train travel app

The best train ticket apps on the App Store

In addition to Railboard , many other train ticket apps are available to download on the App Store. For this list, we’ve rounded up the best and most prominent iPhone train ticket apps and summed up what makes them noteworthy.

Of course, we had to start with Railboard! Railboard can save you money with Split Tickets, doesn’t charge a booking fee, and has a strong focus on being easy to use.

Trainline is by far the biggest and oldest of all the ticketing apps, having launched its iPhone app back in 2009. In addition to UK trains, it also sells tickets for European trains and coaches.

In 2018 the Chinese travel company Ctrip launched TrainPal onto the UK market. Its customers like the ability to buy split tickets through the app.

TrainSplit is a subsidiary of Raileasy, which has been selling train tickets since 2007. TrainSplit is an industry leader in split ticketing, having first introduced it in 2014, and has some of the best algorithms for finding the cheapest splits.

Split My Fare

As the name suggests, Split My Fare is another split ticketing specialist retailer. In 2022 they launched their iOS app.

RedSpottedHanky

RedSpottedHanky is a brand that launched back in 2010, now owned by the European multinational company, Worldline.

Omio, formerly GoEuro, is a German travel company. In addition to selling train tickets in the UK and mainland Europe, Omio also sells coach, ferry, and plane tickets.

SeatFrog’s primary focus is on bidding to upgrade tickets, but they also sell regular train tickets.

Train Operating Companies

Every train operating company also has their own app; we’ve featured two below. Other notably popular iPhone apps from train companies include those for: South Western Railway (SWR), ScotRail, Southeastern, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains, c2c, and Greater Anglia.

The LNER app has an impressive average rating of 4.9 stars on the App Store. Customers love how easy the app is to use.

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Based on the number of ratings on the App Store, the GWR app currently holds the crown as the most used train operating company app available.

3 Best train apps for Europe

• Train Travel

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What we talk about in this article

Planning a train trip through Europe ? You either want to choose to buy a rail pass or you can buy your separate tickets for each leg of your journey. We listed some of the best train apps for Europe that are available right now. Most of these offer the option to buy train tickets online with their platform and services.

We created a few very cool Interrail itineraries too!

Eurail and Interrail

Eurail and Interrail are two platforms by the same company to plan your train trip through Europe. Eurail is the platform for non-European travelers, while Interrail is the platform for European travelers. Both platforms work similar in order to book your train tickets online.

Eurail and Interrail work with rail passes for one or more countries in Europe or global passes you can use in all of Europe. Don’t fancy using a rail pass? You can use the mobile app without buying a rail pass. Keep scrolling to find more train travel planners!

Interrail also offers a splendid mobile app to help you find real time train schedules. The app also informs you about whether or not you need to make a reservation for a certain train or if you can catch it with your rail pass.

Check out these amazing interrail routes to do in Europe:

• 7 Awesome routes in Europe to explore by train
• 2 Weeks Scandinavia: best of the North
• Spain by rail in 12 days
• The best of Central and Eastern Europe in 2 weeks
• 8 Most scenic train rides in Europe
• 6 Amazing guided train itineraries Europe

Omio , is the best train planner and booking app in this list!

Their platform platform helps you find train schedules, train tickets as well as bus schedules and flights.

The Omio platform and mobile app is a great resources for all travel within Europe.

Omio allows you to compare different modes of transportation all within the same app and that makes Omio the best website to book European train tickets .

Trainline is another popular train journey planner app and website for travelers within Europe.

The Trainline apps helps you find train schedules and bus schedules and allows you to buy your tickets online, from your mobile device.

Conclusion - the very best train apps for Europe

For us, Omio and Interrail  are the best apps to book trains in Europe.

Both apps and online platforms allow you to find the cheapest transportation quick. You can find train schedules, and book your tickets right away. 

Of course, there are many more train journey planners and rail planner apps out there, but these four are the most complete apps and online platforms that will complete your entire booking for you.

You’ll be able to find train schedules and real-time train times as well as booking your ticket or rail pass straight away.

Let us know which is your favourite train planner app!

