“What apps do I need for Japan?”

Only a few are truly essential. Don’t clutter your phone with apps you won’t use.

Must-Have Apps

“Which ones are absolutely necessary?”

Google Maps

• Works perfectly in Japan
• Train schedules are accurate
• Walking directions are reliable
• Shows bus routes too

Suica/PASMO (Mobile)

• iPhone: Use Apple Wallet Suica
• Tap to pay on all trains and buses
• Works at convenience stores too
• No need for a physical card

Google Translate

• Camera translation for menus and signs
• Download Japanese offline pack before you come
• Not perfect but very helpful

Very Useful Apps

“What else should I get?”

Navitime or Japan Transit Planner

• More detailed than Google Maps for trains
• Shows platform numbers
• Includes IC card fare vs ticket fare

PayPay

• Japan’s most popular mobile payment
• Many small shops only take cash or PayPay
• Easy to set up with a foreign card

Nice to Have

“Anything else worth downloading?”

Tabelog - Restaurant reviews (Japan’s Yelp, more trusted)

Gurunavi - Restaurant search with English

Japan Official Travel App - Tourist info and emergency alerts

Apps You DON’T Need

“What should I skip?”

• Pocket WiFi apps - Just get a SIM or eSIM instead
• Currency converters - Google does this fine
• Multiple transit apps - Google Maps is enough for most people
• Japanese learning apps - Nice idea but you won’t use them while sightseeing

What Japanese People Actually Do

Most locals:

• Use Google Maps or Yahoo Transit for navigation
• Pay with Suica or PayPay everywhere
• Check Tabelog before choosing restaurants
• Use LINE for messaging (Japan’s WhatsApp)

Extra Travel Tips

1. Download offline maps - Just in case you lose signal

2. Get an eSIM before arriving - Much easier than pocket WiFi

3. Apple Wallet Suica is amazing - Set it up before you land

4. Google Translate camera mode - Point at any Japanese text

5. Don’t overthink it - Google Maps + Suica covers 90% of your needs

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