The Apps That Actually Help in Japan: Getting Around, Translation, Food, Taxis and Safety
Published: 2026-10-15
A few apps on your phone make a trip to Japan much easier. Here are familiar global apps and handy Japanese ones, with which languages they support.
The short answer: five must-haves
| For | App | Languages |
|---|---|---|
| Directions and train routes | Google Maps | Yes |
| Translation (menus, signs) | Google Translate | Yes |
| Taxis | GO | English, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Korean |
| IC card | Welcome Suica Mobile (iPhone) | English and more |
| Arrival procedures | Visit Japan Web | English, Chinese and more |
💡
Download the apps before you arrive and sign in, so they're ready the moment you land.
Getting around
🗺️
Google MapsRoutes with transfers, platform numbers and even the best station exit. Tokyo train timetables are well covered. → Official site🚃
Japan Travel by NAVITIMEA Japanese route app built for visitors, in English, Chinese, Korean and more. → Official site🧭
Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan)The English version of a long-running Japanese route planner, great for fares and timetables. → Official site🚕
GOJapan's most used taxi app. It's in English and you can sign up with a foreign phone number and credit card. Enter your destination and you won't need to explain it to the driver. → Official site🚗
UberIn Tokyo you can call taxis through Uber, handy if you already use it at home. → Official siteℹ️
For how trains work, see our guide to riding trains in Tokyo.
Payment and IC cards
- Welcome Suica Mobile (iPhone): a Suica app for visitors. Ride trains and pay at convenience stores and more. → Official site
- Apple Wallet: add Suica or PASMO to your iPhone and tap through the gates without a card. → Apple
🙅
Most Android phones bought outside Japan can't run the Suica app. Use a card such as Welcome Suica instead.
Translation
📷
Google TranslatePoint your camera at a menu or sign for an instant translation. Conversation mode helps you talk with staff. → Official site💡
Download the language pack so translation works even without a connection.
Food and restaurants
🍜
TabelogJapan's most used restaurant review site, with an English version. Scores are strict: 3.5 or higher means a very popular place. → Official site📅
TableCheckBook restaurants in English online, with no Japanese phone number needed. → Official siteMessaging, arrival and safety
💬
LINEJapan's most used messaging app, for keeping in touch with Japanese friends and some shops. → Official site🛂
Visit Japan WebA government service for completing immigration and customs procedures on your phone before you fly. At the airport, just show the QR code. → Official site🆘
Safety tipsThe Japan Tourism Agency's official app, sending earthquake, tsunami and other alerts in your language. → Official site🙅
Japan has many earthquakes. Safety tips is worth installing just in case.
Booking and getting online
🎟️
KlookA booking app used by travelers worldwide. Book subway passes, theme parks and day-trip passes in advance, in English and other languages. → Official site📶
AiraloAn eSIM app that works around the world. Buy and set it up in the app before you come, and you're online the moment you land. → Official sitePR
See on Klook ↗Tokyo Subway Ticket (for foreign visitors)
Unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei subways. Book it in the Klook app.
PR
See on Airalo ↗Airalo eSIM for Japan
Buy and set it up in the app before you leave.
- Apps need mobile data. For choosing an eSIM, see Staying connected in Tokyo.
Official websites
- Google Maps
- Google Translate
- Japan Travel by NAVITIME
- Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan)
- GO
- Uber
- Tabelog (English)
- TableCheck
- LINE
- Visit Japan Web
- Safety tips
- Welcome Suica Mobile
- Klook
- Airalo
ℹ️
Features and supported languages can change. Check each official site or app store for the latest.
Places in this story
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