When traveling abroad, have you ever wondered which app is best for calling a taxi or which eSIM you should use?
In this article, Yuki, a DMC staff member based in Osaka, shares some of the most useful apps for traveling in Japan. From getting around with ease to staying connected on the go, these apps will help your clients enjoy a smoother and smarter trip.
Read on and discover the essential tools for traveling Japan with confidence!
Get Your Free eSIM Before Traveling to Japan
Most overseas SIM cards do not work in Japan, so it’s a good idea to make sure your phone is ready to use before you arrive. Setting up an eSIM in advance can save you the hassle of finding a SIM card after you land and help you stay connected from the moment you arrive.
Get a FREE 500MB eSIM!
We’re currently offering a complimentary 500MB eSIM to every traveler.
With 500MB of data, you can use map apps such as Google Maps for approximately 1.5 to 3 hours. That’s enough to help you find your way around Japan while sightseeing!
Please contact us to learn more about our offer!
3 Must-Have Apps for Traveling in Japan
While Japan is famous for its incredible hospitality and deep culture, navigating train stations, hailing taxis, or finding good restaurants can feel a little overwhelming for first-timers.
To help you travel stress-free like a seasoned local, we’ve put together a list of the top 3 must-have smartphone apps and essential internet connectivity options to set up before you land!
1. Japan Travel by NAVITIME
Best for: First-time visitors and travelers using public transportation
Japan’s public transportation system can be a little overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. Japan Travel by NAVITIME is designed specifically for international travelers and helps you find the best routes by train, subway, and on foot. It also offers useful information about stations, nearby spots, Wi-Fi, ATMs, and more.
What makes it useful:
- Route search for trains, subways, and walking
- Helpful information for navigating Japan’s complex transportation network
- Travel planning and itinerary features
- Offline map functions for finding nearby spots
Who we recommend it for:
This app is especially useful for first-time visitors to Japan, independent travelers, and anyone planning to travel around multiple cities by public transportation.
2. GO Taxi
Best for: Travelers who want an easy and convenient way to get around by taxi
Need a taxi but don’t speak Japanese? GO makes it easy to request a taxi from your smartphone. Simply enter your pickup and destination, request a taxi, and check the vehicle information before getting in. International credit cards and Apple Pay are also supported, making payment convenient for overseas visitors.
What makes it useful:
- Request a taxi directly from your smartphone
- Enter your pickup location and destination in the app
- Check the assigned vehicle before getting in
- International credit cards and Apple Pay are supported
- Advance reservation is available in eligible areas
Who we recommend it for:
GO is a great choice for families with children, travelers with luggage, couples, and anyone who wants a more comfortable alternative to navigating public transportation.
3. Tabelog
Best for: Foodies and travelers looking for authentic local restaurants
Japan is a food lover’s paradise, but finding the right restaurant can sometimes be tricky. Tabelog is one of Japan’s leading restaurant search and reservation platforms, with an English-language site and multilingual support. You can search for restaurants by location, cuisine, and area, including popular choices such as sushi, ramen, yakiniku, izakaya, and more.
What makes it useful:
- Search restaurants by location and cuisine
- Find local restaurants beyond the typical tourist spots
- Available in English, Chinese, and Korean
- Restaurant reservations are available for participating restaurants
- Useful for finding restaurants near your current location
Who we recommend it for:
Tabelog is perfect for foodies, repeat visitors to Japan, and travelers who want to discover local restaurants and Japanese cuisine beyond the usual tourist recommendations.
Your Japan Trip Starts Before You Arrive!
To make the most of a trip to Japan, a little preparation goes a long way. We hope the apps introduced in this article will help your clients navigate Japan with ease, save time, and enjoy more of what the country has to offer.
Why not share these useful tools with your clients before their next Japan trip? Travel Japan smarter and make every moment count!
