One of the most helpful tools I use while travelling is Google Maps. Even though Tokyo does an acceptable job at posting English translations at train stations, I would not have the confidence to navigate if it wasn't for Google Maps. Click "Read More" to see why I love using Google Maps in Japan. If I do not understand kanji and want to save money from the bus, all I need to do is type "Minami Yono" on Google Maps and I can freely walk to the station. If I want to roughly plan out my entire trip in English, I don't even need to use Google Maps. I just go on Google.com and write "Saitama University to Ikebukuro" and I will know my route, train options, cost, and estimated arrival. Google can handle more complex requests such as switching trains as well. If I want to go from Kita-Urawa station (about ten minutes further walking in the same direction from Minami Yono) all the way to Asakusa to see the Tokyo Skytree, I just type in "Kita Urawa to Asakusa."
With Google and Google Maps, Tokyo is at my fingertips. While it is not as accurate, I can also navigate to shops and restaurants, and even read reviews. I highly recommend using these completely free services to navigate Japan. If I don't have an internet connection, it is possible to even download maps from Google to use offline. If I know where I am going, exploring one of the biggest cities in the world is not very daunting.
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AuthorI am a student from the University of Nebraska at Kearney who studied abroad at Saitama University in Japan. I want to share my experience to inform future students about the program. Archives
March 2018
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