Below are a series of websites, apps, and other resources that can help throughout a trip:
Navigation / Transportation
Hyperdia: Go-to site for mapping out transit on trains and buses, with customizability based on specific stations, train type, and layover/transfer points
Japan Travel by NAVITIME: Mobile app on both iOS and Android for route planning and location searching on the go.
Tokyo Metro App: Mobile app for navigating the Tokyo subway, distinct from Japan Rail’s train lines. (iOS, Android)
GO: Mobile app used to call taxis in Japan; Rideshare services such as Uber/Lyft do not operate in Japan. (iOS, Android)
Inspiration for Activities
TripAdvisor: Key resource for information on hotels, restaurants, and attractions across Japan (and the world).
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO): Japanese government-funded agency that encourages international tourism to Japan. It operates tourist information centers, provides resources on a wide range of activities, and publishes official tourism statistics.
Food Inspiration and Special Dietary Needs
Tabelog: Japanese version of Yelp
Halal: byFood compiled a Halal food guide for Japan. Additionally, JNTO has a welcome guide for Muslim travelers that includes Halal resources.
Kosher food: Chabad, in Tokyo, operates a kosher restaurant. Outside of this, kosher certification is extremely uncommon in Japan, and vegan restaurants may be the best choice for providing pareve meals.
Miscellaneous Services
Volunteer Tour Guide Associations: Most major cities have tour guides, mainly consisting of retired professionals, who volunteer to provide free tours with some customization based on your interests. You must reach out in advance, and the association will connect you to a tour guide if someone is available.
Japan Meteorological Agency: Provides official forecasts for cherry blossoms across the country as well as information on viewing spots in each city.
XE: Mobile app to perform quick currency exchange calculations with real-time data. (iOS, Android)
Matt Fuji 