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 Wi-Fi Auto Connect 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 three million areas all over Japan.
2. Train Timetables
Japan Travel by Navitime is a wonderful app that lets you search train and bus timetables all over Japan. You can choose the departure station, arrival station, and time. The results give you the name of the train, platform number, total cost, duration of journey, total distance, and transfers.
There is also an option to show trains covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
3. Kyoto Bus Timetables
Arukumachi Kyoto is an excellent app that offers timetables and route searches for getting around Kyoto. It shows detailed maps, bus stop information, and local bus timetables.
4. Taxi Booking
TaxiGo is a taxi booking app specifically made for Japan. You can choose the type of taxi, opt for an airport flat rate, and reserve a taxi in advance. The app makes it easy to call a taxi, enter your destination, and pay with cash or credit card.
5. Restaurant Finder
Tabelog helps you find restaurants in the local area. You can check the menu, read reviews, and see photos and maps. Once you’ve decided on a restaurant, you can even make reservations.
6. Weather
Weather Japan is a great app offering weekly and hourly weather information for all the main cities in Japan. The information is updated and provided by the Japan Weather Association.
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.
More Travel Tips You Might Like
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!
Accreditations