Don’t forget to check out these articles to help you plan your perfect train trip:

• How to travel Europe by train like a boss
• High-speed trains in Europe
• All about night-trains in Europe
• What to pack for train travel
• How to buy cheap train tickets in Europe

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Omio: Europe & U.S. Travel 4+

Flight, train and bus tickets, designed for ipad.

• #65 in Travel
• 4.9 • 53.6K Ratings

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Description.

Welcome to Omio. Travel confidently with Europe’s leading FREE bus, train, flight, and ferry booking app. Book cheap train, bus, flight, and ferry tickets for all your next destinations. We’ve made it quick and easy for you to travel across the US, Canada, the UK and Europe by rail, bus, flight & ferry. Book train tickets for Amtrak, Greyhound, Renfe, Ouibus, SNCF, Trenitalia and more. You can even plan your international trips by train or bus across 37 countries. and the rest of the world, including Spain, France, Italy and Germany. Get live train times, bus times, railcards, Mobile Tickets/e-tickets, and seat selection. Plus, you’ll always be in control of your trip thanks to our live train times (for US train travels, Trenitalia, Renfe, and SNCF routes). Whether you want to book coach seats, buy a railcard, or get cheap train tickets, you can always rely on Omio. Why download the Omio app? • Book all your travel options (train, bus, flight, ferry) in one place. • Easy to navigate. • Compare more than 1000 trusted partner companies. • Discount cards accepted: Save even more on your trip by using your bus or train discount cards. • Safe and comfortable: from mobile tickets to travel safety updates. • All payments are secure (Apple Pay, PayPal, SOFORT, Alipay, credit cards, etc.). • Pay in US Dollars, Canadian Dollars, GBP, Euros, or to guarantee the cheapest price for your ticket. • Save time with mobile tickets and live updates. • Skip the line by adding your ticket to the app automatically. • Explore the continent and beyond: Travel seamlessly to thousands of destinations, from bustling cities in the United States to quaint towns in the European countryside and, even, Canada’s great outdoors. • International customer support: A customer service team that speaks your language, no matter where you are. • Customer service in english 24/7. • Compare all modes of transport (train, bus, flight, ferry) and choose the best option for your journey. • Exclusive offers and deals: you can't find anywhere else. • Live trip updates and platform info: Get live updates on the status of your SNCF and Italo train as well as trains in Great Britain and National Express buses plus important platform info for SNCF trains. • Omio flex: Cancel for Any Reason allows you to cancel up to 24 hours before departure and receive 80% of the ticket price back. Your train ticket with: • National Rail – United Kingdom • Northern Rail - United Kingdom • Greater Anglia - United Kingdom • East Midlands Trains - United Kingdom • Heathrow Express - United Kingdom • Gatwick Express - United Kingdom • West Midlands Railway - United Kingdom • CrossCountry - United Kingdom • SNCF (TER train, TGV, InOui…) - France • Renfe - Spain • Eurostar - France, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands • Deutsche Bahn - Germany • Trenitalia - Italy • ÖBB - Austria • Italo Treno - Italy • Amtrak – United States Your bus ticket with: • BlaBlaBus - France • FlixBus – Germany • Eurolines – Several European countries • Alsa - Spain • National Express - United Kingdom • OurBus – United States • Go Buses - United States • RedCoach - United States • RegioJet – Czech Republic, Slovakia Your flight with: • easyJet - United Kingdom • Air France - France • Ryanair - Ireland • Vueling – Spain • Air Europa - Spain • Eurowings - Germany • Swiss - Switzerland • Flybe - United Kingdom • British Airways - United Kingdom Ferry companies: • Balearia – Spain • Fast Ferries – Greece • CNG - Italy • Golden Star Ferries - Greece • Mobylines - Italy • NLG - Italy • Positano Jet - Italy • Seajets - Greece Contact Need anything? Head to https://help.omio.com/hc/en-us/ for answers to your most burning questions. Feedback & Support: If you like our app, please rate it on the App Store Follow Omio Facebook: https://facebook.com/Omio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/OmioGlobal/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/Omio/

Version 9.35.0

Update your app to avoid being bugged by reduced speeds! Omio is now faster, better and stronger.

Ratings and Reviews

53.6K Ratings

This app saved our vacation!

