Tokyo Design Tour Apps

I was in Tokyo during October & this being my first visit paired with my complete lack of Japanese language skills & wanting to ensure I didn't miss any of Tokyo's famous culture, shopping & mad architecture I thought it was a great opportunity to road test a couple of the design/ style type apps offered for iPhone.

The first app I downloaded was the Wallpaper city guide for Tokyo. Having used the paper guides in the past & finding them of great value I was excited to see what the app had to offer.

The app had some of the classic elements like an insiders guide- giving you a local's perspective on what to do in Tokyo & 24 hours - the best of the city in one day.

But I was most interested in the shopping guide which was a little disappointing with only 19 stores listed. This considering Tokyo is on of the worlds shopping meccas. The stores listed were mostly in Shibuya & Harijuku so they were very central- but given Wallpaper's reputation for style & insider knowledge there were no massive revelations there & once I had checked out said areas there were some glaring omissions.
So all in all a disappointing purchase- I have noticed updates already coming through so lets hope it improves- it has a good rating on the appstore but I found the content an hours reading at most.

The second app I went for was Superfuture Tokyo Superguide- so this guide was much more informative, with are specific guides covering much of the city as well as a useful info/ at a glance section & suggested itineraries per area. The content is fantastic with hot tips for all kinds of awesome stores including 'pass the baton', 'original fake' & 'the monocle store' amongst my faves.

The only issue with this app- & unfortunately its a major one, are the maps. Maps are confined to areas & don't connect, they also don't make local subways & streets very clear- so while I was on the street lusting after objects du jour I couldn't find any of them! Needless to say- I recommend repurchasing a 3G connection before you hit Tokyo - as no apps really cut it on the mean streets & you can't buy a pre-paid connection while there.

So in summary- both apps helpful- neither perfect, superfuture is better for shopaholics, but stay tuned for updates & pre-purchase 3G.