Considering the influence of the Kansai dialect, understanding Japanese in the Kansai region is several levels harder than in places like Tokyo. In your daily travels, in addition to using some convenient tickets to save costs and plan your itinerary, some essential travel aid tools are also indispensable.
1. Indispensable travel aid tool—Google Maps:Google Maps provides navigation and display according to the default language of your phone system, making it a great tool for finding your way in Japan. If you're heading to a destination or get lost, you can easily reach your target through Google’s location and navigation features.
5. Some useful local apps
(1) Highly recommended: The Complete Guide to Trains, Subways, and Travel Maps for Japan (Price: ¥50). It offers detailed maps and navigation for popular tourist cities in Japan and is an indispensable helper for independent travelers.
(2) Osaka Travel Guide: Local itinerary planning for Osaka;
(3) Next Stop, Kyoto: A travel guide for Kyoto;
(4) Nara Self-Guided Travel Map: A travel guide for Nara.