17+ most useful, must-have & best apps for Japan travel

Prepare for a smoother trip with 17+ most useful, helpful, must have apps for Japan travel and best apps for Japan travel. From navigation apps, ticket booking apps, to finding places to eat, we have it all in this article!

Japan is the land of cherry blossoms, bustling streets, and the most complex transportation system in the world. However, if you have useful apps in hand, you will easily overcome obstacles when exploring this country. Whether it’s finding your way in the maze of trains, hunting for cheap sightseeing tickets, or planning a detailed schedule, the apps will help you enjoy your trip to the fullest without worrying.

Let’s take a look at 17+ essential, most useful apps for Japan travel that will help you go anywhere conveniently and eat anything easily!

Google Maps – The Best Map App When Traveling to Japan (#best apps for Japan travel)

In a country without road signs like Japan, finding an address can be a challenge even for those who are good at navigating. Fortunately, Google Maps is your “companion” to make your journey easier than ever.

Just enter the destination, the application will provide detailed directions from walking, bus, train to taxi. In particular, Google Maps has an automatic train schedule lookup feature, helping you know which train is the fastest, how much the ticket costs and travel time.

Pros:

• Easy to use, free, intuitive interface.
• Update accurate train information, no need to install additional train lookup applications.
• Support searching for restaurants, attractions, real reviews from users.

Cons:

• Some local train routes are not fully updated.
• Need internet connection, sometimes lose signal in remote areas.

MAPS.ME – Offline Japan Map App

If you don’t want to rely on Wifi or 4G during your trip, MAPS.ME is the perfect choice. This application allows you to download Japan maps in advance and use them offline at any time, even without internet.

More than just a map, MAPS.ME provides detailed information about destinations, including restaurants, attractions, ATMs and public transportation systems. In particular, the offline GPS navigation function helps you move easily even when you are in remote areas, where the network signal is weak or there is no free Wi-Fi.

Pros:

• 100% offline use, no internet connection required.
• Detailed maps, easy to look up tourist attractions and restaurants.
• Fast loading speed, does not drain much battery.

Cons:

• No real-time updates, may lack information about traffic conditions.
• Some train routes are not fully displayed compared to Google Maps.

Japan Travel by NAVITIME – Train Route Search App

Japan is famous for its dense train system and not all tourists can easily grasp it. Japan Travel by NAVITIME is the solution to help you travel conveniently and quickly.

The application provides detailed routes for each train, from subways, Shinkansen bullet trains to buses and ferries. Just enter the departure and destination points, NAVITIME will suggest the most optimal route, along with ticket prices, travel time and number of transfers. In addition, the application also supports searching for free Wifi, suggesting famous tourist attractions around the area you are in.

Pros:

• Supports searching for accurate train routes, helping to save time.
• Update ticket prices, train times in real time.
• More useful travel information about famous destinations.

Cons:

• The free version has some limited advanced features.
• Internet connection required for real-time updates.

Klook – Japan Hotel, Tourist Attractions, Train Ticket Booking App

Japan is a dream destination for millions of travel enthusiasts, but planning a trip has never been easier. With Klook, everything from hotel bookings, tourist tickets, transportation to local experience tours becomes convenient with just a few steps.

This application integrates thousands of genuine travel services, helping visitors easily find the best deals. If you are wondering about Shinkansen train tickets, JR Pass cards or even pre-booking Universal Studios Japan tickets, Klook is the top address. Moreover, the application also provides many detailed instructions, real reviews from tourists, making the journey to explore Japan more complete.

Pros:

• Quick ticket booking, no need to queue at the counter.
• Transparent prices, many exclusive offers.
• Vietnamese support, flexible payment with many methods.
• A rich treasure trove of experiences, from culinary tours to traditional activities such as wearing kimono, enjoying tea.

Cons:

• Some tickets need to be exchanged at the counter, cannot be used directly via QR code.
• Refund policies vary depending on the service, need to check carefully before booking.

Japan Travel Guide With Me – Japan Travel Guidebook (#useful apps for japan travel)

If you want to have a Japan travel guide in hand without Wifi, Japan Travel Guide With Me is the ideal application for you. This application provides detailed information about attractions, restaurants, shopping areas, even the history and culture of each location.

The main highlight is the ability to search completely offline, suitable for trips to mountainous areas or places without internet. In addition, the application’s interface is also very intuitive, making it easy for you to plan your visit by area. This is the ideal “travel assistant” for those who love to explore and want to have a complete experience in Japan.

Pros:

• Search information completely offline.
• Friendly interface, easy to use.
• Full information about destinations, restaurants, culture.

Cons:

• No navigation and directions like Google Maps.
• Content is not updated continuously like online applications.

