In this article, I will introduce five essential apps to get around Japan in order of priority.
You might have known some of these already as they are basics. Yet, basics deserve to be introduced as many times as they are needed. All of their basic functionalities are provided for free of charge. I guarantee you’ll get far better benefits than you’ve imagined.
1.TownWiFi
First off, you need to look for free WiFi spots to be get connected with the internet until/unless you get a pocket WiFi router or a data SIM card. Or, although you have a pocket WiFi, it sill might not be a bad idea to save the data capacity.
TownWiFi is the easiest way to be get connected with free WiFi spots. How it works is very easy & simple. All you have to is just tap several times to give permission about essential information when downloading the app. After that, when TownWiFi finds free WiFi spots around you, it will connect it with your device automatically.
Once you arrive at an airport and are connected with the first free WiFi spot there by yourself, just download TownWiFi next. Multiple language available for its iOS version.
2.Navitime for Japan Travel
After making sure the internet connection, download this app in search of the best routes to your destinations.
When you use the route search functionality on this app, you will notice “Prioritize Japan Tail Pass routes” option on the middle of the screen.
This is, as the name indicates very well, an option to search the routes if you use Japan Rail Pass, a special fare ticket available only to travelers visiting Japan for sightseeing.
The pass itself is a must-have item for getting around Japan for over several days. Yet, its applicable ranges are complicated. I guess that even a Japanese cannot understand its detail instantly. However, if you use the option, you can focus on only destinations.
Navitime for Japan Travel also has functionality to search useful spots offline such as free WiFi, currency exchange, ATM, tourist information center, and stations.
3.Google Maps
This is the classic of the classics. Google Maps works great here in Japan as well. Assume there’s no introduction to how to use it.
So . . . let me just recommend a way of enjoy Japan travel with it: just see your current location on the map when you are moving on the train.
If you are in a local region, you will know how you are surrounded by mountains and forests. On the contrary, if you are in cities like Tokyo, you will know how lots of popular spots are condensed in the small area.
4.Google Translate
This is the basic of the basics for international travelers.Google Translate works great here in Japan as well.
So . . . let me just recommend a way of enjoy Japan travel with it: Use “Translate images” functionality after you download Japanese
What’s that functionality? Seeing is believing.
Japan has lots of sign boards all around the country, and sometimes you might wonder how these words meant. Major stations have good English translations on them, yet, on local cities, many still remain untranslated, some of which might be meaningful for you though.
And as you see above, although it might not necessarily be useful at this point, you might get some fun out of this.
5.Gurunavi
Before riding on the train, just wait a little longer before downloading this Gurunavi, the Japan’s largest gourmet & restaurant guide.
I guess that you’ve already known very well about Japan’s incredibly diverse restaurants. And how about With Gurunavi, you can smartly reach your favorite from slight clues of it. Multiple languages available: English, Korean, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional).
Thank you for reading through. Hope at least some of them help your travel in Japan.
If they can not help you at all, or if you have a specific idea to be checked,
feel free to send me an inquiry through the link below or just comment here.
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Good trip starts from good preparation.
Hope your travel in Japan will be memorable.
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