We had booked a Mediterranean cruise that left out of Rome, however our connecting flight was 8 hours delayed because of mechanical problems. Which meant that we would just miss the boat. We asked the ticketing agent to rebook us on a flight part way thru the cruise so we could have some semblance of a vacation. The gate agent told us that no flights were available. With this app, I was able to book a flight to city that the boat made its first port while flying on my delayed flight. The tickets were actually really cheap for booking them literally 12 hours before the flight took off. This app saved our family vacation!! We didn’t miss any our our cruise! Thanks so much!!!

Horrible customer service

Used this company to book two train trips. 3 days before my first trip, Omio sent me an email informing of a strike that would effect my travel. Being on vacation, I quickly booked flights to avoid dealing with any hassle of trip interruptions. A day before the strike was supposed to start, I had learned the strike had been called off. Omio informed me I needed to contact the train company to receive a refund. They blocked my credit card company from reissuing me my money. Omio customer service through email told me multiple times that the process for a refund can be done online, however, after asking multiple times for screen shots on how to do it, another agent told me it was not possible to do online and everything had to be physically mailed in. I had mailed my information in June to the train company and still have not received any word on if I will be getting a refund. Because of Omio’s email, they should have refunded me my money. The second trip I had booked through them went without a hitch. I would caution using Omio and book directly with the train company as much as possible.

Warning! You will lose money.

On two separate occasions, I encountered a troubling glitch in the booking process where the date displayed on the booking confirmation was different from the date initially selected. This inconsistency not only led to confusion but also raised concerns about the reliability of the booking system in accurately reflecting user preferences. Furthermore, the challenges extended to the customer care support team, which proved to be exceptionally difficult to reach. In my attempts to address the discrepancies in my bookings, I faced significant delays and obstacles in communication. Of particular note is their unavailability during weekends, whereby urgent issues or queries remained unaddressed until the next week, causing unnecessary frustration, inconvenience for users with time-sensitive concerns and will cost you extra money. Considering the recurrence of these issues and the difficulties in accessing timely assistance, I advise potential customers to NOT USE Omio for their bookings. The combination of a flawed booking system and inadequate customer support responsiveness raises valid concerns about the overall reliability, user-friendliness of the service and legitimacy.

Developer Response ,

Thank you for your review. We appreciate your feedback and apologise for any inconvenience caused. We would like to clarify that it is not possible for our system to change the dates midway through the booking process. We kindly encourage customers to double-check all details before finalising a booking to ensure accuracy. We also apologise for any delayed replies from our customer care support team. We are currently experiencing very high contact volumes, which has unfortunately affected our response times. We are working diligently to improve our service and availability, especially during weekends. Thank you for your understanding.

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The developer, GoEuro , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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The 4 Apps You Need For Bus and Train Trips in the US

Making long-distance bus and train trips easier and cheaper

Long-distance public transport isn't always a great option in the US. Without the high-speed trains of Europe and Asia, covering such large distances can be time-consuming, and finding the right combination of routes is often laborious.

For shorter trips or those on a tight budget, however, these often-overlooked modes of transport offer a good alternative to flights or driving your own vehicle.

Download these four apps to make the process faster, easier and maybe even cheaper.

To get a good idea of the options you've got available, it's hard to go past Rome2Rio. The app asks for a start and end point, and shows any combination of flights, buses, trains, ferries and self-driving options you can take for the journey.

You'll get price information for each potential trip, along with its duration. Tap one that seems appealing, and you'll see the available schedule, map and a detailed breakdown of each step of the journey.

The app isn't perfect – prices and schedules change faster than they can be updated, and booking or schedule links don't always take you where they should. Still, to quickly discover which choices you've got and roughly how much they'll cost, it's always a useful place to start.

iOS  and Android

Dedicated solely to bus and train travel in North America, Wanderu is an essential part of the ground traveler's arsenal. The app covers over 2000 cities, with comprehensive information about carriers, routes and schedules in much of the United States and Canada, as well as key Mexican destinations..

Enter your start and end points, travel date and time and number of people, and the app quickly spits out a range of options.

