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Hi, can you overlap a JR West pass and a JR East pass to travel from Kyoto to Tokyo? One pass would end on the departure date as another pass begins.

Eric, You can overlap a JR West Pass with a JR East Pass as both JR West and JR East are sepearte companies, however if you just travelling between Kyoto and Tokyo it does not make sense unless you are planning to explore the Hokuriku area on the way (as that is the only way that you can directly pass from JR West Kansai region in to JR East territory, and anyway to do that there is the jointly issued pass the Hokuriku Arch Pass which allows travel between Kansai and Tokyo area via Hokuriku, but is basically designed for those who want to explore Hokuriku.

If you just want to travel between Kyoto and Tokyo, this is what it looks like: Quickest way: Tokaido Shinkansen (operator JR Tokai) Nozomi service 2 hrs 12mins cost Y14,170 (Hikari service takes about 2hrs 40mins cost Y13,850) Via Hokuriku: Travelling via Limited Express Thunderbird and Limited Express Thunderbird: (Hokuriku shinkansen Kagayaki service 4 1/2 hrs cost Y18,970 Hakutaka service 5 1/4 hrs same cost: Hokuriku Arch Pass Y30,000 (note: Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki services mostly run early to mid morning and mid to late afternoon)

So travelling from Kyoto to Tokyo buying a Hokuriku Arch Pass does really make sense, unless you are doing multiple stop offs. The pass is designed for people travelling from Tokyo or Kansai who want to explore Hokuriku (lots of places to visit)over the 7 day validity of the ticket and return or go on to either Tokyo or Kansai, or for those who want to do return travel between Tokyo and Kyoto with stops in the Hokuriku region in each direction.

JR West (and JR Tokai) do other passes to travel to the Hokuriku area, but apart from the JR Tokai Alpine-Tateyama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass, none of the other passes connect to JR East territory, and the JR Tokai pass mentioned does not make sense for you as it does not go into Kansai and you need at least a day to travel that route (and it is seasonal)- but is a great pass if you want to do the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Pass.

My suggestion if you want to visit Kanazawa, is to buy ordinary tickets. With a stop over at Kanazawa will cost you Y20,000 (if you a through basic fare ticket). If you just want to travel between Kyoto and Tokyo, use the Tokaido Shinkansen (you do not see much from the Hokuriku Shinkansen as it much of the way it is in tunnels)

Note: I have based all the above on post March 15th. fares and schedules when the Hokuriku shinkansen extension opens. Also, and importantly, whether any pass is worthwhile, really depends on your travel plans, so as you can see I have made a big assumption which may or may not be true in your case (I would be happy if I am wrong and you do intend exploring the Hokuriku region – there is lots to see!)

Stephen, thanks for sharing your expertise on this with Eric and in such a comprehensive reply.

Hi Rob, we bought the 7 day pass and planning to activate it as we land in Japan. It says that N’EX train is included in the JR pass roundtrip? But if we are flying out on the 8th day, is it still covered even though we have only the 7 day pass? Please advise. Thanks

Hi Sherry, your return trip won’t be included as it will fall outside the 7 consecutive days of your pass I’m afraid. Note: the JR Pass is counted in days, not hours. The time you activate the pass does not matter. For example, starting the Pass on a Monday will mean that the last day of travel is the following Sunday, and the pass will then expire at midnight Sunday.

Hi, I and my husband want to travel to Japan in May 2024 with 2 kids one of 10 and other 15.

We wish to cover Disney, Fuji, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara deer park and anything more that you can suggest will be good for kids.

Someone suggested me to stay at Roppongi as that’s the centre?? We need a budget trip and thinking of buying a JR Pass. Will it be worth it??

Hi Ritu, thanks for your questions.

This post on the JNTO website should give you some more ideas to travelling with children in Japan: https://www.japan.travel/en/au/story/10-family-friendly-places-you-wont-want-to-miss-in-japan/

For Tokyo you’re fine to stay anywhere reasonably central. The transportation system is so good, you’re rarely at a disadvantage if you’re in the centre of the city. Roppongi is in Minato Ward – which is very central, but is also one of Tokyo’s more expensive areas, so if you’re on a budget then you might want to consider somewhere cheaper. Roppongi is also geared towards the nightlife scene, so not ideal for young children.

It is hard to advise you without knowing more detail, but if your itinerary is built around the main cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, the JR Pass may not be a good choice for you. All passes run for consecutive days, which is better suited to visiting many locations back to back. You might still benefit though from a Regional Rail Pass. There’s more on those in this blog post: https://www.therealjapan.com/regional-japan-rail-pass-5-best-passes/ .

Take a look at my Travel Planning Calls if you’d like me to go into more detail for you: https://www.therealjapan.com/travel-planning-call/

Have a great trip!

Hi Rob, Thanks for all the hard work on the site, I’m sure lots of people are getting lots of useful information for their Japan trips. I’m trying to figure out how to pre-purchase a single ticket each for my wife and I to travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima on the Shinkansen. After we’ve been in Hiroshima for a couple of days we will use a Kansai-Hiroshima Area 5-day pass to head back to Osaka where we fly out of. The West Japan Rail Company website has single use Shinkansen tickets for sale, but only between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima, nothing between Kyoto and Hiroshima, and yet any online searches reveal plenty of services from Kyoto to Hiroshima, either changing in Osaka or Shin-Kobe on the Hikari line. So I guess my question is, how do I go about pre-purchasing a Shinkansen trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima?. I notice that JR Rail have another ticket called ThunderBird that does cover the Kyoto-Osaka leg but not Kyoto-Hiroshima. At this stage I’m thinking it all seems a bit too confusing and we’ll probably pre-book the Osaka-Hiroshima Shinkansen leg and just make our way from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka on a local train and then change trains there. Any tips much appreciated.

