Rail-first travel, flexible IC cards, official Shinkansen booking, and disaster alerts
Visit Japan Web is an official browser service for immigration, customs and eligible tax-free workflows, not an app. Use only services.digital.go.jp because Japan's Digital Agency warns about lookalike apps. A JAPAN eVISA is separate and, when required, its issuance notice must be displayed live on a connected device at departure; a screenshot or printout is not accepted. From November 1, 2026, Japan changes tax-free shopping to a refund system: eligible travelers pay tax at purchase, obtain customs confirmation when departing within 90 days, then receive the refund from the participating business. Rail is the default in major destinations. On a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch, adding Suica, PASMO or ICOCA directly in Apple Wallet may be simplest. Welcome Suica Mobile is a separate iOS visitor app with 180-day validity and no balance refund. There is no current version for ordinary overseas Android phones; JR East has announced Samsung Galaxy support for the first half of 2027, not today. Physical Welcome Suica and the new TOURIST PASMO are 28-day alternatives, with current sales locations and no stored-value refunds. Cards are common, but carry yen. PayPay is built around locally verified accounts and is not a sensible arrival install. Google Maps is the best general planner, with Japan Travel by NAVITIME useful for pass filters and complex rail. GO covers all 47 prefectures and supports foreign numbers and cards, but short-term visitors pay an international service charge plus applicable taxi and app fees. Install Safety tips, save police 110, fire and ambulance 119, and keep JNTO's 24-hour visitor hotline available offline.
The simplest visitor delivery option in supported Japanese cities, using a familiar international account.
The best general map for Japanese places, walking and most city rail and bus journey planning.
A Japan-focused comparison for detailed rail routes, platforms, passes and offline travel planning.
JR East's 180-day visitor Suica app for eligible iPhone and Apple Watch users, with no account registration.
A practical Japanese-language aid for typed phrases, signs, menus and simple conversations.
The official English booking tool for Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen journeys in supported app-store regions.
Japan's leading local restaurant search and review tool, now available in a multilingual traveler app.
Japan's official visitor-focused app for earthquake, tsunami, weather, heat, volcano and civil-protection alerts.
Reliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Most tourist plans are data-only, so services that require a local number or SMS may not work.
Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.
Tourist-friendly choice with a straightforward purchase process.
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
Tourist-friendly choice with a straightforward purchase process.
The essential apps for Japan are Google Maps, Google Translate, Tabelog, Safety tips.
We've curated 10 apps across 11 categories for traveling in Japan, including 4 essential apps.
Uber is the top-rated ride hailing app in Japan. A familiar way to dispatch licensed taxis or premium vehicles in supported Japanese cities and regions.
