must have Apps for a trip to Japan

Let's be honest. Japan can be a tough place to find your way around. First of all the address system is completely different from most other countries. Then there is the huge network of trains to navigate. Plus unless you understand Japanese, the amount of English spoken is not right up there with other popular destinations. Add the fact that free wifi is hard to come by or needs pre-registering, and the difficulty can be even more compounded. 

Luckily with a smartphone or tablet we have a tool to help us out on our travels. I would like to introduce you to the must have apps, including offline apps, for a smooth trip in Japan. Feel free to introduce more suggestions in the comments below.

1. Travel Japan by Navitime
This is a great app for finding your way around. My favourite feature is the neighbourhood guide to find an ATM or convenience store. One of the best options for sure is the OFFLINE search for free wifi spots. 

2. Trains.jp
This iOS offline app is the best for finding your way around town without a wifi signal. Doesn't show train times though so be careful when it is close to last train. 

3. Hyperdia
The best website for train travel planning now has an app too! One of the best features for those using a JR pass is you can filter results to include JR trains only. All the info you need to get around Japan by train.

4. Gurunavi 
This site and app is famous amongst Japanese and they now have a great English version too. Find restaurants by type, price or even by GPS search. They even offer a restaurant reservation service hotline.

5. Japanese dictionaries
There are many to choose from but for me the best ones are useable offline too. That's why I like "imiwa" for iOS or JED for Android

6. Triposo
This is an app and website which has many mini guides to tourist attractions not only in Japan but around the world. 

Got another great app you suggest for travel in Japan? Share in the comments below and happy travels in Japan!