Hello Ross, thanks for the kind words. If you’re taking a shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima the route will take you through Shin-Osaka anyhow.

It is possible to pre-purchase shinkansen tickets from one of the online platforms such as Klook ( https://www.therealjapan.com/klookshinkansenkyototohiroshima ) or 12GoAsia ( https://www.therealjapan.com/12goshinkansenkyototohiroshima ). Of course, you will pay a small service fee on top of the ticket price, but it may be the easiest way to pre-book.

Or, as you suggest, you can pre-book the Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima leg and just catch a train from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka by purchasing a ticket once you’re inside Japan.

Hi! I asked directly even JR but they cannot answer me. I have a permanent residence, but I live in UK and I can show my residence there. An I eligible to use the railway pass? Some say yes, some not. I m going to Japan fur tourism and I don’t live there.

Hi Sara, I can’t really answer your question without more detail. What passport do you hold for example? If it’s a Japanese passport then you won’t be eligible for the pass. Also, since you have permanent residency, what visa do you always get when entering the country? If it isn’t a tourist visa then again I can’t see you being eligible. (Not legal advice, just my take on what little you’ve shared.)

Hi Rob. We are traveling to Japan on a temporary visitor visa and are allowed to stay for 30 days. The eligibility criteria states: “Persons permitted entry for sightseeing purposes for 15 or 90 days under Temporary Visitor status”. Are we eligible to purchase a JR pass? We plan to purchase a 21 day pass.

Hi Jetz-Marion – thanks for your question. Yes, that is awkward wording (it’s how it is written in Japanese immigration laws) but the key thing is that you are entering on a temporary tourist visa. So your 30 days and wish to purchase a 21 Day pass IS covered.

Just some extra advice about using automatic passports gates on entry to Japan – avoid them – you must have a stamp in your passport, and the only way to get that is to see a human at the counter and get them to manually give you the necessary temporary entry visa.

If you’re one for seeing the detail, here’s the full official guidance on that point:

・JAPAN RAIL PASS can be exchanged and used only by persons who have a stamp or sticker stating “Temporary Visitor” in their passport. ・When you use an automated gate at the airport, no stamp/sticker will be stamped or put on your passport. Therefore, you need to either use a manned automated gate or ask a clerk to apply a stamp/sticker in your passport. However, a customer who has a “registered user card” under the Trusted Traveler Program will be required to show the card to confirm the “Temporary Visitor” status. ・If you purchased a JAPAN RAIL PASS online or have an Exchange Order, you cannot pick up or exchange the JAPAN RAIL PASS unless you have a “Temporary Visitor” visa; if you enter Japan under any other official status, such as “Trainee”, “Entertainer”, or “Reentry Permit”, you cannot pick up or exchange the JAPAN RAIL PASS. According to strict interpretation of the Japanese Immigration Law, “Temporary Visitor” status differs from “short term stay”.

Happy travels!

I am traveling to Japan in mid-January and we are looking to purchase the Kansai-Hiroshima Area JR Pass, but I am uncertain of my eligibility. I only have a Japanese passport + permanent residency card (lived abroad on a visa for 20+ years, a permanent resident for 4 years). I plan to obtain the Certificate of Overseas Residency from the Embassy to prove 10 years of living abroad. Will I have success in exchanging the order for the pass? Thank you.

Hello Kori – thanks for your question. As far as I can see you would not be eligible unfortunately. The JR West website lists the eligibility criteria and among the rules (including “A rail pass user must be holding a passport issued by a foreign government”) it says: ※外国での永住権を持っているお客様を含め、日本国籍のお客様は使用できません。(*Cannot be used by Japanese nationals, including those with permanent residence in foreign countries.) You can read the full eligibility conditions on their website here: https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/kansai_hiroshima/

Help! Planning a trip to Japan April 2024. Need advice about JR Pass and/or Local Tokyo Passes. Will travel with Japanese friends in Kanazawa region, but on our own for week in Tokyo staying in Kita-ku. 4/12 – Haneda to Kita-ku Tokyo: Monorail to Hamamatsucho and change to JR Keihintohoku Line to Higashijujo 4/14 Higashijujo to Kodairi-shi Tokyo Seibu Shinjuku line to Hanakoganei Station (Round Trip) 4/15 Higashijujo to Tokyo – SkyTree and Asakusa (Round Trip) 4/16 Higashijujo to Tokyo – Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza, Minato-ku Tokyo (Round Trip) 4/18 Higashijujo to Koganei Park , Tokyo Higashikurume – Seibu Ikebukuro Line Higashikurume (Round Trip) 4/20 Higashijujo to Kanazawa via Shinkansen (round trip return 4/27) 4/27 Kanazawa to Higashijujo via Shinkansen 4/28 Higashijujo to Haneda for departure to U.S. Should we purchase a JR Pass for 21 days? 14days?

Hello Wanda – thanks for your question.

If you’re only do long-distance travel by JR operated trains twice (round trip between Tokyo and Kanazawa), the cost would be JPY 28,000.

Travelling within central Tokyo: it won’t cost as much and also it is only partially covered by the JR Pass (metro in Tokyo is not operated by JR). Since the cheapest JR Pass costs JPY 50,000 for 7 days, unless you plan to travel somewhere like Kyoto or Hiroshima by Shinkansen as well as Kanazawa, it won’t be worth purchasing the JR Pass.

