3 Apps You Need for Traveling in Japan
Make sure to install these 3 apps to help your Japan visit
I often travel to Japan, so my friends who are planning a trip there ask me which apps they need.
Japan's lifestyle is unique, and many of the apps and services that Japanese people use differ from those in other countries. For example, Japanese use Pay-Pay, the unique Japanese money app, instead of Paypal.
I will show you 3 apps you need for your trip to Japan. Of course, I used them when I lived in Japan and now use them every time I visit.
Japan Travel by Navitime: route planning app
I recommend installing an app that plans your travel routes if you visit big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya. Tokyo’s subway is an especially complex maze! You will be confused trying to get to your destination without such an app because there are many possible routes.
You can plan and find your best route using Japan Travel (Navitime).
Of course, you can use Google Maps instead, but route apps such as Japan Travel are useful in Japan because subways and trains run every few minutes in the city.
App for Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/japan-travel-route-map-guide/id686373726
App for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.navitime.inbound.walk
GO: taxi app
The common ride-sharing apps, Uber and Lyft, and not allowed in Japan (Uber is only a food delivery app in Japan.) But you will have to use taxis to get to many places.
Go is a popular taxi app. It covers more cities than other taxi apps. I recommend it because this app is easy to use!
Note: many Japanese taxi drivers can not speak English fluently. Please don’t forget to install Google Translate!
Official website: https://go.goinc.jp/lp/inbound
Suica: transit tap card
Suica is a public transit fare service for subways, trains, buses, and other forms of public transportation.
Unfortunately, the app for travelers to Japan has not been released yet, but is expected by 2025 summer. The current app is only available in Japanese.
However, iPhone users can use the Suica service on Apple Pay. It is easy to use! Details are at https://support.apple.com/en-us/108772
You can also pick up an IC tap card and load it with cash at ticket machines.
In Japan, most people get around using public transportation. Especially in the major cities, there are many railway and subway lines, and the stations are crowded. You can buy tickets with cash, but that takes time. I recommend using Suica. (I am sorry, Android users!)
In Osaka, Nagoya, and other cities outside of Tokyo, there are other local transit card including ICOCA, TOICA, and PASMO, etc. Fortunately, the systems have all been combined so one card or app can now be used throughout the country (except Shikoku and a few other remote regions).
Suica’s most convenient feature is that you can use the app or card to pay for shopping at convenience stores, station kiosks, vending machines, and many shops. So if you add cash from your credit card, you can buy products at almost all stores.
More details here: https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/suica/
Please install these apps while preparing for your Japan trip! And have a great trip!
