Google Translate offline mode saved my life (but failed on menus)

Just a heads up for anyone relying on Google Translate for their Japan trip.

Definitely download the offline language pack before you go!
I lost service on a hike near Hakone and being able to type in things saved me. However… the camera/lens feature for menus was super hit or miss for me.
Half the time it translated “grilled chicken” as “burned bird child” or something nonsensical.

Has anyone found a better app specifically for translating handwritten menus?

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Apps like Yomiwa or Waygo focus on Japanese and often handle handwritten kanji better than general apps.

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