Must-Have Apps for Traveling to Japan
35 apps · Apps verified August 9, 2026 · Guide written June 3, 2026
Quick Answer
What apps do I need in Japan?
In Japan, Google Maps handles navigation and train routing, while a mobile Suica or Welcome Suica card lets you tap through ticket gates and pay at convenience stores. LINE is the default messenger, GO is the main taxi app, and Tabelog is the go-to for restaurant reviews. Add an eSIM from Airalo or Ubigi for data before you land. Japan is still fairly cash-friendly, so carry yen alongside your IC card and contactless cards.
Sources
Links used to keep the country guide current and easy to verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions travelers and AI assistants ask most often.
What apps do I need in Japan?
Must-haves are Google Maps (English transit), Suica or PASMO IC card app, LINE, Hyperdia for train planning, and Google Translate.
Does Google Maps work in Japan?
Google Maps works but can be less accurate for local train routes. Hyperdia or Jorudan are more reliable for rail.
Do I need cash in Japan?
Japan is increasingly cashless but still widely uses cash. Suica via Apple Pay or Google Pay covers most transit.
What is the best ride-hailing app in Japan?
GO (formerly Japan Taxi) is most widely used. Uber operates in limited cities.
Can I drink tap water in Japan?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink in Japan. Tap water is safe and high quality throughout Japan. Free water is served at restaurants automatically.
If you use these apps at home
How the big global apps hold up in Japan — and what locals use instead.
- If you use Uber Works here
- Yes — Uber works in Japan. Locals also use GO.
- If you use Uber Eats Works here
- Yes — Uber Eats works in Japan.
- If you use WhatsApp
- For messaging, locals in Japan typically use LINE.
- If you use Google Maps Works here
- Yes — Google Maps works in Japan. Locals also use Jorudan and Moovit.
- If you use Google Translate
- For translation, locals in Japan typically use DeepL.
- If you use Apple Pay
- For payments, locals in Japan typically use Welcome Suica Mobile and Suica.
- If you use Amazon Works here
- Yes — Amazon works in Japan.
- If you use Netflix Works here
- Yes — Netflix works in Japan. Locals also use Disney+.
Finance & Payments
3 apps
eSIM & Data Plans
5 apps
Already use N26, Revolut, or Truecaller? Some bank apps now bundle travel data, so check yours first. If not, these standalone eSIMs are the best value:
Ride Hailing
3 apps
Public Transit
4 apps
Navigation
2 apps
Food Delivery
2 apps
Communication
2 apps
Shopping
2 apps
Tours & Experiences
3 apps
Health & Insurance
3 apps
Media & Entertainment
4 apps
Dining & Reservations
2 apps
💳 Payment Methods in Japan
Tourist Accessibility
Moderate accessibility
International Cards
ATM availability: widespread
Accepted Payment Methods
Popular Local Payment Apps
💡 Japan is transitioning from cash-heavy to digital. IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) essential for transit and work at convenience stores and vending machines. Welcome Suica Mobile app launched 2025 for tourists. PayPay is ubiquitous but requires Japanese bank account. International Visa/Mastercard accepted at chain stores, hotels, and restaurants but many small shops remain cash-only.
Travel Information for Japan
Common Requirements
- Valid passport
- return ticket
- proof of accommodation
🏧 ATM Tips
7-Eleven and JP Post ATMs accept most foreign cards reliably. Daily withdrawal limits typically 50,000-100,000 yen. Some ATMs close at night. Lawson ATMs also work well.
💱 Money Exchange Tips
Exchange at airports (decent rates), major banks, or authorized exchangers. Avoid hotels. IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) useful for small purchases. Yen has weakened significantly - great value for foreign visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Mar-May) for cherry blossoms, Fall (Sep-Nov) for autumn leaves. Summer is hot/humid, winter cold but good for skiing and onsen. Okinawa is subtropical: best beach weather is late April to June (before the June rainy season) and October to November; avoid the August to September typhoon peak. Kyushu is pleasant spring and autumn, hot and humid in midsummer.
SIM Cards & Connectivity
Data-only SIMs at airports and electronics stores. Welcome Suica Mobile app includes eSIM option. Pocket WiFi rentals still popular. Most plans are data-only (no voice calls).
Transportation
The JR Pass covers most JR trains nationwide including the Tokaido and Kyushu Shinkansen (Hakata to Kumamoto to Kagoshima); IC cards (Suica/ICOCA) work on almost all city transit. KYUSHU is fast and rail-friendly, with JR Kyushu sightseeing trains plus buses to onsen towns like Beppu, Yufuin and Kurokawa. OKINAWA has no railway beyond Naha's Yui Rail monorail, so a rental car is essential for the main island, and the Yaeyama and Miyako islands are reached by ferry or short domestic flights. Book the GO taxi app for spots transit cannot reach.
Cultural Notes
Remove shoes indoors. Bow for greetings. No tipping. Quiet on trains. Queue orderly. Respect for rules and others paramount. Don't eat while walking. Ryokan and onsen etiquette: wash and rinse fully at the seated showers before entering the bath, no swimwear, tie long hair up, and keep the small towel out of the water. Many onsen still refuse guests with visible tattoos, so look for tattoo-friendly or private-bath (kashikiri) options, common in Kyushu hot-spring towns (Beppu, Yufuin, Kurokawa) and Okinawa wellness resorts. Wearing the provided yukata around the ryokan is normal.
Safety Rating
Emergency Numbers
Tap Water
Tap water is safe and high quality throughout Japan. Free water is served at restaurants automatically.
Power Outlets
100V, 50Hz (East) / 60Hz (West)
Same plug shape as US but lower voltage (100V). Most modern chargers (phones, laptops) work fine. Hair dryers and curling irons from other countries may not work properly.
Tipping
Japan has a strict no-tipping culture. Tipping can cause confusion or offense. Simply say 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you) instead.
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Most comfortable option. Reserved seats. Round-trip discount available (4,070 JPY). JR Rail Pass valid.
Fastest train. Connects to Ueno and Nippori stations. Discount combos with Tokyo Subway Pass available.
Door-to-door to major hotels in Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc. Comfortable but slow in traffic.
Budget option. No reserved seats but very affordable.
Haneda Airport (HND)
Connects to JR Yamanote Line. Fast and affordable. Use Suica/Pasmo card.
Direct to Shinagawa, transfers to Shimbashi, Asakusa. Cheapest rail option.
Routes to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station and more.
Fixed fare system to some areas. Expensive but convenient with luggage. No tipping needed.
⚠️ Izakaya/Bar Overcharging
Some bars in entertainment districts (especially Kabukicho in Shinjuku, Roppongi) charge exorbitant cover fees and drink prices not mentioned upfront, resulting in bills of 50,000+ JPY.
Avoid following touts into bars. Check prices before ordering. Stick to well-known chains or places with visible menus. Golden Gai bars are generally safe.
⚠️ Fake Monk Donations
People dressed as monks approach tourists in popular areas (Asakusa, Shibuya) asking for 'donations' and giving a cheap bracelet. Real monks don't solicit on the street.
Politely decline and walk away. Real Japanese monks do not solicit donations from strangers on the street.
⚠️ Unlicensed Tour Guides
Unlicensed guides at popular spots offer tours at inflated prices or lead you to overpriced shops.
Book tours through reputable platforms like Klook, Viator, or your hotel. Licensed guides carry a government-issued badge.
✈️ Download Before You Go
Get these apps ready on your phone before boarding
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