Asia

Japan

6 apps tracked2 work fine

Last verified: September 7, 2026How current is this? Read our accuracy disclaimer

Payments1

Apple Pay

Use instead: Suica (Apple Wallet) · PayPay QR (via Alipay+)

Local app preferred

Apple Pay + Suica cover trains, konbini and chains, but many small restaurants and shops are cash- or PayPay-only — carry yen.

Set up before you land

Last verified: Sep 7, 2026

Still accurate?

Messaging1

Use instead: LINE

Local app preferred

WhatsApp works but is rarely used. LINE is the standard messaging app in Japan.

Set up before you land

Last verified: Jul 24, 2026

Still accurate?

Maps & Navigation1

Google Maps

No direct substitute

Works fine

Google Maps works excellently in Japan, with detailed train and subway routing.

No setup needed

Last verified: Jul 24, 2026

Still accurate?

Ride-hailing1

Uber

Use instead: GO / DiDi

Local app preferred

Uber exists but mostly books regular taxis and is limited. The GO taxi app is more widely used.

Set up before you land

Last verified: Jul 24, 2026

Still accurate?

Internet Access1

US carrier roaming

Use instead: eSIM (Airalo / Ubigi) or pocket Wi-Fi rental

Local app preferred

Roaming works but is pricey; a travel eSIM set up before you fly is the easy win, or rent a pocket Wi-Fi at the airport.

Set up before you land

Last verified: Sep 7, 2026

Still accurate?

Social Media Access1

Instagram / Facebook / X

No direct substitute

Works fine

All major social apps work normally; X (Twitter) and LINE are especially popular in Japan.

No setup needed

Last verified: Sep 7, 2026

Still accurate?