GuruNavi – Application to Find Good Restaurants in Japan

Japan is a culinary paradise with countless unique dishes, however, finding a delicious restaurant that suits your taste among thousands of options can be quite a challenge. GuruNavi is the number one culinary map, making the culinary journey of tourists easier than ever.

This application provides a smart filtering system based on dish type, price, location, helping tourists quickly find the ideal place. In particular, real reviews, customer reviews, and detailed information such as English menus, table reservation phone numbers will help make the dining experience more convenient.

Pros:

• More than 100,000 restaurants, fully updated opening hours, reviews, and food images.
• Integrated map, helping to determine the fastest route.
• English support, easy to look up information.

Cons:

• Some small restaurants are not on the system.
• The interface is a bit complicated for new users.

Google Translate – Free Japanese Translation Application

Traveling to Japan without knowing Japanese? Don’t worry, Google Translate is the “savior” that helps break all language barriers! From translating text, conversations, images to offline translation, this application supports a variety of situations, helping tourists confidently communicate anywhere.

The camera translation feature is especially useful when reading signs, restaurant menus, and instructions. Just scan the camera, the application will translate directly on the screen, helping to look up quickly.

Pros:

• Supports more than 100 languages, including Japanese – Vietnamese.
• Extremely convenient photo translation feature.
• Free, can be used offline when downloading language packs.

Cons:

• The translated sentences are sometimes not natural, need to be flexible when using.
• AI voice is not completely accurate in long conversations.

VoiceTra – Japanese Translation Application

VoiceTra translation application provides an accurate voice translation experience, helping tourists communicate more easily when traveling to Japan. Just speak into the app, it will translate instantly, making interacting with locals more natural than ever. In particular, the app supports 31 languages, with accurate two-way translation capabilities, extremely useful when asking for directions, ordering food, or exchanging information with hotel and store staff.

Pros:

• Fast, accurate voice translation, suitable for live chat.
• Supports many languages, of which Japanese is optimized.
• Simple interface, easy to use.

Cons:

• Need internet connection for best performance.
• Translated voice is sometimes unnatural in long sentences.

PayPay – Popular Electronic Payment Application in Japan

Although Japan is famous for its cash culture, in recent years, electronic payments have become more popular. PayPay is the leading cashless payment application, helping tourists pay quickly at convenience stores, restaurants, shopping malls and even small stalls.

Pros:

• Just link to a bank card or top up your account to pay immediately.
• PayPay often has cashback programs and discounts when paying at partner stores.
• No need to carry cash, reducing the risk of theft when traveling.

Cons:

• Requires a Japanese phone number to register, making it difficult for tourists.
• Some small stores or tourist destinations do not accept payment via PayPay.
• The interface does not support many languages, making it difficult for people who do not know Japanese.

JapanTaxi – Convenient Taxi Calling App in Japan

Public transportation in Japan is very developed, but sometimes you still need a taxi to move faster, especially at night or when carrying a lot of luggage. JapanTaxi is the leading taxi booking app in Japan, helping you call a car easily without knowing Japanese.

Pros:

• Just enter the departure and destination points, the app will find the nearest car for you.
• Support payment by cash, credit card, or PayPay.
• Easy to estimate the fare, avoid being charged high fees due to not knowing the route clearly.
• The app has an English interface, making it easy for tourists to use.

Cons:

• Not popular in some rural areas.
• Waiting time can be long during rush hour.
• The app is mainly in Japanese, which can be difficult for tourists.

TripIt – Japan Travel Itinerary Planning App

A smooth trip cannot be without a detailed plan. TripIt is an application that helps you organize all information about air tickets, hotel reservations, sightseeing schedules into a single interface, making it easy for you to track and not miss any activities.

Pros:

• Automatically organize the schedule after forwarding the ticket confirmation email.
• Supports offline, no internet connection required, you can still access your schedule.
• If you travel with friends, you can share the schedule for everyone to follow.
• Integrates information to track air tickets, hotels, restaurants and entertainment activities in a single application.

Cons:

• The free version is limited to advanced features.
• Internet connection required to synchronize data.
• The interface is not really optimized for new users.

Travel Spend – Japan Travel Expense Management App

Your journey to explore Japan will be more perfect when you don’t have to worry about spending money. TravelSpend is a great companion that helps track and manage expenses intuitively. Simple interface, offline operation, and automatic currency conversion make TravelSpend an indispensable application for those who love smart travel style.

Highlights:

• Enter expenses quickly, clearly classified.
• Intuitive charts help review expenses easily.
• Share and pool expenses with friends when traveling together.
• Works even when offline, automatic conversion feature helps manage better.

Review:

• Pros: Eye-catching interface, convenient, closely tracks expenses.
• Cons: There are some premium features that require payment.

Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi – Free Wi-Fi Support Application in Japan

Anyone who has ever traveled to Japan knows the feeling of being “lost” without Wi-Fi. Luckily, Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi is a great weapon to help you connect quickly and easily to more than 170,000 Wi-Fi spots across the land of the rising sun. Just register once, and you can go online anywhere!