It would probably better to use SUICA or PASMO IC travelcards when travelling inside Tokyo. There are 24, 48 and 72 travel cards available but they are only for Tokyo metro system and Japan Railway operated lines are not covered (Higashi-Jujyo station is operated by Japan Railway). Whereas both SUICA and PASMO can be used for metro and JR.

Hope that helps!

I want to beat the price increase, but will not start travel till March 11, 2024. I’ve read that the pass must be activated within 90 days. Is there any other option for me and my wife… total of two people???

Thanks for the question Tony. Unfortunately, that’s a hard deadline and the 90 day limit will expire before you travel. However, all may not be lost. The Regional Japan Rail Passes did not increase anywhere near as much as the national rail pass so, depending on your itinerary, you might find that using a handful of regional rail passes might actually suit your needs and work out cheaper than the new national rail pass pricing. I have a useful introduction to the Regional Rail Passes with some recommendations here: https://www.therealjapan.com/regional-japan-rail-pass-5-best-passes/

Does the JR pass have a limited time to exchange? I’m traveling to japan late march 2024, and I’d obviously like to buy it before october (because of the price increase), but for some reason when I bought a pass in 2019, I had trouble exchanging it because they said it had ‘expired’ even though I’d set the correct dates. Is this still applicable? Can I buy it right now even if I’m going until late march/april?

Hello Carmen, thanks for your questions.

* The pass can be activated 3 months after issue date. * At activation time in Japan, a starting date up to 30 days in the future can be selected. * Keep your exchange date + 3 month activation window in mind when placing the order. * After the updated price goes live, it will no longer be possible to order vouchers at the old rates.

I bought a JR Whole Japan Pass 14days, may I know where I can find the timetables of all trains in difference regions? Any all-in-one app to access the timetables?

Hello Mac the two sites (both have app versions) I recommend for timetables are Jorudan’s Japan Transit Planner: https://world.jorudan.co.jp/mln/en/ and Navitime’s Japan Route Finder: https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/

We purchased the JR East Tohoku 5 day pass online from the JR East English website. It was JPY 20,000 for each adult and JPY 10,000 for our under-12 child. The JR East website says that you can only pick this pass up within the Tohoku area. We plan to board from Karuizawa, which is in the Tohoku pass region, but not a pickup location…We are coming from Kyoto originally (via car). JR insists that we can only pick up passes within the Tohoku region (and/or Tokyo). Is there really no way to pick up our pass at Kyoto station? The JR East site says something about the Hokuriku Arch Passes being able to be picked up at JR West machines with passport readers, but doesn’t seem to say the same about the Tohoku pass? Thanks for reading.

Hello Chris – as far as I am aware that information is correct. The list of places you can collect the pass is on the JR East website (but I expect you have already seen this): https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/ticketwindow/?selectPass=eastT beyond that list I’m not aware of any other options. (Even when you purchase the pass through a platform like Klook they point out the limited pick up locations – even linking to the same JR East page.)

The only reason that you can pick up the Hokuriku Arch Pass at a JR West machine is that pass is a joint pass of JR West and JR East. You may have to purchase an inexpensive train ticket to the closest city that can issue your type of JR Pass. I also found evidence that Nagano and Matsumoto have pick-up points: https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/downloads/pdf/passport_operation_e.pdf . Those are closer to Karuizawa.

Thanks for sharing the extra info John.

We’ll be in Tokyo from 4 Dec this year. I intend to buy a JR Pass in September and use the 90 day exchange period to take advantage of the current price (I think that will work?). Question: do you know if the Pass we pick up in December will have the new benefits (despite being the old price)? I recall someone saying that ALL new Passes, regardless of where you purchased them, will be eligible for online seat reservation…

Hello John – these are very good questions! As far as I know, you’ll be able to purchase in advance at current pricing for use in December if you get your purchase date right.

It’s highly unlikely the new benefits will be included in passes issued *before* the changeover to the new system. The main point of the increases is that the new passes will include additional benefits, some of which go beyond just train travel (details still TBC at this time of writing this), so there’s no logic to include those in passes issued prior to the changeover.

The official JR press release in April did state the price increase was partly due to: “…improved our services by introducing ticket sales, reserved seat reservations…” – via a new dedicated website – so that might be possible from that wording.

Hi, we are going to Kanazawa mainly to ride the Bride curtain train. However it doesn’t run often and we need to book if for a certain date. (I tried to book it separately, but although there are dozens and dozens of websites, not one tells you how to book it, other than ‘with your JR pass’). What I’d like to know is there any way you can reserve seats with an exchange order? I believe you can only do that if you buy the online pass. The description is really confusing for the online pass. It seems that if we plan to start travelling by train on 27th July, the earliest we can buy our passes is 27th June. I’ve talked to 2 ‘JR pass sellers, neither of whom can give me a straight answer. I’d really appreciate your help.

Marina, I think you are referring to the “Hanayomenoren” tourist train (花嫁のれん) that runs from Kanazawa〜Wakuraonsen (literal translations do not always work, which is why the JR Pass resellers might not have recognized the train you were talking about).

This train runs most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; and although it is classified as a tourist sightseeing train (Kanko Ressha観光列車) it can be booked the same as any other train (up to 1 month prior to the date of travel). Seats are limited so it is best to book early.

If you buy your JR Rail Pass through a reseller then you will not be able to make any seat reservations until you receive your JR Rail Pass in Japan, but you should then be able to make the reservation when you collect your rail pass.

