Are you planning a trip to Japan and feeling anxious about things like “Will I be able to transfer trains smoothly?” “How do I make a restaurant reservation?” or “What if I can’t read Japanese?”Japan’s complex transportation network, language barriers, and the difficulty of making restaurant reservations can all be sources of concern for travelers. Here, we have compiled a list of essential apps that are easy for international visitors to use and will help resolve these worries. This article, written by an author familiar with Japanese trends, carefully selects and introduces apps and services that are actually used in Japan. With these, you’ll be covered for everything from getting around to dining and sightseeing.
*The information in this article is current as of February 4, 2026
*If you purchase or reserve products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN
【Transportation & Mobility】 Navigate Japan’s Complex Transit With Ease!
Japan Travel by NAVITIME
Japan’s transit navigation app, “Japan Travel by NAVITIME,” supports route searches for all modes of transportation, including trains, buses, and the Shinkansen. You can also check detailed information such as platform numbers, station lists, and timetables. The app is specially designed for international visitors to Japan, offering multilingual support in 13 languages and easy-to-understand transfer guidance. It’s also convenient for booking hotels, rental cars, and activities near your current location or destination.
👉 Recommended Points
Even when offline, you can search for free Wi-Fi spots (NTT FREE Wi-Fi, FREESPOT, Starbucks, etc.), currency exchange locations, ATMs, and more
You can also purchase value passes such as the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) and eSIMs directly within the app
- Official Website: Here
- App Languages: 13 languages including English, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean.
- App Download
iOS: Here
Android: Here
🚅Book your Shinkansen ticket with NAVITIME Travel! 👉 Click Here
GO (Taxi Dispatch)
When it comes to taxi dispatch apps in Japan, "GO" is the go-to choice. Covering major tourist destinations from Hokkaido to Okinawa, you simply specify your current location and the nearest vehicle will come to pick you up. You can travel smartly to your destination without having to search for a taxi on the street or worry about language barriers.
Just enter your destination or set a pin on the map for your pick-up location, then press the button to call a taxi. The estimated arrival time and current location of your taxi will be displayed in real time.
👉 Recommended Points
You can enter your destination in advance, so there is no need to explain the location and language barriers are not an issue
If you register your credit card with GO Pay, you can simply get out of the taxi when you arrive at your destination. No need to handle cash
There is an AI reservation feature that automatically arranges a taxi for you based on the availability of nearby vehicles and past data, allowing you to specify a pick-up time from 15 minutes up to 7 days in advance
- Official Website: Here
- App Languages: Japanese, Traditional Chinese, English
- App Download
iOS version: Here
Android version: Here
Mobile Suica / PASMO (Apple Wallet & Google Pay)
This is the mobile version of the Suica transportation IC card provided by JR East. With just this one app, you can pay for trains, buses, and even at convenience stores. There is no need to carry a physical card, and you can easily recharge your balance with your smartphone, so you never have to worry about running out of funds.
You can use it for trains and buses nationwide (in areas where Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, etc. are interoperable), and make cashless payments at convenience stores, restaurants, and vending machines. You can also earn JRE POINTs and charge them to your Suica.
For visitors to Japan, there is a special app called "Welcome Suica Mobile" (compatible with iPhone and Apple Watch) that is especially recommended. No membership registration or personal information input is required, and you can issue a Suica card with just a few simple steps in the app. The red and white cherry blossom design is uniquely Japanese and very cute.
Valid for 180 days from the date of issue. Since the remaining balance cannot be refunded, it is recommended to use up the balance at convenience stores and other shops.
👉 Recommended Points
If you set up the card on your smartphone, you can simply tap to pass through ticket gates without launching the app
You can recharge online anytime, so there is no need to line up at ticket machines in stations
Discount tickets such as the Tokyo Free Ticket can also be purchased within the app (Welcome Suica Mobile only)
You can also search for tourist information in the app (Welcome Suica Mobile only)
Japan Transit Planner
This app allows you to easily check routes, fares, and travel times for trains, planes, and buses throughout Japan. You can also search for routes that take into account free passes such as the Japan Rail Pass, making it a powerful tool for navigating transportation in Japan if you are not familiar with the system.
👉 Recommended Points
Station numbering supported: Each station in Japan is assigned a combination of letters and numbers (for example, JR Yamanote Line "Shibuya Station" = JY 20)
Even if you cannot read kanji, you can search by the number displayed on station signs, so you can feel at ease
You can purchase value mobile tickets for transportation and facilities within the app
- Official website: Here
- App Languages: 13 languages including Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian.
- App Download
iOS: Here
Android: Here
【Gourmet】Popular Restaurant Reservation Apps That Are Easy for Foreigners to Use
Tabelog
As of 2026, Tabelog is Japan’s most popular gourmet review, search, and reservation site. It features over 75 million real reviews from people who have actually visited the restaurants, allowing you to find truly delicious places based on ratings from Japanese users. You can add restaurants you are interested in to your "Saved List" for easy management, and you can also post and share your own dining experiences as reviews.
