Comparison

Architecture vs Discover Japan

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Architecture

Discover the world's finest architectural masterpieces with this offline guide. It provides GPS-enabled directions, historical context, and images for significant 20th and 21st-century buildings globally. Explore iconic structures and hidden gems, even without a data connection.

Highlights
  • GPS-enabled architectural guide
  • Offline access to information and photos
  • Building stories and architect details
  • Walking and driving directions
  • Manual browsing by city and building
  • 20th and 21st-century architectural selection
Features
Read full description

The world's finest architectural masterpieces in your pocket. A one-stop GPS-enabled guide to the worlds greatest architectural achievements from the 20th and 21st century. Travel to any place in the world and this guide will tell you, where the most interesting buildings around you are located. It will tell the story behind the building and the architect, displays two pictures for every project and gives you walking or driving directions. No data connection is needed, because all information and pictures (except maps) are stored offline on your phone. So no expensive roaming cost when abroad! You can even use it without GPS and in Flight Mode, because it allows you to browse cities and buildings manually. All projects have a full description, photos and additional details such as the name of the architect, the year it was built and the associated website. It also presents you with walking and driving directions. This carefull selection of the major wonders of 20th and 21st century architecture spans traditions throughout the world, from Le Corbusier to the latest Pritzker Prize winners. From the renowned, famous icons to the hidden architectural gems. An indispensable tool for travellers and city dwellers, to discover great buildings worldwide.

About

Discover Japan

Features
Read full description

「Discover Japan (ディスカバージャパン)」は、日本の「モノ」、「コト」、「場所」、「人」の魅力を再発見する雑誌。何百年と受け継がれている陶磁器や染物、建築、食、祭りなどの多くの伝統文化や風景を、美しい写真とともにわかりやすく解説。本書を持って旅に出たくなる一冊です。 本アプリケーションはNewsstandに対応しています。 アプリは無料でダウロードできますが、コンテンツの購入は有料です。 コンテンツのダウンロードは、WiFi環境での接続を推奨いたします。 ■定期購読の期間と料金 12ヶ月(自動更新):8400円 お支払いは、お客様のApple IDにて行われます。 ■新刊の自動ダウンロード機能について iOSの設定のアプリの「通知」と「Appのバックグラウンド更新」 をオンに設定すると、ライセンス期間中に新しいコンテンツが発行された際に 自動的に端末(本棚)にダウンロードされます。 ■定期購読の自動更新と課金について  購読は「自動継続更新」となります。購読期間が終了する24時間以内に、購読 が自動更新され、お客様のApple IDに課金されます。 ■定期購読の設定の確認と自動更新の停止について  ライセンス期間終了の24時間以上前に、お客様のアカウント設定画面から、自 動更新をオフにしていただくことで、ライセンスの自動更新を停止することがで きます。  自動更新の設定は、「設定」 > 「Store」 > 「Apple IDタップ」 > 「Apple IDを表 示からパスワードを入力」 > 購読の「管理」から行うことができます。 ■定期購読のキャンセルについて  定期購読期間中は、期間の変更やキャンセルをすることができません。 プライバシーポリシー及び利用規約:http://www.magastore.jp/inapp/newsstand/privacypolicy/discoverjapan.html

Screenshots

Architecture4 screens
Discover Japan2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Discover Japan at every 44 months against Architecture's every 187 months. Discover Japan also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 17.6). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Architecture sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Discover Japan sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $88.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Architecture ships an update every 187 months, Discover Japan every 44 months. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Architecture versus Discover Japan: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterArchitectureDiscover Japan
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.6 (998 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews40.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings998 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 187 monthsEvery 44 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.68.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size176 MB26 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMakayama.comDENTSU INC.

Bugs and requests

Architecture

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Incorrect location detection
  • Crashes and freezes on launch
  • Incomplete or inaccurate information
  • Compatibility issues with newer devices

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add more architects and buildings worldwide
  • Improve search and filtering capabilities
  • Provide more detailed information and photos
  • Offer a more affordable pricing model

Discover Japan

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Architecture

One-time1
  • unlimited, full version$3.99
10 purchases

Discover Japan

Subscriptions1
  • Discover Japan$88.991 Year
One-time9
  • Discover Japan 2015年10月号$3.99
  • Discover Japan 2015年11月号$3.99
  • Discover Japan 2016年3月号$3.99
Show 6 more
  • Discover Japan 2016年5月号$3.99
  • Discover Japan 2016年7月号$3.99
  • Discover Japan 2016年10月号$3.99
  • Discover Japan 2016年11月号$3.99
  • Discover Japan 2017年5月号$3.99
  • Discover Japan 2018年5月号$5.99

Questions

Is Architecture free?
Architecture is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Discover Japan free?
Discover Japan is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Architecture or Discover Japan have ads?
Neither Architecture nor Discover Japan shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Architecture or Discover Japan?
Architecture ships an update every 187 months, and Discover Japan every 44 months. Most recently, Architecture was updated on November 6, 2026 and Discover Japan on November 6, 2026.

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