If you buy it directly from the JR JR Rail Pass site then you can book online (again only I month prior to travel) before you receive your rail pass using the booking number you will get with your purchase confirmation. (this is the JR direct sales website: https://japanrailpass.net/en ; and then once you have purchased your rail pass and have the booking number you can make the seat reservation)

One other point about this train (which also applies to some other tourist trains). You can buy exclusive (high quality) lunch boxes featuring local cuisine, which will be delivered to you on the train. To take advantage of this you need to reserve and pay for the lunch boxes in advance. Details of the meals are on train’s web site page (unfortunately in Japanese only) https://www.jr-odekake.net/railroad/kankoutrain/area_hokuriku/hanayomenoren/ (about halfway down the page) You have to book the meal through the JR West Wester web site / app – which again is only in Japanese (is on the page). Which meals are available depends on the train and can be booked upto 4 days prior to the date of travel. The meals can only be booked after you have booked a seat, or you can use this app to book seat and meal if you are not using a JR Rail Pass (I know it sounds complicated, but these lunch boxes are very exclusive, prepared by famous restaurants and only enough for passengers who have ordered them are made).

You can however buy drinks and snacks without pre order on the train itself.

Thanks for your question Marina. I asked Japan rail expert Stephen Turner to reply.

Hi. Thanks for all this helpful information. I’m interested in traveling by train from Tokyo to Hiroshima. From what I’ve found, the only trains available for that trip are Nozomi bullet trains which do not accept the JR Rail Pass. Is there a way to use the Rail Pass to get from Tokyo to Hiroshima? (BTW, I’ll be a first time visitor and don’t speak Japanese so it may be too complicated to navigate!)

Hi Scott, it is easy to take shinkansen services from Tokyo to Hiroshima that are covered by the Japan Rail Pass. The problem is that most of the popular websites that show services include Nozomi service by default and it isn’t easy to exclude them from your searches.

The best way to search for shinkansen services that exclude those *not* covered by the JR Pass is to use the route planner on the Navitime website: https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/ – when entering your journey details click on the “Tourist Pass” option dropdown box and select “Japan Rail Pass” and all services shown in the results will be covered by the JR Pass.

If you’re concerned about don’t speaking Japanese you might like to check out my eBook and Audiobook called “How To Travel In Japan Without Speaking Japanese” – it has a section dedicated to using public transport. Details in my Store: https://www.therealjapan.com/store/

Is there any technical support for ordering JR pass on line? JR East site kept telling me the information I enter is incorrect and takes no where to continue it does not indicate which information I entered is incorrect??

Hi Tomiko, not sure what’s not working on the JR East site there. So frustrating! If you use my recommended ticket agent they definitely do have customer support should you run into any problems (or have any questions before you buy) if you want to give them a try instead, here’s my affiliate link to them: https://click.jrpass.com/SH4r

Thank you for a very useful guide. There is one question question that I can’t seem to find the answer anywhere. There are some trains that allow use of the JR pass but have a surcharge. How does one purchase a seat reservation on those lines? I would like to make the reservation in advance. Is this possible?

Alex, You are correct that for some Regional Passes they do not include or only include a limited number of seat reservations on Limited Express & Shinkansen trains, but do allow you to pay the Limited Express / shinkansen supplement. You basically have to pay the normal seat reservation fee on those journeys (the JR Rail Pass is still good as it covers the basic fare).

How you can do that in advance really depends on the ticket and where you are travelling. In most cases you can go onto the relevant railway company website and make the reservation there, being careful to only pay for the Limited Express / Shinkansen supplement; or you can do it at any JR ticket office. For the All Japan passes, they are not valid on the faster Nozomi and Mizuho services (on the Tokaido~Sanyo / Sanyo~Kyushu shinkansen lines respectively) BUT the rule is that you are not allowed on those services at all (even paying the supplement for those trains) with a JR Rail Pass.

This is a very general answer and I emphasize it really depends on the actual ticket you are purchasing and the rules for that ticket. You can find more information on The Real Japan blog on Regional Rail Passes: https://www.therealjapan.com/regional-japan-rail-pass-5-best-passes/ which has a downloadable guide with all the restriction information.

Thanks for sharing your expertise on this Stephen. Your knowledge of travelling by train in Japan is far greater than mine – so I’m grateful to you for sharing it here.

Hi! I’m curious about the size of the seats and leg room between the regular tickets and the green tickets. We’re on the larger side and my husband is 6’4”, will he be OK to fit in the regular Shinkansen seats? We’re travelling with our 6 year old so in theory we’ll have enough space in a row of 3 to go between Tokyo -Osaka – Kyoto – Tokyo? Thanks for the advice

Hi Nic. In short, on the shinkansen trains, I think you’ll be fine on the leg room. The actual measurements do vary a little depending on the model train you are travelling on. But, here’s what you can expect:

Green Class: Leg space – 1,100 to 1,200 mm, Width – 460 to 490 mm, Seat layout – 2+2 or 2+1 Ordinary Class: Leg space – 910 to 1,200 mm, Width – 440 to 480 mm, Seat layout – 2+3

And none of your journeys is overly long either. I think you’ll be OK in either class, but Green will give you additional amenities and benefits.

Hope this helps! Feel free to subscribe to my free Japan Travel Bulletin: https://www.therealjapan.com/subscribe/

Is it possible to buy the Hokkaido rail pass In Japan? I land on January 13th, at Haneda airport. Will travel to Hokkaido in the 20th of the month. Thank you in advance, Anjali

Hi Anjali – yes, you can purchase the rail pass directly at a few designated counters by cash (Japanese yen only) or credit card. The counters include one at Haneda Airport Terminal 3. But hours vary by counter so if you are considering this option I recommend checking the full access and service details on the JR Hokkaido website here: https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ticket/railpass/index.html

Your website came up with a 25% discount for rail pass purchases, expiring 31st December. I am trying to buy them but there is no facility to use the code you mention for the discount.

