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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Privacy PolicyBecki or Shawn will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.
Free time to explore the area and view the architecture of Tokyo Station.
Start your adventure off by visiting Tsukiji’s lively and historic Outer Market with vendors selling fresh seafood and produce.
Then head over to Asakusa to explore Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple built in 645 AD.
Included Welcome Dinner at a Japanese Izakaya.
Ride the Japanese bullet train, or Shinkansen, one of the three fastest trains in the world.
Take a day-trip to Nikko and see the elaborately decorated tomb of Tokugawa at Toshogu Shrine. The World Heritage Site is covered in beautiful wood carvings and gold leaf.
View the vermillion painted Sacred Bridge.
Travel to Lake Kawaguchi to view the magnificence of Mount Fuji. Stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan, soak in a mineral-rich hot spring onsen (private bath available upon request), and have an authentic Japanese Kaiseki dinner. This will be a very memorable experience!
Included Dinner at Ryokan.
Travel to Matsumoto and visit Matsumoto Castle, one of only five original castles in Japan and a National Treasure.
See the nicely preserved shopping streets of the historic Nakamachi District.
Optional Homestay Dinner with a Japanese family (if available).
In the morning, visit Zenko-ji Temple, founded in the 7th century, and experience a Buddhist morning service.
Then, head to Kanazawa to see the restored Geisha entertainment district of Higashi Chaya, the Nagamachi Samurai district, Onomichi Market, and the Kenrokuen Garden, one of three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan.
Slip back to earlier time and enjoy the beautifully preserved post towns of Magome and Tsumago in the Kiso Valley. The towns used to serve travelers on the Nakasendo Trail, the route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period.
Walk a section of the Nakasendo Trail through the countryside of Japan with bamboo forests, rice terraces, and waterfalls.
Take a day trip to Kyoto. Visit the World Heritage Site of Kiyomizu Temple and walk the Higashiyama District with old wooden houses and shops.
Then, visit the geisha district of Gion and enjoy a delicious Included Kaiseki Dinner with geisha.
Included Farewell Dinner.
Travel back to Tokyo and enjoy some free time to explore the city or shop for souvenirs.
Check out of the hotel and head to Narita Airport.