On popular routes like New York City to Washington, DC, there are literally hundreds of choices. The app helpfully shows the cheapest, earliest, latest and shortest trips along the top of the screen, and tapping on any of them sorts the list that way. Longer and more obscure routes, unsurprisingly, have fewer options.

Selecting any trip shows detailed trip information, including start and end times and station address. Tapping the location icon loads that address into your favorite mapping app. Booking, too, is reasonably straightforward and done inside the app rather than pushing you out to the carrier's website – a nice touch.

Wandru is available on iOS and Android .

Given the lack of competition on the nation's rails, the Amtrak app is better than you might expect. You can book one-way, round-trip or multi-ride tickets directly, as well as update existing reservations.

Station information is available, along with trip details and information about any delays, and you can board using the barcode shown within the app. You can also check the current status of any train, if you're getting worried it's not going to show up on time.

The app is available on iOS , Android and Windows Phone .

With the biggest intercity bus network in the country, Greyhound can get you almost anywhere you want to go. The company's app has most of the features of the website, including booking tickets, checking schedules, and finding station locations and information.

Real-time bus status and location are also available. All bookings are stored in the 'My Trips' section, making it easy to see which trips you've got coming up. Discounts are shown in-app, and you can access your "RoadRewards" points if you're a member.

Note that it only works for Greyhound-branded services. If you want to use Bolt Bus, for example, it has its own app. Trips also need to originate within the continental United States to be bookable within the app.

The app is available on iOS and Android .

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The best apps for rail passengers

The growing popularity of smartphones has led to the creation of new apps that are changing the way passengers purchase tickets, plan journeys and communicating with rail operators. From route planners to train simulators, what are the app concepts that are making life better for passengers and rail enthusiasts?

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With the global number of smartphone users forecast to hit 2.87 billion by 2020, app creators are constantly looking for new ways to tap into the potential of mobile devices. For the rail industry, concepts such as e-ticketing, real-time train updates and online route planning are rapidly becoming the norm, putting the power of technology into passengers’ hands – quite literally.

A growing range of apps is making lives easier for rail commuters and enthusiasts. The following examples are some of the best existing and upcoming apps on the market for regular rail travellers.

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Related Company Profiles

Trainline plc, interrail, llc, trainline uk.

Currently peddling train tickets across 24 countries, online commerce giant Trainline is making bold moves to expand its online offering worldwide. However, a great deal of the company’s focus has been on its app for UK passengers, which offers access to real-time information, updates on train journeys and houses e-tickets that enable users to skip long queues at gates.

What sets the app apart is its use of historical data analysis to make ticket purchases even more transparent for users. For example, Trainline’s price prediction tool analyses historic data trends to forecast when the cost of particular train journeys will rise, allowing passengers to book early to beat the jump. Another data-focused feature, Busybot, uses crowd-sourced data to highlight the least busy parts of a train before it arrives.

Available on iOS and Android

Rail Planner Eurail/Interrail

Conquering rail travel at home can be difficult, but for explorers attempting to book journeys across Europe, spanning several different operators and timetables, the task is much more daunting.

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Rail Planner provides timetables for international trains and lets users plan out their trip on an interactive map. The app doesn’t require an internet connection, meaning users can check their route while stuck in a tunnel. It also identifies train stations near a passenger’s current position, and lets Eurail and Interrail pass holders know if they need to make any additional train reservations on particular journeys.

With the European Union offering 18-year-old European residents a free Interrail pass for travel this summer, now is the time for spritely hostel-goers to add Rail Planner to their roster.

Grumpnow houses the gripes of ticked-off train commuters, giving them a speedy and cathartic way of voicing concerns to rail operators.

From the app’s interface, users can complain about a variety of issues, such as overcrowding, dirty carriages, or bad Wi-Fi connectivity. When three passengers submit the same ‘grump’, a notification is automatically tweeted at the salient operator to let them know where they are going wrong. Passengers can follow up by sharing their complaint on social media via the app.

Grumpnow was created by disgruntled commuter Nick Schutz, who claims that data gathered by the app may help in the overall push for improvements. A significant number of complaints about standing room, for example, could encourage rail operators to add additional carriages to packed trains.

When delays strike, claiming compensation often seems more of a burden than it should be. However, Railbuddy makes things simple by automatically notifying UK-based passengers when they are owed money, and allowing them to submit a claim straightaway.

