15 best apps for traveling around Japan in 2026

This article brings together some of the most useful apps to check out when traveling in Japan.

If you are worried about reading Japanese or navigating complex systems like the Tokyo Metro, there is no need to stress. With the right apps on your phone, getting around the country is much easier.

Below, you will find a curated list of the best apps for traveling in Japan, what each one does, and how they can help you get the most out of your trip with a Japan Rail Pass!

Train apps

Here you can explore the best train apps to use while you are in Japan.

Navitime (Japan Travel by Navitime)

Navitime for Japan is a popular app that makes navigating around Tokyo and the rest of the country a breeze. On top of providing detailed information about the world’s most complex metropolis (Tokyo), it also generates:

Door-to-door route search
Voice navigation
New offline search for free WiFi spots
A train stop list that will help you confirm you are headed in the correct direction
Train delay information
Platform details for each service
Recent routes saved for offline searches

It can be downloaded for both iOS and Android and also features guides to events, art & culture, shopping, nightlife, and food & drink across Japan.

Tip: Make sure you have an internet connection to have full access to the app’s features. If you’re looking for some great connectivity options for your stay in Japan, there’s nothing better than a Pocket Wi-Fi device, which can connect to a total of 10 devices simultaneously.

Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan)

Jorudan Co., LTD. is a Japanese company, which has developed an easy-to-use English transport app called Japan Transit Planner. Below you can see a screenshot of the PC version and the type of information it provides.

As you can see, this app tells you the distance, fare, and type of seat on the train (reserved, non-reserved), including any surcharges that may apply.

You’re given information about the duration of the trip and the total price, and you can also filter out services that aren’t covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Japan Transit Planner is available for both iOS and Android systems. The app is free to download, but there is also a paid option that is ad-free and allows you to access route search/timetable history, customize search criteria, and other premium services.

Buy your JR Pass

Tokyo Metro Subway Map & Route

Incredibly simple and easy to use, this app provides a full interactive map of the city’s Metro, Toei, and Yamanote lines. So you don’t need to waste time looking around for wall-mounted or paper route guides.

It also lets you navigate around the city through the route planner function and helps you find the quickest route to your destination (even if you aren’t connected to the internet).

It’s free to download for both iOS and Android systems.

JR Central’s Smart EX App

Smart EX is JR Central’s official booking and ticket management app for the Tokaido and San-yo Shinkansen. It allows you to reserve seats, manage bookings, and check train details directly from your smartphone.

This app is particularly useful if you want more flexibility during your trip, as you can change reservations easily and avoid ticket machines at busy stations. Even if you’re using a Japan Rail Pass, Smart EX is handy for checking seat availability and understanding train options on popular Shinkansen routes.

Smart EX is available for free on both iOS and Android.

Pocket WiFi for Japan

A Pocket WiFi allows you to simultaneously connect to high-speed internet on 5 separate devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops.

Order your Pocket Wifi

Transport and navigation apps

Once you have your train apps sorted you can start thinking about navigation apps. Here are the best apps for when you are navigating around Japan.

Google Maps

Google Maps is one of the oldest and best-known transportation apps. Similar to the apps we’ve seen so far, the new Maps will guide you through any city, town, village, or area in Japan, by showing all the optimal routes available.

By clicking Details you can see the name of your train (in this example Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen is the bullet train line) and the time it will take you to get to your chosen destination.

The displayed cost is only valid for those who do not hold a Japan Rail Pass. The biggest advantage of this app is that it is more visual regarding location. Apart from your destination station, you can easily see nearby restaurants, parks, bars and more.

Available for both Android and iOS.

Maps.Me

Available in more than 15 languages, this interactive map is similar to Google Maps, but can be used without an internet connection. Simply download the map of Japan when you’re connected to Wi-Fi, and you can use it even without an internet connection!

Maps.Me also lets you import bookmarks from Google My Maps and use them alongside the built-in points of interest and custom pins within the app, even when offline. Also, it has a GPS function that can be used when you’re connected to the Internet.

Maps.me is free to download for both iOS and Android. However, if you want to remove the in-app ads, you can choose between 3 subscription options; weekly, monthly, and yearly.

GO Taxi

GO Taxi is a handy ride-hailing app that lets you book taxis across major Japanese cities with ease. Whether you’re heading to a train station late at night or trying to get to your hotel with luggage in tow, GO Taxi takes the guesswork out of finding a cab.

What makes it useful is its clear interface, real-time driver tracking, and transparent fare estimates, so you know roughly what to expect before you book. It’s especially helpful in areas where hailing a taxi on the street can be tricky.

You can download GO Taxi for free on both iOS and Android.

OMOTENASHI GUIDE

OMOTENASHI GUIDE is a travel app that offers offline access to maps, points of interest, restaurant details, and cultural insights throughout Japan. You can search for nearby attractions, get route guidance, and explore curated recommendations even without a data connection.

