Tokyo JisouMaps (Old Version) vs Tokyo Skytree Compass
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Tokyo JisouMaps (Old Version)
Explore Tokyo's historical transformations with this map viewer. See how the city evolved from the Meiji era to the present day through old maps and aerial photographs linked to GPS.
- Historical map viewer
- Time-lapse city evolution
- GPS-linked old maps
- Aerial photographs
- 19 types of maps
- Special map symbols
Read full descriptionHide full description
for iPad, we recommend another app "Tokyo Jisou Maps for iPad". "Jisou" means "layers of time." The maps and aerial photographs in this app show Tokyo at different moments in the past. "Tokyo Jisou Maps" is a map viewer application that provides the transition of Tokyo from the Meiji era to the present day. Tokyo is the capital of Japan where population, politics, economy and culture are heavily concentrated. Tokyo has been developing as one of the megacities in the world. Particularly, growth is remarkable after the high economic growth. One can hardly imagine how Tokyo looked like 140 years ago. However, this application enables us to see the features of Tokyo at different times. Moreover, since these old maps are linked to GPS information, comparison between the old Tokyo and the present Tokyo can be easily done. 19 kinds of maps can be displayed for 7 periods, i.e., the civilization and enlightenment period, the end of Meiji-era, the time just before the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the prewar period in the Showa era, the period just before the high‐growth, the bubble economy period and the present days, each of which has aerial photos and geographic features. In addition, special map symbols that reflect special social conditions of a certain time period can be displayed. Let's review the features of Tokyo that has been rapidly changing. Take a walk with this application, you will enjoy time-traveling at any time.
Tokyo Skytree Compass
Read full descriptionHide full description
“Tokyo Skytree Compass” is an accurate and unrivaled Tokyo Skytree Compass. Wherever you are on earth, you can know the direction and distance to Tokyo Skytree, which is one of a landmark and a symbol of Tokyo. A must-have app for traveling to Japan! (How to use) 1) Launch the app 2) Place the device horizontally with the screen facing up. Tokyo Skytree hand in the screen shows the direction to Tokyo Skytree. 3) If you turn the device so that the top or side of the device meets to Tokyo Skytree hand, the direction to Tokyo Skytree will be easy to understand. 4) Tap the map button to open the Tokyo Skytree map dialog. You can open the Tokyo Skytree map link from there. (Tips) 1) The accuracy of the magnetic compass in the device is important. So please place the device away from magnets, electronics and PC. 2) I recommend flipping the device a few times before placing horizontally to calibrate the compass in the device. 3) The directional meter displayed in the app is based on magnetic north. The developer assumes no responsibility for any loss or claims by third parties which may arise from the use of this app.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Tokyo Skytree Compass at Free against Tokyo JisouMaps (Old Version)'s $15.99. Tokyo Skytree Compass also leads on update cadence (every 4 months vs every 11 months). Tokyo JisouMaps (Old Version)'s advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 12.0). On in-app purchases and device support 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
Tokyo Skytree Compass is free to download; Tokyo JisouMaps (Old Version) costs $15.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Tokyo JisouMaps (Old Version) ships an update every 11 months, Tokyo Skytree Compass every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Tokyo JisouMaps (Old Version) | Tokyo Skytree Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $15.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 74.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | Every 4 months — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 9.0 — better | 12.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1.3 GB | 23 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Japan Map Center, Inc. | Takao Ichimura |
In-app purchases
Tokyo JisouMaps (Old Version)
No in-app purchases
Tokyo Skytree Compass
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Tokyo JisouMaps (Old Version) free?
Is Tokyo Skytree Compass free?
Do Tokyo JisouMaps (Old Version) or Tokyo Skytree Compass have ads?
Which is updated more often, Tokyo JisouMaps (Old Version) or Tokyo Skytree Compass?
Other comparisons













