Best apps for Japan - Tokyo/Kyoto/Okinawa
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: LHR, SEA, ZRH
Posts: 707
Best apps for Japan - Tokyo/Kyoto/Okinawa
Hi all
Will be going to Tokyo/Kyoto/Okinawa and wanted to know what the best apps you recommend for English speakers? I just tried to download offline maps on Google Maps and for some reason offline maps in Japan is unavailable (at least on the iOS version). Seems odd as offline maps works in other countries I visit.
Any apps for offline navigation? Any other apps you recommend?
Will be going to Tokyo/Kyoto/Okinawa and wanted to know what the best apps you recommend for English speakers? I just tried to download offline maps on Google Maps and for some reason offline maps in Japan is unavailable (at least on the iOS version). Seems odd as offline maps works in other countries I visit.
Any apps for offline navigation? Any other apps you recommend?
#2
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,031
I would recommend renting a pocket wifi and using Google Maps in online mode. The cost isn't that prohibitive.
#3
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: next to HAM
Programs: LH M+M
Posts: 960
http://maps.me has an offline version of at least Tokyo Prefecture -- worked fine for me.
also, if you feel like it, https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/tips/co...one/index.html
not an app, but useful as well to check severe weather/quakes Japan Meteorological Agency
also, if you feel like it, https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/tips/co...one/index.html
not an app, but useful as well to check severe weather/quakes Japan Meteorological Agency
#5
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SIN and wandering.
Posts: 1,549
#8
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Smyrna, GA, USA
Programs: DL FO 1MM
Posts: 1,761
not apps (that I know of) but relevant to this discussion, I think:
https://tabelog.com/en
https://supleks.jp/
https://tabelog.com/en
https://supleks.jp/
#9
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,303
There are a few apps which will grant wifi access
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2279.html
I've used Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi Passport (Softbank), and Travel Japan Wi-Fi . Softbank was the least reliable to connect to but doesn't require a special app (which basically gps and data mines your phone). The apps usually allow you to login to combini wifi and Starbucks without having to pre-register.
Mobile data (+ wifi) makes navigating a lot easier. I use Google Maps and Citymapper apps with data.
I also prefer mobile suica if you have a new iPhone/iWatch as a repeat visitor to Japan who prefers a digital wallet (plus carrying around less coins). A regular physical suica/IC card also works very similarly for the average tourist but needs to be reloaded with cash. The mobile version (currently) accepts funding with US credit cards. It is just a little quicker to pay with IC card at the combini than credit card/cash and many urban vending machines near the train station also accept IC card.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2279.html
I've used Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi Passport (Softbank), and Travel Japan Wi-Fi . Softbank was the least reliable to connect to but doesn't require a special app (which basically gps and data mines your phone). The apps usually allow you to login to combini wifi and Starbucks without having to pre-register.
Mobile data (+ wifi) makes navigating a lot easier. I use Google Maps and Citymapper apps with data.
I also prefer mobile suica if you have a new iPhone/iWatch as a repeat visitor to Japan who prefers a digital wallet (plus carrying around less coins). A regular physical suica/IC card also works very similarly for the average tourist but needs to be reloaded with cash. The mobile version (currently) accepts funding with US credit cards. It is just a little quicker to pay with IC card at the combini than credit card/cash and many urban vending machines near the train station also accept IC card.
#10
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,674
As others have already said...
Google Maps seemed to be the best for navigation.
MAPS.ME was alright as a Google Maps backup, but didn't quite have the best mapping for the train stations and bus stops.
Hyperdia was amazing for train planning.
Google Maps seemed to be the best for navigation.
MAPS.ME was alright as a Google Maps backup, but didn't quite have the best mapping for the train stations and bus stops.
Hyperdia was amazing for train planning.
#11
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NorCal
Posts: 658