Apps

Japan's #1 chat app like it or not, everyone uses it.

Prior to visiting Japan please consider installing some or all of the following applications:

Mongering:

1. Line App - This preferred chat application. Everyone uses it and that includes all shops, providers, grandpas, grandmas.
2. DeepL - One of the best translation apps, uses AI to aid with translations.
3. X (formally Twitter) - X is how you find providers often outside of websites (Japanese Required).
4. Payke - scan the UPC of most anything in a drug store and it will tell you what it is and for OTC medications ingredients and dosage.

General/Travel:

1. Google Maps - Google Maps is good for public transit, trains, buses, ferries, etc.
2. JapanTravel - Trains Schedules and a touch better than google maps for buses. Emergentcy Alerts too.
3. NERV - Primary earthquake and natural disaster app. tied into the earthquake warning system you will get a 30 second warning before an earthquake.
4. Microsoft Translate - good for speech translatins
5. Google Translate on Android - if you have a android phone google reserves the better version of their app for android. Generally faster on android