Tech tips to enjoy your Japan holiday to the fullest (Updated)

Note: This guide was first published on 29 November 2023 and was updated on 26 December 2023 and then on 9 September 2024 with more tips on how to get around Japan. The tips and recommendations are still valid and it's republished now to help you get ready for the holiday season.

If you last visited Japan before the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be surprised by how much the country has changed thanks to the pandemic stoking the need for digitisation in a typically slow-to-change country. Here are some tech tips that can help you travel more conveniently around Japan, whether it’s your first time or if you’re a seasoned traveller.

1. Finding your way with Google Maps

Let’s start off with something that’s essential to every traveller and that’s getting around. The best map app to use for most tourists is Google Maps. Not only does it have precise instructions for public transport, including which train carriage to board for the fastest transfer times and which platforms you should be waiting on, but the app also has a clearer system of labelling shops and restaurants. 

Take my favourite gyoza shop in Ebisu, for example, which shows up perfectly on Google Maps, with the app also offering auto-translation of reviews in different languages, which is super handy. I’ve also found plenty of great restaurants and izakayas just by doing a quick scan of the available listings in an area from Google Maps.

Apple Maps is another option, and I’ve found that the directions provided on Apple Maps can be slightly more detailed, particularly when it comes to how to find specific exits in large, confusing Japanese subway stations.

For those of you who might be driving, both apps also indicate clearly which routes include tolls, and offer alternative routes that don’t have tolls, so that’s a good feature to try and avoid toll fees, which can add up very quickly.

2. Car rentals for exploring outside the cities

There is a lot more to Japan than its seemingly neverending sprawling cities. A 90-minute drive from Tokyo brings you to scenic Kawaguchiko where you are offered stunning views of Mount Fuji, and the Japanese Alps are one of the best places anywhere in the world to visit for snowy landscapes. And if you do intend to head out of the city, the best way to do it is in a rental car, because public transport network can be sparse. 

Driving in Japan is relatively easy because the country drives on the left – just like us. Furthermore, the navigation apps mentioned above work well in Japan and it helps that Japanese drivers are generally polite and patient. Most rental companies are also happy to let you drop the car off at a different location, which means you can use it as a way to get from city to city while stopping at places in between. This could be more economical, especially given the recent hike in JR Pass prices.

There are a couple of reputable car rental companies from which to rent a car from. The most popular is arguably Toyota Rent a Car, which has an extensive network of shops and an excellent lineup of cars ranging from compact hatchbacks like the Yaris to large MPVs like the Alphard. I’ve used them a few times and found them to be reliable and the rental process to be mostly pleasant. However, given the popularity of Japan as a travel destination, I’d recommend that you make your booking as early as possible. One thing that’s worth noting is that the Japanese portal lets you make bookings up to six months in advance, whereas the international portal only lets you book up three months in advance. 

Other rental companies that I’ve heard good things about from other users are Nissan Rent A Car  and Nippon Rent-A-Car. 

Car enthusiasts looking to fulfil their dreams of driving a Nissan R34 GT-R on the Tokyo wangan, should definitely check out Omoren, which specialises in sports cars. Not only do they have an R34 GT-R (in Bayside Blue, no less) in their fleet, they also have other desirable Japanese classics like the Nissan R35 GT-R and Mazda FD3S RX-7, and newer metal like the new Toyota GR 86, and Honda FL5 Civic Type-R. They also have German models like a BMW E90 M3 and Porsche Boxster.

3. Getting a taxi with Uber

Moving on, if you’re more of a taxi person, there are two main options. Our recommendation would be to download Uber because you’ll be able to use it with a Singapore number. A point to note is that in Japan, you will only ever get licensed taxi drivers through ride-hailing apps due to the country’s regulations. An added bonus is that the Uber app also supports Uber Eats in some cities, so if you’re feeling peckish at night, you’ll be able to get food delivered through the same app so you can enjoy it in the comfort of your hotel.

However, one thing to note is that Uber doesn’t work in every city in Japan. Be sure to double-check if the city you’re heading to is on Uber’s list or not. If you’re headed to somewhere like Hokkaido or Nagasaki, your best bet would be to download DiDi, a ride-hailing app that originated from China and has now expanded into Japan, as Uber hasn’t yet entered those areas. 

