Channel 05 · Survival kit
The best apps for Japan travel — install before you fly
Eight apps, each solving one problem you will actually have. Install them before you fly — the airport is a bad place to discover a download queue.
In 30 seconds
Maps, a translator with Japanese downloaded, a transit planner, a taxi app and the official safety alerts. Add Visit Japan Web before departure. Everything else is optional.
The essential apps for traveling in Japan
Getting anywhere, including inside stations
Google Maps
In Japan it also gives platform numbers, the right carriage to board and live fares. Download the offline map of each city before you need it.
Official site →Menus, labels, pharmacy shelves
Google Translate
Download Japanese for offline use. Camera mode reads printed menus; conversation mode is fine for short exchanges.
Official site →Complex train routing and passes
Japan Transit Planner (NAVITIME)
Better than Maps when you're comparing shinkansen options or checking whether a rail pass covers your route.
Official site →Getting a taxi with no Japanese
GO / Uber
GO is the local standard and shows the fare up front. Taxis are expensive but the only option after the last train.
Official site →Booking shinkansen seats from your phone
smartEX / EKINET
Reserve seats for the Tokaido/Sanyo lines (smartEX) or JR East lines (EKINET) and link the ticket to your IC card.
Official site →Earthquakes, typhoons and heat warnings
Safety tips
Official multilingual alerts from the Japan Tourism Agency. Install it and forget it — it only speaks when it matters.
Official site →Immigration and customs on arrival
Visit Japan Web
Register before you fly and you clear customs with a QR code instead of paper forms.
Official site →Not knowing what you're buying
Payke or Google Lens
Scan a barcode or point the camera at a package to see ingredients and allergens in English.
Official site →
eSIM, cash and payments in Japan
- Data: an eSIM bought before departure is usually cheaper than airport rentals and works the moment you land. Pocket Wi-Fi only makes sense for groups.
- Cash: withdraw yen from convenience-store or Japan Post ATMs. Currency exchange at home is rarely a better rate.
- IC card: Suica or Pasmo pays for trains, buses, lockers, vending machines and most convenience stores. Add it to your phone wallet if your device supports it.
- Tax free: bring your passport when shopping; over ¥5,000 in one store you can often skip the consumption tax.