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Hello! This is the J-Tradeshow Connect editorial team.

This time, I'll introduce some useful "transportation and navigation apps" for those traveling to a trade show for the first time.

Japanese public transportation is punctual and convenient, but the railway lines, especially in Tokyo and Osaka, can feel very complex due to the numerous lines that run through them.
This article will explain recommended apps that are useful for getting around on public transport, and how to use them effectively.

4 Recommended Apps for Business Trips to Trade Shows

① Transit guidance app

• use: Train and subway transfer information
• Features: Simply enter your departure and destination points, and it will show you the cheapest, fastest, and least-transit route. Some apps are also available in English.

② Japanese taxi dispatch app

• use: Taxi dispatch and payment
• Features: You can set your destination within the app and make payments using transportation cards, credit cards, etc.
• Use with caution in rural areas!: Please note that some areas, such as smaller cities, may not be covered by our ride-hailing service.

③ Digital transit card

• use: This includes travel on trains and buses, and payments at convenience stores, etc.
• Features: In central Tokyo, digital transportation cards such as "Suica" and "PASMO" are widely used.
• How to use it: By issuing a "Digital Suica" through a smartphone payment app and charging it with a registered credit card, you can board and alight trains by simply touching your smartphone to the ticket gate. The digital transportation card can also be used at convenience stores nationwide, making it convenient for small payments.

④ Shinkansen reservation app

• use: Shinkansen (Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka, etc.) reservations
• Features: A prime example is "Smart EX." This app is convenient for business travelers who frequently travel between Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. You can reserve Shinkansen seats through the app without having to queue at ticket counters. If you link it to your registered "Digital Suica," you can board the Shinkansen simply by touching your smartphone.

Three tips for maximizing the effectiveness of your app when traveling to trade shows.

These are pitfalls in Japan's traffic system that cannot be avoided simply by installing an app, and how to deal with them.

• Head towards the "Exit Number" of the station:
  Always check the "exit number" when using a navigation app.
  When traveling from the station, if you take the wrong exit, such as "Exit A3" or "South Exit," you may end up taking a longer route to your destination.
• Avoid taking the train during the morning rush hour (7: 30-9: 00):
  During Tokyo's rush hour, it can be difficult to ride crowded trains with large luggage such as suitcases. Be sure to allow ample time when heading to the exhibition venue.
• Do not rely on free Wi-Fi at public places:
  Navigation apps require an internet connection. While free Wi-Fi environments are becoming more common while traveling, security and connectivity remain issues.
  To ensure a reliable internet connection, one option is to subscribe to a mobile Wi-Fi service or a company-issued smartphone.

💡 Get information on major B2B trade shows at "J-Tradeshow Connect"!

J-Tradeshow Connect compiles information on industrial trade shows held at major exhibition venues nationwide. You can search by date, industry, and keyword. Please use it for your trade show planning and site visits!
(J-Tradeshow Connect Editorial Team)