The other option would be GO, which is one of the most popular taxi-hailing apps in Japan. The app has finally allowed accounts to be registered without the need for a local Japanese number as of November 2023, so tourists can now use their own phone numbers to sign up for an account. 

That said, these apps aren't the only way to get a taxi in Japan, you could simply try to flag one down on the road. This can be the better way especially if you are in a rush since Uber and GO can occasionally take a while to assign a taxi to you. Don't worry about telling the driver your desintation, you can simply show them the address on your phone using Google Maps or Apple Maps.

4. Reduce language barriers with Google Translate

Speaking of which, communication in Japan can be as easy or as hard as you make it. Learning a few easy, everyday phrases definitely goes a long way, but if not, there’s always technology to the rescue. Google Translate has to be one of the apps I pull up most often while I’m in Japan, whether it’s to communicate with the locals or just to read signs and menus. 

There are three important features in the app to take note of. First is the normal translating feature, where you can type in English or your preferred language and get it translated. You can also use the microphone to record and translate something someone is saying to you. This works well if you’re asking simple questions that don’t require follow-up clarifications or just translating a reply and the like. 

If you need to have a longer conversation, that’s where the Conversation feature comes in. When in this mode, you can set the phone to constantly be listening for speech so it automatically translates when one person speaks. It’s a bit of a slow process since you have to speak, wait for it to translate and then the app will recite the translated phrase out loud, but it’s certainly much faster than typing your question, and passing your phone to the other person for them to type their reply. Our tip here would be to make sure to leave some space between when each person starts talking, or the app can get a little confused and cut off the start.

Lastly, the Camera function is a lifesaver for when you visit restaurants that don’t have English menus available or if you just need to find out what a sign says. Simply turn it on, point it at the page and snap a shot. The app will translate what’s on the page into English and you’ll be able to actually know what you’re ordering! 

Keep in mind that the translations may not always be 100% accurate because the words might be shortened, abbreviated, or might have other meanings. That said, I’ve found them to always be useful in giving me a rough approximation of what a dish or drink is. Of course, it goes withotu saying that you should also make sure you’re taking a good, clear photo for the best results as well.

5. Suica and cashless payments

In Japan, there’s something called the Integrated Circuit (IC) card, which is more commonly referred to simply as Suica. 

First, a quick primer on what this card is. Essentially, it's similar to our own EZ-Link card but it can be used for more than just transport. In Japan, it can be used to pay for almost everything, from meals in restaurants and taxi rides, to clothes in department stores and snacks in convenience stores. Furthermore, while each region has their own IC card, these cards can often work nationwide (most of the time). So a Suica IC card might be native to the Tokyo area, but it can be used even in Hokkaido, Osaka, Kyoto and more. 

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Before the pandemic, it wasn’t an uncommon sight to see “Cash only” signs up in most izakayas and smaller shops. But the situation has changed and a lot of smaller stores and restaurants have started offering cashless payment methods (including the option to pay via Suica) thanks to the pandemic. So for most people, picking up a Suica or another IC card can be a nice way to avoid having to fumble with notes and coins. Besides Suica, there are other payment options available, ranging from China’s WeChat Pay and Alipay to credit card options and some places even accept Apple Pay.

That said, there are still places that still only accept cash, so it's always a good idea to have some cash on you in Japan.

And if you own an iPhone or Apple Watch, you can simply add a Suica card to it. There’s no need to get hold of the physical card. Simply go to the Wallet app, click on the “+” sign in the top right corner, select “Travel Card”, and then scroll down to Japan where you’ll see the option to add either a Suica card, ICOCA card, or PASMO card. You can do the same too for your Apple Watch by going to the Wallet app on your watch and adding a travel card. 

There are a few points to note, though. First, there’s a ¥20,000 (approximately S$200) cap to the value that can be stored in a Suica card so you won’t be able to pay for any expensive purchases or meals with it. Second, foreign Visa cards don’t support topping up the Suica card in Apple Wallet, so you’ll have to use a Mastercard or American Express card instead. 

Edit (9/9/2024): Visa cards are now supported, so you'll be able to top up your Apple Wallet Suica with any card you prefer. 

Lastly, although Suica cards can be added to your iPhone or Apple Watch, only one transit card can be added to one device at any one time. This means the cards on an iPhone and Apple Watch will be separate cards with separate values stored inside and you will not be able to use the same Suica card with the same monetary balance across both your iPhone and Apple Watch. So before adding your Suica card to your Apple device, consider whether you’re more comfortable using your iPhone or Watch to tap on readers, then make that device the one containing the digital Suica card.

