Planning a trip to Japan? The land of the rising sun can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when navigating language barriers and complex transportation systems. But here’s the good news: your smartphone can be your best travel companion.
Let me walk you through seven essential apps and websites that will transform your Japanese adventure from potentially confusing to absolutely manageable – from beating the language barrier to scoring cheaper train tickets.
Breaking the Language Barrier with DeepL
Japan’s major transport hubs and tourist spots typically display English signage but venture into local neighborhoods or smaller cities, and you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by Japanese characters. That’s where DeepL comes in.
I’ve found DeepL to be significantly more accurate than other translation apps. Japanese locals commend its translations for being more natural, which is important for understanding menus or product labels.
The camera capability in DeepL makes it extremely useful. Point your phone at any Japanese text to get a quick translation. While it requires an internet connection, it is a game-changer for understanding everything from product labels to street signs.
If you’re concerned about connectivity or traveling to rural locations with limited internet access, download Google Translate’s offline Japanese language pack as a backup. It might not be as nuanced as DeepL, but it will do the job when you’re offline.
Mastering Navigation: Google Maps and Japan Travel
Google Maps might seem obvious, but its Live View feature is especially useful in Japan’s maze-like cities. When I first arrived, I’d often emerge from a subway station completely disoriented. Now, I just fire up Live View, scan the area with my phone camera, and get real-time arrows pointing me in the right direction.
While Google Maps is useful for general navigation, I usually combine it with Japan Travel by Navitime for train trips. This app is a real game changer if you’re using a rail pass like the JR Pass. Selecting a route with a specific rail pass ensures that you only see trains that are covered by your pass. This means you won’t accidentally take a non-covered train or spend extra money unnecessarily.
Securing the Best Train Deals: SmartEX and Ekinet
Japan’s bullet trains (Shinkansen) are wonderful but can be expensive. That’s where SmartEX and Ekinet come in handy. Both apps allow you to reserve seats with your credit card, often at better rates than buying at the station.
SmartEX covers southwest Japan, from Tokyo to Kagoshima, and includes popular sites such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Book early through the app, and you’ll often find significant discounts. Furthermore, you can avoid the ticket office lines by purchasing directly from your phone.
Ekinet is the go-to platform in northeastern Japan (think Sendai, Nagano, and Fukushima). It’s especially beneficial for booking seats during high travel seasons and getting special foreign visitor discounts.
Seamless Payments with Digital IC Cards
Forget buying individual tickets for every train or bus ride. Digital IC cards (Suica or Pasmo) transform your phone into a transit pass and payment tool. While physical cards are currently suspended, digital versions work just as well.
For Android users, download the Suica or Pasmo app to create your card. iPhone users have it even easier – just add a digital IC card directly to Apple Wallet. Load it up with your credit card, and you’re ready to tap and go at train stations, buses, and even convenience stores.
Find out how to add a Suica, PASMO or ICOCA card to Apple Wallet
Smoother Arrival with Visit Japan Web
Want to spend less time queuing at immigration? Visit Japan Web, the government’s official platform, lets you complete arrival procedures before your flight. While it’s optional, I’ve found it significantly reduces wait times at the airport.
Simply fill out your details online, and you’ll breeze through immigration more quickly than those filling out paper forms on arrival.
From 2024, the customs and immigration authorities will only use one QR code, instead of the two used last year.
Making the Most of These Tools
Remember, while these apps are incredibly helpful, they’re tools, not crutches. The key is to download and set them up before your trip. Test each one, make sure your credit cards are properly linked, and familiarize yourself with the interfaces while you’re still home.
For smooth sailing:
- Download and set up these apps before leaving home
- Test the translation features with some Japanese text online
- Create accounts and add your payment details to SmartEX or Ekinet if you plan to use bullet trains
- Create your digital IC card and do a test top-up
- Complete your Visit Japan Web registration at least a day before flying
These tools have changed the way I navigate Japan, making travel more efficient and often cheaper. While you don’t need them all, each has a distinct purpose and can help you on your trip in different ways.
Remember that many apps work best with a stable internet connection, so consider getting a local SIM card or eSIM for your stay. This ensures you always have access to these useful tools when you need them the most.
Stay connected during your trip to Japan
Instead of dealing with high roaming charges or hunting for a physical SIM card, make your life easier. Download, install, and activate your Japan eSIM from eSIMX and enjoy your trip to Japan with peace of mind.
eSIMX offers the best eSIM in Japan, making it easy to stay online no matter where you are.
Even in tech-savvy Japan, it’s a good idea to keep a portable charger handy. These apps are only helpful while your phone is turned on! Enjoy your travels! 🇯🇵