Hi Heather, I don’t know where you saw that but I’m afraid that is incorrect. I do have a sale offering 25% off MY products and services, all of which are included in my Store here: https://www.therealjapan.com/store/ .

I have never felt confident in purchasing the Japan Rail Pass until your Ultimate Guide post. Thank you Rob!

That’s great to hear Ron! So pleased to hear it has helped you.

I use the pass every time I go to Japan. I have found there is a difference in price from different approved vendors when buying in the US. I assume it is because they use different exchange rates. Some add for shipping and others it is included. myjrpass.com is the cheapest I have found.It is around $15 cheaper for a 1 week regular and almost $50 less for a Green Car 3 week pass than most other sites. They do charge for shipping, but it is still cheaper and a lot cheaper if buying multiple passes.

Thanks for sharing your experiences of using the Pass Brek.

Yeah there’s always a slight price difference. I think a lot of it is simply about differentiating the service (such as free or express delivery worldwide) and the extras that some agents include.

The core price of the pass is the same the world over, so the buyer can simply choose where based on which service best meets their needs (and the reputation of the seller).

I’ve used it once, but it’s just not worth it for me. Plus it’s way more convenient to tap on/off easily with a Suika or other card, rather than waiting ages in the gaijin line for the rail official to sight your pass.

For sure, it’s not always the perfect solution Liliana, but for unlimited long distance travel by shinkansen it beats the Suica card hands down.

Anyone interested to know more about the Suica card can read about it here: https://www.therealjapan.com/how-to-travel-in-japan-without-speaking-japanese/#tab-con-9

We have used the Japan rail pass 3 times on our visits to this wonderful country . It is so convenient, so easy to use and fantastic value for money. You can travel the length and breadth of the country , using Shinkansen and JR locals for those harder to reach places. The package that comes with your tickets is invaluable, with so much great information , ideas for travel and sights to see on your way. Very easy to use at Rail stations and also it’s easy to book ahead for your onward journeys with your pass whilst in Japan, We travelled Kyushu , Shikoku, Tokyo etc . We travelled around 23 prefectures in all using the pass. I would really recommend the JR Pass, it’s such great value when wanting to see more of Japan. It enables you to get out of the cities and discover so much more of this amazing country .

23 prefectures! You clearly love travelling by train in Japan as much as I do!

Thanks for sharing your expriences of usng the Japan Rail Pass Jill. I couldn’t have put it better myself!

Travel pass can be good value but you need to make sure you’re taking advantage of it. I found myself trying to use it too much when in cities to my own detriment as the other networks were more convenient. A mixture of highway bus, ferry and train can be a fun and more economical way. If your plan is to take the shinkansen to go all over the place them it’s hard to beat.

Good points Darryl. It certainly isn’t always the best option.

It very much depends on HOW you intend to travel using the train. Regional rail passes are often a better solution if you’re not travelling long distances.

We used this in 2017 and it helped us a lot!! I would say in the 17 days we spent there, we traveled around Chiba prefecture, over to see Kyoto and back, and up in Gunma. I think we only needed to pay for like, 2 small train tickets somewhere, but this got us on all kinds of trains and buses.

Thanks for sharing your experience of using the Pass Ashlee. As you say, if you plan its use well you can get fantastic value out of it and rarely have to buy extra tickets.

Good and concise article Rob! Cannot emphaise the value for money these passes are; to the extent that us residents in Japan are envious….

For those who want to travel around by train or are rail fans wanting to see Japan’s trains (or have clients who are) TS Japan Rail can help you with ideas and itinerary planning including working with Real Japan so you can get the most out of your ticket and trip to Japan!

Thanks for the praise Stephen – it means a lot coming from a Japan train expert such as you.

And delighted to work with TS Japan Rail to help folks get the most out of their rail travel throughout Japan.

I love all of the links to resources. I’ve downloaded the country-wide map, and will use Klook for my voucher. I look forward to your updates on the Regional Passes — I’ve used the Tohoku 5-day non-consecutive pass and saved a lot of money over the full JR pass. Planning which days to activate the pass to get the most out of it takes some advice and forethought.

Good to hear you found the guide helpful Eric. I know you’re a subscriber so you’ll be the first to hear when the regional passes guide is published. And you’re right to point out that if well-planned they can be a better solution than the Rail Pass itself.

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• Go to Hyperdia via either their desktop website or Android / iPhone App

• Please  uncheck  the boxes labeled “Airplane”, “Airport Shuttle Bus”, "NOZOMI/MIZUHO/HAYABUSA (SHINKANSEN)”, and “Private Railway”. This will then ensure only the routes which are covered by a JR Pass appear once you click "Search". 

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• If you can’t find the station try adding “shin” in front of the location i.e Shin-Hakodate Hokuto
• Please note the JR Pass includes the HAYABUSA (SHINKANSEN) so you’ll need to re-tick the "NOZOMI/MIZUHO/HAYABUSA (SHINKANSEN)" box if you plan on using it for the journey. Be aware that Nozomi/Mizuho cannot be used on a JR Pass so be careful not to choose a route using this when searching for a HAYABUSA route. 
• If you would like more transfer time between connecting trains, please search each route separately
• If the search shows a double down arrow, this means you stay on the train. You do not need to change trains, but you may be stationary for a few minutes & the train name may change from that stop onwards.
• Take a screenshot so you always have the route handy even if you don't have an internet connection
• If no routes appear, the station you are searching for is not JR! In this case, please tick "Private Railway" and search again, however you will have to pay for the ticket.