Railbuddy features a dashboard powered by National Rail data, which keeps travellers abreast of platform numbers, upcoming trains for their route and estimated arrival times. Passengers are notified automatically if a train is delayed or cancelled, and if they are eligible for any compensation from one of eight supported operators in the UK.

Available on iOS .

Passenger Assist

Train travel is still a unique hassle for disabled passengers, with wheelchair users in particular relying on competent staff being available to assist. An upcoming app from tech specialists Transreport, under the guidance of the UK’s London Midland Hub, is aiming to level the playing field.

Using Passenger Assist, disabled travellers will able to create a unique user profile with their name, photo and any special requirements, which can then be sent on to train staff using the app. For example, wheelchair users will be able to request a ramp at an upcoming station, while hearing or visually impaired passengers can ask for help buying tickets. Moreover, the app uses Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS to track both staff and passengers, speeding up disembarkation at the platform.

Expected to launch in June 2018, the app is a follow-up to Transreport’s Defect Report app, which allows users to take photos highlighting train problems and send these on to operators directly.

Travelkhana

Food delivery apps such as Uber Eats are revolutionising the takeaway market, but what if this concept could be extended to train passengers? Travelkhana is a start-up that provides freshly prepared takeaways on Indian Railways-owned trains, giving millions of passengers an alternative to the operator’s notoriously scant food options.

Passengers enter their train number and station of departure into the Travelkhana app, which returns a variety of Indian dishes, including local delicacies, from hundreds of restaurant partners. After a user places an order and confirms which carriage they are in, the company tracks their train in real-time and delivers food directly to their seat.

Since launching in 2012, Travelkhana has expanded to become a leader in the train food market, offering services in over 300 Indian cities and across more than 6,000 trains.

Available on iOS and Android .

Train Spotting

For the rail enthusiast who spends most of their time peering at trains through a camera lens, Trainspotting is the perfect hobbyist companion.

The app contains a frequently updated database of diesel, electric and steam locomotives to peruse. Users can log their own train sightings to add to the database, uploading the location, photo and an additional diary entry, or look back over their past sightings on specific dates.

Train Spotting keeps track of the user’s total number of train sightings against more than 7,000 train types in the database, giving avid enthusiasts that extra incentive to go on a spotting spree.

Available on iOS.

With more than 18 million iOS downloads, Train Sim proves that there is a considerable market for on-the-go railway simulators. The game lets players pick from more than 50 lovingly recreated train variants before setting off on journeys across eight realistic 3D environments, from sparse deserts to city landscapes.

Wannabe drivers control the train’s speed while flitting between camera angles, whether they want a birds-eye view of their freight hauler as it majestically chugs along, or a more intimate first-person perspective in the cabin.

The game’s lack of real-life routes might place it at odds with a well-stocked PC simulator. Nevertheless, the game is regularly updated with new train models and it’s hard not to be charmed by the sight of pocket-sized passengers as you roll into the station.

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » 15 best apps for traveling around Japan in 2024

15 best apps for traveling around Japan in 2024

August 23, 2024

This article is dedicated to the most useful apps to check while traveling in Japan . If you are scared of the fact that you simply can’t cope with Japanese writing and will get lost either in translation or the extensive Tokyo Metro system – worry no more. Our app selection is here to save the day.

Below you’ll find a detailed list of the best apps for traveling in Japan, the type of service they provide, and how to use them when visiting the country with a Japan Rail Pass !

Navitime (Japan Travel by Navitime)

Navitime for Japan is a popular app that makes navigating around the Japanese capital and the rest of the country stress-free. Apart from providing detailed information about the world’s most complex metropolis ( Tokyo ), it also generates:

• Door-to-door route search
• Voice navigation
• New offline search for free WiFi spots
• A train stop list that will help you confirm you are headed in the correct direction
• Train delay information
• Platform details for each service
• Recent routes saved for offline searches

It can be downloaded for both iOS and Android and also features guides to events, art & culture, shopping , nightlife, and food & drink across Japan.

