Japan
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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 β not WhatsApp.
πRideshare & Taxi
All apps β
The most widely available rideshare service globally. Works in 70+ countries.
Hails licensed taxis in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other big cities using your existing account. Locals mostly use GO.
πΊοΈNavigation & Maps
All apps β
Works almost everywhere except mainland China. Offline maps are critical when roaming.
Works well for general routing.
Japan's best travel-focused transit and routing app, available in English.
Better than Google for trains β handles JR, subway, and private lines in one routing.
π¬Translation
All apps β
The universal default. Camera mode translates signs and menus instantly.
Camera mode is essential for menus and signs.
π±Messaging
All apps β
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.
π±Food Delivery
All apps β
Japan's trusted restaurant ratings app. Locals use it to find good restaurants.
How locals find real restaurants. 3.5+ stars is meaningful.
πPublic Transit
All apps β
Detailed train routing across Japan including JR, subway, and private rail.
Backup for cross-country trains and shinkansen.
Japan's tap-to-pay transit card. On iPhone, add it in Apple Wallet or use JR East's Welcome Suica Mobile app for visitors.
Add to Apple Wallet on iPhone β tap-to-pay on almost all city trains, subways, and buses, plus most convenience stores. Android phones bought outside Japan need a physical card.
βοΈTravel Planning
All apps β
Activities, attractions, and SIM cards across Asia. Better than GetYourGuide in Asia.
Best for activities, theme park tickets, and JR Pass.
Is Japan one stop of several?
Add your other destinations and get one combined app list, with the adapters and currencies for the whole trip.
The practical basics
Power & plugs
- Plug type
- A / B
- Voltage
- 100V
- Frequency
- 50/60Hz
- Type A: Two flat parallel pins. Common in North America, Japan, parts of Central America and Asia.
- Type B: Two flat pins + grounding pin. Standard in North America for grounded appliances.
Lower voltage than most; many laptops/phones handle this fine but check before plugging in hair tools.
Tipping
Don't tip. Tipping is awkward at best, offensive at worst. Service is included in the price.
CurrencyJPY
Japanese you'll actually use
Etiquette and scams to know
β Do
- Bow when greeting; depth of bow signals respect.
- Don't eat or drink while walking β find a spot to stand still.
- Remove shoes before entering homes, ryokan, and many restaurants.
- Don't blow your nose in public.
- Quiet on trains β phone calls are taboo.
βDon't
- Tipping anywhere.
- Sticking chopsticks upright in rice (funeral symbolism).
- Pouring your own drink at a group dinner.
β οΈ Common scams to know
- Touts in Shinjuku/Roppongi pulling you into clubs with hidden cover charges.
- Fake monks asking for donations near temples.
This page was last reviewed in September 2026. Apps launch, rebrand and pull out of countries all the time, so confirm anything your trip depends on. Spotted something out of date? Tell us β here's how we check.