Highlights:

• Supports free Wi-Fi throughout Japan.
• Just log in once.
• Search and locate the nearest Wi-Fi spot.
• Supports multiple languages, making it easy for international visitors to use.

Review:

• Pros: Solves Wi-Fi problems quickly, for free, without having to log in again and again.
• Cons: Some Wi-Fi spots sometimes have unstable quality.

Rakuten Market – Online Shopping App When Traveling to Japan

Do you want to bring the taste of Japan home? Or hunt for quality household items and souvenirs from local suppliers? Rakuten Market is the bridge that helps you “download” everything in Japan!

Highlights:

• Many discount codes, international orders can be supported with shipping fees.
• Intuitive interface, diverse products.
• Flexible payment through many forms.

Review:

• Pros: Genuine goods, many promotions, easy-to-use interface.
• Cons: Some products have long delivery times.

Xe Currency – Japanese Yen Currency Conversion App

A big challenge when arriving in Japan is getting used to the Yen and converting the exchange rate accurately. With Xe Currency, all currency barriers are removed, making it easy for you to grasp the real value of each transaction. Just enter the amount to be exchanged, the application will immediately display the latest exchange rates between Vietnamese Dong (VND), US Dollar (USD), Japanese Yen (JPY) and hundreds of other currencies.

Highlights:

• Real-time exchange rate updates from trusted sources.
• Easy to use, no login required.
• Supports offline conversion with stored exchange rates.
• Real-time exchange rate charts help track currency fluctuations.

Review:

• Pros: Fast, accurate, easy to use, supports many currencies.
• Cons: Some advanced features require payment.

Japan Official Travel – Japan Travel Guide App for Beginners

Setting foot in Japan without a clear plan? Japan Official Travel is the “golden key” that helps you open the door to explore the land of the rising sun easily. This is the official application of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), providing detailed information about attractions, routes, featured events and a series of useful tips for tourists.

Highlights:

• Update the latest travel news and events.
• Suggest itineraries based on interests and current location.
• Search routes quickly, support many means of transportation.
• Detailed travel guides from big cities to small towns.

Review:

• Pros: Huge database, accurate information, intuitive interface.
• Cons: Need internet connection to access full features.

Yurekuru Call – Earthquake Warning App When Traveling to Japan

If you are planning to travel to Japan, Yurekuru Call is an app you cannot miss. Japan is a country that often experiences earthquakes, and this app acts as a reliable “gatekeeper”, sending warnings right before an earthquake occurs, giving you more time to prepare and ensure safety.

Highlights:

• Early earthquake warnings based on data from the Japan Meteorological Agency.
• Displays information about the intensity, location, and likelihood of aftershocks.
• Notifies about tsunami risks if any.
• Works even when the phone screen is locked.

Review:

• Pros: Timely warnings, easy-to-use interface, high accuracy.
• Cons: Some premium features require account registration and are charged.

With the list of 17 Japan travel apps recommended by Klook, your trip will become easier, more convenient, and more memorable than ever. From budget management, finding free Wi-Fi, to getting train updates or earthquake warnings, each app plays an important role in helping you experience the land of cherry blossoms to the fullest. With just a smartphone, you can confidently explore Japan like a local!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Tokyo you can refer to

• Private Narita International Airport Transfers (NRT) for Tokyo 23 Wards, Hakone, or Karuizawa
• Private Haneda International Airport Transfers (HND) for Tokyo 23 Wards, Hakone, or Karuizawa
• Airport Limousine Bus Transfers from/to Narita and Haneda International Airport (Free Wifi Onboard)
• Tokyo Amazing Sightseeing Bus Day Tour
• Tokyo Highlights Private Day Tour
• Nikko Day Tour from Tokyo
• Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour: Lake Ashi & Ropeway Day Trip from Tokyo
• Nikko Cultural Day Tour from Tokyo
• Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours)
• Tokyo Skyliner and Tokyo Subway Ticket
• Shuttle Bus Transfers (One Way/Round Trip) from Shinjuku/Ikebukuro to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea
• Tokyo Disney Resort Park Ticket
• Klook Pass Greater Tokyo
• SHIBUYA SKY Ticket
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter Ticket
• Skyliner Narita Airport Express Ticket
• TeamLab Planets Ticket
• TOKYO SKYTREE® Ticket
• Limousine Bus Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo
• Skyliner Narita Airport Express With Tokyo Subway Ticket
• JR Tokyo Wide Pass
• Sky Hop-on and Hop-off Bus Pass
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (BKK and DMK Airport Pick Up) for Japan (Unlimited Data)
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you looking for more Tokyo travel guide and top things to do in Tokyo: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Tokyo itinerary 3 days — What to do in Tokyo in 3 days?