Best Smartphone Apps for Hiking in Japan

Hiking in Japan is an incredible experience. From lush forests to towering mountains, the country offers a diverse range of trails. However, many routes are in remote areas where mobile signals are weak, and signage may not always be clear.

Even in low-altitude mountains, it is easy to get lost if you underestimate the terrain. You don’t want your fun trip to turn into a panic-filled experience of fear and anxiety, right? Once you start using a smartphone with GPS and offline maps to pinpoint your current location, you’ll feel such a sense of security that you won’t want to hike without it. Be sure to give it a try! Having a reliable smartphone app can make a huge difference in navigation, safety, and finding hidden gems. Here are some of the best hiking apps for Japan, including ones that support English.

1. YAMAP – Offline GPS and Trail Maps

Available in English (Partially)Website

YAMAP is one of the most popular hiking apps in Japan. Unlike Google Maps, YAMAP works offline even for free users, making it ideal for mountain hiking where signal reception is unreliable. One great feature of YAMAP is that it is beginner and intermediate-friendly, as it does not display all possible trails but instead focuses on safe and well-maintained routes. This makes it easier for hikers to avoid dangerous or unmarked paths. Additionally, an Apple Watch app is available, allowing you to check your progress and location without pulling out your phone.

‎YAMAP

‎YAMAP is The Most Popular Outdoor App in Japan. YAMAP makes your outdoor adventures, like mountain trekking and skiing, safer and more fun with your iPhone. YAMAP does not require a mobile signal to track and log your outdoor activity. Our detailed outdoor maps provide information you need like elev…

App StoreYAMAP INC.

YAMAP -Social Trekking GPS App - Apps on Google Play

YAMAP is Outdoor App in Japan.

Apps on Google PlayYAMAP INC.

Key Features:

• Offline maps: Download maps before your hike so you can navigate without an internet connection.
• User-submitted trails: Find detailed route information and reviews from other hikers.
• Safety features: Share your hiking location with friends and family in real-time.
• Tracking your route: Record your hike with GPS and see your progress on a topographic map.
• Mountain weather forecast: Provides weather updates specific to hiking areas.
• Hiking reports & community: Read user-submitted reports on trail conditions and recent updates.
• Gear & equipment tracking: Log your hiking gear to keep track of wear and tear.

Downsides:

• The English interface is limited, but the maps and basic functions are still usable.
• Some user reviews and comments are only available in Japanese.
• The trail database is not as extensive as other apps, as it prioritizes safe and commonly used routes rather than every possible hiking path.

2. YamaReco（ヤマレコ）– Comprehensive Trail Database for Experienced Hikers

Available in Japanese onlyWebsite

YAMARECO is another widely used hiking app in Japan, particularly among experienced and advanced hikers, in my personal opinion. It has a longer history and a larger community than YAMAP, making it a valuable resource for those looking for detailed route information, including lesser-known trails. Unfortunately, the app does not offer an English interface, which can be a significant barrier for non-Japanese speakers. However, if you can read Japanese, this app is an excellent tool for serious hikers.

ヤマレコ - 登山・ハイキング用GPS地図アプリ

ヤマレコは、登山・アウトドア用GPSとして使えるスマートフォン用の地図アプリケーションです。あらかじめ予定している登山の地図やルート、地名などのデータをダウンロードしておけば、携帯電話の電波が届かない山の中でもGPSで現在地を確認できます。

ヤマレコ

Key Features:

• Extensive trail database: Includes many routes not available on YAMAP, making it ideal for advanced hikers.
• User-generated maps & GPX files: Download and use custom hiking routes uploaded by other users.
• Real-time trail updates: Users frequently post trail conditions, warnings, and recent weather impacts.
• Elevation & difficulty tracking: Get detailed data on elevation changes and trail difficulty.
• Apple Watch app support: Check maps and tracking data directly from your wrist.
• Emergency support features: Allows you to notify others of your location in case of an emergency.
• Gear sharing & rental services: Users can exchange or rent hiking gear via the platform.

Downsides:

• No English support: Navigation and user-generated content are entirely in Japanese.
• More complex UI: Designed for experienced hikers, so it may be overwhelming for beginners.
• Some trails are unverified: Because the app allows users to upload custom routes, some trails may not be well-maintained or officially recommended.

Conclusion

If you’re planning a hike in Japan, having a reliable app can make your adventure safer and more enjoyable. YAMAP is the best choice for offline trail navigation and is great for beginners and intermediate hikers, while YAMARECO is more suited for advanced hikers looking for a comprehensive trail database. Before heading out, make sure to download maps, check local weather conditions, and familiarize yourself with your chosen app’s features. Happy hiking!