๐ŸงณPack My Apps
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Essential apps for

Japan

ๆ—ฅๆœฌ

JapaneseJPY10 apps

Japan runs on cash less than you'd think, but you do need the right apps. Most signage isn't in English, transit is dense, and locals use LINE โ€” not WhatsApp.

๐Ÿ’ณPayments & Wallets

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P

PayPay

Japan's most popular QR-code payment, accepted at most convenience stores.

QR-code payment accepted at most convenience stores and small shops.
iOSAndroidWebsite

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธNavigation & Maps

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G

Google Maps

Works almost everywhere except mainland China. Offline maps are critical when roaming.

Works well for general routing.
iOSAndroidWebsite
N

NAVITIME for Japan Travel

Japan's best travel-focused transit and routing app, available in English.

Better than Google for trains โ€” handles JR, subway, and private lines in one routing.
iOSAndroidWebsite

๐Ÿ’ฌTranslation

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G

Google Translate

The universal default. Camera mode translates signs and menus instantly.

Camera mode is essential for menus and signs.
iOSAndroidWebsite
W

Waygo

Offline camera translation for Chinese, Japanese, Korean menus. No data required.

Offline Japanese menu translation โ€” works without data.
iOSAndroidWebsite

๐Ÿ“ฑMessaging

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L

LINE

Japan and Taiwan's dominant messaging app. Locals strongly prefer it over WhatsApp.

Locals use this, not WhatsApp. You'll need it to communicate with hosts, guides, salons.
iOSAndroidWebsite

๐ŸฑFood Delivery

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T

Tabelog

Japan's trusted restaurant ratings app. Locals use it to find good restaurants.

How locals find real restaurants. 3.5+ stars is meaningful.
iOSAndroidWebsite

๐Ÿš‡Public Transit

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J

Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan)

Detailed train routing across Japan including JR, subway, and private rail.

Backup for cross-country trains and shinkansen.
iOSAndroidWebsite
S

Suica (in Apple Wallet)

Japan's tap-to-pay transit card. Travelers can add it directly to Apple Wallet.

Add to Apple Wallet on iPhone โ€” tap-to-pay across all transit and most convenience stores.
iOSWebsite

โœˆ๏ธTravel Planning

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K

Klook

Activities, attractions, and SIM cards across Asia. Better than GetYourGuide in Asia.

Best for activities, theme park tickets, and JR Pass.
iOSAndroidWebsite
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