Also, while Suica or IC card acceptance is widespread, it bears repeating that there are still some places that will only accept cash, so make sure to have some money in your wallet for those occasions!

And if you’re wondering why you can’t use this feature if you have an Android phone, it’s because on Android, this requires a FeliCa or Osaifu-Keitai compatible device which uses a different frequency compared to normal NFC and those Android devices are only sold in Japan. Apple is the exception, selling FeliCa-compatible devices worldwide, which is why iPhone users from around the world are able to use a Suica card in Apple Wallet without issue.

For Android users, a slightly less convenient contactless payment method would be to use Google Pay, although that requires the store to support EMV payments, which currently isn’t as widespread. If you do see the contactless payment symbols for Visa and Mastercard, then you can be sure it’ll be supported.

6. Internet access

A portable Wi-Fi router is a pretty common sight among travellers, and it might be a more cost-effective solution especially if you’re travelling in a large group and don't mind sharing connectivity from a device. The downside, of course, is that the entire group needs to be within range of the router to use it. Also, you will need to remember to charge it and bring it along with you. One another consideration: too many users can degrade internet speeds.

An alternative would be to purchase an eSIM data plan. Unlike a portable router, you don't have to remember to bring it or charge anything. You just need to activate it and you are set. Furthermore, it could be more economical if you are travelling alone or in small groups. It also means everyone has their own data connection, which means you don't necessarily have to stick together as a group just so you have internet connectivity.

Prices will vary depending on the amount of data and period of time you need, but based on personal experience and reviews from other travellers, it seems like Ubigi is the best eSIM provider for Japan.

For more eSIM recommendations, go to our Best eSIM roaming data plans for trips to China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan article.

7. Check out our forums!

Lastly, head on over to the Japan sub-forum for even more tips and advice for itineraries, airfare promotions and more. Hopefully, these tips and recommendations will prove useful for your next trip to Japan! 

Now that we've given you some tips that will help you get around Japan, let’s talk a little about some tech gadgets that you can get that can elevate your Japan holiday.

1. Lencent travel adapter

Since Japan mostly uses Type A and Type B plugs for their power outlets, this means we’ll need a travel adapter.

The Lencent travel adapter is ideal, particularly for more techie folks, because it doubles up as a 61W USB-C PD charger. This means you can use the USB-C port to charge your phones, tablets, and even most notebooks.

That aside, it has a nice matte plastic finish and three additional USB-A ports that you can use to charge other peripherals like power banks, mobile routers, smartwatches, and so on.

The Lencent Travel Adapter retails at S$39.79 and you can find it on Amazon.

2. Belkin Boost Charge Pro 4-port GaN Charger 108W

For families or travellers with a lot of electronics to charge, a charging hub might be a good idea in addition to the ports on the power adapter.

One that we like is the Belkin Boost Charge 108W GaN Charger which comes with a nice mix of two USB-C and two USB-A ports, with the USB-C ports supporting a max of 96W or 65W for the first port and 30W for the second. The two USB-A ports share a total of 12W.

The Belkin Boost Charge 108W GaN Charger is priced at S$130 and is available at Challenger, Shopee and Lazada.

You can also read more about it in our coverage here.

3. Anker Prime 20,000mAh power bank (200W)

Having your electronics run out of juice when you’re out and about in the middle of the day is the worst imaginable nightmare if you’re in a foreign country, but having a trusty power bank goes a long way in easing that worry.

The Anker Prime 20,000mAh GaN Power Bank has a whopping 20,000mAh battery capacity and can deliver up to 100W of charging through each of its two USB-C ports.

The Anker Prime 20,000mAh GaN Power Bank is priced at S$199.99 and is available on Shopee.

4. Peak Design Tech Pouch

It just won’t do to have all your chargers and cables messily thrown into a bag; not only might it get snagged on other items, it can be hard to find a specific cable when you need it. 

The pouch I’m using for all my cables is the Peak Design Tech Pouch, which offers an origami-style organisation system with plenty of pockets for my cables, a zipped compartment that holds SD cards safely and more. 

The Peak Design Tech Pouch is priced at S$99 and you can get it at Peak Design's website, Lazada and Shopee.

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