However, you should make sure you have an internet connection to be able to get the most out of it. If you’re looking for some great connectivity options for your stay in Japan, there’s nothing better than a Pocket Wi-Fi device, which can connect to a total of 10 devices simultaneously.

Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan)

Jorudan Co., LTD. is a Japanese company, which has developed an easy-to-use English transport app called Japan Transit Planner . Below you can see a screenshot of the PC version and the type of information it provides.

As you can see, this Rail Planner app tells you the distance, fare, type of seat on the train (reserved, non-reserved), including any surcharges that may apply. You’re given information about the duration of the trip and the total price, and you can also filter out services that aren’t covered by the Japan Rail Pass .

Japan Transit Planner is available for both iOS and Android systems.  The app is free to download , but there is also a paid option that is ad-free and allows you to access route search/timetable history, customize search criteria, and other premium services.

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Tokyo Metro Subway Map & Route

If you’re planning to make Tokyo your primary destination in Japan and spend a few days exploring the metropolis, then this app is essential!

Incredibly simple and easy to use, this app provides a full interactive map of the city’s Metro, Toei, and Yamanote lines . So you don’t need to waste time looking around for wall-mounted or paper route guides.

It also lets you navigate around the city through the route planner function and helps you find the quickest route to your destination (even if you aren’t connected to the internet).

It’s free to download for both iOS and Android systems.

Google Maps

Google Maps is one of the oldest and best-known transportation apps. Similar to the apps we’ve seen so far, the new Maps will guide you through any city, town, village or area in Japan , by showing all the optimal routes available at the moment of your inquiry.

By clicking Details you can see the name of your train (in this example Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen is the bullet train line) and the time it will take you to get to your selected final destination.

The displayed cost is only valid for those who do not hold a Japan Rail Pass. The biggest advantage of this app is that it is more visual regarding location. Apart from your destination station, you can easily see nearby restaurants, parks, bars and more. 

Available for both Android and iOS .

Available in more than 15 languages, this interactive map is similar to Google Maps, but can be used without an internet connection. SImply download the map of Japan when you’re connected to Wi-Fi and you can use it even when in internet dead zones!

Maps.Me also lets you import bookmarks from Google My Maps and use them alongside the built-in points of interest and custom pins within the app you create, even when offline. Also, it has a GPS function that can be used when you’re connected to the Internet.

Maps.me is free to download and use for both iOS and Android . However, if you want to remove the in-app ads, you can choose between 3 subscription options; weekly, monthly, and yearly.

Google Translate

If you don’t understand a lick of Japanese and want to make your trip through the country as hassle-free as possible, then downloading the Google Translate app is a must.

This app makes it easy to overcome the language barrier with functionalities such as: 

• Instant text translation
• Voice translation
• Conversation mode that allows to translate back-and-forth speech in real time
• Voice playback that aids pronunciation
• Handwriting analysis and translation
• Translation of text in images through camera mode

The Google Translate app is also great because it allows you to download many different languages for offline translation from Japanese.It can be easily accessed from your computer, tablet, or Android or iOS phone .

This Japanese dictionary app is ideal for travelers who want to engage with the local language . Incredibly accurate in its translation, it not only provides you with Japanese words and phrases but also teaches you how to pronounce them correctly!

What’s more, the app is available in many different languages , including:

Imiwa? is an offline app, meaning you don’t need an internet connection to use it. Also, it’s free to download, but only available for iOS .

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor is a top-rated app, used by millions of people all over the world. If you’re used to using to it in your own country, you can easily in Japan as well. It’s available for both Android and iOS .

Tripadvisor gives you personalised options about:

• Places near you
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Holiday rentals
• Destination guides

Having all of this information at the tip of your fingers will surely make a difference. Select your preferred food, price limit, personal interests and start discovering. The app is completely free of charge.

This easy-to-use app is a lifesaver for travelers in Japan needing temporary storage for their luggage.

It allows you to locate nearby storage facilities, securely store your bags, and pick them up at your convenience .

With a vast network of storage options , ecbo cloak lets you find a convenient spot near tourist attractions and stations. It permits you to free yourself from the burden of hauling luggage around, making your travel experience more enjoyable.

The app is not only budget-friendly but also boasts a straightforward payment system that allows for quick transactions . You can download it on both iOS and Android .

