Essential Apps for Living and Traveling in Japan

Traveling or living in Japan can be an incredible experience, but navigating the country’s unique systems and culture can be challenging without the right tools. Luckily, Japan has an array of apps designed to make your time here smoother, whether you’re a tourist or an expat. From transportation to translation, here’s our list of the best apps to use in Japan.

GoTaxi

When navigating Japan’s cities, GoTaxi is your go-to app for hailing taxis with ease. It connects you with drivers quickly and efficiently, ensuring you’re never stranded. The interface is simple and supports English, making it foreigner-friendly. The app showcases an approximated price of your trips before confirming a ride, helping you budget your transportation expenses more effectively.

For more information visit the official GoTaxi Website

Japan WiFi Auto Connect

Stay connected throughout your travels with Japan WiFi Auto Connect. This app grants access to thousands of free Wi-Fi hotspots across the country so that you’re never out of touch. It also automatically logs you into available Wi-Fi spots such as Starbucks, McDonald’s and more. This app is a must-have for those without a local SIM card.

For more information, visit the official Japan WiFi Auto Connect Website.

DeepL / Google Translate

Breaking the language barrier has never been easier. Both DeepL and Google Translate allow you to translate text, images and even conversations in real time. These apps are indispensable for navigating menus, signs and daily interactions while you’re in Japan.

For more information: Visit DeepL Website | Visit Google Translate Website

LINE

Japan’s most popular messaging app, LINE, is essential for communicating with locals, logging into platforms and even earning rewards points. The messaging app offers features such as free calls, group chats and stickers that reflect Japanese culture. It’s widely used for both personal and business communication.

Additionally, LINE can be used to login to multiple platforms, streamlining access to a variety of services in Japan. Many restaurants and shops use LINE for loyalty rewards programs and punch cards, allowing customers to earn points or rewards for repeat visits. These features make LINE not only a communication tool but also a practical app for enhancing your shopping and dining experiences.

For more information, visit the official LINE Website.

Navitime / Google Maps

Navigating Japan’s complex transportation system can be daunting but these apps make it much easier. Navitime offers detailed train schedules, route maps and walking directions tailored to Japan’s unique infrastructure. It’s an essential tool for efficiently planning trips, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the country’s transit systems.

Google Maps is excellent for pinpointing destinations and providing real-time navigation whether you’re walking, driving or using public transport. It’s particularly helpful for its detailed information, reviews and multilingual support. Additionally, Google Maps shows you which train cars are most crowded and suggests the best train car to board to be nearest to the station exit you need, making your commute more efficient. Together these apps ensure you can navigate Japan seamlessly.

For more information: Visit Navitime Website | Visit Google Maps Website 

NERV / Yurekuru Call

This highly reliable app provides real-time updates on earthquakes and other natural disasters. NERV offers detailed notifications and emergency instructions to help you stay informed and safe. Its intuitive interface ensures you can act quickly in the event of an emergency.

Yurekuru Call is another excellent app for earthquake alerts, known for its user-friendly design and customizable notifications. It allows you to set specific thresholds for earthquake warnings based on your preferences, ensuring you’re prepared without being overwhelmed by unnecessary alerts. Together, these apps are essential tools for anyone living in or visiting Japan.

For more information: Visit NERV Website | Visit Yurekuru Call Website

Klook

Looking to explore Japan’s theme parks and cultural sites in one trip? Klook offers an extensive range of services, including booking theme park tickets, cultural tours and even shinkansen (bullet train) tickets. Whether you’re planning a trip to iconic landmarks or looking for unique local experiences, Klook simplifies the process and often provides discounts. It’s a great tool for creating a well-rounded travel itinerary while saving time and money.

For more information, visit the official Klook Website.

Tabelog

Finding the best restaurants in Japan is a breeze with Tabelog. The app features ratings, reviews and photos of dining establishments, helping you uncover local culinary gems. It allows you to filter results by cuisine type, price range or location making it easy to find the perfect spot, whether you’re craving sushi, ramen or yakiniku.

For more information, visit the official Tabelog Website.

SmartEX

If you plan to travel via the shinkansen, SmartEX is indispensable. The app lets you book tickets in advance and manage your reservations seamlessly. It also provides information on seat availability, train schedules and even allows you to make changes to your bookings if needed. This makes it an incredibly convenient tool for stress-free shinkansen travel.

For more information, visit the official SmartEX Website.

PayPay / Rakuten Pay

Cashless payments are growing in Japan and PayPay or Rakuten Pay are excellent options for quick transactions. Both apps are widely accepted at convenience stores, restaurants and even vending machines, making them incredibly versatile for daily use. Additionally, they feature a points system where you can earn rewards for every transaction, which can later be redeemed for discounts or cashback. Please note that these apps require a Japanese phone number for setup.

For more information
Visit PayPay Website | Visit Rakuten Pay Website

Cookpad

Discover new recipes and learn to cook like a local with Cookpad. This app offers thousands of user-submitted Japanese recipes complete with step-by-step instructions. It also allows users to interact by sharing their own culinary creations or tweaking existing recipes to suit their tastes. You can even save your favorite recipes for easy access and use them as a personalized cookbook.

For more information, visit the official Cookpad Website.

Sakura Navi

Enhance your experience during cherry blossom season with Sakura Navi. This app tracks sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom forecasts and top viewing spots. It also provides detailed maps and timing predictions so you can plan your visits to coincide with peak blooms. With Sakura Navi, you’ll be able to discover hidden sakura spots and enjoy one of Japan’s most cherished traditions to the fullest.For more information, visit the official Sakura Navi Instagram.