20+ Useful Websites and Apps for Travelling in Japan

Traveling to Japan is a dream for many, offering a unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. From the serene temples of Kyoto to the bustling streets of Tokyo, Japan has something to offer every traveler. However, navigating this fascinating country can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. That’s where technology comes in handy. In this blog post, we will explore the most essential websites and apps for travelling in Japan, helping you make the most of your journey with ease and convenience.

Whether you’re looking for the best places to eat, the quickest routes to your next destination, or simply a way to overcome the language barrier, there are numerous digital tools designed to enhance your travel experience in Japan. With the right apps on your smartphone and the best websites bookmarked, you’ll find it easier to plan your itinerary, book accommodations, and even discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Join us as we dive into the top websites and apps for travelling in Japan, ensuring that your adventure is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

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Useful Websites and Apps for Planning Your Japan Trip

Are you planning your first trip to Japan and need some help organising your days? Then these are the useful websites and apps for travelling in Japan that you will need to plan ahead.

• Google My Maps: Start your trip by planning and mapping the locations you would like to visit. This allows you to keep track of all the things you want to do, the events you wish to attend, the perfect places to eat, and exactly where you dream to be. To plan your entire itinerary, this is what you need.
• AccuWeather: AccuWeather is the best place to check out Japan’s weather, both for hourly forecasts and for forecasts up to three months in advance. Find the hourly forecasts particularly helpful in the rainy season and in summer, when there could be a few different weather conditions in one day.
• Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Weathermap: As the cherry blossom festival only lasts a few weeks, you must be obsessed with the cherry blossom blooming schedule to see them. Full bloom is the best time to see the blossoms; however, this period only lasts a few days, making it super tough to plan for! As meticulous as these trackers are, the weather is unpredictable, so you will need to keep track of the blooming schedule up to the day you plan to see the cherry trees.
• Koyo (Autumn Leaves) Forecast: Thankfully, the koyo season is quite a bit longer than the sakura season, spanning one to two months. You also don’t have to worry about “full bloom,” which leaves a lot more breathing room in your travel plans! This is the exact and perfect place to check when and where you can experience the breathtaking fall of the colourful autumn leaves.
• Japan Guide’s List of Japan’s National Holidays: You probably want to avoid Japan when the locals are out to play, so make sure you check out this list of Japanese public holidays! Golden Week, also known as Ōgata Renkyū, is an especially busy time that is highly recommended to avoid due to the many holidays back to back.
• JNTO Travel Guides: Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) is a government body whose aim is to promote Japan internationally as both a leisure and business travel destination. The guidance here is perfect for all kinds of occasions, whether you’re visiting with family or friends or you’re here for a necessary business meeting.

Useful Websites and Apps for Exploring the Country

To explore and get around Japan without any delay or trouble, these are the useful websites and apps for travelling in Japan that you must check out.

• Japan Direct: Japan Direct is the itinerary mobile app to visit Japan. It helps you find the best route to travel like a local. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, no problem! Without any additional cost, you can find routes made for you. No pass? No worries, you can specify which services and routes you want to use, like private railway or airport shuttles. Once you’ve found the most compatible route for you, you can easily add it to your favourites for direct access when offline.
• Google Maps: Need directions, maps, or information on local businesses? This is the place for you. Offering satellite imagery, aerial photography, street maps, 360° panoramic views of streets, real-time traffic conditions, and route planning for travelling by foot, car, bicycle, air, or public transportation.
• Japan Rail Pass: The Japan Rail Pass, also known as the JR Pass, is made specifically for overseas and international visitors. It is valid on all major forms of transportation provided by the JR Group in Japan and is sold by Japan railway groups.
• Japan Guide’s Complete Guide to the Shinkansen (Bullet Train): This guide has everything you need to know about riding the Shinkansen!
• Japan Guide’s Complete Guide to Japan’s Highway Buses: Highway buses are a cheap mode of transport and sometimes a more convenient alternative to taking long, tiring trips. Travelling becomes more convenient and cheaper via bus than by train, especially considering heavy luggage. That way you don’t have to carry bags around whilst trying to change trains multiple times!
• XE Currency: Everyone needs help with currency. XE Currency, best known for its online currency converter application, offers exchange rate information, international money transfers, and other currency-related services via its website, mobile apps, and other online channels. This offers the assistance you will need on your visit to Japan.
• Google Translate/Offline Japanese English Translator + Bilingual Sentences (App)/Waygo Translator & Dictionary by Translate Abroad (App): Most of you have probably used translation apps and websites such as Google Translate at some point. If you travel to Japan for business, sightseeing, or cultural exploration, it would be great to have a personal interpreter to help you communicate with the locals. However, most of the time that won’t be available. The good news is that these apps will be perfect for communicating and meeting locals!

