Are you dreaming of exploring the vibrant streets of Japan but worried about your lack of Japanese skills? Fear not! With the right tools, you can navigate this fascinating country with ease, even if your Japanese vocabulary is limited to “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) and “sumimasen” (sorry). Here’s a curated list of essential apps that will transform your trip into an unforgettable experience:
Finding Your Way: Navigation and Maps
Getting around Japan can be a breeze with these handy apps:
- Google Maps: Your go-to navigation companion. Whether you’re seeking the best way to reach a destination by train, bus, or on foot, Google Maps provides you with a comprehensive list of options, including fare prices and estimated travel time. Its real-time GPS guidance will lead you to any corner of the country you wish to explore. However, remember that Google Maps requires an internet connection to function in Japan.
- MAPS.ME: Your offline navigation lifesaver. Save money on portable Wi-Fi rentals or SIM cards with MAPS.ME, a reliable offline alternative to Google Maps. This app allows you to pinpoint your location and navigate to any point of interest without relying on an internet connection. Whether you’re searching for a hidden temple, a bustling market, or a cozy café, MAPS.ME will guide you with its GPS positioning feature.
Essential Information: All You Need at Your Fingertips
Stay informed and prepared with this comprehensive app:
- JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) App: Your one-stop shop for all things Japan. This free app provides a wealth of information designed specifically for tourists. From tourist information and public transport route guidance to free Wi-Fi spots and ATM locations, it has you covered. It even includes hospital listings with foreign language support, safety alerts for natural disasters, restaurant listings, luggage forwarding and storage locations, and duty-free store locations.
And there’s more! JNTO plans to expand the app to include information on rural areas, making it perfect for those venturing off the beaten path.
Mastering the Public Transportation Network
Don’t let Japan’s intricate transportation system intimidate you!
- NAVITIME: Your guide to navigating Japan’s public transport. This app makes navigating Japan’s trains, subways, buses, and more a breeze. It provides detailed information on timetables, stops, travel durations, bus schedules, taxi fare estimates, and pedestrian routes. With its user-friendly icons and GPS and voice navigation, NAVITIME will ensure a stress-free and enjoyable journey.
Essential Information for International Travelers
The Narita International Airport Corporation has created a perfect app for first-time visitors to Japan:
- Tabimori: Your comprehensive guide to navigating Japan. This free app offers an extensive range of features designed to help foreign visitors feel comfortable in Japan. From weather forecasts and flight information to speech translation, site and attraction guides, route planners, currency converters, emergency contact information, foreign embassy listings, duty-free shopping, and public transportation guides, Tabimori has it all, accessible even without an internet connection.
Communicating Without Speaking Japanese
Even if you don’t speak Japanese, communication shouldn’t be a barrier to your trip.
- Google Translate: Your language companion for everyday situations. While large cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto offer many English signs, you may need assistance in smaller towns and villages. Google Translate comes to the rescue with its real-time translation feature, allowing you to communicate with locals at restaurants, shops, and during everyday activities. With its Word Lens function, you can simply take a photo of any Japanese kanji characters and instantly see the English translation.
Finding the Perfect Bite: Culinary Adventures Await
Experience Japan’s renowned cuisine with the help of this app:
- GURUNAVI: Your guide to discovering Japan’s culinary delights. Whether you’re in Tokyo, Hokkaido, Aichi, Fukuoka, Osaka, or Okinawa, GURUNAVI helps you find the best restaurants and dining establishments based on location, price, menu, and other criteria. It even identifies restaurants offering English menus or accepting credit cards.
Navigating Japan’s Cash-Based Culture
While Japan is increasingly embracing debit and credit cards, cash remains king in many establishments.
- Japan ATM Navigation: Your guide to finding the nearest ATM. This app displays a route map to the closest SEVEN BANK ATM, ensuring you can withdraw cash effortlessly when needed.
Real-Time Translation: Unlock the Secrets of Japanese
Don’t let the language barrier hold you back from exploring all that Japan has to offer.
- Yomiwa: Your pocket translator for navigating Japan’s language. This app seamlessly translates Japanese text in real time simply by using your camera. Hover your camera over any Japanese words and Yomiwa instantly displays the translation, making it ideal for exploring areas with limited English signage. But that’s not all! Yomiwa also includes a built-in drawing feature for translating Japanese characters, a dictionary for searching in English, romanji, or Japanese characters, and example sentences to help you learn the language. Best of all, Yomiwa works offline, allowing you to save your data for other essential needs.
With these essential apps, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate Japan with ease, even without speaking a lick of Japanese. Enjoy your adventure and discover the wonders of this extraordinary country!