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Making the Most of Your JR Rail Pass: A One-Week Japan Sightseeing Itinerary

Thinking of shelling out for the JR Pass and want to make sure you get your money’s worth? We have the perfect 7-day Japan itinerary to help you maximize your JR Pass. It takes you all over the main island and back to Tokyo!

Those JR passes can end up as one of the most expensive parts of your trip to Japan. But with careful planning, you’ll soon be sitting back, relaxing, and earning that money back. Okay, perhaps ‘relaxing’ isn’t the right term for this itinerary. But if you’re shelling out for the pass, you may as well make the most of it.

Is the JR Pass still worth it?

So, first you might be wondering if the JR Pass is even worth it anymore. Well, after the price increased from ¥ 29,650 to ¥ 50,000 (7-day pass) on October 1 2023, we don’t blame you for this question. The truth is that now you need to really maximize your JR Pass for it to be worth it. Before, a round trip from Tokyo to Osaka was enough to cover your cost. That journey comes in ¥ 29,440 in total for round-trip Shinkansen tickets, so you can see that JR Pass was definitely good value before, but not so much anymore.

Now, you’ll have to travel a whole lot to make your JR Pass worth it. But not to worry, we’ve devised a great itinerary to help you maximize your JR Pass.

Things to know before you go

Give yourself a few days in Tokyo before starting the pass and you can have a 10-day break and still see plenty of the country. With this itinerary, you’ll hit all the major bucket-list sights. However, this is not a tour for those who like a lie-in. With lots of travel and plenty of early starts, you’ll be pretty tired by the end of it. But if this is all the time you’ve got in Japan, you need to make it worth it.

Tokyo | Sendai | Kanazawa | Shirakawa-gō | Kyoto | Nara | Osaka | Hiroshima | Fukuoka | Tokyo

You’ll recognize a few, if not all of the names on our list. Take a look at a map, you’ll see we’re covering some real distance (just over 3000 km if you really want to know). That means you’ll spend a good chunk of time on trains. Yay. But it helps that bullet trains are kind of amazing — with comfy seats, folding tables, leg room, and great views, you can at least travel in comfort. Pack some food and drinks, and settle in for the ride.

The longest single journey will be your return one, clocking in at 6 hours, but you’ll more than likely be snoozing away by then so we wouldn’t worry too much. We have tried to cover as much of Japan as possible, but sadly Hokkaidō , Shikoku , and Okinawa just didn’t make the cut. But that’s all the more reason to come back again soon!

The savings (and the costs)

If we add up every Shinkansen ride on this itinerary, the grand total would be an eye-watering ¥ 80,450 — and that’s not counting non-Shinkansen travel. Compared to your pass which costs ¥ 50,000 , that’s savings of just over ¥ 30,000 . That can buy you a hell of a lot of sushi.

There are a few smaller transport costs in the journey that aren’t covered by the JR Pass though. Also, when traveling within a city keep in mind that private train and bus lines aren’t always covered by the JR Pass.

Cheapo tips and tricks

A trip like this requires schedules and planning, not a laissez-faire attitude. Pay attention to train times and avoid meanderings that lead you miles from the stations. Here are some more tips to make sure your trip runs smoothly!

• Reserve your bullet train tickets in advance. Trains get full in peak season and during commuting hours. A reservation gives you guaranteed a seat. And seats together if in a couple or group.
• Store luggage in train station lockers when you can. There’s a lot of walking and city-hopping in this itinerary, often returning to the same station — for example in Kanazawa, Nara, and Hiroshima.
• Keep some water and snacks in your bag — with so much sightseeing to do you’ll work up an appetite!

Day 1: Sendai (stay overnight)

Tokyo to Sendai 1 hour 54 minutes Fully covered by the JR Pass

Leave Tokyo on an early morning Shinkansen and you can arrive in Sendai in time to grab your morning coffee. We recommend leaving by 8 a.m. at the latest, but you’re an early bird Shinkansen services to Sendai start around 6 a.m. This is the farthest north of Tokyo your trip will take you, so take a chance to enjoy the fresh mountain air and cooler weather.

Once you’ve arrived it’s time to start exploring. Don’t miss Sendai Asaichi Morning Market — the local market is open from morning until mid-afternoon. Located near the west exit of the station, the market sells fresh fruit, veg, and seafood. You’ll quickly see why it’s sometimes called ‘Sendai’s Kitchen’.

Sendai is famous for beef tongue and the city’s Tanabata Festival in August, with amazing decorations and performances. The Zuihōden Temple is a stunning building decorated with complex woodwork and vivid colors. You can access it via the Sendai Loop Bus (not covered by the JR Pass). There are temples and shrines in the city, as well as castle ruins and a city museum, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied.

Sendai side-stop: Zao Fox Village

You could also visit the Zao Fox Village on your way to Sendai. It’s only 15 minutes from Sendai, so you can still arrive in Sendai time for a beef-tongue dinner.

It’s a mountainside park where foxes live in the wild, but close enough to be seen and fed — in spring you can even hold some cubs. On the way to Sendai, get off at Shiroishizao Station. Then get a taxi to the village (or the rare bus).