This app is especially useful for travelers who want reliable information on the go, whether you’re navigating a new neighborhood, looking for a good place to eat, or discovering hidden gems off the beaten path. Offline functionality means you’re covered even in areas with limited signal.

OMOTENASHI GUIDE is free to download on iOS and Android.

Weather, Safety, and Travel Essentials

These apps focus on practical details that can make a big difference during your trip, from staying informed about weather and safety alerts to storing your luggage conveniently while you explore.

Safety Tips

Safety Tips is an official safety and disaster-alert app developed under the supervision of the Japan Tourism Agency and Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). It delivers real-time notifications in multiple languages for earthquakes, tsunami warnings, severe weather alerts, volcanic activity, heat illness warnings, and other civil protection information.

The app also provides helpful resources for emergency situations, including evacuation flowcharts, communication cards to use if you need help from locals, links to useful websites, and emergency contact information.

Safety Tips is available on both iOS and Android.

Weather Japan

Weather Japan is a reliable app for checking accurate, up-to-date weather forecasts across the country. It provides detailed information such as hourly forecasts, rain probability, temperature changes, and weather warnings.

This app is especially useful in Japan, where weather conditions can change quickly and vary a lot from one region to another. It’s great for planning day trips, deciding what to wear, or knowing when to expect rain or typhoons during your travels.

This app is available on iOS and Android.

Ecbo Cloak

Ecbo Cloak is a smart luggage storage app that helps you reserve spots to drop off bags at shops, cafés, and lockers near major transport hubs and tourist spots. Instead of dragging your suitcase around all day, you can book a nearby storage spot in just a few taps.

This app is useful for freeing up your day between check-out and departure times, or when you want to explore without being weighed down. With location search and booking right in the app, it takes the hassle out of finding last-minute luggage storage.

Ecbo Cloak is free to download on iOS and Android.

Language and translation apps

Not speaking Japanese doesn’t have to be a barrier when traveling around the country. The following apps are especially useful for understanding and navigating Japanese.

Google Translate

If you don’t understand a lick of Japanese and want to make your trip through the country as hassle-free as possible, then downloading the Google Translate app is a must.

This app makes it easy to overcome the language barrier with functionalities such as:

Instant text translation
Voice translation
Conversation mode that allows to translate back-and-forth speech in real time
Voice playback that aids pronunciation
Handwriting analysis and translation
Translation of text in images through camera mode

The Google Translate app is also great because it allows you to download many different languages for offline translation from Japanese.It can be easily accessed from your computer, tablet, or Android or iOS phone.

Imiwa?

This Japanese dictionary app is ideal for travelers who want to engage with the local language. Incredibly accurate in its translation, it not only provides you with Japanese words and phrases but also teaches you how to pronounce them correctly!

What’s more, the app is available in many different languages, including:

English
German
Korean
Russian
Spanish

Imiwa? is an offline app, meaning you don’t need an internet connection to use it. Also, it’s free to download, but only available for iOS.

Payke

Payke is a translation and product information app designed to help travelers understand items and packaging in Japan. Simply scan a barcode or point your camera at Japanese text to get instant translations and explanations in multiple languages.

This app is useful when you’re shopping for snacks, cosmetics, or local products and want to know what’s inside without struggling with Japanese labels. It also provides cultural context and product details, making your shopping experience smoother and more informed.

Payke is free to download on both iOS and Android.

eSIM for Japan

An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that you download directly to your phone. It allows you to access high-speed internet on the biggest 4G network in Japan.

Buy your eSIM

Food and eating out apps

Japan is famous for its food, but ordering or finding the right place to eat can be challenging if you don’t speak the language. These apps help you discover restaurants, understand menus, and make dining out less intimidating.

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor is a top-rated app, used by millions of people all over the world. If you’re used to using to it in your own country, you can easily in Japan as well.

“Things to do in Nara” by Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor gives you personalized options about:

Places near you
Hotels
Flights
Restaurants
Things to do
Holiday rentals
Destination guides
Forums

Having all of this information at the tip of your fingers will surely make a difference. Select your preferred food, price limit, personal interests and start discovering. The app is completely free of charge.

It’s available for both Android and iOS.

Yelp

While Yelp isn’t Japan-specific, it’s still useful in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, especially for finding restaurants that cater to international visitors. Reviews are written mainly by other travelers, which can be reassuring if you’re unsure where to eat.

It’s a good option when you want quick recommendations, photos of dishes, and basic information in English without having to navigate Japanese-only platforms.

Available on iOS and Android.

Gourmet Navigator (GuruNavi)

GuruNavi is one of Japan’s most popular restaurant search apps and is widely used by locals. It offers detailed restaurant listings, menus, photos, price ranges, and reservation options across the country.

This app is especially helpful if you’re looking for more authentic dining options or want to explore specific types of Japanese cuisine. Many listings include English information, making it easier for travelers to use.