Navigate the land of the rising sun with confidence
Heads up
Japan has a cash-friendly culture in transition. QR code payments like PayPay are everywhere for locals, but tourists generally cannot register (it requires a Japanese phone number and ID). Stick to IC cards and credit cards instead. Rural areas still prefer cash. Get a Suica card immediately upon arrival as it works on virtually all transit and at convenience stores nationwide.
Last updated: April 2026
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.
The most comprehensive transit navigation app for Japan, showing train and bus routes with departure times, fares, and platform numbers.
The go-to navigation app for Japan, offering accurate walking, driving, and transit directions including train platform numbers.
Japan's dominant taxi app, aggregating over 100,000 cabs from local taxi companies. Available in English and covers nearly all of Japan (45+ of 47 prefectures).
A popular taxi hailing app centered on Tokyo but also available in parts of Osaka, Nagoya, and surrounding prefectures. Full English support with quick booking and cashless payment.
Uber operates in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and other cities, dispatching licensed taxis rather than private cars. Handy if you already have the app installed from home.
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