Day 2: Kanazawa (stay overnight)

Sendai to Kanazawa 3 hours, 22 minutes Fully covered by the JR Pass

Wake up early and catch the Hayabusa Shinkansen to Ōmiya — the first one departs at 6:37 a.m. Then jump on the Kagayaki Shinkansen to arrive in Kanazawa . Aim to arrive before lunch time so you have plenty of time to enjoy the city.

You can explore the Ōmichō Market near the train station for fresh veg, street snacks, and souvenirs. When you’re finished head to Kenrokuen Garden — the most beautiful garden in all of Japan.

Afterwards, visit Higashi Chaya District . The tea houses here were once frequented by geisha but now are open to the public. If you visit Kaikaro tea house , entry price of  ¥ 750 includes tea service. The nearby Ochaya Shima Geisha House has been converted into a museum. Don’t miss the Hakuza gold leaf store — Kanazawa produces 99% of domestic gold leaf. The store has a warehouse converted into a completely golden tea room, as well as souvenirs with gold leaf.

If you still have time, head to Ninjadera (officially called Myōryū-ji Temple), a temple with deceptive defenses built for the Maeda Lords in the Edo period. The guided tour will show you all the hidden tunnels, secret doors and staircases, traps, and more.

Stroll through the older areas in the evening to enjoy the ambience. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.

Day 3: Shirakawa-gō (stay overnight in Kyoto)

Kanazawa to Kyoto, round-trip to Shirakawa-gō 2 hours, 15 minutes (plus round trip to Shirakawa-gō) Round trip to Shirakawa-gō not covered by the JR Pass

From the East Gate of Kanazawa Station catch a morning highway bus to Shirakawa-gō . You will need to book your tickets online in advance . The trip Shirakawa-gō is not covered by the JR Pass . Expect to pay around ¥ 5,000 for the round trip. Alternatively, you could join a day tour , this will set you back ¥ 11,795 but covers the round-trip from Kanazawa and the services of an English-speaking guide.

Famed for their picturesque tilted roofs, the houses of Shirakawa-gō are often photographed buried in snow but are equally picturesque year-round. The Gassho-zukuri farmhouses are up to 250 years old and the names translates as ‘constructed like hands in prayer’. This allows them to withstand the weight of snow in winter.

The main town of Ogimachi is beautiful to stroll through (if you ignore the occasional washing machine and concrete visitor center) especially when seen from the Shiroyama viewpoint. There is an open-air museum across the river with relocated houses, moved to prevent their destruction. Dotted around the village are especially well preserved houses such as the Kanda house and the Myozenji Temple. There’s also the Doburoku Festival Museum where you can try the locally produced sake and the onsen at Shirakawagō-no-yu.

When you’re finished looking around, head back to Kanazawa for you onward journey.

Onward journey: Kanazawa to Kyoto

From Kanazawa, take the Thunderbird Limited Express to Kyoto. There are about one or two departures per hour, so be sure to check the timetable in advance. This part of the journey is fully covered by the JR Pass and takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Once you’ve arrived in Kyoto, you can go for a wander beside the Kamo River (if you have the energy). Don’t miss the famous Pontochō restaurant street — and the more affordable street running along the narrow river parallel to the Kamo.

Day 4: Kyoto (stay overnight)

Full day in Kyoto, some travel not covered by the JR Pass

Kyoto has an incredible amount of things to see . Just make sure you’ve got your walking shoes one before you head off. However, before you leave just know that the JR Pass isn’t very helpful for getting around in Kyoto . Instead, you might be better off with a different discount travel pass for Kyoto . For example, we like the Skyhop Bus Pass — it gives you unlimited use of the Skyhop Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus starting at ¥ 3,500 . The Skyhop bus has multilingual audioguides and stops at a lot of major attractions. Sound good? You can buy it online here .

When it comes to specifically where to go today, it’s completely up to you. But don’t pressure yourself to fit everything in, you just can’t. We recommend visiting classic spots like Kinkaku-ji Temple , Nijō-jō Castle , and Gion . Or head a bit out of town to Sagano Bamboo Forest (also known as Arashiyama).

Day 5: Nara (stay overnight in Osaka)

Kyoto to Osaka, stop in Nara 1 hour, 46 minutes Fully covered by the JR Pass

Your first stop today is Nara . Just outside of Kyoto, it’s known for stunning temples, great views, and of course, ravenous deer. You can catch the JR train in the morning, ideally around 9 a.m. Once you arrive, walk towards Kōfukuji Temple and you will be greeted by a temple complex as old as the establishment of the capital itself. Originally comprised of over 150 buildings now only a few remain, but they are perfectly maintained and stunning to boot. The pagoda, Eastern Golden Hall, and Southern Octagonal Hall are all impressive.

After this, continue on to the Nara Deer Park and buy some senbei (traditional crackers) for the deer to eat. Be careful, the deer have been known to target sleeves and bags in search of food. But they will bow for you in return for a snack which is pretty cute, and there are plenty of deer selfie (dare we say, delfie) opportunities too. Head up towards Tōdaiji Temple and step through Nandaimon, the 800-year-old wooden entrance gate to the temple. Inside, you’ll find the largest wooden structure in the world: the Great Buddha Hall, and within that, the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana.

Afterwards, continue behind the hall towards the Tamukeyama Hachimangū Shrine . This balcony-style Shinto shrine was established in the year 749 and has stunning views of Nara and the tips of Tōdaiji’s roof. There are plenty of smaller shrines and temples around, so wander to your heart’s content before heading back to the train station around mid-afternoon.

Onward journey: Nara to Osaka

From Nara, catch a direct train to Osaka. There are regular departures and the journey takes only takes 50 minutes if you catch the express. This journey is fully covered by the JR Pass.

