Do I really need a physical Suica card?

No. You can add a digital Suica or Pasmo card directly to your mobile wallet on most modern smartphones, which is much more convenient.

Does Google Maps work for trains?

Yes, it is excellent for finding routes, times, and platform numbers. Just verify with station signs if you are unsure.

Essential Apps for Your Japan Trip

To navigate Japan successfully, you need apps for transit, translation, and payments. Download Google Maps, Japan Transit by Jorudan, Google Translate, and the Suica/Pasmo digital card to your mobile wallet before you land.

Set up your transit payment. Open your iPhone's Apple Wallet (or Google Wallet on compatible Androids) and add a Suica or Pasmo card. This allows you to tap your phone at every train turnstile and most convenience store registers.
Download offline maps and language packs. In Google Maps, download the offline area for the cities you are visiting. In Google Translate, download the Japanese language pack so you can use the camera-translate feature without needing a data connection.
Install the Japan Transit (Jorudan) app. Google Maps is great, but Jorudan is more reliable for specific JR Pass pricing and platform numbers. Use it to double-check routes for long-distance Shinkansen travel.
Get a reliable connection. Download an eSIM app like Airalo or Ubigi. Purchase a data-only plan before you leave home so you have internet the second the plane wheels touch the tarmac.

Do I really need a physical Suica card?: No. You can add a digital Suica or Pasmo card directly to your mobile wallet on most modern smartphones, which is much more convenient.
Does Google Maps work for trains?: Yes, it is excellent for finding routes, times, and platform numbers. Just verify with station signs if you are unsure.