Comparing the two transit apps to help you pick the right one for Japan.
| Japan Travel by Navitime | Suica / Welcome Suica | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | The most comprehensive transit navigation app for Japan, showing train and bus routes with departure times, fares, and platform numbers. | Japan's essential IC card for trains, subways, buses, and purchases at convenience stores and vending machines. The physical Welcome Suica expires after 28 days with no refund on remaining balance. |
| Essential? | Yes | Yes |
| Pro Tip | Use the offline mode after downloading maps. Navitime works even in subway stations with no signal. | Add Suica to Apple Pay for tap-and-go on virtually every transit system. Android users need a physical card since mobile Suica requires Japan-sold phones with FeliCa hardware, and the Welcome Suica app is iOS only. |
| App Store | Download | Download |
| Play Store | Download | Download |
We recommend Japan Travel by Navitime for transit in Japan. Use the offline mode after downloading maps. Navitime works even in subway stations with no signal.
