photo by Ian Higglns
Japan is a relatively small island country, yet since it has a long history, there are many sightseeing destinations across the country. It also offers a variety of local cuisines. You must want to get around as many places as possible while you are in Japan. However, you might find it difficult to get around yourself, what with Japanese-only signs and what with complicated transport systems. Let me introduce useful mobile apps which will assist you during your stay in Japan.
MAPS.ME
Maps are vital items for travelling. People used to unfold a paper map, but today all you need is your smartphone. You might think maps on smartphones are only available when you are online, but “MAPS.ME” provides a map when offline too. If you download a map for your destination beforehand, you can use it while you are not connected to the Internet. GPS allows you to see where you are, and icons on the map will show you where the nearest banks, ATMs and stations are. Even when you don’t have any access to Wi-Fi in Japan, this app enables you to guide yourself around. If you purchase a paid version (which costs 500 yen), you can make a search for a place and mark your favourite destinations.
Yomiwa
Have you encountered a road sign, a signboard on a pavement, or a menu at a restaurant which you don’t understand? Then it’s time for you to use this app. Simply take picture of the text you want to read or write it on the screen, and you will get its transcription in alphabets and its English translation. Many road signs and signs at the stations usually have English writings, but this is not the case with menus at restaurants. You will find this translation app useful.
Download Yomiwa (iOS)
Download Yomiwa (Android)
Uber
Do you want to get a taxi, but worried about communicating your destination in Japanese? Or, are you unsure about the cost? Taxis can be not so easy to use for foreign tourists who don’t speak Japanese very well. “Uber”, a taxi booking app invented in the U.S., now covers many cities in 68 countries, including Tokyo in Japan. You can search the nearest driver from your current location, using GPS of your phone. You can get the approximate cost beforehand, too. The payment will be made through your registered credit card, so you need no cash and you can also easily split your bill with your friends. You need to create an account before you use.
NAVITIME for Japan travel
Currency
This is a currency converter app which provides exchange rates for 150 currencies and countries. Download the data for a currency you would like to use (Japanese yen, if you are travelling to Japan), and you will be able to use the currency converter without being online. The rate at the last update will be used while you are offline, but you can press refresh button to get the latest currency rate when you have the Internet connection.
DiGJAPAN
DiGJAPAN is a travel app which covers the main cities in Japan. You can search seasonal sightseeing spots in a certain area, and download coupons available at restaurants, shops and other facilities. It has more useful functions such as searching free Wi-Fi spots and creating your own original sightseeing plans based on downloaded information. Once you have downloaded the information, you can browse it offline as well – as long as you acquire the information beforehand, you can refer to it whenever you want.
LINE
This app enables you to make a phone call and to send messages for free. It will be useful for you if you are planning to stay in Japan for a long time, either for travelling, studying or living. Just like WhatsApp and Viber, it is an app for free call and messages, but LINE has the largest market share in Japan. There are many users in Japan, and it will be useful in chatting on phone and exchanging messages with your Japanese friends and colleagues. It also has a wide range of stickers and emoticons to enhance your communication.
Summary
A decade ago, we often saw tourists who were referring to a guidebook and a map; nowadays most tourists use their smartphones and tablet PCs. It used to be the case that people had to communicate with gestures if we don’t speak each other’s languages, but now we have translation apps to assist our communication. These developments reduce a lot of troubles and stress. On your visit to Japan, make the most of these mobile apps and discover more about the country.