You can easily make online reservations by searching for restaurants near your current location on the map and simply entering the date and number of people.
👉 Recommended Points
Check the "Tabelog 100 Famous Restaurants" (Hyakumeiten) to see the top 100 shops in categories like Ramen, Sushi, and Curry.
With plenty of photos available, you can check in advance and feel at ease even when trying Japanese cuisine for the first time.
- Official website: Here
- App Languages: English, Traditional Chinese, Korean
- App Download
iOS version: Here
Android version: Here
🍴Reserve a “Top 100 Restaurant” (Tabelog)
🍣Reserve a sushi restaurant in Tokyo (Tabelog)
TableCheck
This app and website specializes in reservations for high-end restaurants and popular spots. Since it is used globally, some people may already be familiar with it. It supports multiple languages and is designed to be easy for international travelers to use. You can easily search according to your needs, such as “for dates,” “restaurants with terraces or great views,” “English-speaking staff available,” or “birthday and anniversary celebrations.”
👉 Recommended Points
Because it is linked to the restaurant’s reservation system, it is easy to search for and book hard-to-get seats at popular restaurants or last-minute openings.
【Sightseeing & Shopping】 Make Your Trip More Fun With Activity Bookings and Hands-Free Travel
Klook
A travel and experience booking platform where you can reserve tickets, tours, hotels, eSIMs, and transportation from around the world. In Japan, it offers over 500,000 experiences and activities.
In addition to purchasing tickets for theme parks and tourist attractions at discounted prices, you can also book local tours, spa treatments, and gourmet experiences. You can arrange rental cars and airport transfers, apply for eSIMs and Wi-Fi rentals, book hotels, and purchase transportation tickets such as JR train tickets. Another attractive feature is that you can earn Klook Points by posting reviews of your booked experiences, which can be used as discounts on your next reservation.
👉 Recommended Points
Tickets are often available at lower prices than same-day tickets
You can check real user experiences through reviews
- Official Website: Here
- App Languages: English, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and a total of 34 languages
- App Download
iOS: Here
Android: Here
Payke
A convenient shopping app that displays product information in multiple languages simply by scanning the product's barcode. International visitors to Japan can scan the barcode on a product package with their smartphone to view information such as ingredients, usage instructions, and development stories in their native language.
It supports seven languages, including English, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese, and allows you to check videos and images to discover product features that cannot fit on the package.
👉 Recommended Points
Useful for shopping with popular rankings, product reviews, and special coupons
Holds data on about 450,000 products, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food items
Payke POINT is available, and accumulated points can be used to purchase eSIMs or exchanged for prepaid cards usable within Japan
- Official Website: Here
- App Languages: English, Thai, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and a total of 7 languages
- App Download
iOS: Here
Android: Here
ecbo cloak
A sharing service that allows you to search for and reserve places to store your luggage. Even if the coin lockers at the station are full, you can leave your luggage at more than 2,500 locations across Japan, including cafes and convenience stores in town, inside stations, department stores, and post offices that have introduced ecbo cloak. In popular tourist areas such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, you do not have to worry about not finding a coin locker, so you can enjoy sightseeing comfortably and hands-free.
From the map on the website or app, search for the location where you want to leave your luggage, select the period and number of items, then make a reservation and payment. After you drop off your luggage, you will receive a confirmation email with a photo of your items, and all you have to do is pick them up at the specified time.
👉 Recommended Points
Not only small items, but also large items that do not fit in coin lockers (such as strollers, musical instruments, sports equipment, folding bicycles, etc.) can be stored
Many partner locations are conveniently located inside stations or open 24 hours
- Official Website: Here
- App Languages: Japanese, Traditional Chinese, English
- App Download
iOS: Here
Android: Here
QR Code Payment Apps such as PayPay
Of course, you can still pay with cash in Japan, but recently cashless payments such as credit cards and QR code payments have become mainstream. PayPay requires a residence card to register, so it can be difficult for foreigners to use, but more and more stores are accepting other QR code payment methods (such as UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, LINE Pay, KakaoPay, etc.), so having one of these apps makes shopping smooth and convenient.
👉 Recommended Points
You can pay in your home currency. The amount is automatically converted to the local currency and deducted, so you do not need to exchange money for Japanese yen
You can earn points. Some partner apps may also offer campaigns where you can get points back
KKday
A travel booking platform originating from Taiwan. It is especially popular among travelers from Asia and offers a wide range of travel experiences and tours in Japan.
In Japan, KKday offers a variety of products, including tickets to tourist attractions, discounted train and bus tickets, restaurant and hotel reservations, and day tours. You can enjoy your trip to Japan with a wide range of options, from tickets to theme parks and World Heritage sites to programs that let you experience Japanese culture, such as kimono rentals, tea ceremony experiences, and sumo wrestling viewing.
