Phone Setup
Do this before you leave - ideally T-7 days, while on home Wi-Fi. Takes about 30 minutes per person.
All four travelers are on Android. This page covers everything to do to your phone before the trip.
Step 1 - Install the Trip Guide
Open Chrome on your phone and go to jjamjapan.com.
Chrome will show an “Add to Home Screen” banner at the bottom, or use ⋮ → Add to Home Screen.
- The site installs like an app (full-screen, no browser chrome)
- The entire guide downloads to your phone in the background
- Everything works offline - subway, no signal, airplane mode
Do this on Wi-Fi before leaving. The full site caches on first install.
Step 2 - Install and Configure Apps
Required - Install Before Departure
| App | Where to Get | What To Do After Installing |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Already installed | Download offline maps - see Step 3 |
| Google Translate | Already installed | Download Japanese language pack - see Step 4 |
| Airalo | Google Play | Buy Japan eSIM (10GB / 30 days, ~$18) - see Connectivity |
| SmartEX | Google Play | Create account, link credit card - needed to book Shinkansen |
| Google Play | Join the group trip thread before departure |
Recommended
| App | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Wanderlog | Trip itinerary and maps - Jeff shares access with the group |
| Google Pay | Add Suica transit card - tap to pay on trains and at convenience stores |
| Google Lens | Point camera at Japanese text to translate - essential for menus |
Optional but Useful
| App | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Currency converter (any) | Quick yen math - XE Currency or Google’s built-in works fine |
| Tabelog | Japanese restaurant discovery - ratings tend to be honest; Google Maps works too |
Step 3 - Download Offline Maps
Open Google Maps and download three separate areas:
- Osaka - tap search bar → type Osaka → tap Download
- Kyoto - repeat for Kyoto
- Tokyo - repeat for Tokyo
Each download is 100–200MB. Do this on Wi-Fi.
Why it matters: Subway stations in Japan have no signal. You will need offline maps constantly - for transit, walking directions, and finding restaurants. This is not optional.
Step 4 - Download Google Translate Offline Pack
- Open Google Translate
- Tap ⋮ → Settings → Downloaded Languages
- Find Japanese → tap Download
This enables:
- Typed translation (obvious)
- Camera translation (Google Lens) - point at a menu or sign and it translates in real time
- Works in subway stations, inside restaurants, anywhere without signal
Step 5 - Configure eSIM (Airalo)
See Connectivity for the full step-by-step by device (Samsung and Pixel).
Short version:
- Buy Japan eSIM in the Airalo app (10GB / 30 days, ~$18)
- Install it but leave it inactive until you land at HND
- At HND: activate the Japan eSIM, set it as your data SIM, turn off Verizon data roaming
- Enable Wi-Fi calling on your Verizon SIM before leaving the US - cannot be done abroad
Step 6 - Set Up Suica (IC Card) in Google Pay
The IC card pays for every train, bus, and most convenience store purchases. Easiest setup is digital via Google Pay.
On any modern Samsung or Pixel:
- Open Google Pay (or Samsung Pay on Samsung)
- Wallet → Add a card → Transit card → Suica
- Load ¥5,000–10,000 before you leave, or add at HND
If you’d rather use a physical card: Buy one at any station machine at HND on arrival. English interface, accepts international credit cards.
See Transit Cheat Sheet for how to use it once you’re there.
Step 7 - SmartEX Account Setup
SmartEX is the app for booking Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets. You need an account with a credit card linked before you can book.
- Download SmartEX from Google Play (search “SmartEX”)
- Create an account at smartex.jp/en/
- Add a credit card - Visa/Mastercard work; some US Amex cards have issues
- Jeff books all 4 seats - others don’t need to book, just need to be in the same car
See Train & Pass Strategy for the full booking process.
Step 8 - Screenshot Key Info Offline
Save these to your phone’s camera roll before departure - accessible without signal:
- Osaka House address (in Japanese script - for showing taxi drivers)
- Tokyo House address (in Japanese script)
- Flight confirmation (GLZ9TF)
- Shinkansen reservation (Jeff shares screenshot with the group)
- USJ Express Pass QR code
- Emergency contacts page - see Emergency Contacts and Contingency
Per-Person Summary
| Person | Extra items |
|---|---|
| Jeff | SmartEX account owner; camera apps (Lightroom Mobile, Camera RAW); Fun2Drive confirmation |
| Jeannette | Confirm Wanderlog access |
| Ana | TeamLab Planets ticket screenshot |
| Matt | IDP scanned and saved; confirm SmartEX group booking received |
Links
- Connectivity - eSIM setup step-by-step (Samsung and Pixel)
- Transit Cheat Sheet - IC card, routes, and on-ground transit
- Train & Pass Strategy - SmartEX and Shinkansen booking
- Pre-Departure Checklist - full timeline checklist
- Emergency Contacts and Contingency