Osaka is the perfect city for an evening adventure. Dotonbori is the entertainment district, with plenty to see, do, and — most importantly — eat. The river’s neon lights and the over-sized food signs are an eye-catching combination tempting you towards a myriad of treats. Whether your try the roadside ramen, freshly flipped takoyaki, or made-to-order okonomiyaki, you can’t go wrong. Then there’s kushikatsu, a local speciality featuring various food deep-fried and dipped in a special sauce. Make the most of you evening by feasting and strolling until you can feast and stroll no more.

Day 6: Hiroshima, Miyajima (stay overnight in Fukuoka)

Osaka to Fukuoka, stop in Hiroshima 2 hour, 35 minutes Some sections not covered by the JR Pass

Catch the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka and head towards Hiroshima — a city known worldwide for being destroyed by an atomic bomb in World War 2. Starting your day off here going to be emotionally difficult — but it’s a vital part of history. Note that some travel within Hiroshima is not covered by the JR Pass.

The Peace Memorial Museum has a range of displays documenting life before, the nightmare of, and after the atomic bomb dropped in 1945. The museum also provides a rounded and optimistic look at the future. Afterwards, you can take a walk through the Peace Park and see the A-bomb Dome. Allow the beauty of the park to slowly bring you back to a holiday mentality (for the most part).

Side trip: Miyajima Island (Itsukujima)

To really recapture holiday mode though, take a ferry across to Miyajima — a small island off the coast of Hiroshima known for its friendly deer and iconic torii gate. Make sure to catch the JR ferry from Miyamaguchi Station, the other ferries aren’t covered by the JR Pass.

Once in Miyajima you can enjoy the incredible island and all it has to offer. Explore cute shopping streets, delicious treats, and mountain hikes, as well as the world-famous shrine of course. The Itsukushima Shrine has a floating torii gate, probably on the cover of your guidebook. You should be able to see it both at high (ish) and low tide, so you can walk up to it as well. Have a read of our full guide  on all the things to do in Miyajima.

Catch the ferry back at around 6 p.m. (so you can hopefully see the sunset!) and hop on a train back to Hiroshima Station. Then grab your luggage and get snacks for the train ahead.

Onward journey: Hiroshima to Fukuoka (Hakata Station)

Catch the bullet train to Fukuoka (Hakata Station). Make sure you get the Sakura or Nozomi Shinkansen — not the Kodama Shinkansen which takes an extra 30 minutes.

Once you arrive in Fukuoka, drop your stuff off at your hostel. Then head out to the river and Nakasu Island where you’ll find the city’s famous night stalls. They’ll be open late selling the local specialty of Hakata ramen as well as drinks and chicken skewers. Enjoy your wanderings before turning in for the night.

Day 7: Day in Fukuoka, then return to Tokyo

Fukuoka to Tokyo 6 hours Fully covered by the JR Pass

Fukuoka is a large city with lots to do. The biggest shopping center, Canal City , is a sight to behold — with lit canals, shops, restaurants, as well as daily shows and performances. It is also home to Ramen Stadium, offering ramen from not only Hakata, but all over Japan. Enjoy the seasonal flowers in Nokoshima Park or take a break in Ohori Park , visit Tōchō-ji , the first temple built by Kukai in Japan — the list is endless, and yours for the making.

Day trips from Fukuoka

As far as day trips are concerned, Yanagawa is an excellent one. The old castle town is renowned for its relaxing boat rides along the river to the sea of Ariake that will take you back to ancient Japan. With your boatman describing local points of interest (albeit in Japanese) you can imagine days gone by. You can even join a clam digging boat tour from spring to autumn, if reserved in advance. Known as the Venice of Japan, you can’t go wrong on a sunny day in a boat.

Alternatively, you could visit the joint most important shrine in Japan: the Dazaifu Tenmangū Shrine in the nearby town of Dazaifu. The shrine is dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane, a Heian-period politician and scholar who died there in 903. Famed for stunning plum trees and a heart-shaped pond, it’s a pretty good day out, especially with the Kysushu National Museum next door.

A further option for all the cat people out there is to visit Ainoshima Island , one of the famous cat islands of Japan. The island has cats, cats, and more cats, along with a few small sightseeing spots like the ancient Tumuli and the Hanagurise rock formation.

Return journey to Tokyo

Whatever you ended up doing with your day, you’ll need to catch the 6:59 p.m. Nozomi Shinkansen back to Tokyo. It’s the last train for the day, so don’t miss it.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Last updated in September 2023 by Maria Danuco.

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The Ultimate Japan Trip Planner

How to design a dream trip to japan without stress.

Curious how we arranged our stress-free trip to Japan?

Planning a first trip to the country can feel a little daunting! When we were planning our first trip to Japan we were completely overwhelmed by the complex train system, the massive stretched-out cities, and the seemingly endless number of sights that made it hard to choose, even for a full-month trip.

We also know by experience how complicated things are when you arrive in Japan for the first time. In fact, when we had just landed in Tokyo and jumped on the first train to get to downtown we already had to pay a supplement because we opted for a train that was not covered by our fare.

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About the authors

We are Sylvia & Kris, 2 passionate travelers, and we have been exploring the world independently over the last years. We like the freedom that we have to explore places that we otherwise wouldn’t have seen with an organized tour. We completely fell in love with Japan and spent an amazing time in the country in 2018. We created this Japan trip planner based on our experience of the country so you can enjoy Japan as much as we did.

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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

January 22, 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.

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

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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