Are you getting ready for your first trip to Japan? You might be thinking:
‘Will I get lost in the big stations?’
or
‘How can I read a Japanese menu?’ or ‘How do I find a taxi?’
Don’t worry! Your smartphone is your best friend in Japan. Today, I will show you 10 essential apps. If you download these, your stress will disappear, and you can focus on having fun.
I use these apps every day, and they are lifesavers. Let’s make your phone ready for Japan!
Google Maps (The King of Apps)
You probably already have it, but it’s amazing in Japan. It tells you exactly which train platform to go to—for example, ‘Platform 4.’
Also, use the ‘Live View’ feature. It uses your camera to show you arrows on the street. It’s perfect for finding small hotels in Tokyo!
Japan Transit Planner by Jorudan
Google Maps is great, but this app is better for long trips. You can select ‘JR Pass’ in the settings. Then, it only shows you trains you can use for free with your pass! It also shows you the cheapest way to travel. It’s a must-have for 3-week travelers.
GO (The Best Taxi App)
In Japan, Uber is not everywhere. But the ‘GO’ app is the most popular for taxis. If it’s raining or you have many bags, just tap a button. A clean Japanese taxi will come to your location. You can pay inside the app, so you don’t need to speak Japanese to the driver!
Just a small tip, The back door is automatic. Do not pull it! The driver will open and close it for you.
Tabelog (Find Local Food)
This is what Japanese people use to find restaurants.
【QUIZ: What score is great on Tabelog?】
In many countries, a ‘4-star’ rating is common. But in Japan, Tabelog is very strict. What score is considered a ‘Great’ restaurant on Tabelog?
A. 3.0 stars
B. 3.5 stars
C. 4.5 stars
The answer is B! 3.5 stars.
In Japan, 3.0 is ‘Good.’ 3.5 is ‘Very Great!’ If you find a place with 4.0, it’s one of the best in the country. Try to find a 3.5-star ramen shop near you!”
HappyCow (For Vegetarians)
Japan loves meat and fish. If you are vegetarian or vegan, it can be hard to find food. HappyCow shows you the best plant-based restaurants in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. It’s a very helpful app for healthy eating in Japan.
Google Translate (Camera Mode)
My favorite feature is the ‘Camera Mode.’ If you see a menu with only Kanji characters, don’t panic! Just point your camera at it. The Japanese text will change to English instantly. It’s like magic. You can eat anything with confidence!
DeepL (Natural Japanese)
If you want to write a message to your hotel or a Japanese friend, use DeepL. The Japanese it creates is very natural and polite. It’s better than Google Translate for long sentences. It helps you sound like a local!
【QUIZ: Which is correct to say ‘Excuse me’ in Japanese?】
In Japan, it is very important to be polite before asking for help. If you want to say ‘Excuse me’ to a staff member or a person on the street, which of these is the best to use?
A. Arigatou
B. Gomen-nasai
C. Sumimasen
The answer is C! Sumimasen.
‘Arigatou’ means thank you, and ‘Gomen-nasai’ is a deep apology. But ‘Sumimasen’ is the perfect ‘Excuse me.’
Here is a pro-tip for you:
If you suddenly speak English to a Japanese person, they might get surprised or nervous. But, if you just start with one word—‘Sumimasen’—everything changes!
It shows you respect Japanese culture. People will feel relaxed and be much more happy to help you. So, remember: Say ‘Sumimasen’ first, then show your translation app. This is the secret to making local friends in Japan!
Safety Tips (Disaster Alerts)
This is very important. Japan has earthquakes and typhoons sometimes. This app sends you alerts in English. It tells you what to do and where to go if there is an emergency. Having this app is a great way to show respect for local safety.
ecbo cloak (Book a Luggage Space)
Sometimes, all the coin lockers at the station are full. What can you do?
With this app, you can book a space in a shop or a cafe to keep your bags. It’s safe and easy. Just drop your bags and go sightseeing!
Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect
Free Wi-Fi in Japan can be difficult to use. You have to sign in many times. This app connects you to safe, free Wi-Fi automatically at stations and airports. It saves your mobile data and keeps you connected!
Conclusion
Those are my top 10 apps for your first trip to Japan. Download them before you leave home. You will feel much more relaxed!
Which app do you think is the most useful?
I’m so excited for your adventure. Have a wonderful trip!
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