Helpful Phone Apps
imiwa? (Japanese Dictionary)
imiwa? is a useful Japanese dictionary app that does not require internet access! This is extremely helpful when you are on the go and you need some help with translating something. Free app available for iPhones and Androids.
Tokyo Rail Map
The full version of this app is $5.99 but I just got the "Lite" version for free. I used this app a lot when I was trying to determine where I wanted to live because after determining the nearest train station to the specific dorm, I was able to find out how long the commute time would be to get to Keio University. I was also able to see if I would need to transfer trains or not.
Update: My Tokyo Rail Map app now says it requires you to download "City Rail Map" instead. I guess Tokyo Rail Map might be out of date now? You can try download that one first and then this one as a back up. The app has the same function as Tokyo Rail Map and was created by the same company.
Update: My Tokyo Rail Map app now says it requires you to download "City Rail Map" instead. I guess Tokyo Rail Map might be out of date now? You can try download that one first and then this one as a back up. The app has the same function as Tokyo Rail Map and was created by the same company.
Tokyo Subway Navigation
This app was designed with a tourist in mind, which I really like because one of the features is that it shows you some of the most popular landmarks, places to see/eat and shopping destinations. You can choose somewhere you want to visit and then the app will show you the station that you need to get to. Enter your starting point and you will find out how long it will take to get there, how much it costs, how many stations you pass and much more! This app is awesome for finding a popular destination quickly and easily.
Visit my blog post about Sightseeing in Tokyo to see an example of how this app works.
Visit my blog post about Sightseeing in Tokyo to see an example of how this app works.
NAVITIME for Japan Travel
To me, this app is kinda like an informational magazine to read on your free time. But it also has cool features that help you find the nearest train station, help you find cool places to check out, and be able to connect to free wifi (which you have to sign up for before you get to Japan). Below are some screenshots taken from the app's articles and its 'search' option. It's very informational! See my blog post to find out about exchanging money (information taken from this app).
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GURUNAVI
This app is similar to Yelp and will help you find places to eat in Tokyo. You need to have your location on so that the app can find places near you. Also, I don't think the app works unless you are in Japan. What's cool about the app is that you can put in details about what kind of food you want, what time of day (i.e. breakfast, lunch or dinner), your price range, and much more!
Currency
This app converts different currencies so you have an idea what the exchange rates look like or how much something in Japanese Yen converts to US dollars (if you are shopping and are wondering how much you are spending). This app is easy to use and really comes in handy!
Skyscanner App
If youʻre planning to travel around to different parts of Japan or Asia (or the world), I recommend downloading the Skyscanner app, which will find you the best prices on flights! This company has a website: Skyscanner.com and I find the website to be a little easier to navigate than the app but having the app means you can look up flights easily, on the go!
Line
Line is a great app that you can use to keep in contact with everyone back home. All you need is a wifi connection and you will be able to make free international calls, video chatting, and messaging. I use this app all the time to contact my dad who lives in Thailand and last year when I was in Japan, I used the app to message my aunty back home. It's very convenient and the video quality is really great!
Viber
Viber is pretty much the same thing as Line. You can make free calls, video calls, and messaging anywhere you are (as long as you have an internet connection on your phone). I downloaded both Viber and Line but you don't really need both. I guess I use Viber as a back-up if Line isn't working or I can't contact the person but overall, I prefer Line. But both are great apps!