, sushi, yakiniku) and budget; and use filters such as English speaking staff, menus in English, non-smoking seating, and credit cards accepted. Once you find a restaurant, you get detailed information with a map.
7. Japanese Translator
Yomiwa is an app that allows you to read Japanese kanji and words. You can draw kanji characters on your phone and the app tells you what they mean. There is also a Japanese-English dictionary that shows the English translation for a Japanese word.
8. Voice Translator
VoiceTra is an app that translates your speech into another language. The app supports 31 languages, including Japanese and English. It works best with basic travel-related conversations, such as when dining, shopping, checking-in to a hotel, sightseeing, and traveling. It is not good for complex, long sentences.
9. Voice Calling
Line is a very popular app in Japan that offers free international voice and video calling and instant messaging. You can keep in touch with friends using the app in Japan and at home.
Becki and Shawn
Japan Travel Specialists
Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.
We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!
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