OMOTENASHI GUIDE

OMOTENASHI GUIDE makes it easier to understand Japanese by providing instant transcription of public announcements in various locations , including train stations and tourist spots.

When an announcement is playing in Japanese, simply open the app and press the on-screen button. The app will then display the translation instantly in the language you select .

By offering real-time translations, OMOTENASHI GUIDE ensures that all travelers have access to vital information , enhancing safety and convenience. It’s available for both iOS and Android .

Gourmet Navigator (GuruNavi)

Gurunavi is a great and easy to use restaurant-finder app for both iOS and Android . It lets you select your prefecture (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, etc.) and the area where you are.

Once you have selected where you want to eat, the app shows you restaurant search results by cuisine such as:

• Sushi/Seafood
• Okonomiyaki/Takoyaki
• Yakiniku (BBQ)
• Izakaya (Typical Japanese pub)
• Dining bars / beer halls

Furthermore, there are some quite useful filters such as:

• Places with English-speaking staff
• All you can eat/drink offers
• Places with free Wi-Fi access
• Family-recommended
• Non-smoking restaurants

As the app tends to display a huge number of results and the search filters are limited, you might feel a little overwhelmed by all the restaurant options GuruNavi offers you. Still, it’s very useful if you want to find an option to eat out close by in the surrounding area!

While Gururnai is often considered the “Yelp of Japan”, good old Yelp is also incredibly useful in the country too! This top-rated app, used by millions of people all over the world, is relatively new in Japan, but is still a reliable resource for finding high-quality restaurants in the country.

Yelp not only offers reviews and ratings of restaurants so you can make an informed choice for where to eat out, but you can also use it to search for other businesses such as hairdressers and beauty salons.

You can also use it to make reservations and order take-out food . It’s available for both Android and iOS .

The Yelp app is completely free of charge. However, you’ll need an internet connection to access it. Apart from the amazing Pocket Wi-Fi option, you can also order a Data SIM card (internet only) that will give you direct access to the fastest internet connection available in Japan.

Sushi Dictionary

Navigating the world of sushi in Japan is made easy with the Sushi Dictionary app. This app is a must-have for sushi enthusiasts and travelers alike, offering a comprehensive guide to sushi terminology and fish types.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Comprehensive Content: Includes a complete glossary of fish and seafood, covering common sushi items and preparation styles.
• Visual Aid: The Image Searcher feature helps you visualize each type of fish, both fresh and as sushi.
• Audio Feature: Learn the correct pronunciation of sushi terms in Japanese, enhancing your dining experience.
• Sharing and Saving: Share your newfound knowledge with friends or save definitions for easy reference.
• Search Functionality: Easily search for terms in English, Japanese, or romanized Japanese.
• Additional Features: Access specialized sake terminology and a guide to yakitori menus.

Available for free on the Google Play Store , the Sushi Dictionary is an invaluable tool if you’re looking to deepen your understanding and enjoyment of sushi in Japan .

Ramen Beast

Ramen Beast is the ultimate app for enthusiasts of authentic Japanese ramen , guiding you to the best ramen experiences in Japan.

The app’s curated selection features over 700 top-rated ramen shops in Tokyo , carefully selected to avoid tourist traps and chain restaurants.

It provides detailed reviews, including information about the chef’s history , specialty ingredients, and unique aspects of each ramen shop.

Ramen Beast also offers English recommendations on what to order, making it accessible to non-Japanese speakers. It’s available to download for iOS only .

Tabelog is the go-to app for locals to discover the best dining experiences across Japan, offering an extensive range of restaurant reviews. It boasts:

• In-Depth Ratings : Known for its thorough rating system, Tabelog app provides reliable guidance on restaurant quality. Ratings above 3 stars indicate excellent choices.
• Extensive Database : With over 800,000 restaurants reviewed and more than 50 million reviews, Tabelog offers unparalleled insights into Japan’s dining scene.
• User-Driven Content : The app’s content is largely user-generated, ensuring authentic and up-to-date information.

While the app is only currently provided in Japanese, you can easily translate the content using Google Chrome , making it accessible to non-Japanese speakers. Tabelog is available for iOS users.

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