Travel Apps for Japan
Heading off on an adventure to Japan will be amazing, and let me share a little secret – travel apps turned out to be the unsung heroes on our recent trip. Now, I’m no tech guru, but after putting these apps to the test personally, I can vouch for their game-changing magic.
You don’t need many apps but these ones will be invaluable to make your vacation more enjoyable
1. Google Maps: Navigate Like a Pro!
Let’s kick things off with an oldie but a goodie. Google Maps is your trusty sidekick for navigating the vibrant streets of Japan. From bustling Tokyo to serene Kyoto, this app will guide you with precision. Whether you’re hunting down the best ramen place or searching for that hidden temple, Google Maps has got your back.
This was our most used app on our recent trip to Tokyo. Google Maps was our superhero. Seriously, it made getting around a breeze!
In this bustling city, Google Maps is like your best friend. It will hold your hands (virtually, of course) and guide you everywhere. Trains, buses, you name it – it knew the way. And get this, it will even tell you how much your train rides would cost! This is a game-changer because you can make sure your Suica card has enough cash on it.
But wait, there’s more! When we hopped on a train, Google Maps told us which exit to take. Trust me, that’s a big deal. Nothing worse than coming out of the wrong exit and feeling a bit lost, right?
So, I would absolutely recommend you download this app before you arrive in Japan.
2. Google Translate
Our next best recommendation is Google Translate. Seriously, you can’t travel without this app! It was a total lifesaver for the whole family.
It was especially handy when we were out and about, shopping for souvenirs or grabbing a bite at a cute little restaurant. Now, none of us are fluent in Japanese (not even close!), but no worries, enter Google Translate. We all downloaded it on our phones, and bam, instant translation magic!
Sometimes it would not translate the words when we hovered the phone above the writing but in those cases we just snapped a photo on the app and it worked a charm.
Shopping became a breeze. If we didn’t know what something said, we just used the app and Google Translate did its thing. It even helped us figure out menus at restaurants. No more guessing games about what we were about to munch on!
And here’s the best part, it’s so easy to use. Just point and voilà – instant translation. Saved us from some potentially awkward moments!
You will need to be connected to the internet but that is where a pocket wifi or international SIM come in handy.
3. Weather Japan
Another app that we found handy was Weather Japan app.
Now, you might be thinking, “Why do I need a whole app for the weather?” Well, let tell you, this little app turned out to be so helpful when we visited in the Fall. Japan’s weather can be a bit tricky, you know? One moment it’s sunny, and the next, it’s raining cats and dogs.
So, having the weather app on your phone it was super easy to quickly check and see what the weather was doing from hour to hour. Whether we were planning a day of temple hopping or deciding if it’s a sushi picnic kind of day, this app had our backs.
And bonus , it’s super simple to use. No need to be a tech genius to figure it out.
4. HappyCow: Veggie-Friendly Dining Delight
If you are travelling with any vegetarians or vegans the Happy Cow app will be so helpful.
Eating in Japan as a vegetarian can pose its share of challenges. While Japan boasts an incredible food scene, many traditional dishes, especially in ramen places, rely heavily on pork broth for that unmistakable flavor.
It can be a bit like a treasure hunt to find plant-based options, and sometimes, you might find yourself sifting through menus trying to spot the elusive veggie-friendly choices.
But with a little help from apps like Happy Cow, the journey becomes much smoother, guiding you to those tucked-away vegetarian gems.
Whether it’s a cute café tucked away in a side street or a veggie-friendly ramen joint, Happy Cow’s got the all the info. It even gives you reviews and ratings from other travelers, so you know you’re in for a tasty treat.
We used the app and found this amazing little Ramen restaurant in Asakusa called Yoroiya. Along with traditional options, it served a delicious vegan ramen bowl.
5. Travel Japan WiFi
Now, if you’re not into the whole pocket WiFi rental scene, this app will be so helpful.
It helps you stay connected to the internet easily, so you can find your way around and discover awesome places. With this app, you can access free WiFi hotspots all over Japan, making it easy to share your amazing moments with friends and family back home.
No more worrying about getting lost or missing out on cool things – just download the app, connect to WiFi, and enjoy your Japanese adventure without any hassles.
6. Tokyo Disneyland Resort App
If you are visiting Tokyo Disneyland while on vacation, it app is essential.
Firstly, the app provides real-time information about ride wait times, show schedules, and character meet-and-greet locations, helping you plan your day efficiently and avoid long queues.
Additionally, the app offers an interactive map, making it easy to navigate through the park and locate attractions, dining options, and restrooms.
We were able to use this app as soon as we entered the park to book our 40th Anniversary fast pass for the Beauty and the Beast ride which was great because the wait time for that ride was about 75 minutes all day!
So, in the end, these awesome travel apps make exploring Japan super easy and fun! They help you understand the language, learn about cool places, and stay connected.
So, use these apps and enjoy your time in Japan, making lots of great memories with your family! Happy travels!