Useful Websites and Apps for Finding Things to Do in Japan

If you want your trip to Japan to become an adventure and to have the best time of your life, then these are the useful websites and apps for travelling in Japan that you must follow for all your favourite locations, events, and activities.

• JNTO Guide (Things to Do): Here you can find inspiration for your Japanese cultural holiday. Discover the many events and festivals, temples and castles, theme parks and hot springs, beaches, and outdoor activities that Japan has to offer.
• Japan Guide: Explore Japan and find your dream location with the help of this Japan Guide. Whether it’s a two-day trip or a two-week trip, Japan Guide is the place for you to get the guidance you need for cultural, historic, or relaxing destinations.
• Japan Guide’s Event Calendar: Need help finding out the best events around Japan? Japan Guide’s Event Calendar has it all planned for you! Plan and discover the many events you could attend just through this perfectly built Event Calendar.
• Inside Japan’s Top 10 Things to Do: Bored? Don’t have a clue where to go or what to do? Inside Japan’s Top 10 Things to Do list has it all listed for you. Choose your desired destination and experience the wonders of each location.
• Japan Visitor’s Cities Guide: Find detailed information (history, attractions, and accommodation) about the cultural cities of Japan.
• Rough Guide’s Japan Travel Guide: Not only is it available online as a blog, but it is also available in the book world as an ebook.
• Audley’s Japan Travel Guide: With their expert guidance, you can plan your next activity in the cultural country of Japan from anywhere in the world.

Useful Websites and Apps for Looking for the Best Foodie Spots

You’re new here and you have no idea where to get the food that you’re craving. With the help you need from these guides, you can find absolutely any cuisine right near you.

• GuruNavi: Being Japan’s leading gourmet and restaurant guide, here you can quickly search for restaurants in a variety. Restaurants, cuisine, location nearest station, or budget, everything is included!
• Japan Guide’s Complete Guide for Food and Drink: Dining out in Japan, dishes and drinks as well as regional food guides. Discover how you can enjoy your favourite cuisine in Japan.
• Japan Travel’s Guide for Places to Eat: This guide is perfect for when you want to choose a variety of cuisines. Whether you’re craving American, French, Indian, Italian or just want to go out for a cup of coffee, this is the place you should be.
• JNTO Food and Drink Guide: Here you can explore how you can experience Japan’s rich food and drink culture. You can discover either by your top interest or by top recommendations, or you can follow their cuisine guide to help you along the way while you’re staying in Japan.

Useful Websites and Apps for Searching for Accommodations in Japan

Looking for a convenient place to stay by yourself, with your family, or friends? Here are the places you should select your options from!

• Japanican: Japanican is the most helpful for booking luxury accommodation as well as tours and activities. They are especially good for booking ryokan stays, expensive traditional dining experiences, and off-the-beaten-track experiences. They are not likely to be your cheapest option, but they offer a lot of experiences that are not listed on more western-based websites.
• Booking.com: Being the cheapest and most convenient option, here you can decide where you would like to stay, whether you’re by yourself, with your friends, or your family.
• Trivago: Trivago helps you to search up where you should stay whilst exploring Japan. It has a hotel search with an extensive price comparison, allowing you to decide which option is the best for you.
• TripAdvisor: If you require advice on where to stay and are looking for some of the most convenient deals, then this is where you should be. TripAdvisor provides you with the best deals each month, letting you plan when it’s the most affordable for you.

Useful Websites and Apps for Preparing for Emergencies in Japan

Need medical guidance? Need help finding emergency contacts in a panic? These are the perfect guides to get you your detailed information.

• Japan Travel (Emergency Contact Information): Here you can find and save the numbers and contact details you would need for when something goes wrong. Not only can you find emergency numbers, but you can also know what to do when something goes wrong.
• JNTO Medical Care Guide: JNTO’s Medical Care Guide is the best place for you if you are looking for medical care and guidance on your tour in Japan.

Ready for Your Japanese Adventure

Travelling to Japan is an exciting experience, and with the right resources, you can ensure that every aspect of your trip is well-planned and enjoyable. The useful websites and apps for travelling in Japan mentioned in this guide will help you with everything from planning your itinerary and checking the weather to finding the best places to eat and the most convenient accommodations. Whether you are interested in exploring the vibrant cities, experiencing the beautiful natural landscapes, or immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage, these tools will make your trip smoother and more memorable.

From securing transportation and navigating the bustling streets to discovering hidden gems and understanding local customs, having access to these essential websites and apps for travelling in Japan can transform your trip from ordinary to extraordinary. With these digital companions, you can travel with confidence, knowing that you have all the information you need at your fingertips. So, get ready to dive into the wonders of Japan, fully prepared to enjoy every moment of your adventure.

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