There are several route planning apps and services available for railway journeys using the Japan Rail Pass. But which one is best? I look at the 3 main contenders from Jorudan, Navitime and Google Maps. I’ll tell you their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately which one you should use when planning journeys using the Japan Rail Pass.
Japan Transit Planner by Jorudan
https://world.jorudan.co.jp/mln/en/?sub_lang=nosub
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.jorudan.nrkj
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/norikae-annai-japan-transit/id299490481
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Japan Route Finder by Navitime
https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.navitime.inbound.walk
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/japan-travel-route-map-jr/id686373726
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Google Maps
https://www.google.com/maps/
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.maps
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354/
Music Credit:
“Hard Boiled” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
2 Comments
I used Navitime app extensively when I was in Japan for the first time a few weeks ago and checked Google maps for redundancy/peace of mind. Absolutely loved the app!
There’s one app I’ve heard people also use called Japan Official Travel App that seems similar to Navitime in terms of searching and route finding.
Great video and perfect for when I plan on going traveling from Tokyo – Hakata via JR Pass in April!
Thank you so much for this!