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Must-have apps for Arab travellers in Japan: getting around, translation, halal food and prayer

With the internet in your pocket, the trip gets much easier. Here is a practical list of the kinds of apps Arab travellers rely on in Japan.

The Pinglo teamLast updated: 6 October 20265 min read

Getting around and maps

  • Google Maps: the most accurate for train, metro and walking times, and it works in Arabic. Download offline maps of the cities in advance.
  • Japanese transport apps such as Japan Travel by NAVITIME, for train details and tickets.
  • A Suica card in Apple Wallet (on iPhone): pay train and metro fares with it, and use it in many shops.

Translation

Use Google Translate with the camera to read Japanese menus and signs, and download the Japanese language pack for offline use. Live voice translation helps in restaurants and shops.

Halal food

Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto have plenty of halal restaurants and places with Muslim-friendly options. Apps and sites such as HalalGourmet Japan and Halal Navi help you find them, with reviews and photos. Always check the halal certificate with the restaurant itself.

Prayer times, qibla and mosques

Prayer-time and qibla apps work accurately with your phone's location service. One of Tokyo's best-known mosques is Tokyo Camii in Shibuya, and you'll find prayer rooms in some airports and large shopping centres.

Paying and shopping

Cash is still used in some small restaurants and temples, but cards and mobile payments are common in cities. Carry a small amount of cash, and use your card or Apple Pay where you can. Banking apps may send a verification code to your own number, so keep your own SIM active to receive messages.

For families

  • Share your live location with family members in Google Maps or WhatsApp. It helps a lot in crowded stations.
  • Download tickets for parks and museums to your phone in advance.
  • Agree on a meeting point at every big station. Stations in Tokyo are large and have many exits.

A quick checklist before you fly

  1. Install the maps, translation, prayer-time and halal-finder apps.
  2. Download offline maps of the cities and the Japanese language pack for translation.
  3. Add a Suica card to your phone's wallet if your phone supports it.
  4. Buy a Japan eSIM and install it on your home Wi-Fi.

How much data do these apps use?

Maps, translation and chat use relatively little, while video calls and posting stories push usage up quickly. Use the data calculator to choose the right plan.

Before you flyInstall the apps and sign in to them on your home Wi-Fi, because some apps send a verification code to your own number.

Ready for your trip? Pick a Japan eSIM and get your QR code within minutes, priced in riyals, paid with mada or Apple Pay.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I find halal restaurants in Tokyo?

With apps and sites such as HalalGourmet Japan and Halal Navi, and Google Maps, checking the halal certificate with the restaurant.

Do prayer-time apps work in Japan?

Yes. They work from your location and need only a little internet to update the times.

Is Google Maps enough for getting around by train?

In most cases yes. It shows times, platforms and transfer lines accurately.

Do I need cash in Japan?

It's best to carry a small amount for some small restaurants and temples, although cards and mobile payments are common in cities.