Traveling to Japan with a nursing baby? Or maybe you’re visiting Japan with a toddler in diapers. Even if you’re traveling with a big kid, there are many Japan apps that you will find useful while traveling in Japan.
Here are the best apps you need when traveling to Japan with kids.
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Babies and toddlers
MamaPapaMap App
You will see babies drinking from bottles all over in Japan, but nursing in public is not commonplace. Baby-friendly restrooms with comfortable nursing seats can be found in shopping malls and train stations.
The MamaPapaMap app is used for finding nursing and changing room locations across Japan, so you can find a distraction-free place to take care of your baby or toddler. These designated family restrooms are known for being clean and full of amenities, but the app goes a step further and allows you to see ratings, and submit reviews yourself!
Google Maps
We all know Google Maps is to find the best route to any given destination. Big cities in Japan are notorious for having lots of stairs. Elevators are usually tucked away, or non-existent, which can make things tricky when traveling with a stroller.
The best tip I’ve learned is to turn on accessibility mode in Google Maps to find elevators so you can keep your sleeping babe in your stroller. Allow yourself a few extra minutes to get to your destination (or train) as these elevators are out of the way.
Some places in Japan are flat out not stroller friendly, so make sure you bring your baby carrier for the subway or crowded streets.
Smiley-Mom
Smiley-Mom is not an app, but it is so helpful to find baby-friendly restaurants across Japan. Select your city and the amenities you’re looking for, like high chairs or kids bathrooms, then pick your restaurant!
This website is only in Japanese, so use your browser to translate. Bookmark this page!
Staying connected
Airalo
While you can get a SIM card in the airport of your destination, they are typically more expensive.
Therefore, I highly recommend purchasing an Airalo eSIM for any trip abroad. Airalo provides consistent coverage for data in over 200 countries worldwide. The app allows you to add to your data plan in Japan.
💡 Pro tip: having trouble connecting with an eSIM? Physically remove your other SIM from your phone.
Whatsapp is a free messaging and calling app that allows you to stay connected with loved ones back home. As long as you have data or wifi, you can let everyone back home know how amazing your family vacation in Japan is!
Trains
Japan Transit Planner by Joruden
The Japan Transit Planner app provides information about trains in Japan. Info includes fare, whether you need to reserve a seat or not, and train timetables. If you have the JR Rail Pass, you can also filter by trains included in your pass!
Tokyo Metro Subway Map & Route
If you are traveling in Tokyo, the Tokyo Metro Subway Map app is a must! This easy-to-use app provides info on the city’s biggest subway lines: Metro, Toei, and Yamanote.
Osaka Metro Guide and Planner
If you are traveling in Osaka, having a subway planner app is essential! Google and Apple don’t agree on which app you can use, so the links below are for two different Osaka Metro apps. Both are easy-to-use apps that provide info on Osaka’s subway line, and provide details about your journey.
Currency
XE Currency
The XE Currency app is great if you, like me, cannot think in other currencies. You’ll be able to see how much you’re really spending on that 500 yen coffee. XE Currency has changed their focus in the last few years to sending foreign currency to family and friends, but I still use it for the exchange rate calculator.
Translation
Google Translate
Google Translate is a great Japan app for translating spoken announcements on trains and other public areas. You can also download Japanese for offline use so you can point with your camera and translate Japanese Kanji in real time.
Luggage lockers
Ecbo Cloak
The Ecbo Cloak app will show you where luggage lockers are located near you. This app is so handy if you want to ditch your stroller for a few hours without having to go back to your hotel. You can also use it to store your luggage after you’ve checked out of your hotel, but you’ve still got time before your train leaves.
Water bottle refill stations
MyMizu
Tap water in Japan is generally safe to drink. The MyMizu app allows you to find places to refill your water bottle while you’re out and about.
Didn’t bring your water bottle? Get a fun one from a ¥100 shop!
Theme park apps
Tokyo Disney Resort App
The Tokyo Disney app is essential if you are visiting Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea. To learn more about the app, check out my full guide on Tokyo Disney!
Universal Studios Japan
The Universal Studios Japan app is essential if you are visiting while in Osaka! You can use the map, see wait times for rides or show schedules, and even save your favorites to make sure you hit your top spots.
Fun apps
teamLab
If you’re visiting one of the five teamLab locations in Japan, download the app! teamLabs are art museums with interactive installations. If you’ll be in Tokyo or Osaka, make sure at least one of the teamLabs is on your itinerary! Your kids will love it too.
Pokemon Go
I won’t pretend I really understand Pokémon Go, but I do know that traveling in the land of Pokémon means there are TONS of Pokémon to catch!
Planning Apps
TripIt
TripIt is my go-to itinerary app for tracking flights, hotels, trains, and other reservations. You can manually enter the information in the app, or you can forward your confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com and it will automatically sync the item to the respective trip.
Klook
Klook is the best app for purchasing tickets in Japan. Whether you are looking for an entry ticket to Tokyo Disney, a JR Rail Pass or even a day trip to Mt Fuji, Klook is the best for Japan travel.
Klook.comJapan Travel Resources
- Activities: Viator or Klook
- Baby Gear Rentals: BabyQuip
- Data Packages: Airalo
- Flights: Trip.com
- Hotels: Trip.com or Klook
- Insurance: Arch RoamRight
- Luggage Storage: Ecbo Cloak App or Radical Storage
- Trains: Klook
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