9 useful apps for your trip to Japan

Navitime is a real life-saver when navigating Japan's complicated public transport system. – Pic courtesy of Apple AppStore, March 11, 2016.Navigating a foreign country is never easy be it the language barrier or a completely different terrain.

From currency exchanges to subway maps, here are nine helpful apps to use the next time you need to get around in Japan, all absolutely free:

XE Currency Converter

With live updates of the world's major currencies and an easy-to-use interface, you can compare prices with just a single glance.

Available on: iOS, Android, Windows and Blackberry

HotelsCombined

Compiling the latest prices, star rating, user reviews and photos from major accommodation websites plus an in-app booking function, HotelsCombined makes booking a room super easy.

Available on: iOS, Android and Windows

With live storm tracking for Japan, Accuweather makes sure you never get caught out in the rain. – Pic courtesy of Apple AppStore, March 11, 2016.Accuweather

Japan is one of only four countries to get live storm tracking on Accuweather, one of the most accurate weather app tested. You'll never be caught unprepared again!

Available on: iOS, Android, Windows, Blackberry and Kindle Fire

Navitime Japan

A dedicated travel app to help foreigners navigate Japan's public transport system, Navitime gives you door-to-door directions to your destination, down to the exact train line and cost. It also provides tips on where to find good food, free Wi-Fi and guides on how to use their ATMs.

Available on: iOS and Android

Dropbox

Store important documents and backup your files on Dropbox's cloud storage. Even without an Internet connection, a handy offline function still lets you access your files.

Available on: iOS, Android, Windows, Blackberry and Kindle with free 5GB storage

Google Maps

Google Maps works especially well if you want to drive in Japan with voice-guided directions in English. The “Explore Nearby” function also alerts you to interesting sights in the general vicinity.

Available on: iOS and Android

Google Translate

Google Translate now supports the ability to draw Kanji directly onto your screen in addition to voice, text and camera scanning for text, helping to overcome the language barrier.

Available on: iOS and Android

For those who love to organise their travel itinerary, Tripcase makes it much easier with a visual timeline you can edit. – Pic courtesy of Apple AppStore, March 11, 2016.Tripcase

Forward all your itineraries and booking confirmations for flights, trains or hotels and Tripcase will put it together in a visual timeline you can easily edit.

Available on: iOS and Android

Snapseed

Give your travel photos the makeover they deserve with Snapseed, an app equipped with all the photo editing tools and filters you'll need.

Available on: iOS and Android – March 11, 2016.