Visit Japan Web
Register your immigration and customs details online before you fly and get QR codes to use on arrival. Do this before leaving home.
A website rather than an app, so it works in your phone browser.
Payke
Scan a product's barcode in a Japanese shop and see the details translated into English, including ingredients and how to use it. Handy in drugstores and for snacks and souvenirs.
Google Translate
Translate typed text, speech, and photos of menus and signs. Download the languages for each country before you go so it works offline.
GO Taxi
Japan's most-downloaded taxi app, with an English interface. Set your pickup and drop-off, see an estimated fare, and pay in the app with an overseas card or Apple Pay.
Digital IC Card (iPhone only)
Add a Suica or PASMO card to Apple Wallet and tap your iPhone on train gates, buses, vending machines and at convenience stores.
Built into iPhone: open Wallet, tap +, then choose Transit Card. Not available on Android.
Card reader
[Add a description once confirmed.]
NHK WORLD-JAPAN
English news plus live TV and radio from Japan's public broadcaster. It can send push alerts for earthquakes, tsunami and severe weather warnings.
Tabelog
Japan's biggest restaurant search and reservation app, now in English, Traditional Chinese and Korean. Search nearby and book a table.
TableCheck
Search and book restaurant tables in Japan and Singapore, filtering by cuisine, budget and location. Many hotel restaurants take bookings through it.
Klook
Book tours, activities, transport and eSIMs, and keep your vouchers in the app for offline use.
Hotel Nuve Heritage in Singapore was booked through Klook, so that booking lives here.
LINE
The main messaging app in Japan and Taiwan. Restaurants, hotels and tour operators often use it for bookings and customer service.