👉Recommended Points
A wide variety of local tours and experience programs are available
Some products issue vouchers immediately after booking, so you can make reservations instantly even while traveling
You can check user reviews in advance to see ratings
- Official Website: Here
- App Languages: Japanese, English, Thai, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and a total of 7 languages
- App Download
iOS version: Here
Android version: Here
🚊Tokyo Metro 3-day/2-day/1-day Ticket | Japan
【Translation & Communication】Break Down the Language Barrier!
Google Translate
The classic translation app everyone knows. Not only does it offer text translation, but also voice translation, camera translation, and handwriting translation, making it useful in any situation.
👉Recommended Points
With real-time voice translation, you can have conversations with store staff and others using alternating voice interpretation
Perfect for checking menus at restaurants, asking for directions, shopping questions, and more
- Official Website: Here
- App supported languages: Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and a total of 83 languages
- App Download
iOS version: Here
Android version: Here
Kuli Kuli
The travel translation app "Kuli Kuli". Simply point your camera at an object and it will translate for you. Using cutting-edge AI technology, it can translate all kinds of menus, including handwritten ones, breaking down language barriers. It can also instantly translate and explain fortunes, receipts, street signs, and more.
👉Recommended Points
It has a feature that displays the original text and the translation side by side, so you can easily compare them and use it for learning Japanese
When you point it at labels for medicines and other products, it prioritizes displaying important information such as dosage and precautions
- Official Website: Here
- App Languages: Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and a total of 7 languages
- App Download
iOS version: Here
Android version: Here
【Peace of Mind】 Essential Tools: Charging, Wi-Fi, and Entry Preparation
ChargeSPOT
This is a mobile battery sharing service that saves you when your smartphone runs out of battery. With 54,847 stations installed across Japan as of June 2025, it is the largest in the country. You can rent a battery from dedicated stands located everywhere in town, such as convenience stores, train stations, and cafes. It is extremely convenient because you can return the battery at a different location from where you rented it.
You can easily rent a battery by scanning the QR code on the stand and selecting your payment method. To rent, you need either the dedicated app or a smartphone payment app. In addition to the ChargeSPOT app, you can use the PayPay app, d Payment app, au PAY app, LINE app, WeChat app, App Clip, UnionPay app, and Alipay app. To return the battery, simply insert it into an available slot at a nearby battery stand. You can search for locations with available slots using the app.
👉 Recommended Points
Three types of cables (Lightning, USB-C, micro USB) are built in, so you can charge various devices.
If the rental time is less than 30 minutes, it costs 165 yen. From 30 minutes to less than 1 hour, 430 yen. From 1 hour to less than 3 hours, it is also 430 yen, making it very affordable.
- Official Website: Here
- App Languages: Japanese, Thai, Traditional Chinese, English, and a total of 5 languages
- App Download
iOS version: Here
Android version: Here
WeatherJapan
"WeatherJapan" is a weather forecast app that supports multiple languages. It has a feature that allows you to check hourly forecasts up to 48 hours in advance, and you can instantly grasp temperature changes with easy-to-understand temperature graphs. Sunrise and sunset times are also displayed, making it convenient for planning your sightseeing schedule. Since the weather in Japan can change quickly, having this app gives you peace of mind.
👉 Recommended Points
Receive disaster information such as earthquakes and typhoons quickly, which helps ensure your safety
You can display weather forecasts for surrounding areas on the map, allowing you to check the weather at your destination in advance
Supports both Celsius and Fahrenheit, making it easy to use for people from any country
- Official Website: Here
- App Languages: Japanese, Traditional Chinese, English, Korean, and a total of 11 languages
- App Download
iOS version: Here
Android version: Here
Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect
This app automatically connects you to free Wi-Fi at airports, major train stations, and commercial facilities throughout Japan with just a one-time registration. You no longer need to go through the hassle of logging in at each Wi-Fi spot, and you can stay online just by walking around. The app supports 16 languages, including Japanese.
👉 Recommended Points
Not only can you use Wi-Fi spots, but you can also get travel information about Japan
Connects only to access points provided by clearly identified providers, so you can use Wi-Fi safely and securely
Function to prioritize connection to Wi-Fi with a strong signal (Android version only)
- Official Website: Here
- App Languages: Japanese, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, English, Korean, and a total of 16 languages
- App Download
iOS version: Here
Android version: Here
【Extra】Visit Japan Web
This is not an app, but an official web service by the Digital Agency where you can register the information required for entry procedures (immigration, customs declaration) and tax-free shopping. If you register your information in advance and issue a QR code, the procedures at the airport will be surprisingly smooth. Also, at stores that support Visit Japan Web’s tax-free procedures, you can complete the process simply by showing this QR code.
👉 Recommended Points
Significantly reduces the time required for procedures at the airport, eliminating the need for paper forms and long waits in line
- Official Website: Here
Use these 15 apps and websites introduced here to make your Japan trip smoother and more enjoyable.
*Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries
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*Company names and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies
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